Should Rockstar Games Rethink its Releases?
A powerhouse in the industry, Rockstar Games has released an array of classic titles that have shaped the medium. From vast Western open worlds to high-octane street racing, the company consistently brought fresh ideas to life with each game proudly bearing its iconic logo. However, after the unprecedented success of Grand Theft Auto V, the Take-Two Interactive subsidiary, has shifted its focus almost entirely to the game’s online component, sidelining other potential projects. While this strategy has undoubtedly been a financial success, should Rockstar Games reconsider its approach and return to its other beloved franchises?
There was a time when the talented developers didn’t just release sprawling cinematic epics. In the PS360 era, the company published a variety of games including a table tennis simulator with perfectly produced physics to intriguing DLC that fleshed out larger releases in new and interesting ways. With only 2 new games released in 11 years, it is time for the company to go back to its previous model which helped to solidify them as a pioneer in the industry.
Forgotten Franchises
A fan-favorite, for years gamers have been eager for a sequel to the school-based adventure, Bully. Released in 2006, you play as a rebellious student named Jimmy whose life is eventful at Bullworth Academy Boarding School. Not only did the game have great characters and a relatable setting, but it also felt alive due to lessons occurring at different times and the array of minigames. Although considered controversial at the time with certain countries censoring aspects, Bully received favorable reviews and deserves a sequel.
Speaking of controversy, no game has garnered more than Manhunt. People blamed the game, with its seedy presentation and stealth executions, as an influential factor in the death of Stefan Pakeerah. Moral panic led to the game’s removal from shelves, which increased interest and created a cult following for the franchise. Although the original and its sequel received middling reviews, it would be intriguing to see what else Rockstar could do with the IP. Anything bearing the name would immediately attract attention, resulting in guaranteed sales. Will they revisit this and push the boundaries of violence?
Let’s face it, most games based on films are trash. The majority were just cheap cash-ins on an IP in order to profit from its popularity. While this was prominent in the 2000s, Rockstar bucked the trend with the fantastic The Warriors. Based on the 1979 classic, the gang-focused tale was praised for its deep combat and authentic interpretation of its source material. Even though a sequel never emerged, I would love to see Rockstar expand on the story and its characters. With their love for the arts and talent for cinematics, seeing them build on this universe would be incredible.
Get the Drift
Another forgotten title from their back catalog is Midnight Club. With its stylish presentation, the game celebrated the world of motor mechanics. The open world allowed you to speed through the streets and fly through the air via ramps dotted around. Although there are a number of racing games out and GTA itself adopts a lot of these traits, this still would find success in the current market due to its focus on arcade-style races.
Rockstar was the master of DLC. Ballad of Gay Tony was better than the base game and Undead Nightmare was a brilliant take on the zombie genre. Unfortunately, these smaller expansions have disappeared due to the company’s focus on GTA Online. With development time for new games taking up to 6 years, why not double down on smaller expansions? Each DLC used the same engine and environment but told a fresh story giving single-player gamers more reason to revisit the game. While the online portion is a money-making machine, there are certain players who don’t touch it. Why not deliver a three-pronged approach with GTA VI and offer single-player expansions as well as the main campaign and online components?
Publish This!
There are a bunch of great games that Rockstar did not develop but instead published. L.A. Noire, a favorite of mine, was created by Team Bondi but featured the recognizable logo. Other titles like Max Payne and State of Emergency were created by different developers but carried their stamp of approval. It would be great to see them scour the indies and release more games under their banner rather than having extended periods of time without a release.
With the highly anticipated GTA VI on its way, eyes are firmly fixed on the company. As they regularly create near-perfect worlds, the game is likely to push boundaries even further. If it’s anything like the fifth iteration, it’s likely to have a long lifespan. Due to this, rather than waiting years for another huge release, should Rockstar revisit older titles? Let us know in the comments below or on Facebook or Twitter, and don’t forget to subscribe to us on YouTube for more great video game content.
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