14 DAY TRIAL // Paradox Interactive has shared some insight into the massive success experienced by its Magicka title, saying that the game benefitted immensely due to being released as a downloadable title, instead of a retail one.
Digital distribution is becoming more and more important to developers and publishers, especially on the PC where all sorts of services, from Valve’s Steam to EA’s Origin and anything in between, compete by letting actual game companies do whatever they want, as opposed to the restrictive terms found on the PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.
As further proof of the benefits of digital distribution, Paradox Interactive’s Shams Jorjani, who acted as producer for Magicka, explained to the A List how the success of the game is tied to its downloadable nature.
“Being digital has meant that we've been able to be extremely flexible with the product. We've been able to update the game frequently and easily as well as release new content quickly. Also digital has meant that it's easier to deliver more content - and thus allowing us to go with a lower base price. Games priced at $9.99 are generally not something that makes sense for retailers to handle. Digital for us has become a way to reach a bigger audience - here's a little gem for $9.99 - if you like it there's more fun stuff for you to try out.”
Magicka has sold over 1.3 million copies, according to Paradox, and its various DLC and expansions have moved over 4 million units. The company is now working on a new add-on called The Other Side of the Coin, which lets players take on the role of vampires and necromancers, instead of the friendly wizards.
“The 'Magicka model' is the preferred model for us at Paradox now,” Jorjani added.
“We much rather do 10 smaller 'Magicka-sized' products than 2-3 really big productions. Not only does it allow us to diversify risk - but it also works well with our philosophy of listening to the fans and giving them what they want. Big projects mean that you design features and have to wait years before players actually get their hands on them and give you feedback. By instead releasing a smaller base product we can listen to what the gamers respond well to and then give them more of what they want - not what we're guessing they want.”
Jorjani also mentioned that he and his team would like to bring Magicka to consoles like the PS3 or Xbox 360, but it’s up to the platform holders, i.e. Microsoft and Sony, to allow such a game on their devices.