Magicka from Paradox has sold over 1.3 million copies online, and has seen its expansion Magicka: Vietnam move over a half million copies, with DLC for the game downloaded 4 million times. All this success, indicates Paradox Producer Shams Jorjani, would not have been possible if the game had used the retail model.
“It would most likely never have become the huge success,” said Jorjani, when asked if Magicka would have succeeded if Paradox was forced to sell it through retail. "Being digital has meant that we've been able to be extremely flexible with the product. We've been able to update the game frequently and easily as well as release new content quickly. Also digital has meant that it's easier to deliver more content - and thus allowing us to go with a lower base price. Games priced at $9.99 are generally not something that makes sense for retailers to handle. Digital for us has become a way to reach a bigger audience - here's a little gem for $9.99 - if you like it there's more fun stuff for you to try out.”
“The 'Magicka model' is the preferred model for us at Paradox now,” he added. “We much rather do 10 smaller 'Magicka-sized' products than 2-3 really big productions. Not only does it allow us to diversify risk - but it also works well with our philosophy of listening to the fans and giving them what they want. Big projects mean that you design features and have to wait years before players actually get their hands on them and give you feedback. By instead releasing a smaller base product we can listen to what the gamers respond well to and then give them more of what they want - not what we're guessing they want.”
“Over the course of 5 years we'll probably end up spending the same amount of resources on Magicka as others would on a big project - the difference being that Magicka will likely be a more focused product,” he noted.
When asked if he would consider bringing the game over to consoles, Jorjani responded, “Absolutely - Unfortunately it's up to the platform holders if they want a game like Magicka there. We're ready when they are."
To find out more, read the full interview on the [a]list.
