Raccoon Logic's Final Farewell to the Games Industry of Yesteryear

Across from The Game Awards, Raccoon Logic is taking an old-school approach to PR, opting for a low-key demo and interviews instead of a flashy trailer. According to creative director Alex Hutchinson, this approach allows them to stand out in a crowded industry. "We're doing the last hurrah of the games industry I grew up with," he says, referencing the physical version of their upcoming game and their desire to create a classic gaming experience. As the industry evolves, Hutchinson hopes to find an audience that appreciates this approach, particularly among older gamers who value finishable games. "People in their 40s have more disposable income, but less time. They want to play games, but don't want to be repressed by games that demand weekly playtime," he explains. Despite the challenges facing the industry, Raccoon Logic has had a successful 2024, with a stable team and a game that's nearing release. Revenge of the Savage Planet, the sequel to 2020's Journey to the Savage Planet, is set to arrive in May 2025. Hutchinson has mixed feelings about Game Pass and subscription services, citing the uncertainty of revenue and the potential for devaluing games. "It's tricky and unclear," he says. "Game Pass works if you're building an audience, but then you want to make sure you have extra content to sell, because the amount they're paying has dropped significantly over the last three years." Raccoon Logic is self-publishing the game, with reasonable expectations and a goal to create a unique gaming experience. "We just want to be successful and make games that people come up to us and mention at shows," Hutchinson says. The game's tone is reminiscent of classic UK developers like Rare, with a focus on comedy and satire. "There's not enough comedy in games," Hutchinson concludes. "It's a huge market segment, and it's a fucking empty aisle in video games."