As for what I think about those, well look: as it should be clear from the interviews I've been doing as of late, right now in my work, I'm no longer interested in going head to head with the likes of Halo, Mass Effect, Resistance, Devil May Cry 4, etc. Hell, I don't even want to go head to head against our own GOD OF WAR. I just want to do smaller, simpler games that focus on the fun.
- David Jaffe, from his Blog at http://criminalcrackdown.blogspot.com/2007/03/it-may-not-be-for-you.html
First things first. I applaud David Jaffe for taking the time to respond to the criticism that was being directed towards the Calling All Cars video that was posted at Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/gaming/clips/clip-calling-all-cars-246107.php).
Everyone seems to have a certain level of expectations when it comes to video games, and despite the fact that the market is open to all sorts of expression in design, people tend to want to paint specific developers into a single archetype. I can definitely understand Mr. Jaffe's frustration then, when after deciding to take a new philosophical standpoint in his games that the primary reaction he seems to be getting is one of disapproval from some fans.
There is a certain amount of backlash that would have to be expected however, considering that the popular stance on many "hardcore" gaming sites is that the games that Mr. Jaffe is wishing to focus on (the "smaller, simpler" games) are being seen as a problem and a threat to "hardcore" gamers. This opinion is further solidified by the comments from Mr. Jaffe's blog where he states that he is no longer interested in competing against the Halo's of the world.
Is this truly an accurate view of the current state of the industry? That somehow "smaller, simpler" games (which is what we can classify most Arcade titles as being) are at war with the epic titles?
Perhaps. But, in my opinion, it is truly refreshing to see even big name game designers take a step back and return to some basics that seem to be a second focus in a lot of big budget titles.
Fun is the adjective that I think of when I look at Calling All Cars. It seems to be a wild, wacky ride, that shares some familiarity with the pick up and play titles that call arcades their home. I don't see a dichotomy in views or a threat to other games. I just see a developer's pet project coming to fruition as he is creating a game he's been wanting to make. Isn't this what matters in a gaming industry that seems to becoming increasingly stagnate?
To David Jaffe - Continue to branch out. Make the games you want to make. Focus on what you consider fun. Whether or not people criticize them on video is irrelevant, because if you follow the philosophy you are preaching, no one can argue with the results.
(PS... Continue posting arcade title screen shots on your site.)
