The gaming industry crash is great for Gamers

Summary

In this video, the creator critiques the current state of AAA gaming, highlighting a growing disconnect between corporate publishers and gamer expectations. With companies like Ubisoft and Paradox Interactive facing backlash for delivering subpar products, the narrative shifts from accountability to blaming gamers for their 'extraordinary expectations.' The discussion also touches on the controversial monetization practices seen in games like Tekken 8, where fans are increasingly dissatisfied. Ultimately, the video emphasizes the importance of consumer feedback as a necessary tool for holding these corporations accountable for their mismanagement.

Takeaways

• 😀 AAA game publishers, like Ubisoft and Paradox Interactive, are facing criticism for not meeting gamers' expectations and blaming the audience for their failures.
• 😀 The launch of City Skylines 2 has been controversial, with players disappointed by missing promised features and poor economic mechanics.
• 😀 Ubisoft's CEO claimed that gamers have 'extraordinary expectations,' suggesting that current game quality is inadequate despite past issues with their titles.
• 😀 D. Walker, a developer associated with major studios, defended controversial monetization practices in games like Tekken 8, sparking backlash from fans.
• 😀 Gamers have been review bombing titles like Tekken 8 due to dissatisfaction with added microtransactions and expensive DLCs.
• 😀 There is a growing sentiment that gamers should not be expected to financially support poorly managed AAA companies through microtransactions.
• 😀 The gaming industry is experiencing financial pressures, including declining venture funding and overall revenue, impacting game development.
• 😀 There is a perception among some industry figures that gamers owe it to developers to support games financially, regardless of quality.
• 😀 Criticism of AAA companies often results in accusations that gamers are toxic or unfair, shifting blame away from developers.
• 😀 The current climate in the gaming industry suggests that many developers and publishers are reluctant to acknowledge their missteps while calling for gamer support.

Q & A

What criticism do AAA game publishers face regarding player expectations?

AAA game publishers like Ubisoft and Paradox Interactive claim that players have extraordinarily high expectations and are less forgiving of games that do not meet these expectations.

What specific issues did City Skylines 2 encounter upon release?

City Skylines 2 received mixed reviews due to missing features promised during promotion, problematic economic systems, and overall game mechanics that did not function as intended.

How did Ubisoft's CEO, EES Gimont, respond to criticism about the quality of their games?

Gimont suggested that delivering solid quality is no longer sufficient in today's market, implying that high expectations from gamers are to blame for criticism.

What was Del Walker's perspective on the criticism surrounding Tekken 8's monetization?

Del Walker defended the monetization practices of Tekken 8, suggesting that negative reviews are detrimental to the game's sustainability and that fans should financially support developers.

How does the video address the relationship between gamers and AAA developers?

The video argues that AAA developers often deflect responsibility for poor product quality onto gamers, suggesting that gamers should bear the financial burden instead.

What was a common theme among responses to Del Walker's defense of monetization?

Many responses criticized the notion that gamers should feel obligated to support AAA companies financially, arguing that it is the developers' responsibility to deliver quality products.

What financial trends are affecting the AAA gaming industry, according to the video?

The video mentions a decline in venture funding, decreasing global gaming revenue, and inflation as factors contributing to financial struggles in the AAA industry.

What social dynamics are explored in the discussion of gamer criticism towards developers?

The video highlights how some gamers are perceived as defending AAA companies, often acting like they have a duty to protect these corporate entities from criticism, likening it to emotional manipulation.

What was the reaction to Wolfart's review of Dragon Age: The Veil?

Wolfart received backlash for pointing out issues with the game, with some fans accusing him of enabling harassment towards the developers.

How does the video frame the conversation around microtransactions in games?

The video criticizes microtransactions in AAA games, arguing that consumers should not feel obligated to support developers financially for subpar experiences, especially when games are already sold at high prices.