When a developer or publisher comes out with a successful game, fans will usually clamor for a sequel to it. This I understand and accept, at the same time though I believe some games should be left alone, but more on that later. When a game gets a sequel and it gains success then branching storyline games follow, such as direct sequels, spin-off sequels, prequels, and connections with timelines. When this happens a franchise is born. The term series is also attributed to this, but I think a series as a collection of direct sequels wiht some prequels if necessary, if it's got a spin-off then that is either its own series, or not, it's complicated so let's just stick with franchise.
When a franchise gains success it usually gains popularity, and with that a fanbase. When most publishers and companies see this it means either good news or bad news. The good news would be faith put into their franchise, by listening to feedback from not only reviews, but at the same time from the gamer community, thus making the products in future installments better for the gamer. The bad news is that the game is made purely to milk money out of gamers to benefit themselves, thus collecting milk money.
Some game franchises have gone down this path. Such as Final Fantasy, Guitar Hero, Madden, and Call of Duty. Which is sad because these franchises are known for bringing memorable gameplay and stories, but have been reduced to nothing more than petty change to line the pocket of a businessman.
This is not only a reason for gamers downfall, but a reason why games can't be acclaimed as an art form. When games are merely paint by number and game franchises hold the same popularity and reverence of their horror movie counterparts. Games are seen not as an art form, but as a business. Games used to be an art form, but not anymore.
So before you think why a certain game doesn't have a sequel, think of what that growth can do to said game. Think about what that popularity could possibly do to it in the wrong hands. Think of what a company could do, when it comes to a reviewer's higher than thou opinions setting a staple, a selling point, for the milk money games that come. The lackluster efforts of a developer, and the capital gain mindset of a businessman.
Questions of the Day
1. What is your favorite video game franchise/series?
2. What video game do you want a sequel to?
3. Where do you stand on video games as an art form?
4. What are you looking forward to at E3?
5. Creeper vs. Bob-omb - Who wins?
