The Changing Landscape of Gaming: Passion vs. Profits
The Changing Landscape of Gaming: Passion vs. Profits
When it comes to the gaming industry, things aren’t quite what they used to be. According to Stephane D’Astous, the founder and former general manager of Eidos Montreal, the dynamics of the gaming world have shifted dramatically over the last 15 years. In a recent chat, he explored how the industry and its leaders have evolved.
Old Giants and New Players
D’Astous pointed out that the major players in gaming today are not necessarily the same as those from back in the day. “The big players 15 years ago are not necessarily big players [now],” he remarked. He noted the rise of new influences, like Tencent, which has proliferated into a significant force, and highlighted how Saudi Arabia’s sovereign fund is now eyeing acquisitions like EA—something that would have seemed unthinkable a decade and a half ago.
A Shift in Power Dynamics
With larger companies comes a shift in the overall tone of the industry. D’Astous explained that the number of individuals holding the purse strings has decreased, but their financial clout has increased. “The people with the money and the decision power are much fewer, and their pockets are much deeper,” he said. This change, according to him, has led to a more spreadsheet-focused approach rather than one driven by passion.
“It’s much more Excel than passion-driven,” – Stephane D’Astous
The Good and the Bad
While it’s nostalgic to think of the golden days of gaming, D’Astous acknowledges that the industry has never been free from its challenges. However, he believes the current atmosphere feels more stifling due to a history of layoffs and unwise corporate decisions. “As we look back on too many years of swingeing layoffs, ruthless corporate decisions, and golden parachutes, things do feel worse than they did in my day,” he expressed.
Impact of Covid-19
Additionally, D’Astous pointed to the financial influx during the Covid-19 pandemic as a double-edged sword. “Thousands of projects were given money during Covid,” he stated. Some of these funding choices led to questionable ideas being greenlit, which he believes may result in regrettable outcomes in the future. “We’ll see the end results of that bad decision of this investment [a few years from now],” he warned.
Unrealistic Expectations
The increasing size of gaming companies has also led to elevated expectations for project delivery. D’Astous shared his frustrations about being asked to create a “Witcher 3-like game” on limited budgets and tight timelines, reflecting the unrealistic demands placed on developers today.
The Future of Game Development
As things stand, it doesn’t seem like the situation will improve anytime soon. The constant push for higher revenues discourages risk-taking and undermines the creative spirit within traditional gaming studios. D’Astous’s insights serve as a somber reminder of how the heart of game development is at risk of being overshadowed by financial considerations, leaving many to wonder what the future holds for our beloved industry.