Renowned game developer Goichi Suda, popularly known as Suda51, is the mastermind behind acclaimed titles like No More Heroes and Lollipop Chainsaw. Being a revered figure in the gaming realm, Suda51 recently shared his thoughts on the impact of Metacritic on the industry.

In a candid discussion with GamesIndustry.biz, Suda51 and fellow developer Shinji Mikami delved into their perspectives on Metacritic and its repercussions on game development. Suda51 boldly stated that “Excessive attention and concern are placed on Metacritic scores by everyone.” This standpoint doesn’t come as a surprise, given Suda51’s signature style of infusing humor and uniqueness into his games, even if they receive mixed critical reception, solidifying his status as a maverick in the industry.

Setting himself apart from the mainstream game developers, Suda51 clearly prioritizes crafting games that resonate with his personal taste and creative vision. A recent example is the remastered re-release of Lollipop Chainsaw, garnering positive feedback and acclaim from players. Suda51 voiced his observation, remarking, “There seems to be a predefined formula for scoring high on Metacritic; deviating from this formula diminishes a game’s rating within that marketability framework.”

Pointing fingers at AAA gaming companies, Suda51 attributed this fixation on Metacritic scores to their aversion towards negative online responses, as the industry is overly fixated on numerical evaluations. This sentiment was echoed by the Director of Star Wars Outlaws who openly expressed disappointment over the Metacritic rating of the game, despite it being relatively favorable.

Recalling his own experience, Suda51 shared how the harsh reality of Metacritic evaluation took a toll on him, specifically when his game studio, Grasshopper Manufacture, received a dismal zero rating from certain media outlets. This critique aligns with Suda51’s inclination towards parody and satire in his game characters, exemplified by his portrayal of Damon Riccitello in titles like Travis Strikes Again and No More Heroes III—a clear parody of real-life CEO John Riccitello, reflecting the challenges faced during their tenure at Electronic Arts.

While acknowledging the influence of Metacritic in the gaming landscape, Suda51 emphasized that it should not dictate the entire narrative of a game’s reception. Instead, he urged companies to value feedback from sources like Steam reviews and dedicated forums, where authentic player opinions contribute significantly to the discourse surrounding the game.