Victor Omega
Member
The 'Platform-Like' gaming Ecosystem
As the gaming industry continues its rapid evolution, two franchises stand out not just for their visual brilliance but also for the ecosystems they've cultivated: Forza and Grand Turismo.
Both Forza and Grand Turismo offer a graphical fidelity that is nearly 1:1 with their respective console hardware. Their visuals represent the peak of what their parent consoles can achieve, to the extent that minor tweaks often go unnoticed by the average gamer.
Interestingly, both franchises have surpassed the need for annual or bi-annual installments. On paper, they could easily transition into Games as a Service (GaaS) models, with regular updates replacing full game releases.
However, this is where Horizon and Grand Turismo diverge from the typical GaaS model. These games have not only achieved technical excellence but have also built ecosystems where content and community are inseparably connected. While many GaaS titles, like Fortnite, hinge on constant, sometimes jarring updates to keep players engaged, Horizon and Grand Turismo succeed with less frequent but more substantial updates.
Fortnite and similar GaaS games thrive on microtransactions, battle passes, and the allure of the 'next big thing.' Forza and Grand Turismo, on the other hand, prioritize immersion, authenticity, and the profound relationship players form with the game world. It's not about the next skin or dance move; it's about the journey, the realism, and the intrinsic joy of the game itself.
Moreover, the dedicated communities surrounding these franchises recognize and value the attention to detail and the commitment to preserving the core essence of the game. While many GaaS titles adjust their core mechanics or narratives to match fleeting market trends, Forza and Grand Turismo remain true, evolving in ways that respect their history and fanbase.
In summary, Forza and Grand Turismo might have the potential to become traditional GaaS, but they've opted for a unique, 'platform-like' gaming ecosystem. This choice ensures both longevity and a loyal fan base, distinguishing them in a gaming landscape often dominated by titles chasing the next quick buck.
Update: I wanted to also mention Minecraft as it too has a platform like ecosystem.
As the gaming industry continues its rapid evolution, two franchises stand out not just for their visual brilliance but also for the ecosystems they've cultivated: Forza and Grand Turismo.
Both Forza and Grand Turismo offer a graphical fidelity that is nearly 1:1 with their respective console hardware. Their visuals represent the peak of what their parent consoles can achieve, to the extent that minor tweaks often go unnoticed by the average gamer.
Interestingly, both franchises have surpassed the need for annual or bi-annual installments. On paper, they could easily transition into Games as a Service (GaaS) models, with regular updates replacing full game releases.
However, this is where Horizon and Grand Turismo diverge from the typical GaaS model. These games have not only achieved technical excellence but have also built ecosystems where content and community are inseparably connected. While many GaaS titles, like Fortnite, hinge on constant, sometimes jarring updates to keep players engaged, Horizon and Grand Turismo succeed with less frequent but more substantial updates.
Fortnite and similar GaaS games thrive on microtransactions, battle passes, and the allure of the 'next big thing.' Forza and Grand Turismo, on the other hand, prioritize immersion, authenticity, and the profound relationship players form with the game world. It's not about the next skin or dance move; it's about the journey, the realism, and the intrinsic joy of the game itself.
Moreover, the dedicated communities surrounding these franchises recognize and value the attention to detail and the commitment to preserving the core essence of the game. While many GaaS titles adjust their core mechanics or narratives to match fleeting market trends, Forza and Grand Turismo remain true, evolving in ways that respect their history and fanbase.
In summary, Forza and Grand Turismo might have the potential to become traditional GaaS, but they've opted for a unique, 'platform-like' gaming ecosystem. This choice ensures both longevity and a loyal fan base, distinguishing them in a gaming landscape often dominated by titles chasing the next quick buck.
Update: I wanted to also mention Minecraft as it too has a platform like ecosystem.
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