Link: Video game executives say making cinematic games is getting so expensive and time-consuming that investing in graphics is providing diminished financial returns (Zachary Small/New York Times)
The gaming industry, having spent billions on realistic graphics, may have misjudged consumer desires. Companies like Sony and Microsoft believed high fidelity visuals were essential for audience growth.
Last year, Insomniac Games used the PlayStation 5 to create ultra-realistic elements in Marvel's Spider-Man 2, costing approximately $300 million. This extravagant spending has led to diminishing financial returns and widespread layoffs.
Experts suggest younger gamers prefer titles like Minecraft and Roblox, which focus on social interaction over graphics. These games, less graphically intense, thrive on player engagement and user-generated content.
Studios that continue to pursue cinematic-quality graphics face challenges as older titles with outdated visuals remain popular. This shift has prompted some studios to focus less on graphics and more on accessible content that can be enjoyed on common devices.
As the industry reevaluates its priorities, there's a growing interest in AI and other technologies to manage costs while maintaining graphical quality. This approach could revolutionize cost management in game development.
However, if the industry doesn't adapt to these changing preferences, it risks prolonged financial difficulties. Some believe that simplifying game design could be crucial for the future sustainability of the gaming market. #
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