I've been gaming for over 25 years. I remember the curse of
the movie license. On the Amiga, it seemed EVERY movie license was turned into a platform game. This worked well in
some cases (Blues Brothers). However, the usual result was a pile of crap with a movie name on the box. I still
remember the Lethal Weapon game. They licensed the movie title, but neglected to get the rights to use any of the
actors faces in games. Classy.
These days, movie licenses still abound, sadly, as well as franchises and sequels. As many readers know, I'm extremely
eager to get my hands on Gran Turismo 4. I can't wait… Yet for all the hyperbole and anticipation, it is, after all,
just a sequel! Where are the original properties? The problem is that the instant a game is successful, the suits smell
guaranteed money, and the sequel is planned. Take Katamari Damacy. Easily one of the most original and inventive games
to come along this century. For being original, it sold a lot, which immediately guaranteed a sequel, which means
another fantastic, original idea will now be beaten to a bloody demise.
This article, on IGN, points out the alarming statistic that of the slated Xbox releases for 2005, less than 30% are
actually original; that is, games not part of a franchise, a licensed title, or a sequel. Depressing. For all the
fighting over which console is best, etc., I think we can all agree on the need for more original content that we
haven't seen before.
Engadget
TUAW