Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: What Went Wrong - Kinda Funny Games Daily 11.10.23
Nov 10, 2023
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Gita Jackson, Staff Writer for VOX's The Verge, joins to discuss the rushed development of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 in just 16 months, the challenges of annual releases for game franchises like Call of Duty and Assassin's Creed, and the impact of capitalism on game development and live service games.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3's rushed development cycle and significant crunch highlight the challenges of tight production timelines.
Digital Extremes' layoffs indicate a shift in focus and resources within the company, affecting external projects and publishing teams.
Unity's potential layoffs and restructuring demonstrate its aim to align with a more focused approach and streamline its product offerings.
Deep dives
Modern Warfare 3 developed in just 16 months
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 was reportedly developed in just 16 months, with the campaign initially planned as an expansion to its predecessor. The decision to expand the project into a full-blown sequel led to a rush development cycle and significant crunch for the developers. The game's release was met with mixed reviews, highlighting the challenges of such a tight production timeline.
Digital Extremes lays off staff
Wayfinder publisher Digital Extremes has laid off more than 30 employees. The layoffs primarily affected the company's external projects and publishing teams. Wayfinder, an early access game released in August, will no longer be supported by Digital Extremes, with full ownership transferring to developer Airship Syndicate. The layoffs come after the appointment of a new CEO and indicate a shift in focus and resources within the company.
Unity considers layoffs and cost-saving measures
Game development software company Unity has announced that it may implement layoffs as part of broader cost-saving measures. The company is assessing its product portfolio and evaluating its cost structure to align with a more focused approach. The changes, expected to be completed by Q1 2024, may include discontinuing certain product offerings, reducing the workforce, and reducing the office footprint. Unity's popular engine is widely used in the gaming industry.
Financial struggles and near-miss bankruptcy of IO Interactive
A recent feature in edge magazine sheds light on the precarious situation faced by IO Interactive, the developer behind the Hitman series. Following the disappointing performance of 2016's Hitman, IO Interactive struggled to find a buyer when its parent company, Square Enix, looked to divest the studio. Offers as low as one dollar were made for the entire studio or suggestions were made to reduce its size and transition to a free-to-play model. Eventually, IO Interactive managed to negotiate a deal to buy itself out from Square Enix, but not before facing significant financial difficulties.
The remarkable success of Persona 5 Strikers
Persona 5 Strikers, a spin-off action game set in the Persona 5 universe, has achieved impressive sales of over two million copies worldwide. This success highlights the enduring popularity of the Persona franchise, defying expectations that Japanese games may have limited appeal in Western markets. The game's seamless integration of its beloved characters with engaging gameplay has captured the attention of fans and demonstrates the strong demand for diverse and quality Japanese games.
Blessing is joined by Gita Jackson of Aftermath to discuss Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 being made in 16 months, IO Interactive almost being sold for a dollar and more.
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The Roper Report -
- Modern Warfare 3 was reportedly developed in just 16 months
- Companies were offering a single dollar for IO Interactive