Mike Fischer, Professor of Interactive Media at the University of Southern California and Advisor at KRAFTON, shares his insights on the global games market’s transformation in 2024. He attributes the industry’s struggles to a combination of factors, including the hangover from overexpansion during the Covid pandemic, tightening restrictions on user data, and the aging life cycle of consoles.
However, Fischer remains optimistic about the future. He highlights the rise of globalization and democratization of game creation, citing examples such as the independent Saudi studio TEKORE’s successful puzzle game “KORE” and Chinese AAA titles like “Black Myth: Wukong”. These emerging studios are bringing fresh ideas and innovative approaches to the industry.
Fischer also praises KRAFTON’s impact on the industry, noting their efforts to empower studios to achieve their creative potential through investments in global studios. He specifically mentions the acquisition of Tango Gameworks, which saved a studio from closure and preserved an incredible creative team.
Despite this progress, Fischer expresses concerns about the upcoming release of GTA 6, which he believes may disrupt the market and overshadow other AAA games. While some may disagree with his assessment, Fischer remains cautious, highlighting the challenges that future games will face in driving console sales.
Overall, Fischer’s perspective offers a nuanced view of the gaming industry’s current state and its prospects for growth and innovation in the years to come.
Source: https://gameworldobserver.com/2025/01/13/gta-6-launch-concerns-games-market-krafton-mike-fischer