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Tag Archives: gaming industry

Gaming History, PC Gaming

MMO Genre in Decline: Veteran Star Wars Galaxies Developer Warns of Creative Rut

Posted on by Owen

A former developer behind seminal titles such as Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies has voiced strong criticism of the modern state of massively multiplayer online games (MMOs). Speaking to GamesRadar, the industry veteran argued that the genre has long been stuck in a rut, a situation largely attributed to the overwhelming success of World of Warcraft.

In my humble opinion, this was the greatest game ever (SWG).

According to the developer, World of Warcraft’s meteoric rise led to a significant narrowing of creative diversity within MMOs. In its wake, a multitude of titles emerged that, while commercially successful, have tended to adopt a similar formula. The veteran recalls a time when MMOs were more experimental and varied, offering a broad range of gameplay mechanics and immersive worlds that challenged players in innovative ways.

The critique centres on the perception that the market has become homogenised, with many modern MMOs echoing the same design philosophies and gameplay structures pioneered by World of Warcraft. This trend, the former developer warns, has stifled innovation and sidelined the once-rich variety of the genre.

Industry insiders note that while World of Warcraft undeniably set new standards for online gaming, its influence has also had unintended consequences. The emphasis on mass appeal and monetisation models may have discouraged developers from taking risks or exploring alternative concepts. As a result, the once diverse landscape of MMO design appears to have converged towards a more uniform, less adventurous model.

The developer’s remarks have reignited debates within the gaming community over the future direction of MMOs. Many now call for a revival of the creative spirit that once defined the genre, hoping that new projects will break free from the constraints of current trends.

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Fun Things, Nintendo

Berkshire Hathaway Considered Buying Nintendo (and Activision)

Posted on by Owen

In a recent episode of the Grit Podcast, former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick revealed that Berkshire Hathaway, led by vice chairman Charlie Munger, once contemplated acquiring Nintendo. Kotick recounted a conversation where Munger suggested purchasing both Activision and Nintendo, noting that Nintendo was valued at $13 billion with $7 billion in cash at the time. Munger humorously remarked that if the investment turned sour after his passing, it could be attributed to “the folly of an 82-year-old.”

This revelation adds to the list of companies that have considered acquiring Nintendo. Notably, Microsoft once approached Nintendo with a buyout offer, which was reportedly met with laughter.

While these discussions never materialized into actual deals, they highlight the gaming industry’s allure to major conglomerates. Nintendo’s enduring success and unique position in the market continue to make it a subject of interest for potential acquisitions.

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Fun Things

E3 Organisers ESA Unveils IICON: A New Summit for Gaming’s Future

Posted on by Owen

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), known for organizing E3, has announced IICON, a new gaming-focused thought leadership summit set to debut in 2024. Positioned as an industry-defining event, IICON aims to bring together influential voices from gaming, business, technology, and culture to explore how interactive entertainment is shaping the world.

According to the ESA, IICON will differ from traditional gaming expos by focusing on high-level discussions, networking, and cross-industry collaboration rather than product showcases. The summit is expected to feature speakers from major game studios, tech giants, and creative industries, discussing topics such as artificial intelligence, game monetization, and the evolving role of gaming in social and economic trends.

The move comes after the ESA officially cancelled E3 for good in 2023, following years of declining interest and the rise of publisher-led showcases like Sony’s State of Play and Nintendo Direct. Many in the industry view IICON as a strategic pivot for the ESA, allowing it to remain relevant in a gaming landscape where digital-first events have become the norm.

While details on IICON’s first edition are still limited, the ESA’s ambitions are clear: to position the summit as a must-attend event for leaders looking to understand and shape the future of gaming. Whether IICON can fill the gap left by E3 or carve out a new niche remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the ESA is betting big on the growing influence of interactive entertainment beyond just gaming.

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Nintendo

Nintendo Reports 46% Drop in Operating Profit Amid Sluggish Sales

Posted on by Owen

Nintendo has reported a 46% decline in operating profit over the past nine months, with both hardware and software sales falling below expectations. The company’s latest earnings report highlights the financial impact of a maturing Switch market and weaker software sales compared to previous years.

From April to December 2023, Nintendo’s operating profit fell to ¥410.5 billion ($2.8 billion USD) from ¥560 billion in the same period last year. Net sales also saw a 7.6% decrease, reflecting slowing demand for the Switch console. This is despite strong performances from key titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, and Pikmin 4.

Japanese Adverts Hit Different

A major factor behind this decline is the natural slowdown of the Nintendo Switch after nearly seven years on the market. While it remains a strong seller, demand is clearly tapering off, with Switch hardware sales down 7.8% year-over-year. The company has also revised its full-year Switch sales forecast from 15 million units to 13.5 million, further signaling the console’s late-stage lifecycle.

On the software side, game sales dropped 4%, despite Super Mario Bros. Wonder surpassing 11.96 million copies sold in under three months. While this is impressive, Nintendo’s 2023 lineup didn’t match the explosive performance of 2022’s Pokémon Scarlet & Violet or Splatoon 3.

With speculation mounting about the release date for the Switch 2, and the company maintaining a strong software pipeline and a vast player base, suggesting it will remain a dominant force in gaming.

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