Features// 2013 Industry Insights with Stewart Gilray, Just Add Water

A new year means a fresh start for many. In the games industry, a fresh start is exactly what the doctor ordered - specialist retail now seems to be settling down, PC companies are taking a shot at console manufacturing, and the traditional console companies are getting ready to reveal some shiny new products of their own.

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: Stewart Gilray
Job Title: CEO
Company: Just Add Water
Best Known For: Oddworld series


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 think it’s definitely getting there. In September 2012 in the UK it was announced that digital sales accounted for 51% of all game sales that month. That’s staggering. It will only head more in that direction as we approach next-gen. I’d be surprised if ALL new games on new systems (and perhaps current systems) weren’t released for digital/retail at the same time.


What are the biggest and most exciting challenges you're looking forward to in the next year?

We’re crazy busy on Abe’s Oddysee New ‘N’ Tasty and rebuilding the Oddworld brand, as we have to get it out for the holidays this year on multiple platforms. But in general I’m anxious, yet excited, to see/hear about next-gen.


What are the benefits to you and to gamers of the new console generation after Xbox 360 and PS3?

I’d like to think they’re MORE digital product-focused than the current generation. Sony has pretty much already got that area covered with the PS3, so I currently think Xbox are bringing up the rear with this gen. I hope Microsoft sort themselves out for next-gen.

My only worry is that the market will become more demanding in terms of infrastructure. Ideally we’d need a fibre-optic internet connection everywhere to really make a difference for digital - some places can still only get up to 4MB broadband.

To directly answer the question however, I think instant action is the way to go, and I hope both platform holders realise that and have planned for it.


Thanks to Stewart for his time. Check out SPOnG's recent industry insights below.


New Year 2013 Insights:
01/02/13: 2013 Industry Insights with Dominic Matthews, Ninja Theory
01/02/13: 2013 Industry Insights with Dominic Matthews, Ninja Theory
31/01/13: 2013 Industry Insights with Dan Webb, X360A
29/01/13: 2013 Industry Insights with Antti Ilvessuo, RedLynx
23/01/13: 2013 Industry Insights with Andy Payne, O.B.E.
22/01/13: 2013 Industry Insights with Gordon Midwood, Different Tuna
21/01/13: 2013 Industry Insights with Andrew Smith, Spilt Milk Studios
17/01/13: 2013 Industry Insights with Theo Sanders, Ubisoft Singapore
16/01/13: 2013 Industry Insights with Paul Rustchynsky, Evolution Studios

Christmas 2012 Insights:
26/12/2012: Games Industry Insights with Antti Ilvessuo, RedLynx
27/12/12: Games Industry Insights with Paul Rustchynsky, Evolution Studios
28/12/12: Games Industry Insights with Ted Price, CEO Insomniac
29/12/12: Games Industry Insights with Theo Sanders, Ubisoft Singapore
30/12/12: Games Industry Insights with Steve Lycett, SUMO Digital
31/12/12: Games Industry Insights with Martyn Brown, InsightforHire
01/01/13: Games Industry Insights with Jon Lander of CCP
02/01/13: Games Industry Insights with David Jaffe
03/01/13: Games Industry Insights with Andy Payne O.B.E.
04/01/13: Games Industry Insights with Peter Molydeux, Genius