The video game industry is facing a familiar challenge: too many choices. But this isn’t a modern problem. In 1989, Robert Garriott, brother of famed game designer Richard Garriott (creator of the Ultima series), warned of a market saturated with titles, a concern that resonates even more strongly today as players navigate a seemingly endless stream of releases on platforms like Steam. Garriott’s prescient observation, unearthed by the Videogame History Foundation, offers a unique perspective on the cyclical nature of the gaming market and the enduring need for quality over quantity.
Robert Garriott’s insights came during a panel discussion at the 1989 Computer Game Developers Conference, a gathering of industry leaders including representatives from Electronic Arts, Broderbund, and Accolade. The Videogame History Foundation recently digitized nearly the entire archive of cassette tapes from the conference, making Garriott’s commentary available to a modern audience. At the time, the PC gaming market was experiencing a downturn, and the industry was searching for answers. Garriott, who would later hold executive positions at Electronic Arts and NCsoft (leading the teams behind City of Heroes and Guild Wars), was already a key figure at Origin Systems, the studio behind the groundbreaking Ultima franchise.
The surge in popularity of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was a major topic of discussion, with many fearing its impact on the PC market. While acknowledging the NES’s success, Garriott argued that the deeper, more complex role-playing and strategy games that defined the PC experience couldn’t be fully replicated on consoles. Although, he observed that PC game sales were still declining, despite this perceived advantage. He attributed this not only to the NES competition but also to a broader economic slowdown affecting hardware sales from companies like Apple, Commodore, and Dell, coupled with a simple oversupply of games. The core issue, as he articulated it, was that the market was becoming flooded with titles, leaving consumers overwhelmed and unsure of where to spend their money.
Garriott’s honesty was striking for the time. He admitted to feeling uncomfortable voicing his concerns, questioning whether industry leaders fully understood the contributing factors to the market’s struggles. Despite his reservations, he expressed optimism that the situation would improve. Little did he know, the PC gaming market would not only rebound but would eventually explode in popularity, reaching a point where hundreds of games are released on platforms like Steam every single day. The sheer volume of new releases now dwarfs anything seen in 1989, making his warning all the more relevant.
The Nintendo “Bûnbak” and the Rise of Choice Paralysis
Garriott’s assessment of the NES as a “bûnbak” – a scapegoat – is particularly insightful. He pointed out that the PC gaming industry had been growing at a healthy rate of 15-25% annually for the previous three years. However, the number of new game titles entering the American market had increased by a staggering 25-50% during the same period. This imbalance meant that sales were being spread thinner across a larger number of products, reducing the revenue generated per title. PC Gamer highlights this point, noting the parallels to the current state of the gaming landscape.
He described consumers as “very confused,” struggling to navigate the increasingly crowded marketplace. This “choice paralysis” – the difficulty in making a decision when presented with too many options – is a well-documented psychological phenomenon that continues to plague gamers today. The constant influx of new releases, coupled with aggressive marketing campaigns, can leave players feeling overwhelmed and unsure of which games are worth their time and money. The rise of game subscription services, while offering access to a vast library of titles, can also exacerbate this problem.
A Timeless Prescription: Focus on Quality
Garriott’s solution, articulated 37 years ago, remains remarkably prescient: focus on developing games that offer something unique and compelling, something that cannot be easily replicated on consoles. He emphasized the need for games with “long play time, depth, excellent graphics, and large memory.” But, crucially, he stressed the importance of quality. “Quality always sells itself, and it always will sell itself,” he stated. This sentiment echoes the current industry conversation surrounding “AAA” titles and the growing demand for polished, well-crafted gaming experiences.
The current gaming market, particularly on platforms like Steam, demonstrates the truth of Garriott’s words. While a vast number of indie games are released daily, those that prioritize quality – innovative gameplay, compelling narratives, and polished execution – are more likely to stand out and find an audience. The success of titles like Baldur’s Gate 3, praised for its depth, complexity, and high production values, underscores the enduring appeal of quality gaming experiences. The Videogame History Foundation’s preservation of these historical recordings provides valuable context for understanding the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today.
Looking Ahead: Navigating the Modern Gaming Landscape
The gaming industry continues to grapple with the challenges of market saturation and discoverability. While the methods of distribution and marketing have evolved dramatically since 1989, the fundamental principle remains the same: quality matters. Developers and publishers who prioritize creating compelling, well-crafted games are more likely to succeed in the long run. The ongoing debate surrounding AI-generated content and its potential impact on game development further emphasizes the importance of human creativity and artistic vision.
The next major event to watch will be the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) – though its future remains uncertain – and other industry showcases, where developers will unveil their latest projects. These events will offer a glimpse into the direction the industry is heading and whether the lessons of the past are being heeded. What are your thoughts on the current state of the gaming market? Share your opinions in the comments below, and feel free to share this article with fellow gamers.
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