Plot and graphics not paramount in videogame success

Technology

Storylines and state-of-the-art graphics may matter less than getting the price right when it comes to designing a hit

9 September 2009

Games like Grand Theft Auto 4 have state-of-the-art graphics, but the visuals may not be very important for a game's success — Games like Grand Theft Auto 4 have state-of-the-art graphics, but the visuals may not be very important for a game鈥檚 success
(Image: Digital Beach Media / Rex Features)

WHAT is the key to designing a hit video game 鈥� beautifully crafted graphics or a gripping storyline? It may just be a matter of social interactions and avoiding bad pricing, say Russell Beale and Matthew Bond of the University of Birmingham, UK.

The pair analysed game reviews to determine the most interesting features and how games garner good scores. Weak storytelling and lacklustre in-game graphics had little impact, but pricing the game badly was a killer.

鈥淪ocial aspects are also much more important than previously realised,鈥� adds Beale. That may include multiplayer online options, or creating an experience the rest of the family will enjoy.

The research was presented at this year鈥檚 in Cambridge, UK, last week.

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