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Many game developers think the term “AAA” is silly and the industry is inefficient

by Harper Feb 08,2025

The "AAA" game label is losing its relevance, according to many game developers. Initially signifying massive budgets, high quality, and low failure rates, it's now associated with profit-driven competition that often sacrifices innovation and quality.

Charles Cecil, co-founder of Revolution Studios, calls the term "silly and meaningless," a relic of a time when increased publisher investment ironically led to a decline in quality. He points to Ubisoft's Skull and Bones, initially touted as a "AAAA" title, as a prime example of this trend; a decade of development culminated in a disappointing launch.

Criticism extends to other major publishers like EA, frequently accused by players and developers alike of prioritizing mass production over audience engagement.

Conversely, independent studios are increasingly delivering impactful games that surpass many "AAA" titles in terms of creativity and player experience. Games like Baldur's Gate 3 and Stardew Valley powerfully demonstrate that ingenuity and quality far outweigh budget size.

The prevailing sentiment is that profit maximization stifles creativity. Developers, fearing risk, are less inclined to innovate, resulting in a stagnation of big-budget games. A fundamental shift in industry approach is needed to recapture player interest and foster a new generation of game creators.

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