Big developers making small games from time to time

[josemlopes]

This is something that I would like to see happening more, like in between big releases have them make a small 15$ game where they try something different.

Avalanche (the guys that do the Just Cause series) made a XBLA and PSN game (that later got released on Steam) called Renegade Ops and it looked like this:

Neat, eh? You get a very high-quality game for a genre that usually has very low budget games (in here a lot of things can be re-used from their previous AAA game, like the game engine, sounds, effects, etc).

Another example is the recently released WRC Powerslide that even uses most of the assets from the previous games to make a top down racer with powerups and shit...
This is their big game

And this is their smaller game:

What do you think? Would you like to see other big developers try to go a bit experimental on smaller titles and make things a bit more creative without having to sacrifice an older IP for a new one?

 

[Pink Gregory]

This is the kind of game that Double Fine seem to excel in; their last big release, Brutal Legend, wasn't all that good really; but Stacking, Costume Quest and Iron Brigade were all great little games, if a little low-key. I'm surprised Iron Brigade never seemingly had much promotion, I enjoyed the fudge out of it.

 

[sextus the crazy]

Sure, I find small games to be more fun sometimes. Hence, why my DS gets so much use, even though I don't travel much.
It's a great way for developers to make new IPs without taking a big risk.

 

[Hyper-space]

Makes sense, allows for experimentation that they not be able in the AAA space and earns them a little extra cash on the side.

 

[jehk]

Makes sense, allows for experimentation that they not be able in the AAA space and earns them a little extra cash on the side.

This works for the film industry for the most part. I wish the video game industry would learn. Instead indie developers are forging the path on their own.

 

[Smooth Operator]

It is a very good idea actually, because:
- they got talent and equipment to do something neat on the double
- every dev group has thousands of great ideas they can never do in their big projects
- also alleviates built up frustration with that one game they had to do for several years
- departments with downtime can do something productive instead of selling $5 cheat codes and call it work
- opens up new game / revenue directions without much risk

I would prefer if they first get their heads dislodged from their anus and do some flexible pricing and not just top or bottom tier, but hey can't change it all in a day.

 

[Ed130 The Vanguard]

It would be a nice way to experiment without the risk.

Too bad it'll never happen with Publishers breathing down the devs backs.

 

[Mr. Omega]

I would like to see more big-budgetdevs making smaller titles. One company that seems to be doing it well is Nintendo.

First the team who made Pokemon are making a game called HarmoKnight

Spoiler

Then the guys who made Fire Emblem made Pushmo and sequel, Crashmo.

Spoiler

Still, it'd be nice to see other big publishers try it.

Edit: oh, the question is specifically about using the same series. Well, I can think of a couple examples like Megaman 9, but nothing really like the original post.

 

[josemlopes]

I would like to see more big-budgetdevs making smaller titles. One company that seems to be doing it well is Nintendo.

First the team who made Pokemon are making a game called HarmoKnight

Spoiler

Then the guys who made Fire Emblem made Pushmo and sequel, Crashmo.

Spoiler

Still, it'd be nice to see other big publishers try it.

Edit: oh, the question is specifically about using the same series. Well, I can think of a couple examples like Megaman 9, but nothing really like the original post.

Actually no, the question also aplies if the big game is a modern first person shooter and their small one is a trance music rhythm game with ponies.

What I meant by not sacrificing their IP is by not making this one their big new priority meaning that after this small game is done they can easily go back to the big one. Kind of what Avalanche did.