Analysis of the Reasons Underlying the Fluctuating Reputation of RPG Sequels: Taking the DragonAge Series as an Example
Abstract
This study is predicated on the recent surge in sequel creation within the video game industry. This research analyzes the equilibrium between authenticity and innovation in RPG sequels, using the Dragon Age series as a case study, and evaluates its impact on market reception and peer evaluations. It also looks at the precise causes that led to these results, which can help future sequels in the same genre and keep valuable IPs alive longer. It was found that industry evaluations tend to place greater emphasis on the relevance of novelty to new technologies and trends in the industry, while the market focus more on the manifestation of authenticity the sequels embrace. Additionally, while players may have some resistance to novelty, if game developers retain the best elements from the original game while carefully integrating new ones and instead seamlessly blending new elements with the existing foundation to create a 'permeative' dissemination, players' acceptance of novelty will increase, significantly boosting the sequel's evaluation.
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