Why It’s Hard To Make Successful Game Franchises

GamerFitNation: Game franchises are hard to create because they typically happen spontaneously. Sequels and franchises are about creating another game that is placed in the same world, but they continue the story or tell a different one. The problem is that sequels and franchises are created from successful games, and it can sometimes be hard to predict what games are going to succeed.

[thekhurg]

In my years of gaming it always boils down to the quality of a game, not what game fad is currently going on. If they stop releasing rushed garbage to the stores they'll no longer be wondering why it's so hard to make a successful franchise.

[levian]

In my eyes, single player games are suffering because they feel the need to add multiplayer to justify $59.99.

A lot of single player franchises are suffering in sales, but I think what needs to happen is short 10-20 hour single player liner games need to be priced differently. Same with games that are only online (a game like Titanfall. If they were to be say $39.99 there would be more incentive for people to buy it, and not regret it, or trade it in.

IMO I think the only games that should sell for $59.99 are games with really long play time, like Skyrim or other open world games. Of course, I'm sure most games out there disagree with this, but that's just my opinion.

[UNGR]

Most developers these days lack creativity. They take the CoD mold and think they'll rule the world. Hint hint developers, use your imagination and I'll buy what you got to sell, clone something and I'll beat you over the head with it.

[Shadonic]

Which is why Halo is now only at about 30,000 people daily while COD the game they seem to have taken most of there new additions from sits at about 200,000 +. They sold me a reskined COD with actual story telling and no aiming down sights and false promises ( still waiting on the classic playlist we were promised months before the game released)

[UNGR]

Exactly. Halo 3, and Halo 4 is the difference between 30,000 or 300,000 people playing your game 10 months after launch. And Halo 3 held it's numbers well after 2 years. Halo 4 tanked in numbers back in January now it's just devote fanboys playing. Originality is key next generation, I don't care how good your game is if you carbon copy someone else's game formula you won't see a penny from me.

[Theyellowflash30]

It is, that's why I respect Nintendo so much. They have multiple hit franchises:

1. Mario
2. Pokemon
3. Zelda
4. Metroid
5. Donkey Kong
6. Animal Crossing

It's hard to make huge franchises that can stand the test of time and selling millions, but Nintendo has done just that.

[ShaunCameron]

Kirby
(Super) Mario Kart
Super Smash Bros.
Pikmin

Yes indeed, though the verdict is still out on Pikmin.

[Theyellowflash30]

True, that's how many great franchises they have. You could even include Kid Icarus Uprising in there. The 3DS games sold well over one million units on the 3DS.

[admiralvic]

I don't see how you can consider Kid Icarus one, since that series has 3 games and a gap of roughly 19 years between the 2nd and 3rd game. By the same token you would have to consider Punch Out, Mother, Star Fox, Yoshi's Island, Mario Party and to a lesser degree the Mario Sports games too.

[admiralvic]

It's all random with no real rhyme or reason.

Prior to Modern Combat, Call of Duty was a story driven series that was only moderately successful. Now a days it's the top selling game, which seems to happen like magic.

Some games get little to no sales, yet still somehow magically get a sequel. A great example of this would be No More Heroes, which even got a HD port too.

In the end, sometimes the right combo of things happens and a series becomes successful. You don't need good graphics, amazing storylines, quality gameplay or anything definable to hit that point. I mean, look at Earth Defense Force! It just sort of happens, which is great, but you can constantly question why some things got popular (EDF) and other things did poorly (Spelunker HD).

[CoolBeansRus]

A game that runs smooth and has a good set of rules can sell a lot. It's hard now-a-days because the amount of people it takes to make a game and the expense that goes into them is immense. There is a lot of pressure on companies to make their money back that's why there is a call of duty every year, keep the pockets full.

[Trago1337]

Simple, overblown budgets and not enough marketing.