Hobo Elf
Arcane
I can't argue if Risen 2 is shit or not since I have not played it, but you seem to think that when a game is shit that it's entirely the devs fault. I agree that they carry a big responsibility for their game, but publishers can carry an equal or greater responsibility, depending on what kind of publisher they are. Sometimes they rush games out the door just like that. A man in a suit comes into the office and talks with the project lead: "by the way, how's that game coming along? Because it's hitting the shelves tomorrow". It's not an unheard of situation. Then there are big publishers like EA and Activision that have a check list of features, mechanics and story elements that have to be in the game before they will consider investing money in it. Stuff that they consider as elements that will guarantee sales. It sucks shit for the people making games, but the only other option is unemployment. Looking for a new job in the software biz isn't easy since it can quite usually lead you to moving to a completely new country. That's not easy for people with established families and friends.
The main point is that publishers have most devs by the dick and the other options aren't too great. I guess you could try for crowd funding, but you aren't gonna get mega bucks unless you already have a company, names and nostalgia to back you up.
The main point is that publishers have most devs by the dick and the other options aren't too great. I guess you could try for crowd funding, but you aren't gonna get mega bucks unless you already have a company, names and nostalgia to back you up.