In recent years, the gaming industry has witnessed a surge in high-budget AAA titles that, despite their substantial investments, have failed to meet the expectations set by their predecessors. Games like “Avowed,” “Uncharted,” and “Concord” have faced significant criticism, especially when compared to older titles such as “Skyrim,” “Sea of Thieves,” and “Team Fortress 2.” This trend raises concerns about the declining quality and attention to detail in modern AAA games despite escalating production costs; it seems that companies once founded on care and respect for players have devolved into greedy corporations who use games as a way to leech money from players.

Avowed vs. Skyrim

“Avowed,” developed by Obsidian Entertainment, was anticipated to be a groundbreaking fantasy RPG. However, upon its release, it faced criticism for its shallow RPG mechanics and superficial combat systems. Reviewers highlighted that while the exploration aspect was commendable, the overall depth paled in comparison to older titles. In contrast, Bethesda’s “Skyrim,” released in 2011, offered an expansive open world rich in lore, intricate questlines, and a dynamic environment that responded to player choices. A few examples of this dynamic environment and attention to detail are the water and arrow physics, the ability to interact with objects in the world, and the responsiveness of the AI of non-player characters (NPCs) that populate the world of Skyrim. In contrast, Avowed lacks proper water and arrow physics, has an extremely primitive AI for its NPCs, and is set in a static environment that, while seemingly beautiful, is extremely shallow in terms of interactability. It should be noted that Skyrim costs $40 while Avowed costs $70. Despite being developed with a budget significantly lower than modern standards, “Skyrim” set a benchmark for quality and immersion in RPGs and has cemented itself in popular culture as a model to judge similar games against.

Uncharted vs. Sea of Thieves

The “Uncharted” series, known for its cinematic storytelling and action-packed sequences, has been a flagship for narrative-driven adventures. The graphics are high-quality, but many players have complained about lag spikes or choppy framerates during gameplay due to limitations of their gaming device. However, recent installments have been critiqued for prioritizing spectacle over substance, leading to linear gameplay experiences with limited replayability. A common complaint is that the combat system leaves something to be desired. On the other hand, Rare’s “Sea of Thieves,” released in 2018, embraced a player-driven narrative within a shared open world. Its emergent gameplay, where players’ interactions shape their unique stories, offered a refreshing departure from scripted narratives. Notably, “Sea of Thieves” was developed with a modest budget compared to the lavish funding of the “Uncharted” series, yet it delivered a rich and engaging multiplayer experience. While lacking the same level of visual detail as “Uncharted”, Sea of Thieves can comfortably perform with no lag or choppy framerate on most gaming devices.

Concord vs. Team Fortress 2

“Concord,” a hero shooter released by Sony, became infamous for its catastrophic failure. Despite reports suggesting a development budget of approximately $400 million, the game was pulled from the market within weeks due to poor sales and player retention. Critics pointed out that “Concord” suffered from uninspired character designs and a lack of innovative gameplay elements, making it indistinguishable in a saturated market. The game cost $40 dollars to purchase on release and barely reached a peak player count of 700 on Steam.  In stark contrast, Valve’s “Team Fortress 2,” released in 2007, has maintained a loyal player base for over a decade. Developed with a fraction of “Concord’s” budget, “Team Fortress 2” offered distinctive character classes, balanced gameplay, and a unique art style that stood out in the multiplayer shooter genre and remains a well-known cultural icon to this day. “Team Fortress 2” is free-to-play with the option to purchase cosmetics via loot crates and has around 25,000 concurrent players on Steam during the week.

Escalating Budgets and Diminishing Returns

The disparity between the escalating budgets of modern AAA games and their declining quality is alarming. “Concord’s” estimated $400 million budget did not translate into a successful or memorable gaming experience. This trend suggests that increased funding does not inherently guarantee a superior product. In fact, the focus on high-budget production values may detract from core gameplay mechanics and innovative design, elements that have historically defined successful titles. A lack of proper management, care for creating a fun gaming experience, and a lack of focus on replayability and player retention led to the disaster that was Concord.

In conclusion, the gaming industry’s current trajectory of prioritizing massive budgets over creative gameplay and meticulous attention to detail has led to a series of high-profile disappointments. Reflecting on the successes of older titles underscores the importance of innovation, player engagement, and quality craftsmanship—principles that should guide the development of future AAA games.