The Game Awards have come and gone, with Astro Bot, a PlayStation 5 exclusive platformer from Team Asobi, taking home the top prize for Game of the Year. The win has left many in the industry wondering what it says about the direction of the platformer genre.
Astro Bot beat out other notable titles such as Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Metaphor: ReFantazio to take the top spot. However, its win was unexpected, especially considering the surprise success of Balatro and Black Myth Wukong in recent years.
Team Asobi’s current strategy for promoting Astro Bot is a key factor in its success. The studio has been releasing free post-launch levels, which have contributed to the game’s 1.5 million copies sold as of November. Sony will likely continue to support the series, potentially leading to future sequels or spin-offs.
The impact of Astro Bot’s win on the industry is still being debated. Some see it as a sign that platformers can thrive in mainstream awards ceremonies, while others argue that the game’s success may be overstated. The game’s lack of depth and reliance on nostalgia may also be seen as limiting factors in its appeal.
The Game Awards also saw other notable announcements, including Capcom’s plans to revive two shelved franchises: Okami and Onimusha. These developments have left many wondering about Sony’s priorities for its first-party studios.
In recent years, PlayStation has focused heavily on cinematic, triple-A titles, leading to the erosion of the double-A genre. This shift has resulted in the cancellation of several projects and layoffs of over 1,000 developers. A renewed focus on mid-sized games with brand recognition may be necessary to address this issue.
Ultimately, Astro Bot’s success will have a lasting impact on the industry. As the game continues to receive updates and support from Sony, it will be interesting to see how it evolves in the coming months. With its unique charm and gameplay mechanics, Astro Bot has already captured the hearts of many gamers. Will it continue to inspire innovation and creativity within the platformer genre? Only time will tell.
Source: https://gizmodo.com/astro-bot-goty-playstation-future-2000538961