Just like in movies, where there is no formula for a "good story," there is no formula for "good gameplay." And it's even more difficult in videogames than other mediums, because there is the convergence of technology, art, and gameplay design, and any component can mess up the balance. You don't design a new camera every time you make a movie. Throw in management, and it's a wonder that any good games get made.
Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but Grove's example of TVs is incorrect. Our TV industry imploded not because TV became a commodity - it was because the Japanese made higher quality, more innovative, more efficient, and cheaper televisions. That war was over in the 70s and 80s, and had nothing to do with outsourcing/offshoring. It had to do with American companies being out-innovated by the Japanese. That also undermines his argument about batteries - again, it had nothing to do with outsourcing. I think the basis of Grove's argument is faulty.
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Just like in movies, where there is no formula for a "good story," there is no formula for "good gameplay." And it's even more difficult in videogames than other mediums, because there is the convergence of technology, art, and gameplay design, and any component can mess up the balance. You don't design a new camera every time you make a movie. Throw in management, and it's a wonder that any good games get made.
Not sure if anyone mentioned this, but Grove's example of TVs is incorrect. Our TV industry imploded not because TV became a commodity - it was because the Japanese made higher quality, more innovative, more efficient, and cheaper televisions. That war was over in the 70s and 80s, and had nothing to do with outsourcing/offshoring. It had to do with American companies being out-innovated by the Japanese. That also undermines his argument about batteries - again, it had nothing to do with outsourcing. I think the basis of Grove's argument is faulty.