Future ‘Larger and Riskier’ games for Platinum
At platinum games, things are changing quickly. Atsushi Inaba, the company’s new president, was elected CEO last month. Inaba was previously vice president. Hideki Kamiya, perhaps the most prominent creator at the studio, is now vice president. A shift in priorities might be coming to the company. Famitsu’s new President Inaba stated that the company plans to make larger, more risky games. Also, those that can be enjoyed for a longer time.
Although this might seem like a major change, Inaba quickly assured that they would not be abandoning the games that made them so popular. As Platinum moves in a new direction, this should be enough to comfort fans.
Platinum: The next steps
Although details are not available, it seems that Platinum is considering a long-term shift to live service games. Project G.G. is Kamiya’s next game. Project G.G. is believed to have superhero elements similar to the previous Kamiya games Viewtiful Joe or The Wonderful 101. It could be used as a testing ground for the next generation of Platinum games.
There is good reason to believe that Platinum will continue to offer live-service gaming, even for those who are sceptical. Inaba stated that “In the past, even though we wanted to make our own IP, it wasn’t easy to do so. Even if it was possible, it would have been on a very small scale. We could only make the indie-class products.” In the future, I want to eliminate all that and create larger games with our ideas and at least one thing.
Perhaps live service is not the main goal of Platinum’s ambitions. Inaba could be looking to capitalize on Platinum’s rebounding fortunes after the wide-ranging acclaim NieR: Automata received. It is very encouraging news that the company can develop its own IPs freely.
The End of or the Future
At the early stages, it sounds like Platinum is trying to make a mark in tomorrow’s market. To be able to continue developing the games that made Platinum such a loved developer while also being aware of what gaming trends are heading.
However, live service may be an option for Platinum. The company will need to improve its existing techniques if it wants to continue to be a part of the future. Babylon’s Autumn is Platinum’s first venture in this area. After initial Beta impressions that were less than ideal, things have been quiet lately for the game. Platinum might want to spend more time on Babylon’s Fall, particularly if it is intended to be indicative of the company’s future.
