GTL: Have Gaming Conventions And Certain Genres Reached A Tipping Point?
By Twin Galaxies Editorial Staff ·
With gaming conventions like PAX East dominating the landscape, have we reached a point where there are too many conventions to attend? Plus, with the Battle Royale market being ruled by games such as PUBG, Fortnite and H1Z1, is there room for newcomers who promise a twist on the genre?
On this episode of Game Talk Live, host Mandie Roman talks with panellists about the number of gaming conventions that pop up every year and whether we’ve reached a point where there are too many to feasibly attend. The show also covers the resurgence of remakes and remasters that hit that nostalgia spot and whether that is enough to ensure success in the gaming market. Joining her in the discussion is Nick D’Orazio of InvenGlobal, Robert Workman of WWG, and online host and producer Trisha Hershberger.
Starting off the show, the panel talks about the growth of PAX and the way it has come to dominate the convention scene. The panel discusses the different ways PAX has set itself apart from other big conventions such as E3, as well as the ways other conventions have begun to emulate them. The panel then talks about whether there are too many conventions for fans to attend. The discussion centres on the differences between Fan-centric conventions and Industry-centric conventions, as well as the rise of single developer exhibitions, and whether this is a better deal for the companies or for their consumers.
Nick D'Orazio talking about what separates @Official_PAX from all of the other gaming conventions
— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) April 9, 2018
Follow Nick @nickdorazio3rd or join the conversation live now by going here: https://t.co/Ojo7AUAlla pic.twitter.com/jXPKWnTKoL
The topic then shifts to the rise of remakes and remasters, and whether this is a trend we can expect to see more of in the future. With the popularity of older franchises rising again like Spyro the Dragon, are we going to experience the same level of ambivalence as the Film Industry when it comes to older IP’s being remade, compared to new IP’s being created. The panel looks at the benefits of having newer developers putting their spin on older titles, as well as who these remakes are actually targeted towards.
Is the Spyro Reignited Trilogy for old fans or new fans? Nick D'Orazio is definitely leaning towards old fans
— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) April 9, 2018
Follow him @nickdorazio3rd and join the live conversation by going here: https://t.co/Ojo7AUAlla
The panel then looks at platform exclusives, with the news that the latest Spider-Man game will be only on PlayStation. Are exclusives a good thing, or will Insomniac Games see a backlash from this decision? Discussion also covers how these exclusives shape the market, and whether consumers will be happy to make the switch to follow their favourite franchises.
Oh dang! Trisha Hershberger dropping million dollar VR ideas on here!
— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) April 9, 2018
Follow her @thatgrltrish or join the live conversation here: https://t.co/Ojo7AUAlla pic.twitter.com/BSS3cnrFUw
The topic then turns to the rise of cosplay and fan integration at conventions. With the massive success of the Overwatch Payload Tour, will developers and conventions put a bigger priority on appealing to cosplayers? The panel looks at the success Blizzard have experienced with the Payload Tour, and what it means for other, future conventions.
Robert Workman shares his view on how @E3 has tried to blend their event into something for industry and fans
— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) April 9, 2018
Follow him @thedcd and follow the live conversation here: https://t.co/Ojo7AUAlla pic.twitter.com/YY8KAYnFtj
The topic then shifts to the Battle Royale Genre, and the news that PUBG’s latest map will finally be making its way to the Xbox environment. GTL discusses whether developers have an obligation to make sure their previous content works perfectly before moving on to new creations, or whether the constant content cycle is the best way to retain players.
The discussion then centres on the announcement from Boss Key Productions that they are making a new Battle Royale game with an 80’s theme. The panel looks at whether this nostalgia-fuelled theme will be enough for the new game to survive in the current ecosystem, or whether we’ve reached the saturation point for the Battle Royale Genre. The panel discusses the similarities between the current Battle Royale issues and the MOBA issues from years past, and whether developers can learn from previous mistakes to help ensure a quality product.
"You can have all the 80s themes you want. If you don't structure your game the right way, it ain't gonna bring in anybody" - @thedcd on Boss Key's new battle royale game Radical Heights
— GameTalkLive (@GameTalkLive) April 9, 2018
Follow the live conversation here: https://t.co/Ojo7AURWcI pic.twitter.com/yGMLV3sRNE
Finally, the panel looks at whether there is such a thing as a new idea in gaming, and how games made in the modern time can stand out from their peers. The panel talks about the difference between gameplay and gimmicks, as well as what developers can do to make sure their game stands out in a crowd.
Game Talk Live has wrapped up for today, but you can see the episode in its entirety in the video above. Be sure to check out the previous episode, where the panellists discuss the eternal tug of war between gamers and developers.