Former Sony Chairman: Lack Of AA Games Threatens Gaming Industry

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Key Takeaways

  • Former Sony exec Shawn Layden expresses how AAA games and a lack of AAs ruin the gaming industry.
  • The issue with AAA games is that they pose a high risk of failure, leading to safe bets and copycats.
  • With AA games, there can be a larger focus on risk-taking, with less time and money lost.

As a long-time gamer with a deep appreciation for the evolution of the industry, I wholeheartedly agree with Shawn Layden’s insights. The disappearance of AA games and the monopoly of AAA titles is a trend that has been gradually overshadowing the diversity and creativity that once made gaming an exhilarating experience.

Currently, it’s becoming increasingly challenging to discern a clear boundary between triple-A (AAA) games and independent (indie) games, as the once-prominent AA category seems to be losing its significance. Recent developments suggest that AAA games are not only being produced with massive budgets but also seem to be less inclined to take risks compared to their earlier counterparts.

At Gamescom Asia, there was much talk about the scarcity of A (AA) quality titles and AAA issues. According to an article by Gamesindustry.biz, Shawn Layden, a former chairman of Sony Interactive, and Gordon Van Dyke from Raw Fury engaged in a conversation. During this discussion, Layden explained why the lack of success in AAA games and the absence of AA games is negatively impacting the gaming industry.

In a world teeming with subscription models and live services, this discussion serves as a striking illustration of how the pursuit by major studios of an elusive financial jackpot has frequently resulted in catastrophe instead; their relentless hunt for income and profits is undermining noble objectives to cultivate a more vibrant ecosystem for gamers.

Previously, the former chairman, Shawn Layden, delved into the financial and risk assessment of the current gaming industry. He clarified that “the cost to produce an AAA game has climbed into hundreds of millions. It seems reasonable that with such high costs, the willingness to take risks decreases.

When something increases in cost, it’s only natural that one tends to prefer lower-risk options. This is why, often, people lean towards sequels or imitations since they offer the greatest chance for a title to recoup its investment and leverage past achievements.

According to Layden, the movie industry has room for more mid-range films alongside big blockbuster hits and Sundance contenders. However, in the gaming world, it’s crucial not to solely depend on the blockbusters, as doing so could lead to failure.

Regrettably, as Leyden expresses, “AA games no longer exist. I believe this poses a risk to the ecosystem.” With AAA games dominating the gaming market, the whole structure seems to be collapsing.

Returning to the topic of monetization, it’s worth noting that AAA games contribute significantly to the overall gaming industry in an unusual manner. By keeping production costs low, these games have more flexibility when it comes to monetization and risk assessment, which indirectly enables them to take the boldest risks.

The Underappreciated Strengths Of AA Games

Indie (AA) games often push boundaries and make significant strides, while larger (AAA) titles have struggled to do so recently. That’s why Layden expresses optimism about the potential of the next indie game as a savvy investor might see it.

If you’re going to pitch me your AA game, and in the first two pages of your deck is your monetization and revenue, subscription scheme, I’m out. Your first page has to be ‘This game needs to be made and here’s why’

These AA games, such as Cuphead, It Takes Two, and Life is Strange, stood out due to their willingness to take bold steps that larger studios might shy away from, given the financial constraints associated with a AAA budget.

Some may argue that AI could be the saving grace of AAA studios, allowing for loads of work to be done fast or entire creative sectors to be done by a single person, but as Layden shares in the conversation, AI is “just a tool, it’s not a savior.”

In essence, AA games offer an unique blend of entertainment and innovation, catering to a broader gaming demographic and serving as a source of inspiration for the more established AAA and indie studios due to their daring approach.

His push for AA makes it clear that Layden believes games should be made to explore the complex medium of design and storytelling, and to get more people playing these games, we “need to get more people making games.”

Hey there fellow gamer! If you’re curious about the latest trends in the Action-Adventure (AA) gaming scene, I’d strongly recommend checking out the detailed conversation over at gamesindustry.biz. You’ll find valuable insights on how the Western and Asian game markets stack up, as well as some fascinating glimpses into the world of AI technologies that are shaping our favorite games. Happy gaming!

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2024-10-18 03:08