September 27th 2023.
The discussion around modern games and how they are meant to pay for themselves is a complex one. On the one hand, Capcom's boss spoke candidly about rising video game prices, and how due to the complexity of modern games, they have barely increased in price in the last 30 years. On the other hand, gamers are petulantly demanding that prices should never increase, which is out of touch with reality.
It is true that games should be shorter or uglier, but it is unlikely that gamers would put up with last-gen or worse graphics for lower prices. However, the pricing for Resident Evil 4 on the iPhone 15 Pro is an example of an unrealistic price point that seems hilariously out of place. Apple would be better served to extend their Apple Arcade service to AAA games, however, it is difficult to see how they could make their money back for such an endeavour.
The success of Starfield has stoked the excitement for Mass Effect 4, however, many worry about the future of BioWare. It is feared that with the recent job cuts, EA may choose to shut them down. It is unlikely that Mass Effect 4 will be released for at least three to five years, and with Dragon Age 4 not even guaranteed for next year, BioWare seem to be on death's row.
The recent release of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD has reminded the gaming community of the integral role music has played throughout the series, and how it has been absent from recent games. It is unlikely that Nintendo will take a step back to the old style of Zelda, however, the music element could be a feature of future games.
Finally, Hideki Kamiya's departure from PlatinumGames has left many wondering what the future holds. Rumours suggest he will turn up at a Chinese publisher, however, it is hoped he will be able to set up his own indie studio. Hidetaka Miyazaki has said that the game was easier due to the transposing of it to an open world, though it is difficult to believe that this was not a conscious decision to broaden the customer base.
It is clear that there are a variety of complex issues when it comes to modern games and how they ought to pay for themselves. To join in with the discussions, or to share your own thoughts, email email.
How are modern games meant to pay for themselves? It's a difficult question, and one that has been on the minds of gamers, developers, and companies alike for years. The Wednesday letters page of a recent issue of a gaming magazine brought this question to the forefront, hoping that Hideki Kamiya would set up a new indie developer, and receiving a response from a reader worrying about the future of BioWare.
Honest problem
Capcom's boss recently spoke out about the issue of video game prices, and the reader's response was one of understanding. They acknowledged that games have become increasingly complex over the past 30 years, yet the prices have barely increased. People demanding that prices should never increase are seen as being out of touch with reality.
The reader acknowledged that cheaper prices would be preferable, but stated that they don't see how it's financially possible. They also argued that gamers are not being realistic in the way they discuss the issue.
Flaw in the plan
The pricing for Resident Evil 4 on the iPhone 15 Pro was highlighted as an example of a pricing issue, with the reader pointing out that nobody would be willing to pay almost £60 for a mobile app. Apple would be better extending Apple Arcade to AAA games, but even then the reader argued that it would be difficult to make money back with the £5 a month subscription.
Mass worry
The success of Starfield has made the reader worry even more about the future of BioWare, due to the long absence of any new products from the company, and recent job cuts. They suggested that the only alternative to increasing prices is to make games shorter or uglier, but argued that people would complain either way.
Behind schedule
The reader also shared their thoughts on The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, and the fact that music has been an integral part of the Zelda series as a gameplay element. They suggested that this may be an element of older Zeldas that could return in future games.
Hideki Kamiya's recent departure from PlatinumGames was also discussed, with the reader suggesting that they would like to see him set up his own indie studio rather than join a global corporation. They also speculated that Microsoft should offer him a few hundred million to set up a new studio for Scalebound.
Finally, the reader commented on the difficulty level of Breath of the Wild, and argued that the game's success is due to the coverage it had received before its release, and not because it was made easier.
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