"Just recently Housemarque launched a Gamescom 2018 trailer for their new battle royal game "Stormdivers". Well, I think that Housemarque is becoming yet another face in the crowd, and this is the reason why" - Sharn Daniels, TGG.
On the eve of its 15th anniversary, GOG, the digital distribution platform known for offering DRM-free games, reflects on its journey and the importance of game preservation. During Gamescom Sector had a chance to talk to PR manager Gabriela Siemienkowicz, who told them what surprises they have in store for us and shared her insights into the platform's mission and the unique place it holds in the gaming community.
European boss Arnaud Muller on maintaining momentum post-Elden Ring and the challenges of the market
It's fine to stay working on the same IP that you are experts and experience on. Considering the fan base etc but should also build on new IPs. If you are good at making jrpgs or fighting games you should have the experience to create something new in a new world new name. Cause lately its been remakes, games with the same series aka Cod, tales, FF. Sometimes gaming needs a fresh world unrelated to existing games yes it can flop like forspoken but horizon and got did fine and they were totally different then there last game.
There's all kinds of new things out there. Indie through aaa. I mean yea they don't take chances like they used to back in the day but some still do. Capcom did exoprimal(close enough) not my cup of tea (online) but just an example. Square did a handful recently, it's the eas and ubisofts that don't take chances
I just want a Xenosaga trilogy HD remaster or remake such a great trilogy. I like Namco they are one of my favorite developers/publishers. Love the Tales games and I would also like a new Dynasty Warriors Gundam game. I would like Namco to continue having great hits both new and old but I also don't want them to forget some of their obscured titles.
Give us some genuinely good anime games. Like take your time to give us that true heat
Muller makes smiling look painful. Like, this is the face of a man that self-stimulates with Icy Hot.
Crudeness aside, I do find this quote interesting:
"And Little Nightmares will sell very well because we will deliver what the fans are expecting to the right level of quality. And if you do that, then you are on for success. What I would say is that there is probably less space for innovation at a time where the market is, post-COVID, a little bit struggling given the macroeconomic environment, the growth that we’ve expected in the previous years, [and] the weight of subscription. Yes, you need to be clever."
I find this concerning. Yes, we knew (or at least speculated) that there is less room for innovation - I don't think we've really had much creativity since Gen 7, honestly. Due to financial sensitivities (e.g., inflation, astronomical development costs), I really wonder what we mean when we talk about "being clever". I think it goes without saying that they're mulling over monetization strategies, as is every other publisher. Some of the strategies we've seen so far include half-finished games, abundance of costly post-launch DLC, remasters, pay-to-win mechanics, and - of course - playing it safe.
Keeping an open mind on solutions that encourage greater portfolio diversity. I didn't mind the product placement ads for Apple or Calorie Mate in Metal Gear Solid for example because it didn't feel intrusive to me. But in focusing more on expertise, I think you really risk burnout. The extensive world-building Miyazaki does or the intricate emotional narratives crafted by Naughty Dog require so much. I think developers and publishers should put out smaller games that break up their teams into smaller teams to work on these projects. I liked those retro-style titles last generation like Broforce and Axiom Verge. Otherwise, what can we do - wait for some popular series/franchise from a different form of media to commission a studio to make a game for them?
A brand new PvPvE shooter, EVE: Vanguard, looks to succeed where Dust 514 did not as a candid CCP Games reflects on its 20-year journey.
Dust 514 was such a unique game back in the day. I only played probably 10 hours of it because the balancing was way off, but otherwise it was an interesting idea.
Was a unique idea that was never realized, it didn't go beyond just being and playing like an outdated generic FPS. It never got better, and then they shut it down. If this follows the standard of your typical service style fps then it won't live long either.
The problem is Housemarquee had to adapt in order to survive. There old style of games weren’t selling well, as evidenced by their blog post saying exactly that. They weren’t getting the support they should have been getting so now they have to change things up or face closing down.
I would make the change to survive too
A sad, sad truth. I hope they go back to the genre that they are immaculate at and is sadly under-represented. Diversity is needed in this industry...
I honestly can't blame them for this decision they're previous games whilst awesome didn't sell well they are simply doing what they have to in order to stay afloat.
Is it too difficult to develop Dead Nation 2 instead of ..... this?
To be honest they are setting themselves up for failure. They should have known that there is no way to penetrate the battle royale’s market right now unless you bring something very unique to the table, and even then there is still no guarantee of success.