Resident Evil: Revelations producer Masachika Kawata thinks one of the reasons for the recent decline of the Resident Evil franchise might be the glut of titles over the past two years. The latest title Revelations, though already out on 3DS, will soon be joining the coolly received sixth entry in the main series on home consoles. Other games in the series The Mercenaries 3D and Operation Raccoon City are also recent releases.
The Impact of Over-Saturation
“I think certainly looking at the last year or two, there probably were a few too many,” Masachika Kawata said. According to him, Capcom “learned last year that putting on a lot of titles would not necessarily win over gamers.”
The Resident Evil series has been a cornerstone of the survival horror genre since its inception in 1996. However, the rapid release of multiple titles in a short span can lead to franchise fatigue among players. This phenomenon is not unique to Resident Evil; other franchises have also suffered from over-saturation. For instance, the Assassin’s Creed series faced similar criticism when it released annual installments without significant innovation, leading to a temporary decline in its popularity.
Quality Over Quantity
“At the same time, I don’t think we should just stagger them out artificially because that’s the solution to the problem we have. We should always start by asking how do we make the games better. And if the solution to making the games better is to have a more staggered release than we’ve had recently then that’s something we’ll do. But we’ll do it for that reason and not just for flipping what we’ve done already.”
Kawata’s emphasis on quality over quantity is a crucial point. The gaming industry has seen numerous examples where a focus on quality has revitalized a franchise. For example, the reboot of the Tomb Raider series in 2013 brought a fresh perspective and high-quality gameplay, which was well-received by both critics and players. Similarly, the Resident Evil series could benefit from a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to game development.
Moreover, the success of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard, which returned to the series’ horror roots, demonstrates that fans appreciate a well-crafted game that stays true to the franchise’s core elements. This success suggests that a focus on creating high-quality, innovative games could help restore the Resident Evil series to its former glory.
Another aspect to consider is the evolving gaming landscape. With the rise of indie games and new genres, players have more choices than ever before. To stand out, established franchises like Resident Evil need to offer unique and compelling experiences. This could involve exploring new gameplay mechanics, deeper storytelling, or even branching out into different genres while maintaining the essence of what makes Resident Evil unique.
In conclusion, while the recent decline in the Resident Evil franchise can be attributed to the over-saturation of titles, the solution lies in focusing on quality and innovation. By taking the time to develop well-crafted games that resonate with players, Capcom can ensure the long-term success of the Resident Evil series.
Source Video Gamer
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
