Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse, has voiced strong opinions against the prevailing trend in the gaming industry that demands perpetual engagement and live-service models for every game. His stance, articulated in response to criticism of Manor Lords’ Early Access development, challenges the notion that success must be measured by continuous growth and player retention.
Despite observations about declining concurrent player numbers, Bender highlights Manor Lords’ substantial achievements, including recent sales figures of 250,000 copies and a highly favorable 88% review rating.
Bender dismisses the pressure for endless growth as detrimental to both developers and players, emphasizing that the satisfaction of players and developers should be paramount, irrespective of the game’s post-launch support strategy. He humorously critiques the industry’s fixation on live-service models, underscoring the value of enjoying a complete, premium single-player experience without immediate follow-up obligations.
In advocating for a more sustainable approach in game development, Bender argues against the expectation that every game should evolve into a live-service phenomenon. He warns against the industry’s current trajectory, which often leads to unrealistic growth expectations and unsustainable work conditions for developers.
Reflecting on Hooded Horse’s approach, Bender suggests that publishers should be evaluated not just on their successes but also on how they handle setbacks. His remarks resonate in an industry increasingly defined by high-stakes, blockbuster titles and corporate consolidation, contrasting with Hooded Horse’s support for developers who prioritize quality over rapid release cycles.
In summary, Tim Bender’s critique challenges industry norms by celebrating Manor Lords’ success on its own terms and advocating for a more humane and sustainable development approach that values player satisfaction and developer well-being over perpetual growth metrics. His perspective underscores the importance of diverse game development strategies in fostering a healthier gaming ecosystem.
