Week in Mobile Games E21 - The future of B2B games media
Jul 21, 2024
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Guests Craig Chapple, Paige Cook, and Aaron Astle from PocketGamer.biz discuss Monopoly Go becoming a board game, the future of B2B games media, and the closure of Axis Studios. They also explore investments in gaming companies, AI applications, iPad support for Delta emulator, and the importance of B2B journalism in the mobile games industry.
Axis Studio faced closure due to financial challenges, emphasizing the importance of stable project flow.
Masahiro Sakurai encourages game developers to prioritize innovation over market research for unique game creation.
Deep dives
Axis Studio Animation Firm Enters Administration
Axis Studio, a renowned games animation firm, has sadly gone into administration, resulting in over 160 job losses. The severe cash flow problems primarily stemmed from a decline in projects and increasing labor costs, leading to this unfortunate outcome. With a remarkable 24-year track record, Axis Studio's exceptional work, including memorable projects like the Dead Island trailer, will be sorely missed in the industry.
Masahiro Sakurai's Take on Game Design and Market Research
Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of Super Smash Bros, shared his unconventional views on game design and market research in a recent YouTube video. He cautioned against overly relying on market research, suggesting that following it too closely can lead to creating average and mediocre games. Sakurai advocates for a more innovative approach, focusing on creating something fun and unique rather than conforming to existing trends, aiming to be a trailblazer in game development.
Reflections on Closures and Layoffs in the Industry
The unfortunate trend of closures and layoffs continues in the gaming industry, with Axis Studio being the latest casualty, resulting in over 160 job losses. The studio's severe cash flow issues, attributed to project decline and escalating labor costs, led to this heartbreaking outcome. Amidst ongoing challenges in the industry, the hope remains for a positive turnaround in the future.
Innovative Game Trailers: The Impact of Axis Studio's Work
Axis Studio's creative contributions, such as the iconic Dead Island trailer, have left a lasting impact on the gaming industry. Their exceptional animation work, including collaborations with renowned titles like Halo, has been highly respected. Despite facing closure, the studio's legacy of crafting engaging and memorable game trailers will remain a testament to their talent and artistry.
Craig Chapple, Paige Cook and Aaron Astle from the PocketGamer.biz team discuss the latest mobile games industry news from the past week.
We cover the news that Monopoly GO! is now its own board game... plus discuss the future of B2B games media and the closure of Axis Studios - the team behind that famous Dead Island trailer.
** Let's Connect **
👉🏻 Twitter - https://twitter.com/pgbiz
👉🏻 LinkedIn Group - https://www.linkedin.com/company/pocketgamer-biz/
👉🏻Pocket Gamer Mobile Games Awards - https://www.mobilegamesawards.com
👉🏻 Pocket Gamer Party Cologne 2024 - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pocket-gamer-party-cologne-2024-tickets-927776854547
👉🏻 PocketGamer.biz MasterClass - https://www.pocketgamer.biz/announcing-the-pocketgamerbiz-masterclasses-summer-2024-programme/
👉🏻 Story Mode Podcast - Tips on how to use game PR to drive success from Craig Chapple from PocketGamer.biz - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMhCLqXMzbk
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