The notorious video game-maker Electronic Arts Inc., also known as EA, went all out with its latest release, the widely-discussed Spore game. The game three final years of development were supervised by video game guru Will Wright, responsable for a series of highly successful games such as the Sims.
"The original concept was sort of a toy galaxy you could fly around and explore," explained Mr. Wright for Cnet a few weeks ago. He added that "As we thought about, it became apparent that evolution was a very important component. Some of the very first prototypes involved how you would move around and visualize the galaxy." He also talked about the decisions involved in the process, as his team had to determine if the project was indeed doable, if certain parts were too demanding or impossible and what had to be done in order to make it work.
The game is believed to break all records, as the $50 million spent in its development process are expected to be gathered back in no-time.
"This title has billion-dollar potential," IDC video game analyst Billy Pidgeon told Reuters, also adding that there are several other add-ons such as spin-off games, various fan-oriented products and websites which will likely boost the game’s value. The game offers a brand new experience, offering gamers the chance to take part in a virtual world alongside with the rest of the players, as a change done by one of the players will be felt by all the other players and so on. Also, players can bring any of their creations into the game, from an animal to a new alien species.
The game’s official release is just two days away and gamers everywhere seem ecstatic, receiving every news about Spore with an enthusiasm that you can only see on some Christmas mornings.
EA prepared several sales campaigns, meant to attract an extremely large number of people, from more than one clear segment. It prepared its $80 game, the Spore Galactic Edition, which includes a 128-page book with details on how to play the game, two documentaries, a poster, a Galactic Handbook and a collectible case. There is also the Spore Creatures option, which sells for $30 and is designed for the portable, expected to appeal especially to the Nintendo users.
The company is thrilled with its product and the potential it shows for the future. There is clearly room for new versions of Spore for other platforms such as the Wii and others.
Spore is already shipping in several countries such as Germany, France, Australia, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland and Finland. Electronic Arts is set to offer the game to the remaining European countries and South America starting today, September 5.
"Spore will change the way people look at games forever and change hopefully the perception people have of their own creativity," claims Will Wright with every chance he gets. It will not be long now and we will see if all the comotion was justified.
