The Rise Of Double-A Video Games

The AAA label is generally accepted to indicate a certain level of production value, that no matter the quality of the game otherwise, it should at least be a visually impressive experience - and more often than not, that's true.

AA meanwhile invites more modest expectations for how a game will look, often prompting developers to focus less on fastidious photorealism in favour of a more distinct, eye-catching art style. Again, we bring up Hi-Fi Rush.

Among the many benefits of AA's lack of obsession with ultra-detailed textures and jaw-dropping draw distances is accessibility - for the most part, AA games can be played on even modest gaming PCs.

Hell, the majority of AA games will even run on your trusty Steam Deck. AAA, though, is a total crapshoot, where exuberant production can leave many willing customers unable to play, whether through bugs and glitches on console, or sheer lack of optimisation on PC.

If AAA is only for console owners and those with high-end PCs, AA is basically for everyone. Catering to larger swaths of the gaming market is yet another reason why AA is enjoying fruitful success while AAA is struggling.