I'm trying to square this with my memory of gaming. Hasn't it long been dominated by far fewer names than the number of people actually making the games? Electronic Arts was, specifically, known for highlighting the names of the main individuals behind the games.
I'm also not clear what to make of the idea on the section title: "Deprofessionalization is built on the back of devaluing labor". Just, what? Is the labor involved in creating games in the crafting of the game, or in the marketing of them? To be clear, marketing is a valuable way to build a market. Literally in the name. But it is not the same as building of the game.
I think there is almost certainly something to this. But really feels like this story is stretching.
bitbasher · 9h ago
Yes.. the entire idea is upside down.
Indie (solo developers + small teams) are somehow... destroying AAA companies and causing layoffs.
The problem couldn't possibly be... AAA companies are over budgeting and under performing. Maybe they should learn from the indies. Stop building slop no one wants.
I'm also not clear what to make of the idea on the section title: "Deprofessionalization is built on the back of devaluing labor". Just, what? Is the labor involved in creating games in the crafting of the game, or in the marketing of them? To be clear, marketing is a valuable way to build a market. Literally in the name. But it is not the same as building of the game.
I think there is almost certainly something to this. But really feels like this story is stretching.
Indie (solo developers + small teams) are somehow... destroying AAA companies and causing layoffs.
The problem couldn't possibly be... AAA companies are over budgeting and under performing. Maybe they should learn from the indies. Stop building slop no one wants.