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What were the sales numbers like for SSX? That thread seemed to die off pretty quickly. Usually not a good sign for any major games performance.
Is the decline of Knights of the Old Republic due to the decline of the monthly fee MMO business model, or is it just a shit game?
In my opinion, SWTOR was a shitty game. It tried to be both a single player RPG while hamfisting in MMORPG elements that made it a very bad game in both areas. Oh sure, it's polished and has plenty of production values, but it's not much fun to play. It plays it safe in all areas and takes no risks or attempt to advance or improve upon the MMORPG genre. It's just boring.
At what point do we accept the fact that the industry, at least as is, is dying? Someone post that list of studioes that have closed this generation so I can let the full on depression set in.
At what point do we accept the fact that the industry, at least as is, is dying? Someone post that list of studios that have closed this generation so I can let the full on depression set in.
At what point do we accept the fact that the industry, at least as is, is dying? Someone post that list of studios that have closed this generation so I can let the full on depression set in.
Because a company is laying off workers, the industry is dying? By that standard, every industry is dying. These things happen during the economical times we are in right now.
I see no evidence of it dying. I just see alot of companies heading in the wrong direction.
UPDATE - March 1st
Artech Studios - 2011
Dark Energy Digital - 2012
Hudson Soft - 2012
Reakktor Media - 2012
Ubisoft Vancouver - 2012
In the THQ thread, someone asked for the complete list of studios closed since the start of the generation. Mario (from Sidhe) answered with a partial list, since it didn't include 2011 (and 2012). Using his list as a starting point (thanks), I took some time to add many missing studios. I won't pretend it's an exhaustive list yet, but with your help we can reach that goal.
I decided to start in 2006, but some may argue that it's too early since the generation started in November 2005. When possible, I added the year every studio was closed and a link confirming the news. If you want to add a studio missing from the list, providing a link and the year of death would be appreciated. Gamasutra was my main source, because they were around in 2006 and they are reliable and credible.
Note: some studios were merged over the year, and I didn't include them. For example, The Collective and Shiny Entertainment became Double Helix in 2008. Another one: SouthPeak bought Gamecock. Recently, Artoon, Cavia and Feel Plus were absorbed into AQ Interactive. I guess we could argue in this thread whether or not these studios deserve to be in this list or not.
One last point: yes, this list is depressing, but I'm pretty sure the list of studios created from 2006-2012 is much longer than the one below.
3D Realms - 2009
7 Studios (Activision) - 2011
ACES Studio (Microsoft) - 2009
Action Forms - 2009
Ascaron - 2009
Atomic Elbow - 2008
Backbone Vancouver
Beam Software/Melbourne House - 2010
BigBig (Sony) - 2012
Bizarre Creations (Activision) - 2010/2011
Black Rock (Disney) - 2011
Blue Fang Games - 2011
Blue Tongue (THQ) - 2011
BottleRocket - 2009
Brash Entertainment - 2008
Budcat (Activision) - 2010
Carbonated Games - 2008
Castaway Entertainment - 2008
Cheyenne Mountain - 2010
Cing - 2010
Clover Studios (Capcom) - 2006
Codemasters Guildford - 2011
Cohort Studios - 2011
Concrete Games - 2008
Deep Silver Vienna - 2010
DICE Canada - 2006
Digital Anvil - 2006
EA Chicago - 2007
EA Bright Light - 2011/2012
EA Japan - 2007
Eidos Manchester - 2009
Eidos Hungary - 2010
Empire Interactive - 2009
Ensemble Studios (Microsoft) - 2008
Factor 5 - 2009
FASA (Microsoft) - 2007
Fizz Factor - 2009
Flagship Studios - 2008
Flight Plan - 2010
Frozen North Productions
FuzzyEyes - 2009
Gaia
Gamelab - 2009
Game Republic - 2011
GRIN - 2009
Groove Games - 2010
Helixe (THQ) - 2008
Hudson Entertainment - 2011
Humannature Studio (Nexon Vancouver) - 2009
Ignition London - 2010
Ignition Florida - 2010
Incognito Entertainment (Sony) - 2009
Indie Built (Take-Two) - 2006
Iron Lore - 2008
Juice Games (THQ) - 2011
Kaos Studios (THQ) - 2011
Killaware - 2011
Killspace Entertainment - 2011
KMM Brisbane - 2011
Krome Studios (might still be operating on skeleton crew) - 2010
Kuju Manila - 2009
Kuju Chemistry - 2009
Kush Games - 2008
Locomotive Games (THQ) - 2010
Loose Cannon Studios - 2010
Luxoflux - 2010
Mass Media (THQ) - 2008
Monte Cristo - 2010
Monumental Games - 2012
Midway Austin - 2009
Midway Newcastle - 2009
MTV Games - 2011
Multiverse - 2012
NetDevil - 2011
Ninja Studio - 2009
Nihon Telenet - 2007
Outerlight - 2010
PAM Development (Take-Two) - 2008
Pandemic Australia (EA) - 2009
Pandemic LA (EA) - 2009
Paradigm Entertainment - 2008
Pi Studios - 2011
Pivotal Games (Take-Two) - 2008
Propaganda Games (Disney) - 2011
Pseudo Interactive - 2008
Rainbow Studios (THQ) - 2011
Razorworks - 2009
Realtime Worlds - 2010
Rebellion Derby - 2010
Red Octane - 2010
Redtribe - 2008
Rockstar Vienna - 2006
Sandblast Games (THQ) - 2008
SEGA San Francisco - 2010
Sensory Sweep Studios - 2010
Seta - 2008
Shaba Games (Activision) - 2009
SideCar Studios - 2007
Sierra Online - 2008
Snapdragon Games - 2009
SOE Denver - 2011
SOE Seattle - 2011
SOE Tuscon - 2011
Stormfront Studios - 2008
Straylight Studios - 2009
Team Bondi - 2011
The Code Monkeys - 2011
Titan Studios - 2009
THQ Studio Australia - 2009
THQ Digital Warrington - 2009
Transmission Games/IR Gurus - 2009
Ubisoft Brazil - 2010
Underground Development/Z-Axis (Activision) - 2010
Universomo (THQ) - 2009
Venom Games (Take Two) - 2008
Vicarious Visions California - 2007
Visceral Australia (EA) - 2011
Wolfpack Studios - 2006
Yuke’s Company Of America - 2010
Zoe Mode London - 2009
Zoonami - 2011
the industry isn't dying, but the studios which are focused on AAA console projects certainly do.
but it's only a niche.
the industry isn't dying, but the studios which are focused on AAA console projects certainly do.
but it's only a niche.
the industry isn't dying, but the studios which are focused on AAA console projects certainly do.
but it's only a niche.
Hehe, quite weird to read AAA being called niche.
Not a surprise if true. This entire generation has been a colossal failure for traditional video game companies in general.
Just seems like every week there are layoffs or closings. This is what I was refering to:
Thread.
That is a crazy fucking list.
Hudson Entertainment - 2011
Just seems like every week there are layoffs or closings. This is what I was refering to:
Thread.
That is a crazy fucking list.
I feel like that is a major part of the problem, these companies seem to bet it all on one game and if that doesn't catch the world on fire, it's layoffs and closures time.
but it is in the current climate with tons of different business models on PCs and mobiles which are more profitable than AAA and have a bigger userbase.
As i said heading in the wrong direction.
All those companies had reasons for closing. Some for making shitty to mediocre games (biggest reason), for signing a contract with the devil, poor management and some for taking risks in the MMO business.
Greed and stupidity.The MMO business perplexes the shit out of me. At least the ones that put out $60 games with monthly subscription costs like they stand a chance at being the next WoW. I just don't fucking get it.
There is no decline in the monthly fee MMO business model. There's just been an increase in the F2P market. There's still a sizable amount of people willing to pay a monthly fee for a good MMORPG.
In my opinion, SWTOR was a shitty game. It tried to be both a single player RPG while hamfisting in MMORPG elements that made it a very bad game in both areas. Oh sure, it's polished and has plenty of production values, but it's not much fun to play. It plays it safe in all areas and takes no risks or attempt to advance or improve upon the MMORPG genre. It's just boring.
Mysteries of the mainstream market.Game sells 13 million copies; disappointing year.
The MMO business perplexes the shit out of me. At least the ones that put out $60 games with monthly subscription costs like they stand a chance at being the next WoW. I just don't fucking get it.
At what point do we accept the fact that the industry, at least as is, is dying? Someone post that list of studios that have closed this generation so I can let the full on depression set in.
The MMO business perplexes the shit out of me. At least the ones that put out $60 games with monthly subscription costs like they stand a chance at being the next WoW. I just don't fucking get it.
The MMO business perplexes the shit out of me. At least the ones that put out $60 games with monthly subscription costs like they stand a chance at being the next WoW. I just don't fucking get it.
Layoffs confirmed.
So basically this was all going to happen over easter but that would have looked bad, lets push it back a week. Scumbags.
SWTOR aside due to strong IP, I think it would be an asinine move to launch a subscription MMO at $60 in this day and age with the WoW entry point being $20 or less (obviously more costs are tacked on when including expansions although you don't need them to start playing, and BC is free for everyone now), but I think companies are forced to do so in attempt to recoup at least some development costs upfront if the game doesn't take off after the initial hype has died down.
That said, I think there could be a huge market for a subscription MMO with WoW or near WoW quality, but at a lower monthly rate - $12-$5. This would attract people who enjoy MMOs, but maybe don't have as much time to play and want to log in only once or twice a week. Comparatively, MMOs are a really cheap form of entertainment at $15 a month when a single movie ticket might cost $10+ (not including refreshments), but I think there's just a stigma associated with having to pay every month to keep on playing. Hell, even at $20 or $25 a month, an MMO would still be a good deal if you put enough time into it.
The money ads up and there is no logical reason why a MMO should have a monthly fee in this day and age. We have already established the 'server costs' excuse is BS and that content can be supported through DLC, expansion packs, micro transactions, and/or in game ads.
I have had GW 6 years, in that time it's cost me $60 and I could go back to it whenever I want. What is a P2P MMO going to cost in 6 years? $1400, and that's not including the box.
What pisses me off about EA is they refuse to adapt. They are the type of shitheads they would rather shut down an MMO than try the F2P route.
except guild wars is a shallow experiance .
There is nothing wrong with spending $15 a month if your constantly getting new content. I've been paying for ultima online since its release and its been worth every penny.
In the end looking at F2P games I"d be spending the same $15 or more a month to get all the content anyway
except guild wars is a shallow experiance .
There is nothing wrong with spending $15 a month if your constantly getting new content. I've been paying for ultima online since its release and its been worth every penny .
In the end looking at F2P games I"d be spending the same $15 or more a month to get all the content anyway
except guild wars is a shallow experiance .
There is nothing wrong with spending $15 a month if your constantly getting new content. I've been paying for ultima online since its release and its been worth every penny .
In the end looking at F2P games I"d be spending the same $15 or more a month to get all the content anyway
What were the sales numbers like for SSX? That thread seemed to die off pretty quickly. Usually not a good sign for any major games performance.
I'm not worried about his welfare so much as I was thinking how much it would suck to leave a company for a different one, have your old employer buy your new one, then fire you.Not bad. He probably has nest egg and can easily find another job.
I feel bad for many of the low level people. :-(
Guys this is obviously because of used game sales and the production costs of HD games and has nothing to do with bad practices and terrible management.
ps, if I was an employee of a company that got bought out by a bigger company, especially one like EA, I would be looking for another job. It's just a matter of time.