Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive, states that immersive sims target a small, niche audience, which impacts their financial viability compared to other genres.
Industry Risks and Challenges
According to Kick, the passionate fanbase of immersive sims does not translate into mass-market sales. Many companies hesitate to invest in this genre due to the limited audience.
- Immersive sims appeal to vocal but niche audiences.
- Large budgets for immersive sims are often unjustifiable due to low financial return.
- Smaller teams may afford risks, unlike companies with AAA budgets.
Development Insights
Kick shares that immersive sims frequently only come together at the final stages of development. Rob Fermier noted this unpredictability adds to the investment risk, with publishers often reluctant to greenlight substantial projects due to uncertainty about cohesion.
Preservation Over Profit
Despite the challenges, Nightdive remains committed to creating immersive sims, viewing them as artistic rather than financial pursuits.
