Analysts often say weird things, but I happen to agree with this one analyst who thinks developers should be treated as superstars. Pacific Crest Securities analyst Evan Wilson suggested that game publishers could achieve greater financial success if they reward key development figures accordingly.

“There are very few people in this world who know how to create hits. Not create a hit, but create multiple hits,” he told MTV. “Those creative minds should be recognized and remunerated in the video game industry for their contribution as much as other forms of media.”

He agrees that it would be more expensive, but that the prospect of having better selling games is “worth it”. Wilson then went on to suggest that despite such potential, publishers see development figures quite disposable and interchangeable in terms of franchises, noting that Take-Two would most likely develop a BioShock sequel without creative director Ken Levine.

“Development would go right along without [Levine] and that would be a shame,” he said. “If George Lucas died today the probability of another Star Wars installment would go to 0%. If Stallone died today, the probability of another Rambo installment would go to 0%.”

What do you guys think? Should the good developers really be treated like superstars, or should publishers follow the socialist formula and treat everyone the same?