Xalavier Nelson Jr. Discusses Game Industry Sustainability and Player Satisfaction

Xalavier Nelson Jr., the CEO of Strange Scaffold, is redefining what it means to be sustainable in the gaming industry, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. In a conversation with GamesIndustry.biz at the DICE Summit, Nelson emphasized that sustainability is not an idealistic concept, but a necessity. He believes that the current gaming ecosystem has the potential to consistently produce great games for players without putting a strain on developers. However, opportunities to create a more stable and favorable work environment are being overlooked, while the AAA sector is taking risks to achieve higher profit margins. Nelson thinks that big games have their place in the industry, but the escalating costs and expectations are making it challenging for games to be enjoyable, profitable, and meaningful experiences for players. He suggests that the industry should learn from past experiences and make reasonable decisions based on the current ecosystem, player desires, and advancements in accessibility technology. By doing so, Nelson believes that the industry can generate significant revenue and satisfy players without compromising on quality. He also highlights the importance of transparency, citing Strange Scaffold's efforts to be open about its production process and financial performance. The studio's ride-along program allows individuals to witness its entire production process, including its struggles, to promote honesty and trust. Nelson acknowledges the prevalence of burnout in the industry and emphasizes the need to address it in a holistic manner, recognizing that it is not just about the number of working hours, but also about the unstable and uncertain environment in which developers work.