The Gaming Industry's Discoverability Crisis: Why Great Games Go Unnoticed

The gaming industry is facing a significant challenge in terms of discoverability, with many great games going unnoticed due to algorithms that favor volume and familiarity over quality and originality. This issue was discussed at the Madeira Games Summit, where a workgroup led by Michal Bujko, senior business development manager at Modma Studios, explored the problem and potential solutions. The group concluded that the industry's focus on metrics and short-term engagement has led to a lack of creativity and risk-taking, resulting in a saturated market where it's difficult for new and innovative games to stand out. They also noted that platforms have too much power and control over discovery, while developers and publishers have limited visibility and accountability. To address this issue, the workgroup recommended that platforms provide more transparency and tools for developers and publishers, while also promoting human curation and editorial judgment. They also suggested that publishers focus on building a clear identity and committed audience, rather than trying to appeal to a broad and general market. Additionally, the group emphasized the importance of community-building and creative risk-taking for developers, as well as the need for investors to support a longer-term approach to game development. Ultimately, the workgroup concluded that the window to act is now, and that the industry must take steps to address the discoverability crisis in order to ensure its long-term health and success.