AAA Games: A Guide To Getting the Most Out Of AAA

AAA Games: A Guide To Getting the Most Out Of AAA

A triple-A video game has high-end graphics, complicated characters, and an intricate storyline. In addition, the title is generally sold at a premium price. It also usually has a variety of in-game items for purchase.

Usually, the term AAA refers to a project that features state-of-the-art technology, graphics, marketing, and gameplay. AAA games have historically cost more to develop and have more scope than their lesser-funded counterparts.

A good AAA game will have many different features. Some of the best games have impressive graphics, gameplay and music. The game will also have realistic characters and other game assets. These features are often designed by AAA game companies to make the game more engaging for the player. The game will also have a large budget. Some AAA games cost as much as Hollywood movies.

What Games Come Under AAA Label?

Whether you are a video game fan or just want to know more about the genre, it's important to understand what games come under the AAA label. If you are unfamiliar with the distinction, you might be surprised to learn that many of the top games of all time are AAA studio games.

Skyrim Developed by Bethesda, Skyrim is a high-quality AAA title. This venerable game was originally released for PC six years ago but has since been re-mastered for the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. It's a fantasy role-playing game (RPG) with a large and immersive world, plenty of lore to explore, and a few entertaining side quests. Among its features, there are also multiple "factions" to choose from, each with its own story.

  • Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2

Developed by Infinity Ward, Modern Warfare II comes under the AAA label. It features six hours of campaign gameplay, a multiplayer mode, and a spec ops co-op mode.

The campaign is six hours long and features an AC-130 gunship. It follows a group of soldiers as they travel across the globe in search of deadly weapons. During the campaign, you'll encounter familiar characters like Captain Shephard, Kate Laswell, and Farah. There are three co-op missions.

  • Rainbow Six Siege

Ubisoft released a number of AAA titles, including Far Cry, Assassin's Creed and Watch Dogs. It has also had a number of games released as games-as-a-service. However, its latest financial report shows that its focus is shifting towards free-to-play efforts.

The game is a tactical shooter that features teamwork. It also has a unique operator ability. Rather than just aim and shoot, players will need to make use of drones and spy cameras to gather intel.

  • Final Fantasy VII

Originally released in 1997 for the Sony PlayStation, Final Fantasy VII is considered to be one of the most influential games in the history of the video game genre. The game introduced a variety of new elements, including Limit Breaks and Materia. It was also the first video game to use full-motion video.

The game introduced a variety of new characters and a new storyline. The main character is Cloud Strife, a mercenary who joins an eco-terrorist group.

Do Triple A Games Guarantee Quality?

Obviously, a Triple-A game is a game that's pretty good. These titles are characterized by large budgets, impressive marketing, and photorealistic graphics.

It's also not uncommon for a Triple-A game to fail to deliver on the promised gaming experience. Some games, such as the God of War franchise stick to the formula, while others, like the upcoming Horizon Zero Dawn, promise a world that is as diverse as the players themselves.

How Do Indie Games Differ From AAA Games?

Traditionally, AAA games are produced by big AAA game studios, whereas Indie games are produced by smaller companies or individuals. Usually, Indie games are smaller in size and scale, emphasising excellent storytelling and detailed mechanics. They are often characterized by three-dimensional characters and graphics and a focus on art.

Although both AAA and Indie games are typically developed by small teams, there are a few key differences between the two. For instance, AAA games usually require teams of hundreds of people. However, indie games can be developed by only one to 30 people. In addition, indie developers are often independent and do not have to rely on corporate entities to fund their work.

How Game-as-a-Service Differs From Traditional Video Games

Unlike traditional video games, games as a service are updated on a regular basis. This allows players to have access to new content as well as long-term support from the developers. This model has gained popularity in recent years.

The first game to implement the GaaS model was World of Warcraft. The game was initially free to play but later added in-game purchases. It also introduced a monthly subscription model. These updates brought the game's player base to more than eight million players. This model has been copied by many other massively multiplayer games.

AAA Games - The Reasons Why You Should Develop Them

Developing AAA Games is a great way to increase your bottom line and create a franchise. However, it does come with some high costs and time commitments. You need to consider the following before deciding whether to develop one.

  • Costs

Those in the industry have noticed that the costs of AAA games are soaring. The cost of development has been going down for a while, but with each new generation of platforms, the costs have been going up.

The most cost-effective way to develop a game is to use a development toolset that can be used across multiple platforms. For instance, the Xbox 360 was the easiest platform to develop for. There are also licensing and manufacturing costs that are included in the price of the final product. The development of a AAA game is a long and expensive process, but the payoff is worth the effort.

  • Complexity

During the past decade, the complexity of AAA games has grown drastically. The games now incorporate modern technologies such as facial recognition, gesture control, and AR/VR. These technologies improve the gameplay and give players an engaging experience. However, the complex nature of these games also leads to a broken feedback loop.

  • Production values

The most interesting part of such a plan is that it enables developers to spend more time working on their product. Ultimately, the end result is a more polished game. This is the main reason why Fallout 76 has been a success. In fact, the game is now generating a lot of buzz for its publishers. It is the product of choice for the savvy consumer in a crowded market, and a good marketing strategy can pay off in spades.

  • Franchise potential

Having a video game franchise is an important part of the game industry. It allows a company to create a dedicated fan base, increasing the game’s value. If a franchise is successful, then a series of games can continue to be produced. The games will continue to evolve, enabling a large fan base to continue to play.

  • Time commitment

Developing AAA games requires a lot of effort and investment. The good news is that there are several studios that can help you do the legwork. Many of these studios are located worldwide and are reasonably priced.

Bonus Tip: 

What Are AAA Plus Games?

AAA Plus Games are high-profile, big-budget video games. They feature top-notch graphics, audio, and writing. They are also marketed to the widest possible audience.

AAA Plus games usually have additional monetization, such as microtransactions. They may also have season passes or downloadable content. They usually contain thousands of hours of content.