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Do Hardcore Gamers Still Matter? @ GameSpy
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Dhruin
Stranger In A Strange Land
Stranger In A Strange Land




Joined: 20 May 2002
Posts: 1825
Location: Sydney, Australia
Do Hardcore Gamers Still Matter? @ GameSpy
   

GameSpy has posted an interesting article titled <a href="http://www.gamespy.com/articles/701/701787p1.html" target="_blank">Do "Hardcore Gamers" Still Matter?</a> I don't think the conclusions are surprising but they have looked at it from different tiers of gaming development with input at each level. Here's BioWare's Ray Muzyka representing the "Gifted Developer":<blockquote><em><b>GameSpy: How important is this hardcore gamer group to developers?</b> <br> <br>Ray Muzyka: Hardcore gamers are the "early-adopters" of our industry -- they set the initial public opinion of a game because they're the first to pick up and play something when it comes out. They are the opinion leaders that influence other players -- other players often consult with early adopters to get their opinions, or read their comments online right after a game comes out -- and hence early adopters can have a huge impact on your ultimate success. This seems particularly relevant to BioWare's types of games -- RPGs and MMOs, games driven by story, character interaction and progression, and exploration. As well, hardcore gamers tend to buy more games per person than other demographic segments do. They are very important members of our community at BioWare!</em></blockquote>
Post Tue Apr 18, 2006 5:33 pm
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TheMadGamer
High Emperor
High Emperor




Joined: 03 May 2002
Posts: 487
Location: Southern California
   

I'm not so sure I really believe the comments. I mean, this is an interview by developer/publisher executives to an internet gaming website. To say that hardcore gamers don't really impact their business/development decisions would be like dancing naked around a hungry croc.

Another problem with the interview is the way hardcore gamer is defined. Based on how it is defined in the article, the article earns back a little more credibility from my dubious starting point.

However, I think hardcore gamers themselves would define themselves differently or at least a little more elaboratley than just a 'potential sales driver.'

What I can see with my own two little eyeballs is that the industry seems to be becoming 'MTV-ified' which reflects anything other than what 'hardcore gamers' might like to see otherwise - at least that's true for me. Personally, with the mainstreaming of gaming and the explosion of the console market, I have the gut feeling that if you were to discuss this topic with one of these executives out on the golf course with a few beers already down the pipe, the message would probably be a lot different - and most likely far more accurate.
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The Poster Previously Known As NeptiOfPovar
Post Tue Apr 18, 2006 5:35 pm
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