Another Dose of Video Game Politics
Bizarre Creation’s farewell video by Eamon Urtone, Creative Director.
Guitar/DJ Hero Cancellation Aftermath
Activision has announced that there will be 500 layoffs. Vicarious Visions has laid of 50 of their employees. Bungie has stated that the rumors surrounding layoffs from their studio are false and they will not be affected by this. While the upcoming layoffs are saddening, this isn’t the first time Activision has done something like this.
It reminds me of the time when Shaba Games closed; their last game was Spider-Man: Web of Shadows, which mediocre ratings and did not sell well.
All I can do is hope for the best. I keep wishing that people could simply work for somebody else and make other games. However, I know the world is crowded and the economic recession is really throwing everyone off. In closing, I blame Activision for pushing out too many Guitar Hero games. Are they going to do something like this with Call of Duty?
Spyro Fan Rage Continues
Anyone who has been reading the Skylander news is well aware of fans not liking Spyro’s new image.
Unfortunately, Skylanders is not geared towards Spyro fans; it is geared towards children who like collectible toys and video games. When a publisher looks at a potential game, they look at it’s “comparables”, other games that are similar. An example of a comparable for Skylanders could be Pokémon which increased sales of their other products (e.g. cards, toys) which in turn spawned more video game sequels.
There is a rumor going around that other toys will be made that may include more characters from the Spyro universe and possibly other licensed properties.
With regards to the fan base, I’m glad they’re directing their anger towards Activision. Toys for Bob made the game based on Activision’s demands. Whatever a developer makes, the publisher can request any changes and the developer must do as they’re told.
Conclusion
There will be more layoffs announced in the future. I really have no idea who would be next. Many developers have contributed work to Guitar Hero or DJ Hero, even Toys for Bob. There have been many reactions from the Spyro fan base about Skylanders; I have seen many videos of Spyro fans explaining their feelings about it. However, I have noticed that many people are at least intrigued by the portal peripheral and the “inter-action figure” toys.
Links
50 staff gone from Vicarious Visions
Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure Fact Sheet
Eamon Urtone’s Vimeo page
