Video game budgets have skyrocketed, leaving many to wonder why. The hosts discuss the financial landscape of game development, including salaries and project management costs. They also tackle engaging games for older players while exploring the disconnect between vocal critics and the broader audience. Additionally, there's a humorous take on YouTube apologies and a heartfelt celebration of community bonds. Lastly, the captivating game 'Root Trees Are Dead' is praised for its innovative mechanics and storytelling.
The skyrocketing budgets in video game production primarily arise from workforce salaries rather than technology or graphic engine costs.
An effective soundtrack can enhance gameplay without overwhelming players, as seen in 'Return of the Obra Dinn' and its immersive approach.
The podcast emphasizes the importance of community support for content creators, encouraging listener engagement to sustain independent media.
Deep dives
Exploring Video Game Economics
The podcast discusses the intricacies of video game budgets, highlighting that the majority of a game's production costs stem from the salaries of the people involved rather than just the technology or game engines. For instance, while many might assume that the bulk of a game's budget goes towards engine costs or graphics, it's primarily the workforce that drives these expenses. The conversation also touches on the mismanagement often seen within studios, which can inflate budgets significantly due to excessive delays or shifts in project direction. By breaking down the financial aspects, the hosts emphasize that understanding the workforce's role can lead to a different perspective on why games are so expensive to produce.
Music in Puzzle Games
The discussion also delves into the role of music in puzzle games, addressing whether soundtracks can become too distracting. One particular game mentioned is 'Return of the Obra Dinn', which successfully balances an engaging soundtrack with player immersion by allowing the music to fade during critical thinking moments. The hosts examine how different games approach music, contrasting the more ambient sound of 'Rise of the Golden Idol' with more dynamic compositions that could pull players out of the experience. This highlights the delicate balance game developers must strike in creating soundtracks that enhance the gameplay without overwhelming it.
Audience Discourse and Game Reception
The podcast reflects on the often toxic discourse surrounding video game releases, particularly when pre-release trailers are shared. Highlights include a conversation about how these negative reactions often reflect a minority opinion and can overshadow the actual excitement many players feel for a game. As an example, the hosts discuss the backlash against a new game featuring a diverse protagonist, emphasizing that such negativity typically stems from a small, vocal fringe. They note the importance of looking beyond these comments to the broader gaming community, which often embraces innovation and diversity.
Highlighting Underrated Games
As the hosts engage in a conversation about overlooked video games, one title that stands out is 'The Root Trees Are Dead', which they both commend for its unique narrative structure and engaging gameplay. This game challenges players to piece together a complex family tree through online sleuthing and logic, providing a fresh take on puzzle-solving mechanics. They discuss how the game successfully avoids frustrating difficulties by offering a coherent hint system that guides players through its challenges. The podcast argues that while many great games may languish in obscurity, innovative titles like this can shine through unique gameplay experiences.
The Power of Community and Member Support
The podcast closes with discussions around community support for content creators and the importance of becoming a member of platforms like Maximum Fun. The hosts express gratitude for their listeners and encourage audience participation through memberships, which not only sustain the show but also enable the creation of bonus content and deeper connections with fans. They emphasize that community engagement is vital to the success of independent creators in the podcasting space, providing a way for listeners to support the content they love directly. This highlights the growing trend of listener-supported media and its impact on shaping the future of podcasting.
How have video game budgets skyrocketed to the hundreds of millions? What are some good video games for elderly people? And is it possible there's a game as good as Balatro out there, but nobody has found it yet? This week, the Triple Click gang opens up the mailbag and takes some of your questions on all sorts of topics.
One More Thing:
Kirk: Black Doves (Netflix)
Maddy: Steam Families
Jason: The Roottrees Are Dead
LINKS:
Excerpts from “Crowning Celebration” by Paul Misko from The Case of the Golden Idol, 2022 and “New Wells of Conformity” by Paul Alexander from Case of the Golden Idol, 2024
Kirk’s new prediction: Death Stranding 2 will feature one (1) of the following people: Sydney Sweeney, Zendaya, Florence Pugh, Timothée Chalomét, Christopher Nolan, Daniel Craig