With the gaming industry having a tough time to handle increased costs, it's likely that the industry wants to keep its $60 price tag. In an earlier news item from CDFreaks.com we already asked your opinion, is $60 too much for a game? A majority of the people think that it is, but Activision stated that 'the consumer still accepts the $60 dollar price tag'. With some still accepting, the industry will not collapse, but recent statements from EA's CEO John Riccitiello show that some expect the consolidate. Some parties in the industry will not be part of it any longer.
In 2010 there will be fewer major publishers, Riccitiello predicted. Main reasons for this to happen are the increased costs and 'creative failure'. Another important reason can be found in the companies' talents. The fear that a great talent leaves to a competitor is larger than ever before.
So why do developers leave in the first place? Many publishers try to integrate acquisition immediately, and let the developer run under the acquirer's rules. This gives the developer no space, and is the main reason for leaving. With the developers possibly leaving you as a publisher, rising costs, discussions about the $60 price tag and 'creative failure' being everywhere Riccitiello is possibly right.
The publishers that he thinks that are capable of surviving are EA, Activision, Microsoft, Nintendo, Sony Computer Entertainment, Take-Two Interactive, THQ and Ubisoft. With this list we can now say that Riccitiello is maybe sugessting Eidos and Midway not to survive.
What do you think?
