I think we are missing the big picture:
What is Oddworld Inhabitants? Right now, it is a game company with some good titles but slow to release.
What was Lorne and Sherry’s vision? To tell stories in an Oddworld, with rich characters but related to modern day events or philosophical questions that are near and dear to their heart. Basically, Oddworld Grimm Fairy tails.
They are very good a telling stories, creating amazing characters and environments. But the gaming platform is very limiting in resolution. Look at their cut scenes verses the actual game play, while it is very good, it can’t hold a candle to the mini movies.
If they focus on bringing their world to a larger audience in TV or Theater, they can expand their base following. Larger following = more mullah, more mullah = expansion. This means they can create a story for a game and outsource the actual technical parts of programming, character renders, etc…..then they can focus on the next idea.
Look at Pixar, they make a movie for Disney and what do we get. A video game, DVD release, tons of Merchandise….and that is just for one movie, with characters that are completely unknown.
The Stranger opening movie is as good as anything out there today. I have played it for many people, and they all have loved it, but none of them play video games.
So in the long run, I think this will be a very positive thing for Oddworld.
On a side note, I am very sad that many of the people I have spoken with at OWI will no longer be working there. They are very nice people and I hope them much success in the future.
|