Deconstructor of Fun 287. Fat Cats, Steaming Decks, all GaaS and no Subscriptions with Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics
May 27, 2025
Rhys Elliott, Head of Market Analysis at Alinea Analytics and a gaming veteran, dives into the contrasts between established studios and nimble new teams. He explores the decline of bloated AAA games and the rise of shorter, creative experiences. The conversation also critiques the struggling subscription models like Game Pass and evaluates how sleek devices like the Steam Deck could revolutionize portable gaming. Elliott emphasizes the importance of team quality over genre, shedding light on the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.
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Fat Cats vs. Hungry Cats Insight
- Experienced "fat cat" developers with big funding often fail despite their pedigree.
- Small, hungry studios create innovative games that capture market gaps unserved by big studios.
Evaluate Full Team, Not Just Stars
- Evaluate whole teams, not just famous founders, when investing in game studios.
- Check past execution and business plans, not just legacy reputations.
Shorter Games Win Attention
- Games have grown too long amid maxed player time and attention limits.
- Shorter, creatively made AA games seize attention over bloated AAA sequels.