We've all heard it before and thought about it ourselves. When a franchise is driven into the ground with numerous sequels, we talk about the lack of originality and creativity, but we're also the ones first in line to purchase the next Grand Theft Auto, Halo, Legend of Zelda, or Super Mario Bros. With this in mind, why should any developer with a hot IP on their hands risk anything on a new title? With Fable 2, Grand Theft Auto IV, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Metriod Prime 3: Corruption, Halo 3, Final Fantasy XIII, Metal Gear Solid 4, and numerous other sequels due out soon, are sequels choking out original titles? When do we have too many sequels?

D'Marcus Beatty, Co-Site Director

Sequels are an unavoidable facet of video games, movies, books, and most forms of entertainment. When someone is entertained, they usually look for a similar experience to entertain them the same way. When a relationship is established with existing characters, it's easy for someone to seek to follow that character throughout multiple adventures or scenarios. However, it is also too easy for developers, authors, producers, etc. to become too complacent when churning out sequels by expecting a loyal audience to support their ventures. Consider the thousands of Mega Man, Street Fighter, and Madden games, each with only a slight improvement (if any) over the previous version.

A sequel is a difficult pitch because it has to be a fresh experience that, ironically, is also trying to recreate a previous experience. Very few games are able to pull this off. More often than not, games with endless sequels run the series into the ground, making each new iteration a shadow of the former games…unless the first few games were bad to begin with, of course.

The sequel decision is a difficult one. Most developers and producers are simply worried about figures and will create a sequel if there is a good chance of it selling. However, when considering making a sequel, the developers should ask if they can genuinely make a good game that builds off of the foundation the first (or previous) game(s) made. Is there anything fresh we can bring to the table? Is there something we wanted to try but couldn't that we could put in the sequel? Do we have some unanswered questions to resolve (if there is an interesting story to begin with)? If they sincerely think they can give us a good game, a sequel isn't a problem. But a sequel for the sake of having a sequel is a no-no. No more Megamans please until we get a next-gen update!

Maria Montoro, Co-Site Director

Video game sequels have become necessary for game developers. Because of the ever-increasing cost of developing video games, companies can't afford to take a risk with every game they give birth. Developing video games for Xbox 360 and PS3 has become especially expensive, and some companies are having budget difficulties that they need to overcome with methods like creating cheaper, downloadable games with less overhead costs and developing sequels for those games that truly guarantee good revenue.

Not only does this help them stay afloat, but it also increases their fan base and improves their reputation as game developers and/or publishers. Gamers also become satisfied: they are able to play a whole new adventure with the same characters and gameplay they already know they love. They will feel more confident when spending their money in the new installment, and they'll enjoy it all over again.

I'm perfectly happy seeing video game sequels being released. When a game is really good, I ask for the sequel too! Take for example the Prince of Persia games: how many people out there are eager for a new installment? Wasn't the Sands of Time a trilogy, anyways? We'll have to wait and see if the dream comes true and, instead of a trilogy, it becomes a series that will last for years to come.

It's really sad to see how some magnificent games will never get a sequel. Ultimately, it depends on the profits the game generates; developers and publishers won't be willing to invest money on a game that didn't make much money in the first place. It's just too high of a risk (Good bye, Beyond Good and Evil!).

God of War II got a sequel and it's selling really well. So did every single installment of Resident Evil. People are going crazy waiting for Grand Theft Auto IV, and they can't barely wait for Metal Gear Solid 4. I think this proves that most video game sequels are necessary, not only for us, gamers, but for the industry as well. What do you think would happen with a second Gears of War? Massive sales all over again!

Let's hope for both fantastic new video game series and also sequels of the greatest games.

Long live The Legend of Zelda!

Jonathan Marx, Freelance Writer

With the rising costs of game development for next generation consoles it is absolutely imperative that developers continue "milking" former successes. The gaming franchise allows a developer to build upon existing character models and storylines while improving upon gameplay, clearing up problem areas, and adding new concepts. Millions of dollars are saved and the game can be shipped to an already established and expectant fan base. This means profitability and maybe even sustainability. If a developer is able to come up with a franchise that it can reincarnate every couple of years then it can afford to innovate and take risks on creative ventures. In other words, sequels do not sap the industry of its creativity but rather fuel it in a practical way.

Additionally, we as gamers want sequels and will line up around the block to get our hands on them. Heck, we will even buy a game like Crackdown just to get a chance to play the Halo 3 Beta. Furthermore, we like a certain sense of familiarity. When a game is intuitive we get to dive right in without worrying about the usual learning curve. Sequels will continue to be made and will continue to be purchased because they are the meat and potatoes of the average gamer's diet. Seriously, who has $60 to blow willy-nilly? Most gamers want a tried and true experience that will amortize itself over its playable life. Innovative games are like dessert. We love them but we're usually too full to order them.

Lastly, developers can only make a game so long. For example, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy was initially one long book. His publisher knew that such a long manuscript would never have widespread circulation. Subsequently, the book was split into three parts and has risen to iconic status. The same can be said for a gaming franchise. Often a game's concept is so good that its story cannot be told in just one edition. Sequels and trilogies not only translate into greater sales but also help to develop characters, mature the plot, conclude the story, and satisfy the gamer.

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