The gaming industry is about to go through tough times according to Baldur’s Gate 3’s head of publishing. And it has started with Intergalactic.
Game development has become more than just making a game in recent times and we’re in for an even more turbulent ride as we head into 2025. Michael Douse, the head of publishing at Larian Studios, known for Baldur’s Gate 3, recently shared his concerns about the challenges developers face in launching games today.
Intergalactic looks like a fun premise, but it has been overshadowed.| Image Credit: Naughty Dog
With online culture fueling division, and rampant controversies over representation and creative choices, making a game has become a lot more political. Naughty Dog’s upcoming project, Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet is the latest center of this, and Douse’s words are a sobering but necessary roadmap for developers.
Michael Douse’s words could very well apply to Intergalactic
Michael Douse brings up a lot of good points. | Image Credit: Larian Studios
Douse predicts that 2025 and beyond will be an especially tough period for game developers, citing a pervasive culture of division. “Anticipate, don’t ignore, ridicule, or stoke,” he says in his recent tweet. His comments reflect how developers now find themselves juggling authentic artistic vision with the need to manage public perceptions of their work.
2025 (and beyond) is going to be an extremely tough time to ship a game, with division spilling into everything. I have one practical piece of advice that may to some seem controversial, but it’s crucial: anticipate, don’t ignore, or ridicule, or stoke. Figure it out. Navigate…
— Very AFK (@Cromwelp) December 15, 2024
The most recent example of this cultural tension is the release of the trailer for Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, Naughty Dog’s latest title. While the game boasts a retrofuturistic aesthetic and a strong lead performance by Tati Gabrielle, it has sparked widespread backlash. With over 100,000 dislikes on YouTube, the trailer has faced criticism for reasons ranging from the protagonist’s design to accusations of heavy-handed representation.
Naughty Dog responded by disabling comments on the video, further fueling debate about how game studios should handle public feedback. Douse argues that these issues aren’t going away anytime soon. He attributes the rise of divisive reactions to the growing emphasis on individualism and the echo chambers it creates. “Everyone is defending their corner, believing they are right.
Where does the industry go from here?
There are so many upcoming games that could be affected by this. | Image Credit: Rockstar Games
The challenges of catering to a global audience without compromising creative integrity are not new, but they are now more common than ever. People online have argued that game developers are pandering to a so-called “modern audience” that doesn’t exist, while others insist that not every game needs to appeal to everyone.
Some devs are not making games for the majority of gamers. They are chasing a non-existent modern audience. The sooner they figure it out the better change they have surviving.
— Anti-Umbrella Warrior (@KolhoSouj0) December 15, 2024
I don’t think progressivism is the problem so much as the idea that every game should be for everyone. They won’t be. There’s plenty to play. The idea that “you should be whoever you want to be” is both fohndationally progressive and deeply rooted in RPGs, but maybe not other…
— Very AFK (@Cromwelp) December 15, 2024
Douse believes the latter perspective is key to navigating these turbulent times. He notes the importance of focusing on authenticity rather than universal approval.
Despite these challenges, Douse remains optimistic about the potential for gaming to celebrate individuality. Reflecting on his own experiences with Baldur’s Gate 3, he expressed a desire to create worlds where players can be whoever they want to be without fear of judgment. “That’s why I love RPGs,” he shared. “They give agency, they don’t remove it.”
As the industry moves forward, developers must grapple with the evolving expectations of their audiences. The rise of social media has amplified both support and criticism, making it impossible to please everyone. Douse says that authenticity is most important. Developers must create games they believe in.
What do you think of Michael Douse’s words and where the gaming industry is heading as we conclude 2024? Let us know in the comments!
