Publisher Overview: Take-Two Interactive, FY 2013

Publisher Overview attempts to analyze the businesses of major video game publishers in a visual, easy-to-digest format. Statistics and other information are largely retrieved from annual reports, quarterly conference calls, and other publically available sources. Publisher Overview aims to provide a snapshot of an organization’s current performance with accessibility in mind.

Prediction Roundup: Volume III

Prediction Roundup attempts to rationalize and provide insight to some of the gaming industry's most pressing questions by using deductive reasoning and supporting facts. The following are predictions based on existing information and should not be treated as fact.

Endgame: BioShock Infinite

Endgame explores topical videogames through an in-depth analysis of its major components. Games are broken down into five categories and accompanied by a numerical score: Atmosphere, Sound, Gameplay, Story, and Engagement. A verdict is presented followed by the game’s overall rating (out of 5). This article contains major spoilers.

Next Generation: The Rise of AA Games?

2012 wasn't a pretty year for the video game industry. Hardware and software sales slumped 22% year-over-year and retail sales declined for the thirteenth consecutive month in December, according to NPD. Free-to-play models, cheap mobile games, and the recovering economy are among those responsible for the AAA industry's woes according to industry analysts. Though the next generation of consoles will most likely reinvigorate excitement surrounding core games, I doubt that'll be enough to offset its current problems.

Critiquing the Narrative of Halo 4

When videogames mimic film, it's only fair that they be held to the same standards as the medium they've taken inspiration from. Plot structure, exposition, coherency, and overall narrative quality are hardly exclusive to film, but I feel videogames aren't held to similar standards in these areas when they should be. For example, how critics barely touched upon Darksiders' cringe-inducing, confusing, and cluttered story is deflating. At many points throughout the game, Darksiders made me stop and critically think why I enjoy playing games. Its narrative was so juvenile and so poorly executed that I questioned whether I was too old to be playing videogames at all. In a time where narratives are becoming increasingly important to the videogame experience, I think it's imperative that reviewers be more critical, and place a greater value on, narrative execution.