“Risks and experimentation dwindling in modern games due to high development costs and lack of broad appeal”

By | December 4, 2023

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The rising cost of game development, along with the need for broad appeal and microtransactions, has stifled the experimental nature of modern games, according to a tweet from Cunning Mastiff. They believe that in the past, game developers took more risks and created unique and unusual experiences.

In a recent tweet, gaming enthusiast Cunning Mastiff lamented the decline of experimental and risk-taking game development in the modern era. Mastiff argues that the exorbitant costs associated with creating and marketing games, combined with the pressure to appeal to a broad audience and monetize through microtransactions (MTX), have stifled the industry’s willingness to push boundaries.

There is a certain nostalgia associated with older games, where developers seemed more fearless in their approach to creating unique and unconventional experiences. These games were not afraid to be strange, outlandish, and even controversial. Think of classics like “Super Mario Bros.” or “The Legend of Zelda,” which introduced innovative gameplay mechanics and captivated players with their imaginative worlds.

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However, the landscape of game development has drastically changed. The demands of modern gaming, with its high-definition graphics, complex storytelling, and online multiplayer features, require substantial financial investments. The cost of developing a single AAA game can easily reach millions of pounds, and this does not even include the expenses of marketing and advertising.

To recoup these massive investments, game publishers often prioritize creating titles that have broad appeal, aiming to attract as many players as possible. This approach tends to favor established genres and formulas that are known to be successful, leaving less room for experimentation and risk-taking.

Furthermore, the rise of microtransactions as a lucrative revenue stream has further incentivized developers to create games designed around monetization rather than pushing creative boundaries. This reliance on MTX can discourage developers from taking risks, as they may fear alienating players or not achieving the desired financial returns.

While the evolution of technology has undoubtedly brought numerous advancements to the gaming industry, it is important to acknowledge the potential loss of innovative and experimental game experiences. As players, it is crucial to support and celebrate developers who dare to take risks and explore uncharted territories, as they are the ones who can breathe new life into the medium and surprise us with unforgettable gaming experiences..

Source

@CunningMastiff said They weren't as afraid to take risks and do really strange and out there stuff compared to games now. I think the staggering cost of developing modern games + advertising + potential money left on the table by not having broad appeal and MTX killed that experimential desire. twitter.com/ObsoleteSony/s…