Quick Thoughts- Sequels: Reaction, Anticipation and Expectation

We've reached a point in the current console generation where developers are more or less refusing to release brand new IP's. Be it that sequels are guaranteed to sell or that they're worried that a new IP won't kick off and their efforts would be left in vain. Regardless, we live in a time riddled with an overabundance of sequels and are left wondering if the lack of creativity is a factor or merely that sequels are one-way tickets to the bank.

Now, sequels aren't necessarily a bad sign either. An original game launches, a fan-base becomes established and gamers are left wanting more. Sequels grant the opportunity to build upon what could've been, but time was a restriction. Developers are given the chance to experiment with different mechanics or elements to the game that was dropped previously and essentially; a new game is born. In most cases, a game will become a break-out hit and will launch the developers into stardom and the publishers attempt to take advantage of the success. But does every successful outing truly deserve a sequel? 

Take for example the Call of Duty series. It's first beginnings were a mild one at that. Starting out as a simple First Person Shooter with a WW2 setting, it was set to challenge Medal of Honor for the throne. Each game that followed improved on the previous and even introduced several mechanics that are wide-spread throughout the FPS genre even to this day. With what might be regarded as the most influential releases of its time, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare skyrocketed the Call of Duty series to such a popularity that a sequel was warranted annually from two different developers. While each game retains the same formula and the game's play fantastically, critics and gamers alike began to jump onto the hate bandwagon towards the series. Stating that the lack of innovation or creativity each year hindered each outing and that the series reached it's peak with Modern Warfare. 

But Call of Duty isn't the only series that can be said suffers from massive sequel anxiety. Final Fantasy, Street Fighter, Mario, and plenty others have all suffered from constant over-exposure, albeit not all critically panned, it's merely that the lack of breathing room has caused gamers to start to question the purpose of purchasing an "expansion pack".

On the flip side, it can be considered that the non-stop media exposure and rising expectations might hinder's a sequels worth. Is it more satisfying to pay as little attention or restrict knowledge of an upcoming game as much as possible to reserve that feeling of surprise or remain unbeknownst of what to expect? Some developers prefer to keep trailers to a minimum and reveal as little as possible to keep the game feeling fresh, but others feel that if that remains restricted, then excitement for said sequel cannot be established. 

What it can come down to is what the player is seeking and/or expecting. Are they satisfied with receiving a sequel that endures little to no significant changes at all. Re-tracing our steps back to Call of Duty, the series constantly breaks sales records with every release, proving each year that gamers are satisfied with how it remains. If it ain't broke, don't fix it as they always say. On the other hand many gamers, myself included, enjoy learning about the upcoming release as it gives you the opportunity to know what to expect.

Sequels will and always have existed if they're truly demanded. Not everyone wants or expects the exact same thing when concerning a sequel so there will always be someone who ends up being disappointed. But the true potential in sequels lies in what the developers can cook up, improve, alter, or even expand further upon when such opportunities weren't available with the original.