With such an exciting year ahead of us, what better than to turn to games industry experts and ask them for their thoughts on various trends and stories as and when they happen?
As part of an ongoing series, SPOnG gets the unedited, open and highly informed opinions of developers, producers and more in the vast world of computer games.
Industry Figure: Gordon Midwood
Job Title: Head of Fresh Produce
Company: Different Tuna
Best Known For: Derrick the Deathfin (PS3, PC, Mac)
Considering the critical acclaim of titles such as The Walking Dead and Journey in 2012, is digital now the real viable means of getting games in gamers' homes?
I would agree with that 100% yep, there are so many opportunities for digital stuff now. I would expect physical packaged games, and all those associated with their production and distribution, to be in for a rough ride in the coming years. Ultimately digital distribution has to be the way to go; mainly because of ease of purchase.
What are the biggest and most exciting challenges you're looking forward to in the next year?
I have many exciting and fresh game ideas that I would love to put out in the coming year so that is very exciting to me. The biggest challenge I face is how to actually fund their development!
What are the benefits to you and to gamers of the new console generation after Xbox 360 and PS3?
You know, I'm really not sure. Things have changed so much since the last wave of consoles coming out, it will be very interesting to see how well they are adopted and in particular how well they do digital storefronts, involve developers and so on.
Traditionally console makers have been pretty tied to the boxed retail game so it requires a significant shift in mindset for them to compete with Steam & iOS for example, which is exactly the kind of thing I think they need to do.
I'm doing my best to be controversial without any factual basis here by the way - I recently changed my surname to Pachter.
Thanks to Gordon for his time. Check out SPOnG's recent industry insights below.
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21/01/13: 2013 Industry Insights with Andrew Smith, Spilt Milk Studios
17/01/13: 2013 Industry Insights with Theo Sanders, Ubisoft Singapore
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28/12/12: Games Industry Insights with Ted Price, CEO Insomniac
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31/12/12: Games Industry Insights with Martyn Brown, InsightforHire
01/01/13: Games Industry Insights with Jon Lander of CCP
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03/01/13: Games Industry Insights with Andy Payne O.B.E.
04/01/13: Games Industry Insights with Peter Molydeux, Genius
