In a recent conversation with Thunderpick, Eidos Montreal founder and former general manager Stephane D’Astous reflected on the significant transformations within the gaming industry over the past 15 years. He noted that the landscape has shifted dramatically, with new players emerging and established giants evolving in unexpected ways.
Shifting Dynamics in the Gaming Landscape
D’Astous remarked, “The big players 15 years ago are not necessarily big players [now].” He pointed out that while Tencent was already in existence, it has since grown into a dominant force, described as the “800-pound gorilla” of the industry. He also highlighted the surprising developments surrounding Electronic Arts, stating, “15 years ago, who would have said that EA was on the chopping block to be bought?” This evolution underscores the unpredictable nature of the gaming market.
However, D’Astous expressed concern about the current state of the industry, attributing some of its challenges to the financial influx during the Covid-19 pandemic. “Thousands of projects were given money during Covid,” he explained. “When I saw some of those… I said, ‘That idea was funded? Oh my god, this is bad news.'” He anticipates that the repercussions of these decisions will become evident in the coming years.
Unrealistic Expectations and Corporate Pressure
As companies have scaled up, so too have the expectations placed on their executives. D’Astous shared his experience of being tasked with creating a “Witcher 3-like game with a limited budget in less than four years with a new team.” Such requests illustrate the disconnect between ambitious goals and the resources available to achieve them.
The current atmosphere within the gaming industry appears to be one of heightened urgency, with companies increasingly focused on boosting revenues. D’Astous noted that this environment is not conducive to the kind of risk-taking and “passion-driven” development that characterized earlier eras, particularly within the traditional studio framework where he honed his craft.
