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Pixeljunk boss talks 'core' next-gen innovation, Microsoft's poor performance in Japan

Pixeljunk developer Q-Games has expressed its hope for a resurgence in core games going into the next generation. Studio president Dylan Cuthbert isn't just talking about Call of Duty though, but proper, innovative 'gamer's games' that can sell for more than a low digital asking price.

Speaking with Siliconera, Cuthbert said of his hopes for next-gen, "I’m hoping there will be a resurgence in core gaming. People getting into games for the sake of them being games.

"Not just like Call of Duty or that kind of core gaming. Like, interesting concepts that are made into games that can sell at a higher price than a dollar. You have a lot of innovation on the iPhone, for example, but they have to sell all of their games at a dollar.

"Unless you’ve got a market of hundreds and hundreds of millions of players it’s very difficult to sell for that price and get your money back. I don’t mind not making a profit on our games, but I do kind of want to break even so we can still work. [Laughs] So, we can feed the children".

The site also asked Cuthbert for his thoughts on Microsoft's impending Xbox 720 reveal, and if the company can finally see success in Japan. He replied, "I think it’s very difficult. There are a few people in the office at Q-Games who are Japanese that do play on the Xbox 360 and play on the Kinect, as well. But, I think it’s quite small, the market there.

"I think they need to reinvent themselves a bit. Their image is too corporate and big. They aren’t geared towards aesthetics and art and I think that’s a big problem. I think Sony is more in that direction. Nintendo is cute and has their own style, which is fine as well.

"It’s great for the younger market in Japan. I think that kind of outlook makes a big difference to the games you select and games that you sell".

Would you like to see Microsoft reverse its fortune in Japan? What about Cuthbert's vision of a 'core' revival in the next generation? Let us know below.

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Dave Cook

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Dave worked on VG247 for an extended period manging much of the site's news output. As well as his experience in games media, he writes for comics, and now specializes in books about gaming history.

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