Extra Credits

Four Realistic Predictions (2015x11)

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During the convention season, games media often bursts with predictions about new trends and technology that will be the future of gaming - but many of those bold predictions never come to pass. Meanwhile, the small changes that don't make industry headlines have been building up, and right now in 2015 four patterns are clear. Asian markets in Japan, Korea, and China will expand into more parts of the West, especially as the cost to produce games gets so much higher than what their domestic markets can support. The short play sessions that have made mobile games popular with such a large audience will inform design even for traditional games in order to accommodate a maturing audience with less time to play. The power, flexibility, and above all usability of licensed engines will take over from in-house engines as they become too expensive to build with too few advantages. Finally, the rising cost of development will cause game assets to be re-used in spin-off titles that can help earn back the studio's investment in AAA titles.