Gamers Bored with Sequels

Analyst Says Sequels Turning Off Consumers

Brilliant. It takes a business analyst to point out to the publishers what their flaws are -- but for a game developer trying to develop a new IP, a new IP is seen as a liability -- something untested, and potentially money-losing. A sequel in the games industry has always been thought of as being a sure money maker -- and unlike Hollywood, it usually sells better than the original, and causes sales of the previous title to rise. The danger in the sequels is that with every iteration, less and less change from sequel to sequel, taking small minute steps rather than large revolutionary changes in the gameplay. Players become fatigued with keeping up with the franchise, and sometimes the franchise develops features that annoy the formerly franchise faithful who then continue playing the old version of the game.