Frankly the name change idea was a very good one in this context. It implies a rebirth rather than continuation, which clearly this isn't even if they do get it right.

Except it really doesn't matter what it's called. As I've mentioned in a previous topic, they could call this Fallout 3 or Fallout: Revenge of the Supermutants. It'll still be the same game. Should Fallout fans expect Fallout 3 to be like the previous two games? Not if they have any sense. No publisher is going to give AAA fundong to a turn-based, isometric, PC-exclusive RPG. It just isn't going to happen.

One of the problems I think many Fallout fans have, is with the general assumption by others that a sequel needs AAA funding. Why couldn't a sequel be, particularly with the drastically better tools and productivity of today, a lower funded game just for Fallout fans? Why does it have to appeal to everyone or sell far more than the originals?

Fact is a game like the originals (and I mean just similar production values, not necessarily way bigger) would probably cost the same or less today and sell better. It might not be a megahit sales-wise compared to console games, etc., but the whole point is it doesn't have to be. The only thing that is more expensive is the labor costs assuming you are using experienced guys (and gals :)) to do it. Everything else has declined in cost especially in dollar/time.

PS> Also, I notice that lots of people assume that game publishers have the right to pursue profit at the expense of all else, but then turn around and deny consumers the right to withhold support for such companies (or complain about consumers doing so). Why do people always defend publishers? If publishers do their jobs well they will be rewarded by the market. If they don't, they won't. That doesn't mean gamers lose all rights to voice what they want.

Obviously big game publishers seem to want to model the big movie companies where everything has to be AAA and therefore appeal to the masses or the sales won't allow the recoup of such a huge investment. This is what happens as game publishers get bigger and bigger and accounting, finance, and marketing guys take over. (and the result of trying to maintain huge staffing levels, which the movies abandoned long ago)

This comment was edited on Sep 4, 14:26.