What is considered "milking" a franchise?

[Michael-5]

Veknoid_Outcast said:
Well, I don't think "milking" has to be a pejorative, unless of course it's used to mean exploitative.

If a formula or model works, and people love it, why not "milk" it?

Some of the best video game series of all time have recycled a basic formula again and again: Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, Street Fighter, Castlevania, Halo, Call of Duty, Final Fantasy, God of War, etc. Honestly, I'm glad the development teams stay true to each series' formula, because it produces great games.

I would add also that revolutionary, mold-breaking games are few and far between, and are very much the exception to the rule. For every Resident Evil 4 and Grand Theft Auto III there are dozens of games that rely on (and profit from) established norms.

That's not 100% true, every Zelda, Final Fantasy, etc, add to the game prior, and rarely are two games the same in most of those franchises. Can you honestly say Wind Waker is like Twilight Princess, which is like Skyward Sword? The core gameplay, and game design aren't too different, but the games themselves are very different. Plus they only release a new Zelda every 3 or 4 years.

God of War I might consider milked, but the game doesn't release frequently enough, and I'm sure the fans see changes with each game.