Restricting characters and origins alienates the "hardcore" fan base. Because development costs are so high, again VO and art, game companies are licensing their settings to other media such as films, comics, books, ECT. The consumers of these products would almost have to be "hard core" fan base (probably why game based films traditionally do so badly). While I don't have stats, I would think the hard core fan base is responsible for mods. Additionally they would be responsible free marketing in the form of fain sites. "Hardcore" fans also purchase the premium collector's edition products. Alienating the fan base deprives the company of additional revenue streams, and free marketing dollars. You can already see support eroding by dragon age wika having an open letter to BioWare.
An additional problem is how do you differentiate your product now? Obsidian has demonstrated they can provide the voice over. If a Hypothetical Fallout 4 were created with voice over, how would it differ from hypothetical Dragon Effect 3? Both would have VO, stories, RPG elements, and be "actiony". The art and setting would be different. I'm not sure this is beneficial to the business as art is one of the primary development cost drivers. The standard business answer is by catering to a common denominator, the business can sell more units. The closer to the common denominator the less risks developers can take. The rising costs drive less risk and increasingly common elements between games. Furthermore, by reducing the differentiation and hardcore fans the variable price component is at risk. You will sell less collector's edition units. I'm not sure this is great for the industry, if there is no differentiation between products then that leaves only price competition. In a world of $20M+ development cost per AAA game, price competition is probably the worst possible outcome. I think there is a reason Indi competitors are increasing, as they can offer a more catered experience at a decreased price point.
In the hypothetical example of Fallout 4 and Dragon Effect 3, if I can't differentiate between products how can I differentiate between brands? If I'm not a fan, why would I care about brand? Focusing on developing for the common denominator reduces brand value. EA paid a pretty hefty premium for the Star Wars MMO and the BioWare brand. When brands lose value, EA has historically has folded the studio.
The problems I have with Dragon Effect 2 is I can get the same utility for < $50, and the changes make me not want to be a fan. If I'm not a fan I don't need books and BioWare games go from must pre-order to wait and see.
In short, I think some suit really screwed up.
Modifié par disenfranchised, 10 juillet 2010 - 09:44 .
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