Embracing Originality: Suda51's Perspective on the Perils of Metacritic Obsession

In a candid interview, Grasshopper Manufacture CEO Goichi Suda, also known as Suda51, and his longtime collaborator Shinji Mikami, co-creator of Shadows of the Damned, shed light on the industry's growing fixation with Metacritic scores and its detrimental impact on creative expression. Their insights offer a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by developers seeking to push the boundaries of conventional game design.

Uncovering the Pitfalls of Metacritic-Driven Game Development

The Tyranny of Metacritic Scores

Suda51 minces no words in his assessment of the industry's obsession with Metacritic scores, a metric that has become a de facto standard for measuring a game's critical reception. He argues that this singular focus has led to a stifling of creativity, as developers and publishers prioritize safe, formulaic approaches over bold, innovative ideas. "Everybody pays too much attention to and cares too much about Metacritic scores," Suda51 laments. "It's gotten to the point where there's almost a set formula – if you want to get a high Metacritic score, this is how you make the game."This preoccupation with Metacritic has created a vicious cycle, where games that don't fit neatly into the "marketability scope" are penalized, deterring larger companies from taking risks on more unique and experimental projects. Suda51 acknowledges that this may not be the sole reason for the decline in truly distinctive games, but he firmly believes it is a significant contributing factor.

Prioritizing Creativity over Conformity

In contrast to the industry's Metacritic-driven mindset, Suda51 and Mikami champion a different approach. They emphasize the importance of staying true to their creative vision and not being beholden to the numbers. "Personally, I don't care too much about the Metacritic numbers," Suda51 declares. "I'm not really conscious of them. What's important to us is putting the games out that we want to put out and having people playing the games we want them to be able to play."This unwavering commitment to artistic expression is a hallmark of Grasshopper Manufacture's ethos. Suda51 and his team refuse to compromise their creative integrity in pursuit of higher Metacritic scores or broader commercial appeal. They understand that the most enduring and impactful games often defy conventional wisdom and challenge the status quo.

The Struggle for Visibility in a Crowded Marketplace

Mikami, however, acknowledges the practical realities that developers face in a crowded and highly competitive market. He points out that while there are indeed many unique and innovative games being created, they often struggle to gain the same level of attention and marketing support as their big-budget counterparts. "The kind of games that get the most marketing support are the ones that need to appeal to as broad an audience as possible," Mikami explains. "More unique games don't really have the same marketability."This disparity in resources and promotional efforts can make it challenging for smaller, more experimental titles to cut through the noise and reach their intended audience. Suda51 and Mikami's own collaborative project, Shadow of the Damned, is a prime example of a game that, despite its critical acclaim, may have been overshadowed by the marketing juggernauts of the industry.

Embracing the Unconventional: Suda51's Creative Vision

Suda51's unwavering commitment to his creative vision is a testament to his artistic integrity and his belief in the power of unconventional game design. He refuses to be swayed by the industry's obsession with Metacritic scores, recognizing that true innovation often comes at the expense of conventional "marketability."This ethos is reflected in Grasshopper Manufacture's diverse portfolio, which includes titles like No More Heroes, Killer7, and the upcoming remaster of Shadow of the Damned. These games defy genre boundaries, challenge player expectations, and offer unique experiences that often polarize critics and audiences alike.Suda51's approach is a refreshing counterpoint to the risk-averse mentality that has taken hold in the industry. He understands that the most enduring and impactful games are often those that dare to be different, that push the boundaries of what is possible in the medium. By championing this philosophy, Suda51 and his team at Grasshopper Manufacture continue to inspire and influence the broader gaming landscape, reminding us that true creativity and originality are worth fighting for.