The video game industry has come a long way since its inception, but it still faces many challenges that prevent it from becoming truly great. In this article, we will explore the reasons why the video game industry is so bad and what can be done to improve it.
1. Lack of Innovation
One of the main reasons why the video game industry is so bad is a lack of innovation. The industry has become stagnant, with most games relying on the same old formulas and mechanics. This has led to a lack of creativity and originality in the games being produced.
To illustrate this point, let’s take a look at the world of first-person shooters. For decades, these games have relied on the same basic formula: run around and shoot things. While there have been some attempts to break this mold, such as the popularization of stealth gameplay in titles like Metal Gear Solid and Shadow of the Colossus, these innovations are few and far between.
This lack of innovation has led to a homogenization of the gaming landscape, with many games feeling similar to one another. This has made it difficult for new companies to enter the market and for existing companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
2. High Development Costs
Another reason why the video game industry is so bad is the high cost of development. Creating a modern video game can be an incredibly expensive and time-consuming process, with many teams consisting of hundreds of people working on a single project for years.
This high cost has led to a situation where only the biggest companies are able to afford to create games, leaving smaller, more innovative studios struggling to keep up. This has also led to a situation where some games are rushed to market in order to meet deadlines and recoup costs, leading to poor quality products and a lack of innovation.
3. Focus on Profit Over Quality
The focus on profit over quality is another reason why the video game industry is so bad. In many cases, companies are more concerned with making money than they are with creating a good game. This can lead to games being released that are poorly designed or filled with bugs and glitches.
To illustrate this point, let’s take a look at the world of microtransactions. These in-game purchases have become increasingly common in recent years, with many games offering players the ability to buy new items or abilities using real money. However, this focus on profit has led to some games being released that are poorly designed and filled with bugs and glitches.
4. Lack of Diversity
The video game industry is also bad because of a lack of diversity. The industry is dominated by white, male gamers, which means that the games being produced often don’t appeal to a wide range of people. This has led to a situation where there are few games being made for women or people of color, and where the experiences of these groups are often overlooked.
To illustrate this point, let’s take a look at the world of gaming journalism. In many cases, gaming journalists are white men who are able to get access to new games and review them because of their connections in the industry. This has led to a situation where there is very little diversity in the world of gaming journalism, with few women or people of color having a voice.
5. Lack of Support for Small Studios
The lack of support for small studios is another reason why the video game industry is so bad. In many cases, these small, innovative studios are unable to get the same level of support and resources as larger companies, making it difficult for them to compete.
