02-10-2004, 04:55 PM
This is actually a good thing - it's time for Blizzard to wake up and realize that their chronic talent drain is their own fault. Perhaps they'll revert to a more designer-centric business model, and all will be well. Or, they can ignore the situation, allow it worsen, and wind up as victims of the market. I believe World of Warcraft will help keep them accountable - there's lots of MMORPGs out there, and if they don't cater to the customers, customers will jump ship. Lost subscribers, unlike lost players of games already paid for, = loss of revenue.
And as long as the designers flee to safer harbors and work from there, things will be good - how many Blizz splinter companies are there now, working on top-secret "the game we always wanted to make" projects? Two or three, more on the horizon? Blizzard needs to worry, but I don't think gamers do.
:P
And as long as the designers flee to safer harbors and work from there, things will be good - how many Blizz splinter companies are there now, working on top-secret "the game we always wanted to make" projects? Two or three, more on the horizon? Blizzard needs to worry, but I don't think gamers do.
:P