Player Created Content: Industry Created Glut

I think that player-created content is a magnificent idea, but there is one big issue holding it back. You need to have an install base to actually create the content! If your game centers around user-created content, and you don’t get anyone to buy your game…you are doubly screwed. Look at Blast Works, for example. There is a huge element of user-creation involved, but hardly anyone bought the game. Such big strides were made with the Wii’s online capabilities, and tons of hard work went into giving players the tools to make what they wanted. Unfortunately, that extra development was all for naught.

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