Blockbuster games are in the grip of a "fidelity death cult", says former Dragon Age producer (Via: rockpapershotgun.com)
Why AAA Games Take So Long: Insights from Mark Darrah
Why AAA Games Take So Long: Insights from Mark Darrah
Dragon Age: The Veilguard consultant and former Dragon Age executive producer Mark Darrah has published a YouTube video addressing a hot topic: "why do AAA games take so long?" The video spans around 25 minutes and dives deep into various elements, from the craze for live service "forever games" over narrative-led ones to the premature announcements of sequels used to bolster a publisher’s brand during slow periods.
Fidelity Death Cult
One of the standout points in Darrah's discussion is what he calls the "fidelity death cult." This term refers to the industry's relentless pursuit of lifelike visual detail and intricacy, which significantly impacts game development timelines.
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TechieTom's Take
Why Do AAA Games Take So Long?: An Insightful Exploration
In the world of gaming, few topics generate as much passionate debate as the lengthy development cycles of AAA games. Mark Darrah, the consultant for Dragon Age: The Veilguard and former executive producer at BioWare, recently tackled this issue in a YouTube video that's causing quite a buzz in the gaming community.
The Appeal of "Forever Games"
One of the key points Darrah addresses is the growing trend towards live service "forever games". These games are designed to keep players engaged indefinitely, often through continuous updates and online content. This model contrasts sharply with traditional, narrative-driven games that have a clear beginning and end. While "forever games" can be incredibly immersive and profitable, they also contribute to longer development times due to the complexity of maintaining a persistent world.
Announcing Games Too Early
Another interesting point Darrah makes is about the strategy of prematurely announcing eagerly-awaited sequels. This technique is used to maintain a publisher’s visibility and relevance during quieter periods. While it may boost the brand in the short term, it often leads to frustration among fans who are left waiting for years as the game undergoes lengthy development phases.
The "Fidelity Death Cult" Phenomenon
Perhaps the most notable concept Darrah discusses is what he calls the "fidelity death cult". This refers to the relentless pursuit of hyper-realistic graphics and intricate details in games. As players, we all love jaw-dropping visuals, but this obsession can significantly extend development times. Creating lifelike environments, characters, and animations requires a massive amount of time, effort, and resources.
Technological advancements have raised the bar for what is considered "acceptable" in terms of visual fidelity. However, this has also led to inflated expectations and, subsequently, longer production cycles. Check out this comparison here to see how game graphics have evolved.
Balancing Fidelity and Development Time
So, how can developers balance the desire for high-fidelity graphics with the need for reasonable development times? One solution could be to focus more on innovative gameplay and compelling narratives, rather than solely on graphical prowess. Games like Among Us and Hades have proven that exceptional gameplay and storytelling can capture the audience’s imagination without relying on cutting-edge visuals.
Final Thoughts
Mark Darrah's video offers valuable insights into why AAA games take so long to develop. From the demand for live service games to the push for ever-more realistic graphics, multiple factors contribute to these lengthy cycles. By understanding these challenges, gamers can better appreciate the time and effort that go into creating the immersive worlds we love.
For more information on gaming trends and game development, be sure to check out this resource.