2006 In Review
So what rocked and what sucked about 2006 in the world of a video games and indie games? At least from my narrow perspective as a game developer and RPG fan, here's what I saw:

Rocked: The Rise of the Casual RPG
Aveyond. Cute Knight. Will there be more? Man, I hope so. I hope that not EVERY indie RPG tries to become a "casual" RPG, but I am very pleased to see a branch of the genre push out in new directions. Neither Hanako Games nor Amaranth Games seemed to intend to start a sub-genre... they just wanted to create cool games. They succeeded. And not only did they prove that the right RPG could attract a wider audience than anyone expected, but they also showed that there was more to casual games than just match-three bubble poppers.

Sucked: Computer Gaming World Retired (in name, at least)
Yeah, so the magazine hadn't been as great as it's hayday in the early-mid 90's, but it was still sad to see it go. It still exists as the Official Games For Windows Magazine, but that still just underscored the fact that it hadn't been the same magazine for a long time.

Rocked: Downloadable Console Games
They have been almost TOO MUCH of a success, causing the big publishers who previously snubbed their nose at the idea to muscle in on the action. But it's a great thing for gamers!

Sucked: Abuse of Microtransactions
Hi! Here's the next-gen version of last year's title! It's largely unchanged, but we're charging you more because... you know, it's NEXT GEN. Oh, and to top it off we've disabled all the features you got used to in last year's version, but we'll sell them back to you piecemeal via microtransactions! And we'll pretend that we're doing it for YOU. Aren't we awesome?

Rocked: Torque Game Builder (formerly Torque 2D) Released
The sheer number of commercial games that have been released this year using TGB alone is testiment to its flexibility and ease-of-use. It obviously filled some kind of need. I just wish I had more opportunity to play with it (but I have had fun combining it with the core game engine).

Sucked: Apocalypse Cow Still Not Released
A bit of suckage that is entirely my own fault. Apocalypse Cow was supposed to be a quick-and-dirty project. Shame on me.

Rocked: Oblivion and Guitar Hero
Two awesome mainstream games. The triumphant return of the Elder Scrolls series helped reinvigorate the single-player RPG genre on PCs and consoles. While it was a little too "action / arcade" for my preferences, and I had great fun abusing its use-based skill system, the fact of the matter is that I had a blast playing it. And Guitar Hero --- a surprise hit (now a franchise) from a previously obscure little developer. While the first game was a 2005 release, it's popularity has continued to rocket this year, and GH2 is definitely one of the most fun games I have ever played. So while I lament the parade of regurgitated game concepts coming out of the publishers these days, I also respectfully acknowledge that there are still some awesome titles that make their way through the pipeline.

Sucked: Dungeon & Dragons Online's Launch
The game has cleaned up its act a bit since its rocky launch, though I worry how much damage has already been done. That, and the lack of soloing options for people who loathe PUGs (Pick-Up Groups). But I think this is just one more nail in the coffin of the "brick-and-mortar" physical media game distribution model as a primary means of distribution. Hopefully other MMO companies will take note, and offer completely digital downloads as a viable option in the future.

Sucked: Anti-Game Legislation
As this was an election year in the U.S., the sheer volume of anti-videogame legislation clearing state governments by elected officials seeking quick-and-easy "family values" points was staggering. Even more staggering was the obvious lack of concern about Bill Of Rights violations by the same officials we've entrusted with the protection of the Constitution. Of course, that's just the USA. Europe has been jumping into the act as well. Hopefully the madness will eventually come to an end.

Rocked: Courts Pimp-Slapping Anti-Game Legislation
As bad as the anti-videogame legislation has been, at least some federal judges still have a clue. So far, they've slammed every bit of game censorship as being a flagrant violation of the Constitution, with the exception of one: A bit of legislation that the ESA actually approved of, that simply included games as a medium in another, older law governing more traditional media. And it's been really funny seeing "Wacky Jacky" Thompson's apoplectic reactions every single time. Too bad THAT doesn't get much media coverage.

Sucked: The PS3's Launch
Ludicrously low numbers of units actually shipped, sticker shock, units selling for $10k on EBay, underwhelming launch titles, arrogant public relations, and a head-scratching ad campaign. It's definitely a candidate for the most screwed-up launch of a major game console in history (and that is saying a lot). As Sony was the one that dethroned Nintendo in 1995, they should be acutely aware that historical dominance isn't all it takes to be king of the consoles in the new generation. It's hardly a "VirtualBoy" level disaster, but it is going to be a challenge for Sony going forward. All I know is that I am VERY glad I wasn't overly anxious to get a PS3 on launch. I'll happily wait until the dust settles.

And to end on an optimistic note:

Rocked: The Continued Rise In Popularity of Indie Games
We're getting more media attention daily. Casual games have become big business. Well, bigger, at least. With XBLA and Steam providing connecting downloadable (some indie, some not-so-much) content with mainstream gamers, and the (fairly) high-profile launch of Manifesto Games, players are discovering of alternatives to traditional channels through which they've always found their games. And the sales numbers are proving that they are being delighted by finding smaller, lower-budget, but FUN little titles out there. This is a great thing for developers and players. Go indie!
- posted by The Rampant Coyote @ 12:02 AM (Permalink)