But while creating titles for social networks and mobile phones that anyone can play, the law of large numbers means that tiny start-ups can thrive on results that just can't move the needle at more mature gaming companies anymore.

FORBES: Earnings Preview

Valve had helped to foster a vibrant game-playing community, creating influential titles such as Half Life, Team Fortress 2 and DOTA 2, it said.

BBC: Valve boss Gabe Newell awarded Bafta fellowship

With that in mind, I asked Hartwell whether Tor was creating eBooks of their titles across the board now, or just for their bestselling authors.

FORBES: eBook Evolutions: Publishers

This is contingent upon the publishers creating more interesting, beautiful and interactive illustrated titles than they have to date.

FORBES: A Possible Digital Solution for Illustrated Book Publishers?

The franchise has pulled a similar trick with each successive location, using the setting as the main driver for creating hype while slowly building a better game through a series of titles.

FORBES: Ubisoft Exec Wants to Take Assassin's Creed To 10 Titles