Death to the Games Industry

Long live Games

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/issue/9/4
from WinCustomize Forums

The Escapist has an in-depth look at how PC games are dying -- at least in their current business model.  This link is to the second part, you can read the first part here.  The problem with the game industry in general is that it is becoming increasingly capital intensive for each game and more competitive (i.e. a lot more games in a lot more places).  With 3 major consoles and the PC platform, those immense investments in game creation have to battle for your buying dollar harder than ever before.

The Escapist argues that they business model of gaming has to change.  That's something that developer Stardock (which owns WinCustomize.com) agrees with since it launched TotalGaming.net last year as a way to distribute its own and third-party games electronically.  But in the near-term retail is still king.

Read the whole thing, very interesting stuff.

5,558 views 10 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I think this is really sad, I love my PC, much more than my Playstation. You can do so much more.
TouchTasks - Access tasks with ease on Windows touchscreens.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
It's working here.  Must have been down earlier from traffic.
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I have to say, casual gaming and the like might just save the say. With sites like TotalGaming, GameTap and TryGames, i think the way we bu games will change. I think the XBOX and its XBOX Live is actually the best business move for the gamin indrustry because you can download games, and have add-ons extending the games life.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
PC gamming died for me when they ceased Wing Commander! As far as gaming in general goes, you can stare at the side of the box to see where you are between minimum and recommended specs, go home boot the PC and install the game or just pic up an Xbox game and throw it in the console....
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Very interesting thoughts there.

Thanks for the link Brad.
Reply #8 from WinCustomize Forums Top
PC Gaming is my roots and i'm converting until it's completely gone, or when indie companies are completely squashed by EA.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
As someone who is considering the games industry his 'area of importance' when it comes to employment this, although nothing really new, is still an eye opener.

The biggest problem i can see is convincing the Old Farts that their now squabbly-ranting-demanding child can be slapped on the bum and sent off to boarding school to return a well rounded adult.

I have a head full of ideas, some down the lines of 'let's re-invent this bit, add some of that and then sell my idea for nothing to the people who made it, cos they'll be able to kncvok it out in 3 motnhs' and 'Why has no one tried to do this before'. While everyone is money driven, and dont frown, the latter IS the greater ideal and SHOULD be of higher presidence.

Stardock have set a standard, albeit small and 'self' obsessed (dont take that the wrong way, its half 3 in the morning and my brain is stuggling for the words), and this should be applied to a greater community.

MY GOD - Greg has one of the wisest heads on his shoulders i have ever had the pleasure of delving into.

If you ever come here Big-G, get in touch. Its time and Old Fart and a Young Jerk....Turk ( ) Have a chat and maybe a scone or two.

DiscoMc - 'Lets make it happen' - Disco
* - OUT

Email
Reply #10 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I'm surprised nobody's mentioned Steam:

http://www.steampowered.com/

Like TotalGaming.net, only bigger. And with (presumably) a lot more money behind it, this being Valve.