14 DAY TRIAL // We live in very tough financial times, as the worldwide recession is making its presence felt across all branches of the industry. Despite being considered untouchable by the financial crisis, the gaming branch has also been affected, as big companies, like Microsoft, Sony or Electronic Arts have announced cost-cutting measures and staff reductions.
But this doesn't mean that new games won't appear from such corporations. That is, according to Chris Lewis, Microsoft's vice president of Interactive Entertainment Business, who has talked with GamesIndustry.biz regarding the fact that the company would not follow the trend of investing mainly in franchises, thus assuring a profit, but would also invest in new IPs (Intellectual Properties) set to mark a growth in the future.
“I think you'll see some [IP under threat], yes - but I also think, and I can only really speak with authority about our own games development work, be very confident we'll continue to innovate, and focus on exciting IP for the future,” said Lewis. Be very confident that we see that ultimately as central to our ability to continue to be successful, because I think if you batten down the hatches and simply work where you know you're already strong, that doesn't give you the future growth that we're all hungry for.”
Lewis also stated that new games would be essential in the future, and would give an edge to his company after the recession. “The healthy companies will be the ones that have invested sufficiently during that phase that they've got exciting IP and innovative things happening for when that recovery starts to happen. I don't know when that is... I'd love to know, but I tend to think very positively about the opportunities that it subsequently creates.”
Although Microsoft hasn't really released a lot of new IPs at the end of last year, as titles such as Lips or Scene It didn't impress hardcore gamers, which oriented on sequels such as Gears of War 2 or Fable II. Hopefully, we'll see some new things from the company soon enough.