Why are some games classified as high-profile Triple-A projects, while others are classified as second-rate Double-A? A bit of development history and key differences. Why are some games classified as high-profile Triple-A projects, and
What are AAA and AA games? What is the difference? As short as possible
AAA game is a project that is developed by a big studio, financed from a huge budget. An easy way to lay down the AAA concept is to compare them to blockbuster films. It costs a fortune to develop an AAA game, as does making a new Marvel movie. If everything goes according to plan, the expected profit of such a game often justifies the costs.
In order to maximize revenue, publishers tend to release games for major platforms (currently Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC). An exception to this rule is a game created as a console exclusive. In this case, the manufacturer pays for exclusivity, compensating the developer for the loss of potential profit.
The term is also used in other industries. For example, Little League baseball teams rank between A and AAA to show how close they are to the Majors. Level B teams are not provided as this is not a professional level of play.
The first "computer games" were simple, inexpensive products that could be played by individuals or multiple people on the same screen. Graphics were minimal or non-existent. The development of high-end technically sophisticated consoles and the World Wide Web has changed all that, turning video games into sophisticated multiplayer products that include high-quality graphics, video, and music.
By the end of the 1990s, companies like EA and Sony were releasing blockbusters that were supposed to reach huge audiences and bring in serious profits. That's when game developers started using the term AAA. Their idea was to create hype, anticipation. And it worked: interest in video games grew, as did profits.
In the 2000s, many video game series became popular in the AAA world. Examples include Halo, Zelda, Call of Duty and Grand Theft Auto. One of the first projects of the Triple-A level are considered Final Fantasy VII (expensive at the time CGI on 3 discs) and Shenmue. Some of these games are highly violent, drawing criticism from citizen groups concerned about their impact on youth.
Over time, a new term appeared – AA. Usually, creations in this category have a lower budget than AAA games. They try to achieve the same level of game design as AAA games, but tend to fall behind in one or more areas such as gameplay, story, graphics, game pace, and so on.
The line between AAA and AA is often blurred and subjective. From examples of AA projects, one can recall such games as The Outer Worlds, ELEX, Xenoblade Chronicles, Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice.
Some reviewers point out that AAA's biggest video game producers are facing the same problems that movie studios face.When a project is built on a huge budget, the company cannot afford to fail. As a result, games tend to be designed with what has worked in the past; this does not allow the industry to reach a wider range of users or explore new topics or technologies.
Result: Some believe that more and more AAA video games will be produced by independent companies with the vision and flexibility to innovate, with the ability to reach new audiences. However, games based on existing series and blockbusters are not going to disappear anytime soon.
