Xalavier Nelson Jr., Studio Head of Strange Scaffold, recently shared his views on the potential disappearance of mid-sized games in the industry. In a podcast with Games Radar at Limit Break Network, Nelson expressed skepticism about the future of AA games, suggesting they might “go extinct.”
Nelson observed a trend of indie developers increasingly working on big licensed projects, a space previously occupied by AA games. “You have indie teams making big licensed games,” noted Nelson.
He pointed out that while indie teams are stepping up, the funding necessary to foster a revolution in AA games isn’t materializing because investors are more inclined to chase potential mega-hits like Fortnite, even though such projects face high cancellation risks. According to Nelson, the gaming industry’s landscape will continue to feature standout successes like indie hit Balatro or AAA blockbusters like Elden Ring and Hogwarts Legacy.
aa games’ uncertain future
However, he warned that mid-sized games, akin to Final Fantasy: Strangers of Paradise, are the most vulnerable and likely to disappear. Despite this grim outlook for AA games, the success of titles like Balatro, created by a solo developer, shows that exceptional outliers still capture significant attention. The game’s much-anticipated mobile version is scheduled to launch soon, reflecting the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the gaming industry.
Watch the full podcast with Xalavier Nelson Jr. on Limit Break Network for further insights.
April Isaacs is a news contributor for DevX.com She is long-term, self-proclaimed nerd. She loves all things tech and computers and still has her first Dreamcast system. It is lovingly named Joni, after Joni Mitchell.
