There seems to be a struggle within the industry when it comes to video game releases. On one hand, you analysts and sales reports indicating gamers are suffering "fatigue" from unoriginal sequels and outdated hardware. On the other, you have developers like Quantic Dream's David Cage who blames gamers for "encouraging" publishers to continue making "the same game."
“The result is very simple,” Cage began. “Gamers invest money in publishers having no interest in innovation."
“[Gamers] encourage [publishers] to keep making the same game every Christmas, and everybody’s happy," he added. Dating back to the end of 2011, we've had numerous sequels to already-established franchises such as Battlefield 3, Saints Row: The Third, The Elder Scrolls V, and Uncharted 3 to name a few. That's not including the yearly installments of Call of Duty and Ubisoft's plan to annualize Assassin's Creed. Although each title improved upon its predecessor, in its own right, Cage argues "sequels kill creativity and innovation."
“If you’re interested in innovation and believe that games could be more than shooters, then you realize that sequels kill creativity and innovation," he elaborated. Cage is hoping to defy the industry standard of sequels with Beyond: Two Souls — an original IP that looks to take gamers on an "emotional journey". For those unfamiliar, this PS3 exclusive, inspired by the loss of a family member, follows protagonist Jodie Homes as she grows and evolves over 15 years and discovers more about what's beyond our world.
“We don’t give people what they expect. We want to give them something they want without knowing they want it," Cage concluded.
Do you blame the success of series sequels on the lack of innovation in the gaming industry? Have companies become too complacent, specifically relying on the name of popular franchises? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
If you want to read more of Cage's comments, check out the latest issue of Official PlayStation Magazine UK.
[OPM]
