We Need a Shark Tank for Game Devs to Avoid AAA Disasters Like Star Wars Outlaws

SUMMARY

• Star Wars Outlaws had the backing of a franchise as big as Star Wars and also had Ubisoft behind the wheels.
• And yet, the game hasn't been anything more than the usual. No innovation or true creativity to see.
• This has to change. But how? What could possibly happens to make AAA games great again?

The video game industry is no stranger to high expectations and crushing disappointments. Ubisoft’s recent release of Star Wars Outlaws is a sobering reminder of how even big-budget AAA titles can struggle to meet sales expectations despite critical praise.

Shark Tank is fun, but what if it had games? | Image Credit: ABC

What if there was a platform to give smaller developers a chance to infuse creativity into these large, risk-averse studios? A Shark Tank for game developers, so to speak. Could it be the solution to preventing these costly AAA disasters? We’ve already seen similar concepts before, but nothing on a large scale.

Star Wars Outlaws Is Just The Latest In a Long Line Of Mediocrity

Backed by massive budgets, AAA games often rely on familiar formulas to guarantee returns. Yet, as seen with Star Wars Outlaws, even trusted brands like Star Wars can’t always deliver the financial success studios hope for. Ubisoft’s reliance on the game to reverse its fortunes hasn’t panned out, with sales underperforming significantly.

A Shark Tank format could allow studios to take calculated risks by supporting indie developers who bring fresh ideas to the table—projects that might be too experimental for a large studio, but could find an audience in niche markets.

Imagine AAA executives, publishers, and influential industry figures evaluating early game demos or concepts on a televised platform. This would give indie developers exposure while providing them with critical feedback and potential funding.

One example of this idea is IGN’s Rogue Jam. Held back in 2022, the competition offered indie developers the chance to win big prizes, including a $500,000 publishing deal, while getting more publicity for their games.

AAA developers aren’t necessarily lacking in ideas right now, the problem often stems from the financial risks involved in producing large-scale games. AAA studios prioritize profitability, which forces them to churn out familiar, safe content that appeals to mass audiences.

Make AAA Games Great Again!

These games aren’t bad, they just feel bland. | Image Credit: Ubisoft

AAA titles like Star Wars Outlaws illustrate the potential pitfalls of relying solely on large studios to deliver innovative content. Ubisoft has experienced multiple setbacks with recent releases, and its tendency to rely on safe, mainstream concepts has stunted its potential for success.

A game development Shark Tank could also serve as a bridge between indie developers and large publishers. It would not only help smaller studios gain exposure and resources, but also aid AAA companies in finding innovative projects that align with their market strategies.

This could allow bigger studios to take calculated risks on smaller games that could potentially hit niche markets or even become breakout successes. By collaborating in this manner, AAA companies can tap into the creative potential that smaller studios thrive on without the need for massive upfront investments.

This kind of show could also serve as an educational tool for mainstream audiences into how games are made. Just as reality shows like Shark Tank have given viewers insight into entrepreneurship, a gaming equivalent could help people appreciate the ins and outs behind game development.

Viewers would learn how innovative ideas take shape, the importance of good design, and how studios make critical decisions about what to develop. This would not only entertain but also inspire a new generation of game developers, many of whom may start their careers in the indie scene.

What do you think of this idea? Would it be something you’d watch? Let us know in the comments!

Written by Daniel Royte

Articles Published: 354

Daniel is a gamer through and through with a passion for gaming in his veins. His current adventures have taken him into the world of Elden Ring, Wuthering Waves, and Genshin Impact, amongst others.