When we told you about Microsoft's new user publishing model, Xbox LIVE Community Games, some of you were quick to look past the dollar signs and possibilities. A few of you expressed concern that this new model could have us buried under low quality games.
Destructoid community member Tubatic commented, "This seems interesting, though I fear the end result being many very bad games floating around for 200 points that don't offer much beyond the demo." Salty Soil adds: "I doubt the 'rigorous peer-review system' would only cut the cream of the crop, but at least I appreciate the attempt to filter out crap."
Apparently former XNA community manager David Weller shares this concern.
"Being an ex-XNA member, I can still say, without a shadow of doubt, that Microsoft is offering a groundbreaking game channel, and that some people stand a chance to make great money from the system," he said in his blog.
"But the danger for consumers lies in Microsoft's deliberate steps to avoid discussions regarding game quality, even during peer review. I firmly believe that avoiding commentary/ratings on game quality will result in frustrated consumers, who will have no way to discern the quality of a game among (ultimately) thousands."
Of course, current XNA boss Chris Satchell isn't as worried.
"I really believe that, given the right tools, the community will step up and police itself. When you look at strong communities there is always a core that will work really hard to make sure community standards are maintained," he explained.
I think our very own HarassmentPanda makes an interesting point: "Let's be honest, if a good chunk of the games on Live Arcade now had to go through peer review, they never would have seen the light of day."
Are you worried about drowning in a sea of crap games?
[Via GamesIndustry]
Contest:
11:06 AM on 07.25.2008
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MS missed the boat. Moving on...
Fuckin corporate suits...I hope this guys kid scratches his BMW and shit in his super expensive throw rug in front of his massive LCD tv wall beside his giant pool in his backyard...fuckin dick...
I really do think that if a game is really good, eventually it will be talked up and be noticed. It may be a while after it's released but eventually it will, kind of like how you eventually hear about really good free indie games or flash games on the internet.
bad games are everywhere. the cream always rises, and i'm sure through blogs like this, people will find the games worth playin, and those devs will get their props. i really like the potential this offers, and i'm excited.
Ugh. It's people like you who've managed to convince Valve that achievements tied to game value are a good idea.
Anyway, as I don't have a 360 I couldn't care less about what happens to XNA, but peer review or some form of more organized filter system is CRITICAL. We've already seen how much shit currently floods the DS and Wii market, and that's WITH standard clearance systems, what more when people start charging for whatever they can shove out of their hard drives?
If this goes poorly it'll be worse than the average Newgrounds flash "game" clusterfuck.
Aren't we already? Of the hundreds (or thousands) of games released every year, only a handful really stand out. The rest are "me too" games, and sequels to previous hits that don't add anything new or interesting.
And going back to what Satchell said, I would agree that the XNA community would do their best to police themselves, because as a community, if they keep green-lighting horrible games, XNA would start to look bad as a whole. They would get the reputation of a place for low quality games, and I'm sure they wouldn't want that.
Although I could also see the possibility of the community allowing bad games to get through, in order to make the good/decent/so-so games look great in contrast, but that's just the cynic in me.
I am actually in the process of developing a game through XNA, and I have taken the time to actually sit down and decide what would work and use it, and what was done before and either go for it, or avoid it. it takes time, not just through the development process, but because nowadays it is hard to come up with something extremely creative and have it work.
I'm making a game, not just because I have a passion for gaming and always wanted to make one, but because we need new games that aren't the same old shit, but enjoyable at the same time.
Hopefully the changes to lives fall update will help people sort through the games better I'm sure there will be a place for popular downloads etc. And if they are listening a place for some feed back on the games would be nice too leave comments/personal review etc like YouTube.
But I still feel this is an amazing thing for the indie game makers hands down.