Electronic Arts Inc. became the world's biggest maker of videogames by relying on a formula now widespread in the industry: pumping out sequels of familiar game franchises, like Madden football, that consumers bought almost on cue. Now, its new chief executive says EA and other game makers must change their ways or risk losing audiences to more compelling forms of entertainment.
In his first in-depth comments since taking the job in April, John Riccitiello says he worries that the Redwood City, Calif., company and others in the industry make too many games that lack innovation. He says EA and others need both to push more aggressively beyond traditional audiences to court "casual" consumers and to experiment more with new sales approaches -- outside the norm of selling $50 to $60 discs with 40-hour games that he says few players ever finish.
"We're boring people to death and making games that are harder and harder to play," Mr. Riccitiello said in an interview.
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Blizzard Entertainment has announced the opening of beta registrations for “World of Warcraft: The War Within,” inviting players to explore new subterranean worlds beneath Azeroth.
Danish from eXputer: "Despite Blizzard's attempt to give a fresh new spin to World of Warcraft, some fans still seem to be stuck in the past."
HG writes: "Blizzard is usually pretty bad at keeping secrets, but the company somehow managed to keep this one under wraps until now. Plunderstorm is a special limited-time event that’s basically World of Warcraft’s take on the Battle Royale genre."
but unfortunately I only see this getting worse bc making games has become so expensive. It is more "safe" to go with a proven franchise than it is to take a chance on a new IP becoming successful.
Investers only care about a return, not in quality. That is why you see so many crappy movie tie ins and clones of various games.
I also find it disgusting that EA comments on this when they are the most guilty of parties. They seldom innovate. Isn't this the pot calling the kettle black?
I don't mind sequels as long as its better and shows improvements than the previous installments.
Now t his is one shining example of "Look who's talking".
But personally I agree, we need more new ips but sadly great new games like Indigo Prophecy and Psychonauts dont sell much. Dammit I love those two games.
And they make the most stupidist contradicting statement ever.
There is NO replay value in short quick games, what EA are trying to say is that they want to make cheap crap games but still charge YOU FULL PRICE.
And about sequels oh please EA is the worst one for sequels but people still buy them! Need for speed is a prime example but I love the series.
Carbon was a sequel to Most Wanted but its sequel was dreadful - really bad frame rate problems.
"ok guys we need new and innovative games that are easier and appeal to a wider audience"
"well we could make retard versions of our current franchises for the wii. im sure moms and dads are dying to play madden, if only they could get a handle on the controls."
"yeah...good...or we could rip off guitar hero."