Developers are making a fortune with loot boxes. That is why developer studios are now being restructured.
Manveer Heir has now been in the video game industry for 12 years. He worked as a developer on Mass Effect 3, Mass Effect: Andromeda, and Wolfenstein, among others. A few days ago he gave an interview on the Waypoint podcast (link in the sources) and spoke very little positively about Electronic Arts.
EA just announced that Visceral Studios is being closed. The developers have been known in recent years primarily for the “Dead Space” series – outstanding horror shooters. Most recently, Visceral was working on a “Star Wars” game, a more linear single-player title.
Open World and Multiplayer for More Profit
In an official statement, EA explained that the game will now be developed by another studio and that the direction of the development is changing. They want to “create an experience where players will keep coming back for a long time”.
According to Heir, this means in plain language: The game is to become “Open World” and probably also have a multiplayer mode. Because that can be marketed better in the long term.
This corporate policy is also the reason why games are increasingly being forced to include a multiplayer mode. BioWare, in particular, has always been known for its strong single-player titles, such as the “Mass Effect” or “Dragon Age” series. These games have received a multiplayer mode and a (more or less) open world. But this did not happen because fans wanted it, but because it can generate long-term revenue.
“EA is not concerned with what players really want – EA is only concerned with what players are willing to pay for. Those are not necessarily the same things.”
And it goes without saying that players are willing to pay for it. Although most “casual players” cannot imagine it, Heir recounts individual users who have spent more than $15,000 on “loot boxes” for the multiplayer of Mass Effect 3. These boxes contain weapons, power-ups, or cosmetic options for the characters.
EA Restructures the Studios
Next, he mentions Anthem, the multiplayer shooter currently in development at BioWare. This is anything but a typical BioWare game, which is actually known for compelling single-player titles. “What this means is that linear single-player AAA titles are currently dead for EA.”
However, Heir also provides reassurance here as he states: “Twelve years ago, there was once this trend to focus more on Open World.” And there will always be developers who will fill the niche, leading to the birth of new single-player studios.
Just a few days ago, we published an article about why we believe single-player titles are dying.
