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> Isn't the primary reason why games don't get release to avoid them competing with modern games for gamers focus. Like if I spend time playing older games then
by a_t48 7y ago
> Isn't the primary reason why games don't get release to avoid them competing with modern games for gamers focus. Like if I spend time playing older games then I'm not going to spend as much time on newer games so I don't need to spend as much money per hour of game time.
This is the first time I've heard this theory. In general I don't think this is the case - game development is risky and expensive. Economically it makes sense to milk every old game for all it is worth, if people will still buy it and there aren't any ongoing costs (servers, etc). Porting a game to a new platform is usually much cheaper. You don't need a full art and engineering team, nor do you need much in the way of design (some might be needed in cases of a UI refresh or additions to gameplay).
See: Nintendo. The original Super Mario Bros has been ported to nearly every system they've put out. And people keep paying for it. Other publishers will do this, too. There's https://www.gog.com/ https://www.gog.com/ which is pretty much dedicated to republishing old games.
- ouid 7y agoMilking old games doesn't make sense at all. Most old games are not on a subscription model.
- a_t48 7y agoIt's still cheaper than making a new game.
- jamesrcole 7y agoThere's so many older games being released on the Switch, for example. And they seem to be selling fairly well.
- Someone 7y agoAlso see Hollywood (different market, same logic), with the extreme example of the newest director’s cut of the fully remastered and digitally improved etc. etc. version of Star Wars. If you have a product that has brand value, it makes sense to reuse that value to market other products. Also see JavaScript (used the (perceived) value of Java) and USB and Bluetooth (pivoted to completely different ways to shove data over a wire/the air a few times, reusing the brand to become popular)
- MereInterest 7y agoAnd we're seeing just the same end result, with gaps missing in the cultural record. For example, there are Doctor Who episodes that simple don't exist anymore [1]. The contracts of the time specified a maximum number of broadcasts, after which they were taped over. Now, with loss of compatibility, closing of multiplayer servers, logon servers, games are going the same route. Another loss of culture. [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Who_missing_episodes https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Who_missing_episodes