Racoon Logic: Reviving the Classic Gaming Experience

Across from The Game Awards, the Racoon Logic team is taking a unique approach to PR, opting for a low-key demo and interviews instead of a grand trailer reveal. According to Creative Director Alex Hutchinson, this old-school method is more enjoyable and allows for a more personal connection with journalists. Hutchinson expresses his fondness for the traditional gaming industry, where physical games and face-to-face interactions were the norm. He believes that the current trend of games-as-a-service titles, which often require significant investment and may not yield substantial returns, is not the direction he wants to take. The team is betting on an audience of older gamers who appreciate a classic approach to gaming, where players can enjoy a self-contained experience without feeling pressured to play every week. Hutchinson shares that 2024 has been a stable year for Racoon Logic, with a small team and a focus on polishing their upcoming game, Revenge of the Savage Planet. The game, set to release in May, is the sequel to Journey to the Savage Planet, although the team is uncertain about the first game's commercial success due to various ownership changes. Hutchinson has mixed feelings about Game Pass and subscription services, acknowledging their potential benefits for building an audience but also expressing concerns about the decreasing revenue share for developers and the potential devaluation of games. The game arrives in a crowded 2025 release slate, but Hutchinson is optimistic about its distinct tone and the potential for long-term growth. Racoon Logic is self-publishing the game, and the studio aims to create unique, quirky experiences without chasing massive commercial success. Hutchinson concludes that the industry is constantly evolving, and the studio's goal is to continue making games that resonate with players, even if they don't become huge hits.