Clone Attack: Why do developers copy games?

There are many seemingly obvious answers to this question: the desire to make quick money on a proven project, the lack of new ideas, and so on. However, let’s dig a little deeper.

One of the most difficult tasks during the creation of a new game is to establish a communication process. In large companies, the issue of communication is particularly acute. After all, the developer needs to convey the vision from his head to many other specialists. Naturally, if there is a misunderstanding, you have to compare it with existing titles.

The reason for the emergence of entire series of games from 5-6 episodes also lies in communication. The creation of subsequent projects takes place in a team that already understands the meaning of the original idea, and interaction takes place within the established channels.

Of course, when it comes to direct copying, it is hardly worth justifying the developers. However, many projects absorb elements of the previous ones, it is probably possible to avoid such “borrowing”, but is it necessary? They have the right to exist if they really fit into the concept of the game, and it seems to the user that he is experiencing something new and unique.

For novice developers, it is sometimes important to have some kind of starting point. They take as a basis the result of successful communication of other companies, develop their own ideas, and in the process of communication within their team go beyond the parent project.

Using the accumulated experience and knowledge can give a good result. Nevertheless, do not forget that the love of users is won by unique ideas mixed in the right proportion with popular trends.

Source: www.gamasutra.com