Credit Where Credit’s Due

Another interesting aspect of the SAG greed issue is that besides monetary compensation, SAG members also want greater recognition for their contribution. This is an extension of the misappropriation of credit that somehow still pervades in this industry, as in the film industry, to this day. Publishers, not developers are often wrongly credited for making the games they simply pay for, just as a film director will often be credited for the cinematography, rather than the cinematographer.

Besides credit not going where credit’s due, an unfortunate offshoot of this for the uneducated gamesplayer is that it is extremely difficult to follow a talented videogame director or team in the same way that a favourite film director or even sports team can be followed.

The alsoran remembers the surprise of the media to the less than excellent Devil May Cry sequel, but it was publicly known before release that the project was headed up by a completely different team and director. When that happens in the film world, alarms tend to ring and expectations are kept low by all but only the most foolish fanboy.

In discussion with his current project director on this subject, the alsoran disagreed with the director’s belief that it is ridiculous for any one person to assume credit for the work of a team comprised of 100+ members. Instead, the alsoran believes that the game industry needs more characters to follow. Where film has actors, our industry has only digital creations that cease to exist once the power has been turned off.

What pioneering game developers currently come to mind? Mizuguchi? Yes. Not the derivative, Mario hawking, Miyamoto. Kojima continues to churn out Metal Gear sequels. Spector and Molyneux have both failed to deliver on recent projects. Even Itagaki’s E3 showing of DOA4 looked unchanged from his previous efforts.

Perhaps the alsoran’s director is right. A director is only as good as his team…