RIP, The Last Great Indie

[TheMadDoctorsCat]

Of course, this is a stupid and terrible idea. The four new musicians would have no better odds at success than any other four guys trying to get into the business.

Oh, if only this were true! :-(

Nah, it is true. Try googling "Girl Thing". Note the coincidence of dates between the Spice Girls' rise to fame and their entrance into existence... their first single was tipped for #1. I believe it actually reached #8, then slipped to #19. Hah! Gotta feel sorry for the members of the band though... death by bad marketing is not a good way to go.

 

[randommaster]

At least it wasn't EA.

It actually was EA.

All development studios that have been purchased in the last five years have been bought by EA. EA actually owns all development studios and are trying to crash the videogame industry by forcing everyone to either make crappy games or remakes.

Anyways, nice article, Shamus.

 

[Lord_Ascendant]

I only own 1 id Software game, Enemy Territory: Quake Wars

tis fun, but punkbuster messes it up

 

[Miral]

I dug Quake 4 too. Like you said, not high art - but fun. The biggest problem with the game was that they spoiled the best part (Strogification) in the previews. If that had been a surprise twist I think it would have really grabbed people.

This. (And as Windknight already pointed out, they even had it on the back of the box. Just give away the entire plot of the game, there's a sound marketing strategy for you. [rolls eyes])

 

[Vriggchan]

Even with indie companies being bought out. It means there is going to be an inflow of new independent dev. companies. Plus we will see the mainstream games incorporate more of what us indie gamers love.

 

[karpiel]

Greatest FPS developer ever, end of an era

 

[bellhop]

Mr. Young,

Great article. You touched on some of the negative points brought on by the latest news. However, I have to disagree with your comparison aircraft designer helping design tanks. I am extremely excited to see Fallout 4, or another Bethesda game with an id Engine.

For a great review of the positive aspects, check out the Octale and Hordak Vs. The World, a gaming podcast found on Itunes or at wcradio.com. Their episode "Quaking at the Fallout of Doom", discusses plenty of positive elements to the merger.

If you've got a spare hour or two, check it out. It provides a great balance to the points raised in your article.

Thanks,
Bellhop

 

[AntoninusPius]

Great piece, but isn't VALVe still an independant, privately owned company? Even if they are ridiculously profitable?

Edit: Yup, they're still independant and privately owned. I guess VALVe is overlooked due to how big Steam is getting?

At least one to go, Mr. Young, at least one to go.

 

[Randomtime]

Same, I thought valve was independent, and doing really well (although, prehaps they are evolving into a new machine with the steam platform)