The Reasons Behind Game Development Delays | Opinion

The recent layoffs at Xbox and its affiliated game studios have not only resulted in significant job losses but also led to the termination of several projects that had been in development for years. This move has raised concerns about Microsoft's ability to effectively manage its vast collection of game studios and publishers, which it has acquired over the past six to seven years. The cancellation of projects after substantial investment of time and resources has, in particular, drawn attention and criticism. A prevailing narrative suggests that Microsoft struggles with managing game development, as evidenced by the cancellation of titles like Everwild and Perfect Dark. However, it is essential to note that Microsoft's studios are capable of producing high-quality games, such as MachineGames' Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Obsidian's Avowed, and id's Doom: The Dark Ages. Some studios under Microsoft's ownership have thrived, while others have faced challenges, including delayed or underperforming projects. The criticism directed at Microsoft for cancelling projects is, to some extent, rooted in the sunk cost fallacy. It is unfortunate when a project, on which many talented individuals have worked for years, is cancelled, but the assumption that there must be something salvageable is not always realistic. Game development is a complex process, and it is possible for a game to undergo numerous iterations without achieving a cohesive and enjoyable experience. If a studio could transform the scattered code, assets, and levels into a coherent game, they would have done so already. Investing more resources into a troubled project can be counterproductive. Launching a game is a costly endeavor, even with minimal marketing support. If the game is not up to par, there is a high likelihood that the publishing costs will not be recouped, let alone the years of development investment. So, how do studios end up in such situations? While every failed development process has its unique set of challenges, there are common patterns. One such pattern is the obsession with creating vertical slices, which are expensive and labor-intensive. Most developers prefer working on simpler prototypes, which are cheaper and faster to iterate upon, but these may not accurately represent the final product. Another issue is trend chasing, where studios pivot mid-cycle to follow the latest industry trends. This can result in a mess, sometimes salvageable but often not. In both cases, having the wrong people in decision-making roles or too many decision-makers with conflicting visions can lead to a game's vision being altered based on internal corporate politics rather than a focused, consistent approach. The recent layoffs at Microsoft have led to strong emotions, and many who are willing to discuss the issues have a vested interest in the outcome. The question of why some projects at the company have not been well-managed may not have a definitive answer soon. It is crucial to acknowledge that no company in the industry is immune to these problems. Every publisher cancels projects, and many have had their share of mismanaged projects. However, the issues that arise in game development are distinct from those in other software development fields, where the focus is on meeting specific functionality and operational requirements. Game development involves subjective questions about the enjoyment and overall experience of the game, making it radically different from business software development. The management skillset required for game development is core to the success of every great publisher, and with significant investments in studio assets, Microsoft needs to excel in this area to achieve success.