I found this to be a pretty interesting piece but one thing really got to me. Why weren't any actual people in VideoGame marketing interviewed for this? Wouldn't it make more sense to talk to the people who make these kinds of decision. Even if they did it annoymously, they would better address why their respective companies market games in a particular manner. This is the same as the We Dare debacle from 2010. There you had a game that clearly screwed up its marketing and it was quickly forgotten, not to mention the fact that it was a Europe-only title. I'd really like it if GameSpot or any other gaming site actually went out and talked to the marketing department from any publisher, big or small and actually delve into how they decide to push their products. Heck, I'd even take a PR agent; they love to talk and there are so many of them. There must be a former GameSpot Alum who now works on that side of things who could shed some light on this. Fine, most people in Marketing aren't 'famous' or 'recognizable' but they would still know this stuff better than those who don't work on that side of the fence. You don't ask a doctor his opinion on the best cut of meat, so it's probably better to ask a professional their own opinion on the matter.
While it sucks that GameSpot doesn't have a Sports Editor, I am glad it was one of the few sites that didn't write obituaries about the demise of MLB 2K Funny seeing Operation Sports and Pasta Padre back-peddle with this announcement; especially since they were so adament there would be no game. It's the difference between professional and fan-sites.
But, considering the short turn around, I suspect that there will be very little improvement in 2K13 over 2K12 and last year's game wasn't that good anyway. Yes, it was easily accessible but the lack of improvements held it back. I hope I am wrong but it won't be easy to impress. I also really hope that 2K Sports goes with the cheaper price point to compete. Release their game at 39.99 and it will sell copies to the more casual of sports gamer.
I think the future of the genre has hit its plateau. Out of all the genres, it is probably the one which could use a lot of improvement, including trying to appeal to wider audiences. Fighting games are not "system sellers" nor do they put much of an attempt at bringing in new people to the genre. It's funny how the sports and racing genres get flak for holding course, the fighting genre is no different.
I strongly doubt we'll see much in 2013 for the genre. Developers will be waiting for the next console cycle to really put much into the future of the genre. Let's just hope that 2013 is the beginning of the next generation of gaming so that all genres (not just fighting) see improvements.
I know I've already done my fair-share of complaining but to those people who are just as disappointed, you have to remember that GameSpot is pretty conversative in comparison to the older days. Outside of Shaun, who has a great sense of humor, none of the other editors have much of a funny bone. If the gaming press was politics, GameSpot would be the Conservative Party while the other sites would be the other parties (Eg. Liberal, Progressive, etc..). The sad part is that IGN, who are the biggest dude-bros in the Gaming Press, are far from funny. If you want funny, there is only one site to visit: GiantBomb.
I seriously doubt anyone from their US Office outside of the few Brits that work there voted for FM2013 but it is nice that they didn't bow to the pressure of the US. I am still shocked that SSX wasn't a nominee but my opinion doesn't matter.
Hopefully this win for FM2013 will result in Sega putting more marketing push behind this game in North America. Maybe it will also lead to the development of other Mangement games that aren't Facebook games. I've decided to download the demo through Steam, hope I'm not disappointed.
Although not seeing Street Fighter X Tekken on this list is kind of surprising, I guess we can say that this is the end of the line for Fighting games until the next console generation.
So GameSpot essentially gives up on Sports gaming coverage but when a eSports connection is there, they decide to cover it. No other gaming site covers eSports because it's not that enjoyable; the people involved are anti-social. Then to make matters worse, they're playing a year old game. Give them FIFA 13.
I love Homer, he has great on-camera pressence but he's out of his wheel-house here. This is why GS should have kept their Sports Editor, for events like this. Please GamSpot, stop covering eSports; you've given up on your video content to focus on this stuff. Bring back On The Spot and Mount Stupid.
Funny how most of GS' video team now are employed by GamesRadar. GRs EIC and also former GS Editor Sophia Tong has essentially poached all the fantastic video guys and I expect that their content will only get better as time progresses.
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