Reaction: Summer Game Fest 2024 Showcases AAA's Endless Winter
How have extended development cycles and the pandemic impacted AAA gaming as mentioned in the news content?
Extended development cycles and the pandemic have had a significant impact on AAA gaming, as mentioned in the news content. The development cycles for AAA games have become longer than ever, resulting in a lack of major, noteworthy content to show during events like Summer Game Fest6. The pandemic has also exacerbated this issue, further slowing down the production of these games.
The impact of these extended development cycles and the pandemic has led to a shift in the industry, with fewer blockbuster games being released and a greater focus on smaller titles and independent games. This has led to a disconnect between the expectations of gamers and what the industry can actually deliver, raising questions about the need for independent summer showcases like Summer Game Fest.
What were some of the games highlighted at the Summer Game Fest that received positive attention?
Some of the games highlighted at the Summer Game Fest that received positive attention include:
- LEGO Horizon Adventures: This game exceeded expectations and looks like a genuinely entertaining alternative take on Aloy's escapades.
- Metaphor: ReFantazio: This RPG from Atlus, the team behind the Persona titles, is another highly anticipated game.
- Slitterhead: This game has all the jank and unbridled creativity of a Japan Studio cult classic.
- Black Myth: Wukong: After years of anticipation, this game is finally coming out and has received positive attention.
- Sonic Superstars: A new 2D Sonic platformer featuring the Blue Blur and his friends as they journey across the North Star Islands.
- Final Fantasy VII Rebirth: The next chapter in the FFVII remake project set to release in early 2024.
- Baldur’s Gate 3: This game got a few announcements, including the reveal of Jason Isaacs voicing the game’s antagonist Lord Enver Gortash4.
These games generated excitement and positive attention during the Summer Game Fest event.
What were the main criticisms of this year's Summer Game Fest according to the article?
The main criticisms of this year's Summer Game Fest, according to the article, were the lack of representation, particularly the absence of women on stage during the opening showcase, and the overall weak content of the event. The event was also criticized for its overly long two-hour running time, which seemed to exist mainly to accommodate advertisements. Additionally, the article notes that the expectations of gamers are no longer aligned with what the industry can actually deliver, raising the question of whether an independent summer showcase is needed at all.