THQ’s Danny Bilson is fast becoming our favourite mouthy Gaming Exec. He announces games randomly in interviews for the hell of it, he talks out of turn constantly. In short, he’s a walking news machine – and we like that. His latest quote-worthy statement? He doesn’t use focus groups, he is the focus group!
According to Bilson, he has what most game execs don’t – he actually plays and enjoys games, and he’s more inclined to go with his gut instinct.
“We don’t test,” claimed Bilson. “What are 16 teenagers in Encino going to tell us that we don’t know? If I ever get to the point where I need to ask what a 15 year old wants these days, it’s time to go to the rest home. Because you’re done.”
We like this approach. Focus tested products rarely hit the right notes. We might not love all of the products that THQ produce, but it’s good to know that creativity and vision is being valued over the soulless drivel that usually results from over reliance on focus testing.
THQ core games boss talks creative marketing [Gamespot]
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