Ex Creative Director Discusses Lack of Innovation in AAA Games

In a recent interview with GamesRadar+, Paul Sage, the former creative director of titles like Borderlands 3 and Elder Scrolls Online, expressed his concerns about the conservative approach many AAA game studios have adopted in recent years. He believes that developers are overly reliant on successful formulas from previous games due to fears of damaging their intellectual property’s reputation and market value.

Sage, who has held key roles at Bethesda and Gearbox Software, left Gearbox in 2021 to become the CEO and game director at Ruckus Games. The studio was founded by developers frustrated with the industry's high costs and repetitive game mechanics. Recently, Ruckus Games secured $19 million in Series A funding led by Krafton, allowing them to develop an undisclosed new title inspired by the Borderlands franchise.

Creative Constraints in AAA Development

During the interview, Sage shared his thoughts on the current landscape of AAA games. He noted that when studios become overly fixated on audience expectations for a specific IP, it stifles creativity. “We can’t move in the direction that creative people want when we’re too focused on what people expect from a certain IP,” he explained. This often leads to a regression to previous game mechanics rather than the introduction of innovative features.

Frustration with Industry Practices

Sage articulated his frustration with how some series games operate, emphasizing that individuals who are not directly involved in the creative process often influence it. Drawing from his extensive experience in the industry, he recounted instances where upper management interrupted the development of exciting new features out of concern, only to showcase them to focus groups prematurely. “Their intentions are good, but at times, you don’t want others to see a feature that’s still in development,” he said, likening the process to his childhood when his mother would advise him to wait until a painting was finished before showing it off.

The Role of Testing in Game Development

Sage pointed out that while development teams want to evaluate their games at the right time, the immense financial stakes can create pressure. “They might say, ‘Let’s take this to group testing now,’ and you think, ‘It’s not ready for that yet.’ At this stage, they’re only seeing a half-finished product,” he said. This rush to test can lead to misinterpretations of the game's potential and inhibit creative evolution.

New Directions for Game Innovation

As the gaming industry evolves, Sage believes that new methodologies need to be adopted to foster innovation. He advocates for a shift in how studios approach the development process, suggesting that more open-ended creative sessions could allow for fresh ideas to flourish without the constraints of existing expectations. This could potentially reinvigorate franchises that have become stagnant.

Importance of Diverse Perspectives

Furthermore, Sage emphasized the importance of incorporating diverse perspectives into the game development process. By including voices from various backgrounds, studios can break free from the traditional molds that often restrict creativity. “It’s vital to have a team that reflects different viewpoints and experiences,” he noted, highlighting how varied insights can lead to groundbreaking gameplay mechanics and narratives.

Looking Forward to Ruckus Games’ Upcoming Project

As Ruckus Games prepares to unveil their new title, excitement is building around what Sage and his team will bring to the table. With a focus on innovation and a fresh approach to game design, there’s hope that their project will set a new standard in the industry. As Sage puts it, “We’re aiming to create something that not only pays homage to what came before but also pushes the boundaries of what players can expect from AAA experiences.”