| Copycat game design is damaging casual market - PopCap
Too many developers are making "cheap knock-offs" of successful games and holding back growth of the casual games market, according to Jason Kapalka, chief creative officer at PopCap Games. With low development costs, studios are able to churn out copycat games in a short time, but these titles rarely make enough money for developers to grow past a hand-to-mouth existence, says the PopCap founder. "Very few games are developed without reference to past games. There's always going to be titles that build on a previous mechanic or game. But there's a fine line between that and very bold-faced rip-offs that aren't adding anything to the game and are just trying to make a quick buck," said Kapalka, in an interview with GamesIndustry.biz. "There's games like that in the hardcore gaming market of course, but the problem in the casual space is that the investment in resources can be a lot less.
Europe Gets New DS Fashion Game
Milton Keynes - 505 Games today unveils is slinky new number for November, Fashion Designer: Style Icon, for Nintendo DS. The game sits in 505 Games' burgeoning portfolio of ‘lifestyle simulations' and allows fledgling fashionistas the opportunity to conquer the world of fashion via Nintendo DS stylus. Players take the role of a young designer eager to dominate the catwalk and follows their career from fashion training school, through graduation and beyond. After graduating, players can start a workshop, accept private design contracts, supply small boutiques and set up mail order companies. Design the best fashion creations and players can even supply outfits to the stars and VIP clients. The comprehensive simulation gameplay is mission based and offers players the chance to present their creations in catalogues and movie posters, and even gives designers the freedom to select which supermodels, hairstyles and creations will strut their stuff on the catwalk.
TRIMERSION VR-LIKE ACCESSORIES ANNOUNCED
3001 AD, a Virtual Reality (VR) hardware developer that has pioneered tracked Head Mounted Displays and innovative gaming accessories for First Person Shooter games since 1995, is introducing a suite of must-have Trimersion accessories to enhance the total immersion experience for gaming aficionados, including three new wireless Trimersion controllers for some of the markets most popular games. The Tracked Gun Controller, an upgrade for the original Trimersion Gun Controller, allows the gamer to track directly with the gun. For racing games, the new Steering Wheel Controller creates an exciting, realistic driving experience for the user. The new Gamepad Controller offers an alternative to the gun enabling the Trimersion to be compatible with more types of games in addition to FPS. Tracked Gun Controller Taking the lead in innovative controller design, 3001 AD has created a new gun controller for game consoles and computers.
|
