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The gaming industry witnessed a rollercoaster ride in 2023, marked by surging game sales, yet overshadowed by widespread layoffs and company closures. Benoit Clerc, Nacon's Head of Publishing, sheds light on what he believes is the underlying cause of this tumultuous landscape.
According to Clerc, the seeds of this upheaval were sown during the COVID pandemic, when the gaming industry experienced an unprecedented boom. Flush with resources, companies went on a game development spree, flooding the market with titles. Fast forward to the present, and platforms like Steam see a staggering 60 games dropping in a single day, making it a daunting challenge for developers to stand out amidst the crowd.
In response, Nacon is embracing new strategies to navigate this saturated market. Gone are the days of simply releasing games; now, each Nacon title is meticulously crafted to leave a lasting impression and make a significant impact. An example of this approach is the release of Robocop: Rogue City, a first-person shooter that may not have made an immediate splash, but the fusion of a renowned franchise with top-tier production resonated with the target audience, marking a substantial victory for Nacon.
However, this focused strategy entails increased spending, a luxury Nacon doesn't possess like its AAA counterparts. The setbacks, notably The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, a critically panned disaster, prompted Nacon to reevaluate its in-house game development efforts.
Nacon's resilience lies in diversification, branching into gaming accessories, a realm eagerly cultivated by Nacon USA president Jack Reynolds. Embracing adaptability, Nacon seizes every new gaming system release as an opportunity to innovate and introduce accessories beyond the console makers' imaginations. RoboCop: Rogue City emerged as Nacon's most successful launch, surpassing expectations and proving the effectiveness of their refined approach.
As the gaming landscape remains uncertain in 2024, Nacon's story offers a valuable lesson. The spoils, it seems, will favor those adaptable to change and resilient against disappointment. Nacon's journey underscores the importance of staying versatile, an expertise that may serve as a beacon for developers and publishers striving to remain profitable, retain a happy developer base, and weather the evolving tides of the gaming industry.
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