Rant: Gears has no innovation, says EA
by Richard Mitchell 
{ Nov 10th 2006 at 11:45AM }
Speaking at the Montreal Games Summit, EA Montreal's Alain Tascan had some fighting words for Gears of War,"What is Gears of War? I mean Gears of War brings nothing in terms of innovation to the shooter... Like, zero."
He further laid on the smack sauce (smack sauce?) with this comment,
"I'm not talking about my tastes, I'm just saying, when you go to metacritic and you see a 96 for Gears of War, then you read the critics saying, 'Okay, storyline - there's none, gameplay is not innovative...' Then I say, why did they give this 96? They were blown away by the high quality of the graphics... Myself, I prefer something more creative,"
It's time for a rant. Read on for more.
Okay, without digging into the irony of an EA executive chiding a game for lack of innovation (hey guys, Burnout 5 is coming next year!), let's just look at his statement in a general way. Gears of War is, no doubt, a blast to play. Sure, the graphics are gorgeous -- the best out there -- the sound design is through the roof, and the game is filled with "oohs" and "ahs," but the gameplay is solid. The question is: is it innovative? I will chime in and say yes, with some caveats. There are many things that are not innovative about Gears of War. Cover is nothing new, nor is squad based gameplay. The weapons, with the exception of the chainsaw bayonet, are pretty standard -- yes, even the Hammer of Dawn isn't new. Those are the caveats, so what makes GOW innovative? The answer is simple, it makes a tactical shooter feel like it's not a tactical shooter. The game uses cover, but it never feels stale or slow like, say, Ghost Recon. I'm decidedly not a tactical shooter guy, and yet Gears snagged me. You could say that Gears is a tactical shooter for the action crowd. There are other innovative elements, too, such as the camera. Yes, it may be a graphical effect, but the "wartime reporter" camera is something that hasn't really been done before. It adds greatly to the immersive nature of Gears and it's actually something that makes the game "feel" next gen. In the end, Gears of War is a beautiful game, but claiming presentation as the only reason it has been well reviewed is asinine.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
nick @ Nov 10th 2006 11:51AM
pot. kettle. black.
Bennyishere @ Nov 10th 2006 1:56PM
I for one find the "Horizontal Jumping" innovative. Besides, innovation isn't necessary to make a great game. I'm hyped for Burnout 5!
And how many reviews said the game lacked innovation? Like, one?
Bluestone @ Nov 10th 2006 11:56AM
EA talking about innovation... oh the irony.
KCAndersen @ Nov 10th 2006 11:56AM
The First thing I noticed and truely loved about Gears was the gameplay. Its Next Gen in every sense of the word. The graphics are awesome as we all know too.
NotOfThisEarth @ Nov 10th 2006 11:58AM
Has no innovation. Uhhh yeah. Why is that, because their not ass raping us all with cheat codes for sale? Your games suck ass EA.
Dizz @ Nov 10th 2006 12:05PM
I know EA isn't talking about someone else's game when all they do is update their games and re release them. madden, live, NFS, the sims? sound familiar EA?
Jason @ Nov 10th 2006 12:04PM
Come one guys... we all know that Next Gen innovation is charging people for a preview of a tired old never innovative game like Madden... This guy has obviously never played Gears...
Pyronite @ Nov 10th 2006 12:09PM
Gameplay doesn't have to be "truly innovative" to be great. Sometimes, the best innovation is doing everything right, and crafting a game that meshes together so well that it just feels - FUN -
HEY @ Nov 10th 2006 12:12PM
it's better than all the half-ass non-inovative s**t EA puts out and will ever put out...screw EA
beardsly43 @ Nov 10th 2006 12:15PM
amen Richard.
klic @ Nov 10th 2006 1:27PM
WOW, such a fuss... maybe I'll try it....
Tim @ Nov 10th 2006 12:31PM
This guy is just living in the future, when Army of Two and Two Worlds come out. Two games that look alright. Run this story again when they release those two games, and maybe this wont be two ridiculous.
Two.
Zach @ Nov 10th 2006 12:31PM
Actually, he hasn't played it, if you read the full interview, he states that.
Personally, I was not going to buy GOW. It's not really my type of game, everyone is blasting it as the next Halo, well, I can't stand Halo, so I was going to just skip it. Then they started really hyping the game up the past few weeks. I was watching it, as I do everything video games. So I was going in to pick up THP8, and decided, what the hell, with these crazy reviews and everything, might as well. I came home, grabbed some old 360 games, and took them back, traded them in, only paid 8 dollars for the Collectors edition, and played the game, for 4 hours last night, completely hooked.
GOW is awesome. Flat out awesome. The single player is great, and online is even better.
Mep @ Nov 10th 2006 12:31PM
EA is becoming a sad sad company. Bashing other products to make their own look better, instead of actually making good products themselves. You should be ashamed of yourself EA, you constantly grind out tired, old and mediocre, at best, games. And then you dare start a monkey shitfight with the companies that actually delivers some quality games. The true irony in all of this is that EA has destroyed all the big franchies it has bought in my mind. Command & Conquer anyone?
DA360 @ Nov 10th 2006 1:10PM
This just shows how low EA is, by insulting another developers work. I wouldn't call making small changes to their sports games and releasing them for another game "innovative" either, or most of the work EA has done at that.
Gears of War is an extremely good game, and EA can't deny that, no matter how much crap they thrown around.
Then again, EA's been known to bias towards Sony at times so this might be part of that...
karlito @ Nov 10th 2006 1:52PM
EA seriously fix madden before you trash another game.
polkbkk @ Nov 10th 2006 1:24PM
Please tell me someone has the email address for this guy. I'd love to send him a note.
Jamey T @ Nov 10th 2006 1:28PM
Wow, did this guy just come over from Sony?
Will @ Nov 10th 2006 1:35PM
I like the whole weapon reload system
Ran @ Nov 10th 2006 7:50PM
Chainsaw Rifle not innovation?
How dare you.
Bunch of us were playing multi for hours last nite.
It's like crack we couldn't put down the controller.
What a Blast!
King Keepo @ Nov 10th 2006 1:41PM
Do you know how hard it is to innovate in a genre like this that's been done to death in the last 5 years? Everyone wants the moon on a stick with every new game and it clearly isn't possible. How many times has Tom Clancy basically told the same story in his books? Stephen King? Despite being formulaic they're still bestsellers.
I really don't mind a re-hash of a genre as long as the graphics are great and the gameplay is tight.
Me @ Nov 10th 2006 1:46PM
This was very unprofessional- I don't think developers should promote their games by bashing others. However I do kind of agree with a couple of his points. A lot of reviews mention many problems with the game, IGN's review comes to mind, but still give the game exceptional scores. I will admit I haven't played it yet, and it looks great, but considering the content of the reviews, I just wonder if the game isn't being overrated due to it's tremendous hype. I'm not trying to flame anyone, just don't assume that this guy is completely wrong.
scotius @ Nov 10th 2006 1:47PM
#7 - Hell yes. Also note, a new gun is not an innovation.
I would argue that Halo was not innovative. It was extremely solid and a landmark for the genre, creating a new standard for future FPS's.
Frankly, disliking an entire genre of games is tasteless. May he grow fat on EA crap-burgers (though, FIFA '07 does look pretty and innovative...).
jc @ Nov 10th 2006 1:55PM
EA, here is something you should learn: building a game and ripping out stuff before it goes gold, only to sell it back to us later via micro transactions does not make your games innovative.
EA, go home and cry to someone that cares.
SuperChuck @ Nov 10th 2006 1:57PM
Hey, Kettle, you're black!
I've been buying Madden titles faithfully for the last 49 years. The only difference between Madden '32 and Madden '07 is the lack of leather helmets.
It's even more funny when you think about "innovation" in terms of EA. This year's big Madden '07 innovation is the "Highlight Stick". This stunning revelation lets you... Um... Juke. Sure, I could juke before, but I didn't have a highlight stick to juke with... Um, I had buttons. That's completely different.
gok @ Nov 10th 2006 2:19PM
Hahaha the irony! :DD This is coming from EA rep... okay i cant help rofling thanks for good laugh :D
Lou @ Nov 10th 2006 2:27PM
I agree the GOW is in its own right innovative. Over the shoulder view, Active reload, working cover system, perfect Co-Op system are all innovative because when reduced to the most basic points of Protaganist, Antagonist, Love, War there are no innovations in basic story line left. Also gameplay sees rare innovations, in the past 10 years I would say that the only innovative games were the first iterations of the Sims, SimCity, Katamari, and DDR (maybe a few others, but all could be linked in some way to something else).
Even games that are touted as completely different, aren't really. People are screaming about the Wii being an innovation, but the games aren't going to be anything new, and isn't it really just a modern take on the PowerGlove.
Gears of War is awesome. Innovative? Maybe not, but that is a lofty title to place on anything, and especially not anything that EA has ever done.
DA360 @ Nov 10th 2006 2:42PM
I agree with what some are saying too, it doesn't have to always be "innovative" to be a great game. Look at Saints Row, not really too innovative but still a very good game.
Just as long as the game is great, I don't really mind if its "innovative" or not.
Plus, EA is the last company I would really call innovative. Especially since their top sellers are sports games, which they just make small tweaks and release a new one every year.
Ryan @ Nov 10th 2006 2:45PM
One thing I really like about Gears that seemingly hasn't been talked about much. There's almost no HUD for most of the game. The only things that pop up on the screen are you ammo bar (active reload rules) and the omen. It's awesome.
Pixelantes Anonymous @ Nov 10th 2006 3:04PM
King Keepo, of course EA knows how hard it is to innovate on games that have been done to death. EA invented remakes, after all.
Think about it. EA's sports franchises are all on their one billionth version by now. Burnout in its fifth?
Irony and hypocrisy combined in one great package on this statement, for sure.
Evan Geesman @ Nov 10th 2006 4:21PM
You know what, I partly agree. Dont get me wrong, its a solid game, but its lacking in alot of areas. Sure the cover gameplay is well done, but its far from innovative. The storyline is far from original. The characters are generic, theres no emotion involved. The voice acting is mediocre. But, of course, the graphics are amazing. As the budgets of video games rise to that of movies, I think developers should start treating them like movies. Don't settle for shitty actors and a shitty plotline and distract us with big explosions. I think everyone shelling out 60 per game is owed that at least.
James @ Nov 10th 2006 3:50PM
I never finished the first Halo (of course I'm a late adopter of even the 360), so I'm foreign to all the "Halo vs. Gears" buzz. It's sort of a silly comparison IMO. It's like, okay, which is better. Who gives a f***? I just like to enjoy any game I get.
Whereas I got bored with Halo, Gears has been pretty satisfying. Innovation? Maybe, maybe not. But it has undeniable appeal and that's all I really need for my money. Even "innovative" itself is a buzzword often abused. Yes, Gears looks pretty. But so do a handful of other games without any substance.
Right on #7, that is dead on.
Gears, single player experience. Let's see - "choose your own adventure" plot points, good sound and graphics. Very visceral feel. I dig it. Sure, cheesy lines. But some are pretty funny.
Remember "Black"? I don't hear too much about innovation there. Production values yes. Gameplay... almost there. It seems Mr. Tascan is just jealous and needs to beef up his speech to provoke.
asurroca @ Nov 10th 2006 4:37PM
I think Gears of War's game-play is innovative the same way Elder Scrolls: Oblivion's was. Oblivion was a deep, long RPG with active, third-person style game-play, and it worked perfectly. Just like GoW is a third-person tactical shooter that feels like an FPS. Finding out a way to reap the benefits of several game types? That's innovative.
Concerned Gamer @ Nov 10th 2006 4:46PM
Wow how to even respond to this garbage. No innovation? is that why you buried a far superior product from take2 interactive in the NFL arena? Madden is still the horrible game it always has been, and now we have no choice. Can’t innovate, buy out your competition. News for you EA we can still see how bad your games are even if we don’t have another to compare it to. Go back to being the lapdog of So"rr"ny we don’t need your garbage games....
KilgoreTrout XL @ Nov 10th 2006 4:47PM
Well put.
EA's come a long way from Mail Order Monsters, huh?
Phil @ Nov 10th 2006 5:14PM
Wow if EA games hates it I will love it.
I am Buying 2 copies of GEars of War Now
EA games GO FUCK YOURSELF.
Evan Gentry @ Nov 10th 2006 7:21PM
EA just finds new ways to make me not want to buy their games. They should let their games speak for themselves instead of a their reps who do little besides piss everyone off.
brandon @ Nov 10th 2006 7:35PM
That quote coming from the epitome of NON innovation aka EA GAMES Their Franchises see no real innovation until 3 or 4 years of the same garbage is released and they realize that now the competition has one up on them, then they finally redo a long overdue franchise. Gears may not innovate, as much as it perfects. And that's the bottom line.
Sid @ Nov 10th 2006 7:35PM
I agree with you totally.
I also think that if you look at things really closely, they aren't really innovative at all... I mean, unless a game creates a whole new genre (and merging two like an action-rpg doesn't count), you can always say that it has been done before.
Look at Jade Empire for example. I thought that it was quite innovative, but a pessimist could say, well it has RPG elements, but RPGs are nothing new, and it has action elements, but action elements are not new.
Combining different elements in a fun way is innovative IMO.
And as a side note, who gives a shit whether it's innovative anyway? Ask yourself the question 'is it fun'. That's all that matters.
Aaron @ Nov 11th 2006 2:22PM
EA Suck a duck!
Duscrom @ Nov 11th 2006 1:22AM
See, I'm playing it right now.. and it's got something I haven't seen in... a whole lot of games.... Maybe 2 from the last generation... and that is GOOD CO-OP in a action game! A game that is BUILT for co-op!..... tell me what other action games are like that.
mr.truth @ Nov 11th 2006 6:01AM
Wow you people are biased,I mean i didn't read every post cause i got tired of reading post after post of ppl defending their virtual saviour that is gears,but hes right,all it did was basically add the option to blind fire to the standard shooter formula,toss in the cutscene that passes for melee,drop any skill when throwing grenades and you have a game that according to the reviews themselves thats basically standing on the legs of its graphics and sound,sure its fun but that dosen't make it "next gen".Next gen has meant graphics and sound improvements since the dreamcast added online gameplay so in that way yea gears is next gen,nothing new but it looks nice....and it makes skinny nerds feel like big muscular men
DjDATZ @ Nov 11th 2006 4:52AM
EA's just jealous that someone made an amazing game...and they havent been able to do that...EVER.
darkbhudda @ Nov 11th 2006 9:54AM
F*ck innovation. Give me good games.
Anytime anyone throws out terms like innovative or original they rarely back it up.
Books are unoriginal. Printed ink on text paper has been done before.
Is it possible to make "innovative and original" games.
What like:
Penguin mating simulator
Horseshoeing: The Blacksmith RPG
Robo Vacuum Adventures
Tax Accountancy: The Depreciation
Toilet Cleaner Tom and the Disinfectant Divas
But I'm sure the Japanese have already done half of these.
What the EA guy did was see it was an action game, go "oh it got high scores" and it will sell truckloads and it's not our game, it must be a conspiracy and game reviews only care about graphics.
He needs to stop listening to his PR machine.
Every single game released claims to be "ground breaking", "innovative" and "redefining the meaning of Kantian metaphysics" or whatever. Less PR BS, more good games. A good game is a good game, regardless of innovation.
pacha248 @ Nov 11th 2006 1:27PM
Anyone who works at EA should keep they're mouths closed because if it wasn't for Fight Night or Need for Speed Most Wanted, EA would never make it with next gen gaming. NBA Live 06 and 07 as well as Madden 06 and 07 should be removed from the gaming shelves and be put on the movie shelves because all you get from them 2 games are looks and garbage gameplay. Just my 2 cents.
Scott Krueger @ Nov 11th 2006 2:34PM
Not that I would like to take the side of EA (Give Back the NFL) but this game got its high rating partially because of graphics. Doom3 Got higher ratings higher than it should have because of its technological acheivments.
I'm not saying this is bad game but; 4 on 4 multiplayer is weak. Only 8 Maps is Weak. Lack of Story is Weak. Lack of Online Modes is Weak.
With all of those Weaknesses you cannot give it a +90% Rating. I admit that I am a graphic whore, but how can all the other weaknesses be overlooked. 4 on 4 Multiplayer, hahahahahaha.
david @ Nov 12th 2006 4:12PM
Moron...EA hads no room to talk. No wonder the stuff they put out is half ass sometimes. They dont study the competition, so they get flanked by EPIC and get over-run by the competition...nice one EPIC.
Austin @ Nov 14th 2006 2:46PM
EA is so lame. One of the greatest games ever and he says ill pass. I have felt this way about EA for years. Everyone revolt and stop buying EA's games!
alouthan @ Nov 13th 2006 12:41AM
I don't know guys... When I think innovation, I definatly think 'EA'.
Anyone up for a game of Madden?
joey @ Nov 13th 2006 11:35AM
Ok the guy saying this did not even play it.
GoW is totally innovative. I don't know what crack they are smoking to say it isn't.
- Seamless 2 person co-op over xbla.
- An innovative cover system that finally makes cover "work" in a way no other game to date has ever accomplished.
- A reloading system that is fun and actually gives you something to do during any "downtime" you may have had due to waiting to heal in cover.
- A practically invisible "HUD" that is innovative in the way it displays itself and hides itself. Just loosing the "Health bar" in itself is innovative.
- Camera work, music, and sound that all innovates by brining the feel of cinema to the shooter. Something no other shooter to date has really accomplished.
Let's let this EA idiot actually play the game before he makes outrageous claims.