By /

Michael Trus

From Promise to Pitfall: A Study on Why Heavily Funded Video Games Underperform in Today’s Market

Biography

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Michael is a fourth-year Professional Communication student at Toronto Metropolitan University, with a strong academic foundation in media studies, digital culture, and communication theory. He also holds a B.A. in Criminology from the University of Ottawa and a diploma in Customs Border Services from Loyalist College. Michael’s professional experience spans retail management, operational management in the technology sector, and digital content creation. With plans to pursue law school in the future, he is especially interested in the intersection of law, technology, and society, including issues related to tech regulation, digital rights, and innovation policy.

Details of Project

This research project investigates the underlying structural, social, technological, and market-driven factors contributing to the commercial underperformance of video games, despite substantial financial investment. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative data—such as sales figures and player counts—with a qualitative thematic analysis of user-generated content, including YouTube transcripts, Reddit discussions, and online news commentary. Five recent high-profile titles serve as case studies for identifying recurring themes such as creative mismanagement, community backlash, live service fatigue, and unstable technical performance. By examining patterns across social discourse and player feedback, this research highlights the complex interplay between consumer expectations, development practices, and digital market pressures. The findings offer insights into audience reception, industry communication strategies, and the broader impact of technological innovation on media production and consumption.

Lightning talk

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