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Originally Posted by I'm Rich Bitch  It may seem crazy but I think Smed is crazy like a fox. The benefits of this strategy are: - They are able to get a small profit from each little MMO they own. The Team size is determined by how much money each one is bringing in.
- They use the MMOs as sort of a "MMO University" to train new Developers and spot talent when they see it. When they do get a hit they will not have to interview to get talent to staff it.
- Their current staff of Developers and Designers can move to the "Next New Thing" while their MMO portfolio brings in money to fund the R&D. This keeps the Staff happy.
- They continue to gain Market Share with the collection of small MMOs.
- They keep the naming rights to MMOs.
- Eventually they will be able to create a messaging system between all games.
- Eventually they can develop a way to have 1 character that can be played in each game. No more leveling alts in each game.
- Use the Station Exchange concept as a way to get more money in addition to box sales, and Subs.
There is a reason this guy is still around and in such a powerful position. The fact that you guys underestimate him makes him even stronger. |
I agree with that. I'm pretty sure development costs dwarf day to day operating budgets of these games. SOE already has an infrastructure in place, customer service, billing etc, snapping up a failed project on the cheap and tweaking it into even a modest money maker is good business.
