The gaming industry is wondrous, intoxicating, and ever-changing. Many of us invest a sizeable chunk of our bank balance and our energy into it. We become utterly consumed with it.
Whether viewing the latest drool inducing trailer, or chatting about a game with our comrades – we love it to death. But sometimes we need to stop and ponder the direction of the industry.
Trends
Being a longtime gamer one notices certain trends. Some are clear as day, such as the “casual” trend in gaming. This trend is about bringing unlikely gamers into the fold. It comes in the form of the Wii, motion devices, titles like the Sims, and by making many games much more accessible.
So what implications could such trends have? Well, make no mistake, there are certainly elements of good and bad. This is what springs to mind.
Money, money, money
Money, some might say, is the route of all evil. More likely, it is a necessary evil. In the gaming industry it is vital, but it can have some curious effects.
With the rise in popularity of gaming, revenue is flowing in like never before. In theory this means we should potentially see more great games.
Recent investment for a game like Red Dead Redemption came in at about $100 million. Right now the gaming industry is verging on Hollywood production values, but what are we really getting for it?
Games like the aforementioned Red Dead Redemption offer us a lot in terms of quality. In such games the visuals are usually astounding, the character animations are spot on, and the voice acting is superb. However there is a darker side to this. With great investment comes a greater need for returns.
It would seem it is becoming much harder to maintain steady profits in the industry. Publishers are resorting to all sorts of methods to make a buck. Methods like DLC, Pre-Order specials, Collectors Editions, and re-releasing old vintage titles are being implemented to secure alternative revenue streams. From the consumer’s point of view, it becomes clear that they are after every cent in your wallet. Is it really worth it?
Now don’t get me wrong, in certain instances what they offer is absolutely worth the price of admission. Some DLC is certainly great, but we have seen in the past how it has been abused, for example, the content already being on the game discs.
In the same vein we are also seeing a rise in rehashes, endless iterations of a brand, playing it safe rather than innovating. Now this is truly sad in an industry limited primarily by the technology. We should expect more from our games, and not always support the lowest common denominator. I know it is hard. As it stands, the industry has a firm hold on many of us, like a drug dealer holding your next fix. We can’t help but get excited about the next Call of Duty, WoW expansion, or AAA sequel.
Let’s not forget subjects such as draconic DRM, or how they are now trying to “curb” the secondhand market. So where does it all end!?
The Super Conglomerates
Electronic Arts, Activision Blizzard, and Square-Enix – these are examples of the Super Publisher’s that have emerged more recently in the industry. Potentially this creates possibilities for developers beneath them. They could share resources and talent, allowing for more robust games. They would also have access to increased funding allowing the next title to shine that much more. But again, does this really happen?
There have been gripes reported from former employees concerning these Super Publishers. In some cases there has been mention of them stifling creatively.
“Okay you guys. Make the next, uhh… Medal of Honor, Halo or whatever is popular. Now get on it!”
“Then, you people over there! Hurry up and pump out another one of those yearly sports games!”
“And you! Yes you! Get that next Sims expansion ready, the one showcasing the pedigree pooches. We’re shipping it out just in time for the one containing puppy ponchos, which I must say, are to die for!”
Not actual quotes.
So much to do, so little time
In fairness, there is a lot to consider here, and I lack the space to really encapsulate it all. Many similar gripes have cropped up on the internet, so there must be a grain of truth to some of this.
Right now gaming for me is largely feeling like a soulless affair. They hit all the right notes, but they are lacking something hard to quantify. Maybe the industry has outgrown gamers like me. I now see myself as the old dog eating the scraps off the floor that the new breed leaves in their wake.
I do not expect all of you to feel this way, but at least mull over what I am saying, and ask yourself – is this what I really want? The consumer plays a role in all of this.
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