Games Like Astro Bot Could Save the Industry
Despite massive budgets, the gaming industry has been struggling in recent years. Studio closures, layoffs, and canceled projects demonstrate that the industry is becoming increasingly difficult as it grows. Former Santa Monica Studios manager Meghan Morgan Juinio emphasizes that it’s not major AAA titles, but smaller but creative games like Astro Bot, that can halt this trend.
Astro Bot Rekindles Hope in the Gaming World
Speaking to GameDeveloper, Juinio stated that the industry is stuck in a spiral of “growth for size.” He believes that studios, in their rush to “seize the moment” in the post-pandemic era, have turned to high-budget projects, but this has reached a point where it’s unsustainable, both financially and creatively. “Everyone has to think long-term now,” Juinio said, noting that even a single mistake by major AAA titles can result in millions of dollars in losses.
According to Juinio, the solution lies in re-opening the space for AA and indie titles, which have been forgotten in the industry. While these games may have smaller budgets, they foster innovation because they allow for creativity and risk-taking. “If you make really good games, scale doesn’t matter. People will play them,” he says, emphasizing that fun is far more important than technical visuals.
Astro Bot stands out as a prime example. While it may seem like a simple 3D platformer, this game, which has become Sony’s mascot, has won the hearts of millions by offering a fun, friendly, and passionately crafted experience. Juinio says, “Astro Bot wasn’t big, but it was a great game. This shows that excellent graphics or massive open worlds don’t make a game memorable,” reminding us of the industry’s fundamental priority.
According to Juinio, gamers have become desensitized to the idea of ”bigness.” Photo-realistic graphics, high budgets, or massive maps alone aren’t enough. “If a game isn’t fun, it doesn’t matter how beautiful it looks.” The producer says that games of the future should be built on sincerity and innovation.
Productions like Astro Bot are seen as examples that can restore balance to the gaming world. According to Meghan Morgan Juinio, even if the industry doesn’t fully recover, “the power of creativity and innovation” can propel the gaming industry toward a more hopeful future.
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