As a video game developer, you’re constantly faced with challenges and obstacles that can impact your work and ultimately, your success. One such challenge is the ongoing conflict in our world today.
This war has had a significant impact on the gaming industry, from changes in funding and development to shifts in player behavior and preferences.
Funding and Development
One of the most immediate impacts of this war on video game developers is the way funding is allocated for projects. With the ongoing conflict in our world today, there’s a heightened awareness of the need to invest in domestic security and defense measures.
This has led to a shift in funding priorities, with fewer resources being directed towards the gaming industry.
This can be seen in the number of games that are being developed and released each year. According to data from Statista, the number of video game releases increased by 61% between 2005 and 2019. However, this growth rate has slowed down significantly in recent years, with only a 3% increase in 2020 compared to 2019.
This shift in funding priorities has also impacted the types of games that are being developed. With fewer resources available, game developers are increasingly turning to low-cost and low-risk projects that can be completed quickly and with limited resources.
This has led to an increase in the number of mobile games and casual games, which are easier to develop and market.
Player Behavior and Preferences
Another way in which this war has impacted video game developers is through changes in player behavior and preferences.
With many people feeling anxious or stressed about the ongoing conflict, they’re turning to video games as a form of escape and relaxation.
This has led to an increase in demand for games that offer a sense of adventure, exploration, and escapism.
This can be seen in the popularity of games like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Grand Theft Auto V, which offer players the ability to create their own worlds, build structures, and explore vast virtual landscapes.
However, this demand for escapism has also led to a backlash from some critics who argue that video games are contributing to a sense of disconnection and detachment from reality. With so many people turning to virtual worlds as a form of escape, they’re missing out on real-life experiences and connections with others.
Real-Life Examples
There are many real-life examples of how this war has impacted the gaming industry. One such example is the release of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 in 2018.
The game was marketed heavily as a way for players to experience the tension and excitement of modern warfare, with trailers showing soldiers engaging in intense firefights and carrying out daring missions.
However, the game faced criticism from some who argued that it glorified violence and militarism, and contributed to a sense of desensitization to real-world violence. This led to calls for the game to be banned in some countries, and it ultimately faced a backlash from critics and players alike.
Another example is the release of Battlefield V in 2018.
The game was marketed as a way for players to experience the chaos and intensity of World War II, with trailers showing soldiers engaging in intense firefights and carrying out daring missions.
