Game Mode: 2024 In Games, So Far
1Digest
This episode of the 1A podcast delves into the current state of the video game industry in 2024. The conversation begins with a discussion of the year's most impressive games, including Animal Well, a critically acclaimed platformer developed by a solo developer, and Balotro, a unique poker-inspired game from Local Thunk. The episode explores the reasons behind the success of these indie games, highlighting the risks and innovation that smaller developers can take compared to larger studios. The discussion then shifts to the rise of roguelike games, characterized by procedurally generated levels and permadeath, and the popularity of titles like Hades and its upcoming sequel, Hades 2. The episode also examines the impact of online marketplaces and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass on indie game discoverability. The conversation then turns to the performance of big-budget games, with Jason Shryer and Nicole Carpenter discussing the success of titles like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Hell Divers 2, as well as the disappointments of Skull and Bones and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The episode explores the reasons behind these successes and failures, including the increasing cost of game development, the changing habits of players, and the decline of traditional game showcases like E3. The episode concludes with a discussion of the impact of layoffs in the gaming industry, highlighting the economic challenges facing studios both large and small. The conversation explores the reasons behind these layoffs, including declining player spending, reduced investment, and the increasing cost of game development. The episode concludes with a look at the future of the gaming industry, with both Jason Shryer and Nicole Carpenter expressing concerns about the impact of economic pressures on creativity and innovation.
Outlines
Introduction
This Chapter introduces the topic of the podcast, which is the state of the video game industry in 2024. It also introduces the hosts and guests for the episode.
Games of 2024
This Chapter discusses the games that have impressed the guests so far in 2024. The guests highlight the success of indie games like Animal Well and Balotro, and discuss the reasons behind their popularity. They also discuss the rise of roguelike games and the success of titles like Hades and its upcoming sequel, Hades 2.
Impact of Online Platforms
This Chapter explores the impact of online marketplaces and subscription services like Xbox Game Pass on indie game discoverability. The guests discuss how these platforms have made it easier for smaller developers to reach a wider audience.
Big Studio Games
This Chapter discusses the performance of big-budget games in 2024. The guests highlight the success of titles like Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Hell Divers 2, as well as the disappointments of Skull and Bones and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. They explore the reasons behind these successes and failures, including the increasing cost of game development, the changing habits of players, and the decline of traditional game showcases like E3.
Layoffs in the Gaming Industry
This Chapter discusses the impact of layoffs in the gaming industry, highlighting the economic challenges facing studios both large and small. The conversation explores the reasons behind these layoffs, including declining player spending, reduced investment, and the increasing cost of game development.
Keywords
Animal Well
Animal Well is a critically acclaimed platformer video game released in 2024. It was developed by Billy Basso, a solo developer, and is known for its layered gameplay, sense of wonder, and hidden secrets. The game has been praised for its unique art style, challenging puzzles, and immersive world.
Balotro
Balotro is a unique poker-inspired video game released in 2024. It was developed by Local Thunk, a solo developer, and is known for its unconventional gameplay, where players must construct a machine using randomly assigned cards to score points. The game has been praised for its addictive gameplay, strategic depth, and creative approach to card game mechanics.
Roguelike
A roguelike is a genre of video game characterized by procedurally generated levels, permadeath, and a focus on player skill and learning. Roguelike games often feature a high degree of replayability, as each playthrough is unique due to the randomized nature of the game world. Popular examples of roguelike games include Hades, Binding of Isaac, and Slay the Spire.
Xbox Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service offered by Microsoft that provides access to a library of video games for a monthly fee. The service allows players to download and play a wide variety of games, including both new releases and older titles. Xbox Game Pass has been credited with increasing the discoverability of indie games and providing a platform for smaller developers to reach a wider audience.
E3
E3, short for Electronic Entertainment Expo, was an annual trade show for the video game industry. It was held in Los Angeles, California, and served as a platform for game developers and publishers to showcase their latest products and announce upcoming releases. E3 was canceled in 2023, marking the end of an era for the video game industry. The cancellation was attributed to a number of factors, including the rise of online game showcases and the changing habits of players.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is a 2024 action-adventure video game developed by Rocksteady Studios. The game is set in the DC Comics universe and features a team of supervillains tasked with taking down the Justice League. The game was met with mixed reviews, with critics criticizing its repetitive gameplay, lack of innovation, and reliance on live service mechanics. The game was also a commercial disappointment, with Warner Bros. reporting a $200 million loss.
Live Service Game
A live service game is a video game that is constantly updated with new content, events, and features after its initial release. These updates are often monetized through microtransactions, battle passes, or other in-game purchases. Live service games are designed to keep players engaged over long periods of time, with new content being released on a regular basis. Popular examples of live service games include Fortnite, Destiny 2, and Apex Legends.
Indie Game
An indie game is a video game developed by an independent developer or studio, often with limited resources and funding. Indie games are known for their creativity, innovation, and unique gameplay experiences. They often explore new ideas and genres, and are not bound by the constraints of large publishers or studios. Indie games have become increasingly popular in recent years, with platforms like Steam and Xbox Game Pass providing a platform for smaller developers to reach a wider audience.
Layoffs
Layoffs are a common occurrence in the video game industry, particularly during periods of economic uncertainty or when studios are facing financial challenges. Layoffs can affect employees at all levels, from game developers and designers to support staff and marketing teams. The reasons for layoffs can vary, but often include declining player spending, reduced investment, and the increasing cost of game development.
Game Pass
Game Pass is a subscription service offered by Microsoft that provides access to a library of video games for a monthly fee. The service allows players to download and play a wide variety of games, including both new releases and older titles. Game Pass has been credited with increasing the discoverability of indie games and providing a platform for smaller developers to reach a wider audience.
Q&A
What are some of the most impressive games released in 2024 so far?
Animal Well, a critically acclaimed platformer developed by a solo developer, and Balotro, a unique poker-inspired game from Local Thunk, are two of the most impressive games released in 2024 so far.
Why have indie games like Animal Well and Balotro been so successful?
These indie games have been successful because they take risks and are innovative in ways that larger studios often can't. They are also made with lower budgets, allowing them to experiment and be more creative.
What is a roguelike game, and why are they becoming increasingly popular?
A roguelike game is characterized by procedurally generated levels, permadeath, and a focus on player skill and learning. They are becoming increasingly popular because they offer a high degree of replayability, with each playthrough being unique due to the randomized nature of the game world.
How have online platforms like Xbox Game Pass impacted the indie game market?
Online platforms like Xbox Game Pass have made it easier for indie developers to reach a wider audience and have increased the discoverability of their games.
What are some of the big-budget games that have disappointed in 2024?
Skull and Bones and Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League are two big-budget games that have disappointed in 2024. They were both met with mixed reviews and were commercial failures.
What are some of the reasons behind the layoffs in the gaming industry?
Layoffs in the gaming industry are being driven by a number of factors, including declining player spending, reduced investment, and the increasing cost of game development.
What is the impact of the cancellation of E3 on the gaming industry?
The cancellation of E3 has not had a significant impact on the gaming industry, as game companies have found other ways to market and promote their games.
How have player habits changed since the pandemic?
Since the pandemic, players are spending less on video games, possibly due to the easing of pandemic restrictions, economic conditions, and the availability of other entertainment options.
What are some of the challenges facing the video game industry in 2024?
The video game industry is facing a number of challenges in 2024, including declining player spending, reduced investment, and the increasing cost of game development. These challenges are leading to layoffs and a more cautious approach to risk-taking by studios.
What does the future hold for the video game industry?
The future of the video game industry is uncertain, but it is likely that indie games will continue to thrive, while big-budget games will become less common. The industry is also facing a period of correction, with studios and publishers taking a more cautious approach to investment and risk-taking.
Show Notes
What can the success or failure of this year's games tell us about the video game industry? The industry spans from tech companies like Microsoft, all the way down to solo developers. It's expected to be worth $189 billion this year.
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