It’s actually just a memo originating from Activision Publishing CEO Eric Hirschberg that made the rounds about the time of Guitar Hero’s greatly exaggerated demise. It’s understandable that the execs wanted to give employees some reassurance, and it’s actually pretty humanizing for Activision as a company that they had this initiative. Still, this is probably a parallel they don’t want to draw, and definitely not in the press. With all the Activision-hating going around, this just sounds too much like one of those self-fulfilling prophecies.
“There are several key differences between the two franchises worth considering. Guitar Hero quickly reached incredible heights, but then began a steady decline. Call of Duty, on the other hand, has steadily grown every single year of its seven-year existence,” the memo read. “If you really step back and dispassionately look at any measurement – sales, player engagement, hours of online play, performance of DLC – you can absolutely conclude that the potential for this franchise has never been greater,” it went on. Some fair points there, although the COD community would probably just be happy getting dedicated servers and modding tools back.
Understanding the Rise and Fall of Guitar Hero
Guitar Hero was a groundbreaking franchise when it first launched, captivating millions with its innovative gameplay and the thrill of playing along to popular rock songs. The game quickly became a cultural phenomenon, leading to numerous sequels and spin-offs. However, the market soon became oversaturated with Guitar Hero titles and similar rhythm games, leading to a decline in interest. The rapid release of new versions and the high cost of the game’s peripherals also contributed to its downfall. Despite its decline, Guitar Hero left a lasting legacy and paved the way for other music-based games.
Call of Duty’s Steady Ascent
In contrast, Call of Duty (COD) has managed to maintain and even grow its player base over the years. Since its inception, COD has evolved with each installment, offering new and engaging content that keeps players coming back. The franchise’s success can be attributed to several factors, including its compelling single-player campaigns, robust multiplayer modes, and the introduction of new features such as the popular battle royale mode in Call of Duty: Warzone. Additionally, Activision’s commitment to supporting the game with regular updates and downloadable content (DLC) has helped sustain player interest.
The memo from Eric Hirschberg highlights the stark differences between the two franchises. While Guitar Hero experienced a meteoric rise followed by a sharp decline, Call of Duty has enjoyed steady growth. This can be seen in various metrics such as sales figures, player engagement, and hours of online play. The performance of DLC for COD has also been impressive, further demonstrating the franchise’s enduring appeal.
However, it’s worth noting that the COD community has its own set of demands. Many players have long requested the return of dedicated servers and modding tools, which were once a staple of the franchise. These features allowed for a more personalized and stable gaming experience, and their absence has been a point of contention among fans. Addressing these concerns could further enhance the franchise’s appeal and solidify its position in the gaming industry.
In conclusion, while the memo from Eric Hirschberg aimed to reassure Activision employees during a turbulent time, it also sheds light on the different trajectories of Guitar Hero and Call of Duty. Guitar Hero’s rapid rise and fall serve as a cautionary tale, while Call of Duty’s steady growth underscores the importance of evolving with the times and listening to the community. As long as Activision continues to innovate and address player feedback, the potential for the Call of Duty franchise remains strong.
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