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The final part of this series of articles looking at both mediums will focus on how the production values can result in a largely better product and field for development. Production in cinema has been nothing short of expansive as well as expensive however this is largely compensated for by the mass revenue that ensues. Gaming in the 16 bit era (1970’s-early 1990’s) where games were solely and prodimantly in 2d form where produced by limited numbers of developers. The technology at the start of the gaming boom was quite simple in execution and accessible to produce. How gaming has changed today with some production and development budgets nearing the $100 million mark (Grand Theft Auto 4 2008 and Gran Turismo 5 2010). Profits though in gaming have been telling and you only need to look at the Call of Duty series to tell you that gaming is on the rise.

When we look at cinema we look at Hollywood. When we look at Hollywood we look at entertainment. When we look at entertainment we look at just how that is delivered.  Before even focusing on the plotlines, setpieces and even mis-en scene (setting the scene), the pre-hype into whats going into the film and how it sets out to entertain is what we focus on. The production therefore takes precedence in that elements we enjoy seeing and viewing can be ultimately achieved. In film, this is expensive. Casting, studio setting/natural setting, camera’s, props, CGI and the list goes on. Budgets for films can pass the $200 million mark with Spiderman 3 being officially the most expensive film made. As said in this series of articles, cinema is an established medium and the money floating around in the medium will no doubt be moving the highest entertainment to maximise audiences and therefore maximising profit.

Gaming is an interesting medium. Its the most profitable and currently boasts the biggest entertainment media launch (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3- $400 day one). It is lauded and loathed by all corners of society for the levels of interactivity that can be used for multiple purposes from graphic realism to complex narrative plots. Gaming in the past 20 years has seen its production values soar phenomenally. Budgets in the early 90’s were quoted to be around $100,000 which was considered for only the most expensive games. Now budgets can range in the millions with Grand Theft Auto 4 being the most expensive at $100 million. Graphic design in gaming seems to be the most expensive after casting, initial development and gaming engines. Can we see budgets soar further to be exactly on par with cinema in the future? Can gaming really be the killer alternative to cinema?

Cinema and gaming have a lot of similarities as well as influences on each other. From production, storytelling, multiple genres to explosive entertainment- the two mediums are now from a technological as well as consumer perspective on par. That seems to be the problem. Critical reaction seems to be absent. Film awards are broadcasted yearly. Yet gaming makes more money but award events are scarce and have yet to be broadcasted to the public. This is a shame as it would no doubt boost gaming’s profile and offer an interactive multi-layered form of entertainment. This asks one question though and that is just how long will these mediums last with each other while both are soaring in record profits?

This entry was posted on Monday, November 14th, 2011 at 1:14 pm and is filed under Gaming. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.