Jeremy Soule Q&A

HomeLan Fed has conducted an interview with Jeremy Soule, the man behind the music in such games as Icewind Dale, Icewind Dale II, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, about gaming in 2003 and 2004. Check it out:
Q: Finally, what things would you like to see improve in the game industry in 2004 and why?

A: I've been through so many situations where games that require 50 developers have 20 assigned to them. If there's anything that should improve is a balance between game design and production resources coupled with managed profit expectations. The consumer wants more out of a game and I think that companies have to be prepared to continue the trend of consolidation. There needs to be less games on the shelves but these games need to be made at a higher standard. It's going to be painful and there will be more layoffs. However, I see consolidation being the only real way for the industry to create products that rival movies in terms of visual and emotional quality. I also feel that more veteran developers will stay in the business. The business is maturing. It's because of this that I feel that the demographics for games will continue to expand.