The timing seems a bit arbitrary, but what with Child of Eden gathering praise from all corners, Activision probably feels the need to strike while the iron is still hot. Which is precisely what it’s doing, according to CEO Bobby Kotick, who revealed that the franchise is currently being revived in a recent interview. He also took the opportunity to assess some past rhythm game mistakes.
“We should have said, ‘Well, how many people really want to unleash their inner DJ?’ And then out of the people who do want to unleash their inner DJ, how many want to do it in the context of a game where you earn points, versus just taking a DJ deck or tools on their Macintosh and actually being a DJ? And it turns out it’s a very small market,” he explained.
The Rise and Fall of Rhythm Games
No matter how you slice it, Activision’s plastic peripheral games were either very well made, but with limited appeal, like the excellent DJ Hero series, or potentially hugely appealing games like Tony Hawk Ride that were either completely broken or just plain boring. Either way, Guitar Hero has an uphill battle ahead of it.
The rhythm game genre saw a meteoric rise in the mid-2000s with titles like Guitar Hero and Rock Band capturing the imaginations of gamers worldwide. These games allowed players to live out their rock star fantasies, complete with plastic guitars, drum kits, and microphones. However, the market quickly became saturated, and the novelty began to wear off. By the early 2010s, the genre had largely faded from the mainstream, with many attributing its decline to overexposure and a lack of innovation.
Lessons Learned and Future Prospects
Kotick’s reflections on the past mistakes of rhythm games highlight the importance of understanding the target audience and market demand. The DJ Hero series, while critically acclaimed, failed to capture a significant market share because it catered to a niche audience. Similarly, Tony Hawk Ride’s innovative skateboard peripheral was marred by poor execution, leading to its downfall.
Despite these setbacks, the revival of Guitar Hero presents an opportunity for Activision to learn from past mistakes and innovate in ways that resonate with modern gamers. The gaming landscape has evolved significantly since the heyday of rhythm games, with advancements in technology and changes in player preferences. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) could offer new and immersive ways to experience rhythm games, potentially breathing new life into the genre.
Moreover, the rise of streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube Gaming has created a new avenue for rhythm games to thrive. Players can now share their performances with a global audience, adding a social and competitive element that was previously lacking. This could help rekindle interest in rhythm games and attract a new generation of players.
In conclusion, while the revival of Guitar Hero faces significant challenges, it also presents exciting opportunities for innovation and growth. By learning from past mistakes and leveraging new technologies, Activision has the potential to reinvigorate the rhythm game genre and capture the imaginations of gamers once again.
Source Forbes
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