The video game industry is facing a challenging moment, marked by the closure of prominent studios such as Monolith Productions and Arkane Austin, as well as significant layoffs at Bungie and Rocksteady. Even highly successful titles, such as Marvel Rivals, have had to reduce their staff in the U.S. The uncertainty in the sector has led many to point out that the release of GTA 6 could act as a catalyst to revitalize the market and create new job opportunities.
It is necessary to better understand what the players want
Leslie Benzies, a veteran of Rockstar and the current head of the studio Build a Rocket Boy, which is developing the game MindsEye, has shared his perspective on the current state of the industry. In an interview, Benzies argued that there is a finite player base, pointing out that “there are no more hours in the day” and that the exponential growth of the video game supply is beginning to have concerning implications, manifested through closures and layoffs in recent times.
Benzies’ advice to developers in the sector is clear: “Nowadays, we need to analyze the analytics. We must see what people want to play”. However, these ideas are not universally agreed upon. Johan Pilestedt, director of Helldivers 2, has urged studios to avoid “safe bets” and focus on creativity and innovation. According to Pilestedt, relying solely on proven formulas can be a “death sentence” for the industry.
Benzies also emphasized the importance of experimentation in game development, suggesting that his studio uses user-generated content systems to build low-cost test levels. This strategy allows for adjusting ideas based on audience feedback before making large investments in development. MindsEye, the new project, aims to provide an experience similar to platforms like Roblox and Minecraft, where user creation and participation are key.
