Currently I am in the process of figuring out this question for myself. When we look at the numbers it seems that it hard to make a comercially successful game, at least harder then with music or film. If this is the case (not putting my head on the platter that it is so) then result will mediocrity driven by need to be accepted by everyone and appeal to brodest possible masses.

My personal belief is that gaming is finally starting to mature, it is not even in its prime yet. We just got to the point when there is enough technical expertise and professionals that can create product where emphasis is placed on design of the product, writing, etc. rather then getting enough frames per second, etc, etc. With that, we should expect to get more creative professionals from other fields participating in game creation, in turn which should result in high quality end product.

Keeping all said above in mind, why is it that rate of failure for video games is higher then in music, movies, novels etc.? Why there is such a substantial marketing expense involved in making game sucessful? Will this lead this industry to put out only cool aid, avoiding anything out of scope of general appeal? Will this makes our expirience poorer, less varied, less space for individuality?

A.

(writing inspired after playing Demons Souls >:)