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I'm so pissed off at the video game industry... except for you, FarSight.
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<blockquote data-quote="JoshuaKadmon" data-source="post: 28205" data-attributes="member: 1046"><p>Well, let me amend that statement a bit. I'm pissed off at a large majority of the video game industry for pandering to mainstream blockbuster consumption, slipping into the abysmal cycle of formulaic cookie-cutter profit-milking, and locking itself into such ridiculously steep budgets that any creative risk-taking becomes practically impossible. That being said, the current state of the industry means that the handful of bright spots shine even more radiantly.</p><p></p><p>First, a small selection of big-name studios still show a glimmer of creativity by crafting experiences that, while not entirely original, are produced with such a high quality and attention to detail that they are elevated above the commoners of their genre. Franchises like Mass Effect, Guild Wars, and Elder Scrolls would be a good example of this.</p><p></p><p>Second, some smaller studios have survived by making the most of smaller budgets and smart licensing decisions. Atlus is a prime example, remaining consistent yet constantly original with its Shin Megami Tensei series while also making the controversial but highly successful decision to localize Demon's Souls.</p><p></p><p>Third, independent studios finally have a real chance to shine with digital distribution on the rise against the endless onslaught of $60 Maddens, Calls of Duty, and Needs for Speed. I would gladly pay $5 to $10 for a digital Swords & Sworcery or Bastion long before caving to another once-a-year CoD clone, and I guarantee I would play them twice as long. FarSight's The Pinball Arcade also illustrates how low-budget indy games can become a really big deal, with the community actively pitching in to fulfill a shared vision, a phenomenon that celebrates old-school gameplay mentality while utilizing a globally networked fanbase that could never have been possible back in the 8/16-bit eras.</p><p></p><p>And lastly, free-to-play is the future of MMOs, and I would just as soon see subscription play die altogether. Practically EVERY single MMORPG that started as P2P before switching to a free model has prospered by 2x, 3x, or even 5x the revenue they were receiving a month after launch. That includes Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, DC Universe, and a ton of other major franchises, with SWTOR not far behind. Like independent app development, Steam distribution, or other digital platforms, F2P gaming succeeds because it forces the developer to be tapped into its fanbase, actively addressing glitches and concerns while providing quality content and events to keep players from making the easy switch to another free title. It's good for both sides, as I have probably put more money into the cash shop of Vindictus than I ever shoveled into WoW, FFXI, Aion, Rift, or TERA combined. And really, what other business models offer equal benefit to both the developer and the consumer?</p><p></p><p>Funny, but despite listing some substantial bright spots in the industry, they still represent a pretty small drop in the massive video gaming bucket. The point is, I'm glad to have companies like FarSight, Atlus, BioWare, and ArenaNet leading the charge to show that things can, and should, be done differently. The more gamers that recognize the pitfalls of mainstream formulaic money-making, the more we will migrate towards these other avenues of gaming consumption. Let's just try not to ruin those newer, better avenues in the process, right?</p><p></p><p>What are you playing these days? Are you offended by my comments because you're one of millions of CoD junkies? Do you yearn for a simpler time with simpler games and thus enjoy digital distribution and mobile apps that reflect a more classic gameplay mentality? Or do you cast all others aside and wait for the next life-alteringly complex RPG that will allow you to create a character to look and play the way you want?</p><p></p><p>Just FYI, the games I'm currently playing are The Pinball Arcade [iOS], Guild Wars 2 [PC], Persona 4 Arena [PS3], and Mass Effect 3 [XBox360].</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="JoshuaKadmon, post: 28205, member: 1046"] Well, let me amend that statement a bit. I'm pissed off at a large majority of the video game industry for pandering to mainstream blockbuster consumption, slipping into the abysmal cycle of formulaic cookie-cutter profit-milking, and locking itself into such ridiculously steep budgets that any creative risk-taking becomes practically impossible. That being said, the current state of the industry means that the handful of bright spots shine even more radiantly. First, a small selection of big-name studios still show a glimmer of creativity by crafting experiences that, while not entirely original, are produced with such a high quality and attention to detail that they are elevated above the commoners of their genre. Franchises like Mass Effect, Guild Wars, and Elder Scrolls would be a good example of this. Second, some smaller studios have survived by making the most of smaller budgets and smart licensing decisions. Atlus is a prime example, remaining consistent yet constantly original with its Shin Megami Tensei series while also making the controversial but highly successful decision to localize Demon's Souls. Third, independent studios finally have a real chance to shine with digital distribution on the rise against the endless onslaught of $60 Maddens, Calls of Duty, and Needs for Speed. I would gladly pay $5 to $10 for a digital Swords & Sworcery or Bastion long before caving to another once-a-year CoD clone, and I guarantee I would play them twice as long. FarSight's The Pinball Arcade also illustrates how low-budget indy games can become a really big deal, with the community actively pitching in to fulfill a shared vision, a phenomenon that celebrates old-school gameplay mentality while utilizing a globally networked fanbase that could never have been possible back in the 8/16-bit eras. And lastly, free-to-play is the future of MMOs, and I would just as soon see subscription play die altogether. Practically EVERY single MMORPG that started as P2P before switching to a free model has prospered by 2x, 3x, or even 5x the revenue they were receiving a month after launch. That includes Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, DC Universe, and a ton of other major franchises, with SWTOR not far behind. Like independent app development, Steam distribution, or other digital platforms, F2P gaming succeeds because it forces the developer to be tapped into its fanbase, actively addressing glitches and concerns while providing quality content and events to keep players from making the easy switch to another free title. It's good for both sides, as I have probably put more money into the cash shop of Vindictus than I ever shoveled into WoW, FFXI, Aion, Rift, or TERA combined. And really, what other business models offer equal benefit to both the developer and the consumer? Funny, but despite listing some substantial bright spots in the industry, they still represent a pretty small drop in the massive video gaming bucket. The point is, I'm glad to have companies like FarSight, Atlus, BioWare, and ArenaNet leading the charge to show that things can, and should, be done differently. The more gamers that recognize the pitfalls of mainstream formulaic money-making, the more we will migrate towards these other avenues of gaming consumption. Let's just try not to ruin those newer, better avenues in the process, right? What are you playing these days? Are you offended by my comments because you're one of millions of CoD junkies? Do you yearn for a simpler time with simpler games and thus enjoy digital distribution and mobile apps that reflect a more classic gameplay mentality? Or do you cast all others aside and wait for the next life-alteringly complex RPG that will allow you to create a character to look and play the way you want? Just FYI, the games I'm currently playing are The Pinball Arcade [iOS], Guild Wars 2 [PC], Persona 4 Arena [PS3], and Mass Effect 3 [XBox360]. [/QUOTE]
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I'm so pissed off at the video game industry... except for you, FarSight.
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