Fate of Forspoken Highlights the Risks of Overreaching in Game Development
Forspoken, a highly-anticipated game developed by Luminous Productions, was one of the first games revealed for the PS5. However, the game faced many delays before its release in 2023. Despite its impressive graphics and exciting storyline, Forspoken failed to meet Square Enix’s expectations, potentially preventing it from spawning a larger franchise. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind the game’s disappointing sales and how it could have been more successful as an AA title.
Forspoken Fails to Meet Square Enix’s Expectations
Despite the hype surrounding the game’s release, Forspoken fell short of Square Enix’s expectations. Players complained about the stereotyped dialogue and bland combat, while the vast open world felt depressingly empty. Though the game still offers a great story and intense boss battles, it failed to justify its $70 price tag for many gamers. This is reflected in the game’s lackluster launch numbers, potentially due to the game targeting the wrong market.
Forspoken May Have Been Too Ambitious
Forspoken‘s fate is a reminder that not all games need to be triple-A titles. Smaller games with shorter playtimes, smaller maps, and more linear experiences can also be successful. These games are less costly to develop, making them less risky for studios. Furthermore, if they are sold with lower price tags, gamers may be more willing to try new ideas.
Forspoken could have been more successful if it was an AA title with a smaller scope and a lower price tag. By stripping away the vast open world and streamlining the magic system, the game could have been one of the most successful titles of the year.
Forspoken’s fate is unfortunate, but Square Enix still has a chance to recover. Unlike Forspoken, Final Fantasy is a well-established series, making it less likely to fall below expectations. Forspoken could have been a successful game if it was an AA title with a smaller scope and a lower price tag. Smaller games with unique ideas have a place in the gaming industry, and studios should not feel compelled to make only triple-A titles.
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