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Opinion: XCOMs prove AAA game development is high-risk gambling

Making games is hard. Making AAA games is close to impossible.

The world of AAA development revolves around big risks and potentially big rewards. It is not an investment, for publishers, so much as a gamble. The more money they put on the table, the more they can potentially make. A hit game can make hundreds of millions. The biggest hit games make closer to billions.

ArchangelMike4319d ago (Edited 4319d ago )

Very good article, really enjoyed the insight it gives to the development of both of 2K's XCOM Games. Very illuminating.

I understand that 2K cut the marketing budget for The Bureau, and after playing the game I can understand why. It is just not an 'XCOM' game. They really would have been forgiven much if it was simply a new franchise they called 'The Bureau'. However trying to tack on (or not), XCOM elements simply strangled the game and gave it no room to breath. Especially because none of the core XCOM mechanics were executed well, or at all.

It is even more surprising after reading the article, that 2K didn't simply cancel the game. Here's hoping that now 'The Bureau' is out the gate, they refine it for a possible sequel, and maximise those XCOM elements that make it's sister game XCOM:Enemy Unknown, such a blast to play, and replay.

I guess if 2K decide to stick with 'The Bureau' as a franchise and make it profitable, they're going to have to reboot the reboot!

EDIT: The article contains a MASSIVE MASSIVE spoiler for Spec-Ops The Line. If you haven't played that game, and still want to read the article, skip the 2 paragraphs where they start talking about Spec-ops:The Line.

60°

Get all 17 Items in the XCOM Complete Game Bundle at 95% Off and Enjoy Them on Your Steam Deck

The XCOM Complete Game Bundle includes lots of DLCs and games playable on the Steam Deck. You can save over €220 on the 17-item bundle.

knight6265494d ago

Only game iam waiting for is for mafia 2 nothing else intrest me well only Metal gear solid peace walkers but ill get that soon

Conloles5494d ago

Mafia 2 lol all 2K get money from is GTA style games and Nba 2K.

MightyMark4275494d ago

The only game I'm waiting for is Mafia II

killyourfm5494d ago

O_O - Not interested in XCOM?

Syaz15494d ago

nice. waiting to see what mafia 2 and spec ops the line has too offer. not into rts games, so civ 5 not for me, and not too familiar with x-com series.

AliTheBrit195494d ago

I think 2K are probably the best Publisher.

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80°

XCOM Veterans Launch New Studio Bit Reactor

COG: A group of industry veterans from the XCOM franchise have teamed up to launch the new turned-based tactics studio Bit Reactor.

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cogconnected.com
Magog1252d ago

From the *new* Xcom franchise. The original was developed by Julian Gollop and Mythos games. He is currently in charge of Snapshot games and his latest take on Xcom was Phoenix Point.

gangsta_red1252d ago

I'm all for more tactics games. played Phoenix Point on Game Pass (ended up purchasing it), it's good...but doesn't have that same XCOM 2 feeling. Would love to see what these guys have to offer