Franchise Management
Ongoing coverage on Franchise Management.
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Why switching main characters for your game's sequel might be a mistake
Consultant Christian Fonnesbech argues that switching main characters in game sequels is a significant business risk, as characters are a primary emotional connection for players and a valuable IP asset. While artistic choices like introducing female protagonists in Hades 2 can be successful, Fonnesbech questions their long-term business impact and suggests maintaining character continuity is crucial for franchise success, citing examples like Tomb Raider and James Bond.
Oh lord, Konami want yearly Silent Hill games alongside vaguely described "experiences," just don't let that be another movie
Konami aims for annual releases of new Silent Hill games, with producer Motoi Okamoto stating that multiple projects are in development. While Silent Hill: Townfall and Silent Hill f are upcoming titles, Okamoto indicated that future games may explore settings beyond America to diversify storytelling possibilities and prevent player fatigue.
Original Halo art director "may disagree" with some Campaign Evolved "creative decisions," but says…
Original Halo art director Marcus Lehto stated that while he genuinely enjoyed Halo: Campaign Evolved and is rooting for the franchise, he may disagree with some of its creative decisions. Lehto, who co-created the franchise with Bungie, expressed his continued care for Halo despite its recent struggles and acknowledged that fans might not like his own potential future contributions to the series.
Dave Filoni's goal as Lucasfilm president is serving "different generations" of Star Wars fans and…
Dave Filoni, newly installed as Lucasfilm president, aims to serve and unite the various generations of Star Wars fans, from original trilogy enthusiasts to those who prefer newer series. He believes the Star Wars theme park attractions are a key venue for bringing these diverse fan groups together. Filoni's approach is evident in recent projects like The Mandalorian and Grogu, Ahsoka, and Andor, which cater to different segments of the fanbase.
Halo Co-Creator Has An Idea To Revive The Franchise, But Doubts Xbox CEO “Gives A Sh**”
Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto has proposed ideas for a darker, more grounded Halo game with a focus on both PvP and PvE elements, suggesting a need to streamline the lore. He expressed doubt about Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's interest in reviving the franchise and criticized outsourcing development, believing it harmed the series. Lehto also mentioned a recent report about Microsoft potentially enlisting Sledgehammer Games for a new Halo title.
Netflix Just Bought All Seven Walking Dead Shows — And Season 12 Suddenly Looks Reachable
Netflix has acquired the streaming rights to all seven "The Walking Dead" television series, including the flagship show and its various spin-offs, in a deal reportedly worth $500 million. This move consolidates the entire franchise onto a single platform, potentially revitalizing interest and making a "Season 12" of sorts, perhaps a miniseries combining characters, a more feasible prospect. The deal begins in 2027, with shows airing simultaneously on Netflix and AMC+.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla director returns to Ubisoft to lead the franchise once again
Éric Baptizat, former director for Assassin's Creed Valhalla, has returned to Ubisoft to lead the Assassin's Creed brand. Baptizat previously worked on titles like Assassin's Creed Black Flag and Origins before leaving for Motive Studio. His return comes as Ubisoft navigates leadership changes and rumors surrounding the upcoming title Assassin's Creed Hexe.
Disney CEO admits The Mandalorian and Grogu didn't "meet our box office expectations", but there's a…
Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro acknowledged that "The Mandalorian and Grogu" and the live-action "Moana" did not meet box office expectations but emphasized their value to the company's diversified business, including streaming, merchandise, and theme parks. Despite disappointing theatrical returns, Disney views these investments as fueling other parts of the company.
Assassin's Creed Valhalla director makes sudden return to Ubisoft, and will lead the series moving forward
Eric Baptizat, director of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, Black Flag, and Origins, has returned to Ubisoft to lead future development for the Assassin's Creed franchise. He previously worked at Ubisoft for 16 years before directing the Dead Space Remake at Motive Studio. Baptizat's return comes as Ubisoft splits into Ubisoft and Vantage Studios, and ahead of the upcoming game Assassin's Creed Hexe.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Director Returns to Ubisoft to Direct More Games in the Franchise
Eric Baptizat, director of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, has returned to Ubisoft to serve as the Game Director for the entire Assassin's Creed brand. Baptizat previously worked on titles like Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and Assassin's Creed Origins before leading the Dead Space remake at EA Motive. His return is seen as a positive development for the future of the franchise, with new titles like Codename Hexe and Codename Jade in development for PC and consoles.
Xbox to double down on its 'strongest franchises' as boss sets crazy new goals
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has outlined ambitious goals to reverse the brand's fortunes by fiscal year 2027, focusing on strengthening major franchises like Minecraft, Call of Duty, and Halo, and prioritizing 'biggest new ideas'. The plan includes improving profits and player growth, with a long-term ambition to entertain half a billion people daily by 2030. This strategy shift emphasizes console revenue and established IPs, potentially at the expense of newer or less established titles.
Here Is Xbox CEO’s Plan To Turn Things Around
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined a new strategy focused on strengthening the platform, growing games into global franchises, making Minecraft a creator platform, and extending beloved game worlds. Despite a recent revenue decrease, Sharma aims for Xbox to return to growth by the end of fiscal year 2027, with plans for significant expansion in games, film, TV, and consumer products.
"We will not live on past successes or be trapped by past failures" – Xbox CEO outlines priorities to turn platform around in FY27
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has outlined a new strategy focused on a console-led approach, global franchises, and enhancing Minecraft as a creator platform to drive growth. Despite a significant revenue decline last year, Sharma expressed confidence in returning the platform to growth by the end of fiscal year 2027 by investing in player-valued experiences. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also commented on the need for necessary decisions, including layoffs and studio divestments, to ensure long-term growth.
Mark Darrah thinks that Dragon Age is dead. If it ever were to continue, it needs to be reset
Former BioWare developer Mark Darrah believes the Dragon Age franchise is likely finished due to Electronic Arts' mismanagement and lack of clear direction. Despite the commercial failure of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the article argues that a reset or even letting the franchise go might be beneficial, drawing parallels to the success of Baldur's Gate 3 in proving the viability of long, deep RPGs.
Games Inbox: Why isn’t there a Skyrim remake?
Readers discuss the lack of a Skyrim remake despite numerous special editions, questioning why publishers don't prioritize such projects. Other topics include the viability of a PlayStation 5 boycott, the underutilization of tornadoes in games, and concerns about Capcom's yearly Resident Evil releases and Ubisoft's Far Cry franchise.
Fallout 3 and New Vegas Remasters are a good start, but before Fallout 5 Bethesda could be doing so much more
The announcement of Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters highlights the long neglect of the Fallout series, with Fallout 5 not expected for many years. While new content for Fallout 76 and a potential Obsidian project are on the horizon, the article argues that Xbox and Bethesda could leverage other studios within their ecosystem to develop more Fallout titles and better manage the franchise's potential.
Todd Howard Says Fallout’s Future Is Bigger Than The Long Wait For Fallout 5
Bethesda Game Studios boss Todd Howard discussed the future of the Fallout franchise, emphasizing that Fallout 5 is the long-term destination and is currently in pre-production. He also confirmed upcoming remasters for Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and a new update for Fallout 76 titled Raven Rock.
Rather than rip and tear id Software apart, Xbox should have put the FPS pioneers on Gears of War
Following significant layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, including a reported 50% staff reduction at id Software, the article argues that Xbox should leverage id Software's expertise for the Gears of War franchise. It suggests that id's talent for creating visceral first-person shooter experiences would be a better fit for Gears of War than continuing with their own struggling franchises like Quake Champions or Rage 2.
Wolfenstein and Doom still in development despite Bethesda cuts confirms insider
Despite significant layoffs at ZeniMax Media and its studios like id Software and MachineGames, franchises such as Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake are reportedly still in development. While Microsoft's Xbox is prioritizing Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, an insider confirms that ZeniMax will continue to support other major series, with Wolfenstein 3 rumored to be in development at MachineGames.
Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake will reportedly join Fallout and Elder Scrolls as Bethesda owner ZeniMax switches focus to its largest franchises amid Xbox restructure
Bethesda owner ZeniMax is reportedly restructuring to focus on its major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, Wolfenstein, and Quake. This shift occurs amid a broader Xbox overhaul that includes layoffs and the sale of other studios. While new entries for Quake and Wolfenstein are implied, id Software and ZeniMax Online Studios are facing significant staff cuts.
