Why Most AAA Games Have No Soul

Summary

Elden Ring’s meteoric success, selling 12 million copies in two weeks, reveals a deep dissatisfaction with the current state of AAA games. While FromSoftware’s innovative open-world design captivated a wider audience, the AAA industry remains dominated by formulaic sequels from studios like Ubisoft. Developers in other studios, frustrated by *Elden Ring*'s unconventional success, criticized its design choices. The video argues that the key to revitalizing the industry lies in fostering creativity through innovation, such as allowing developers to work on new, experimental projects without the constraints of profit-driven formulas. *Elden Ring* serves as a model for how creativity can drive both critical and commercial success.

Takeaways

• 😀 *Elden Ring* sold 12 million copies in two weeks, surpassing expectations and rivaling sales of iconic open-world games like *GTA 5*, *Skyrim*, and *Breath of the Wild*.
• 😀 Despite FromSoftware's niche reputation, *Elden Ring* attracted a much larger player base due to its innovative gameplay and the current lack of high-quality AAA games.
• 😀 *Elden Ring*'s success was largely due to its unique open world, immersive environment, and punishing gameplay that still appealed to a broader audience than previous FromSoftware titles.
• 😀 Many AAA developers are frustrated with *Elden Ring*'s success because it broke traditional game design rules and didn't follow the industry's formulaic approach to game development.
• 😀 Some developers at studios like Guerrilla Games and Ubisoft were upset by *Elden Ring*'s success, feeling that it overshadowed their own games like *Horizon Forbidden West* and highlighted their own lack of innovation.
• 😀 Gamers are increasingly dissatisfied with the formulaic nature of AAA games, particularly those from Ubisoft, where many titles feel repetitive despite cosmetic changes like different time periods or locations.
• 😀 Ubisoft's reliance on sequels and iterative designs has led to fatigue among gamers, as many of their titles feel like the same game with minor adjustments, lacking originality and creativity.
• 😀 *Elden Ring* succeeded because it dared to be different and wasn't afraid to break conventions, something that many AAA studios have been unwilling to do due to the focus on stability and profit.
• 😀 AAA studios are encouraged to foster creativity by applying the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule), allowing developers to dedicate a portion of their time to new, innovative projects without deadlines or restrictions.
• 😀 The gaming industry needs more risk-taking and innovation. Studios should embrace creativity and give their developers the freedom to experiment, as this is the key to long-term success and community support.

Q & A

What has caused the decline in AAA game quality in recent years?

The decline in AAA game quality can be attributed to studios relying on formulaic designs, sequels, and safe bets to ensure profitability. Many games follow the same mechanics and structures, leading to a lack of creativity and fresh ideas in the industry.

Why was Elden Ring considered a breath of fresh air for the gaming industry?

Elden Ring stood out because it defied expectations, offering a vast open world, creative freedom, and punishing gameplay while still appealing to a broader audience than typical FromSoftware games. Its success was partly due to the scarcity of high-quality AAA titles at the time.

How did Elden Ring’s sales compare to other top-selling open-world games?

Elden Ring sold 12 million copies in its first two weeks, placing it alongside top-sellers like GTA 5, Skyrim, and Breath of the Wild, even though FromSoftware’s previous games typically targeted a more niche, hardcore audience.

Why did some developers react negatively to Elden Ring’s success?

Some developers, particularly from studios like Guerrilla Games and Ubisoft, were frustrated by Elden Ring's unconventional approach to game development, as it violated traditional game design principles. This success challenged the formulaic and restrictive development processes in many larger studios.

What is the significance of the Ubisoft developers' criticism of Elden Ring?

The criticism from Ubisoft developers highlights the frustration within the industry over rigid development processes. Ubisoft’s formulaic approach to games, such as in the Assassin's Creed series, often leads to repetitive, uninspired content, which makes it harder for innovative games like Elden Ring to thrive.

How has the gaming industry’s reliance on sequels affected creativity?

The gaming industry’s focus on sequels and established franchises has stifled creativity. Studios often prioritize financial stability over innovation, leading to a lack of fresh, original games and a reliance on familiar formulas and IPs to ensure commercial success.

What role does the Pareto Principle play in improving game development?

The Pareto Principle suggests that 80% of results come from 20% of causes. Applying this to game development means giving developers the freedom to spend a portion of their time on experimental, creative projects without strict deadlines. This approach can lead to innovative new games, like Elden Ring, that break free from formulaic constraints.

Why do gamers continue to buy sequels despite criticism of their lack of innovation?

Gamers continue to buy sequels because they are familiar, polished, and often deliver a consistent experience. Studios also market these games heavily, and many players are satisfied with incremental improvements rather than seeking entirely new experiences.

What can AAA studios learn from Elden Ring's success?

AAA studios can learn that **innovation** and **creativity** are key to long-term success. Elden Ring’s success shows that breaking free from formulaic development can yield remarkable results. Studios should allocate resources for creative, risk-taking projects to foster more unique and engaging gaming experiences.

How has Blizzard’s reputation changed over the years, and what does this have to do with the state of AAA games?

Blizzard’s reputation has suffered due to repeated disappointments in its recent games, such as the problematic launch of Warcraft 3: Reforged. This decline reflects a broader trend in the AAA industry where companies prioritize financial success over the quality and innovation that initially built their reputations.