Large studios typically work on large-scale and expensive games with long development cycles. But Megan Morgan Junio, former Director of Product Development at Santa Monica Studio, believes it's time to change the approach.
In an interview, she noted that large teams should invest in smaller projects for sustainability, creativity, and diversity. The primary focus on blockbusters creates high revenues but also leads to layoffs, project cancellations, and studio closures.
"There is a chance to look strategically at the long term and consciously plan products and the identity of the industry."
This doesn't mean abandoning major franchises like God of War or Call of Duty, but more flexible experiments are needed alongside them. Junio cites examples like Astro Bot (Sony) and Split Fiction (EA), which show that players care not only about graphics or map size but also about quality, enjoyment, and fresh ideas.
Today, the audience is "a little desensitized" to the technical beauty of games, so major publishers should use their resources to support creativity and risky projects. Despite the crisis in the industry, Junio is confident:
"Those who create games will never accept a negative scenario. Creativity and innovation will always be in demand."
