Xbox Directs Are About More Than Games–They’re About The Human Side Of Game Development

by

For years prior to becoming a professional Games Journalist™, I used to eagerly watch every video game showcase, conference, and direct out of personal interest, rather than professional obligation. Even if it meant waking up early (like those Nintendo events), I’ve been doing this for over a decade, filled with excitement and often preordering games that I didn’t necessarily need.

As a gamer, I reckon if you’re reading this, we’re kindred spirits who love watching these gaming events. It might seem like they’re just fancy ads when you look at them, but to us, it feels like our very own “Super Bowl commercial festival” happening every now and then, and that’s quite cool, if I do say so myself!

Over time, attending numerous solo watch parties for video games has led me to develop certain expectations from specific studios and publishers. For instance, Devolver Digital always delivers a somewhat complicated yet rewarding project that embraces the absurd. On the other hand, Wholesome Direct combines pastel colors with brief, engaging trailers, allowing each indie game they highlight to grab some attention. Among the major video game companies – PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo – I feel that Nintendo was the pioneer in establishing a strong, recognizable public persona. If they were to abandon their quirky voiceovers and endearing transitions, it would truly break my heart.

Speaking of PlayStation, it’s clear that when it steps onto the stage, the focus is primarily on action rather than conversation. Although its State of Play events may include a person in a suit delivering brief remarks amidst trailers, PlayStation generally prefers to keep things straightforward and avoid excessive flair. Instead, what you get is one trailer after another, giving plenty of screen time to their narrative-rich masterpieces. I appreciate this strategy because sometimes, the games can indeed speak for themselves.

Leaving aside other options, we are left with Xbox. For quite some time, Xbox has grappled with an identity dilemma. Is it the library of first-person shooters and multiplayer games that draws people in? Or should it be perceived as a comprehensive home entertainment platform? Could it be the versatility in play methods, such as playing not only on the actual consoles but also other devices, that distinguishes it? Does the focus on accessibility make it the optimal choice for gaming? Isn’t Game Pass an exceptional value in gaming and a significant selling point?

As a devoted admirer, I want to clarify that my following remarks are not meant as criticism toward Xbox. Rather, I appreciate their drive for ambition, versatility, and continuous evolution – traits crucial in today’s dynamic media and entertainment industry. However, I found myself questioning the company’s unique identity in the past.

But then came Xbox’s latest Developer Direct presentation, which sparked a thought-provoking reflection on their remarkable progress. Over recent years, they have been making significant strides towards defining a distinctive and highly welcomed identity.

Over the last several years, Xbox has emphasized a specific area: its developers. While both Xbox and PlayStation have been eager to secure various studios ready to sell, it’s noticeable that Xbox places more emphasis on showcasing the studios and their teams rather than focusing solely on the games or franchises they acquire, like PlayStation does.

In the Xbox Developer Direct of January 2025, I was captivated as they dedicated nearly an hour to showcasing only five games: Ninja Gaiden 4, Ninja Gaiden 2 Black, South of Midnight, Doom: The Dark Ages, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. It was a treat for me, as they offered extensive gameplay footage, giving even novice spectators like myself a sneak peek at what each game had to offer. Interestingly, they managed to divide their time equally among each game, even though some were more widely recognized in the gaming community. However, what truly intrigued me was the opportunity they gave to the studios behind these games, allowing them to speak about themselves and share their stories.

As a lover of dark fantasy and gothic aesthetics, it was a treat to listen to the creators behind South of Midnight discuss these themes and their admiration for the American Deep South’s folklore. While Clair Obscura’s turn-based combat may remind some of JRPGs, it was fascinating to learn that the team’s choice to build an RPG in this way stemmed from a profound affection for the genre and their desire to blend it with their unique perspectives and cultural influences.

On another note, it was intriguing to hear Id Software talk about preserving their legacy and integrating classic elements of their series, such as rapid-fire action and heavy metal music, with fresh additions like new medieval-style weapons and the ability to command a mech.

Lastly, being someone who’s still yet to dive into the Ninja Gaiden series, I found it enlightening to hear the developers share insights about the game’s universe and what collaborating with Platinum Games means for Team Ninja.

As an avid fan, I’ve consistently observed Xbox emphasizing its commitment to empowering developers it acquires, rather than absorbing them into its own framework. Regrettably, last year saw the closure of Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Studios, Tango Gameworks, and Roundhouse Games, which undeniably calls into question this pledge. However, this showcase still instills a sense of optimism within me, as I hope for fewer shutdowns in the future and for Xbox to improve its approach to supporting studios effectively, as even Phil Spencer admitted was a shortcoming in their support of developers’ visions.

One key reason why this matter is particularly significant to me at the moment is my strong conviction that we’re experiencing a widespread crisis of dehumanization. A recent post on BlueSky struck a chord with me, suggesting that as games grow closer to the tech industry, they are being viewed more from a capitalistic perspective rather than as an art form. It’s evident in instances like the way many studios are pressured to adhere to specific trends, such as live-service games, instead of focusing on the unique strengths of the developers themselves.

Modern games are becoming larger, more crowded, and more technologically advanced than ever, yet there’s a concern that we might be sacrificing artistic expression and individuality in the process. The increased use of AI, particularly in questionable ways, adds to this unease. Despite some games boasting impressive size and visual appeal, I find myself questioning whether we aren’t taking a step back. Layoffs among developers and a sense that their voices are being stifled or ignored while others receive recognition off-stage only intensifies these feelings of regression. The people who create games often go unacknowledged or overlooked in this process.

Xbox may not be flawless, but I appreciate its approach to presenting its products with a greater focus on human values and developers. This is a direction I hope other studios, regardless of size, will adopt to preserve the innovative spirit, compassion, and enchantment that sets my beloved pastime apart from others.

Read More

2025-01-25 00:40