Racing game genre decline not helped by '

The unfortunate demise of studios such as Black Rock and Bizarre Creations might be an indication of waning interest in the racing game genre. Activision boss Eric Hirshberg made it clear he thinks that a decline in the driving/racing game genre was a key factor in the decision to close the Project Gotham Racing studio, Bizarre Creations.However Jason DeLong, executive producer at EA and current steward for Need for Speed: The Run, has told CVG that enforced 'evolution' of the genre hasn't helped matters."I think one of the issues with racing developers is that they felt that things needed to change in order for things to continue to do well and as a result there's been a lot of quote/unquote 'innovations' in the racing space, which maybe was not necessarily the best focus" said DeLong.Continuing on the NFS veteran said he feels wish fulfilment is a big part of making a good racing game, often with thermt successful titles being those that effectively satisfy the player's driving fantasies. "I think at the end of the day a successful racing game is one that makes someone feel like a hero. Being able to pick up a controller, get behind the wheel of a 500 horsepower car that costs $200,000 and just drive it masterfully across an amazing landscape, that is what people want. If you deliver on that promise then I think you're three-quarters of the way there" he added.EA showed off Need for Speed: The Run at E3, it is the first game in the franchise to feature 'out-of-car' action sequences.

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