I found an episode of "Extra Credits" which helps to explain why many old light-hearted franchises are becoming more dark & gritty focused. Of course, I can't speak on behalf of the devs at Insomniac Games, but my guess is that the analysis shown in this video apply to why Ratchet & Clank has tried to be a bit darker throughout the Future series. I thought some of you might find it interesting, especially given some off the very negative responses on this thread to the "Dark and gritty" installments of the franchise…
I get his point, but it doesn't really apply to me.
I don't want my heroes to grow up with me, I want to have something to fall back on whenever I'm feeling down and need a reminder of the good old days. If more and more light hearted franchises start growing up then we'll eventually have nothing to fall back on and the market will be over-saturated with these dark and gritty games.
EDIT: Also this comment:
Ironically I think it's more childish to have these dark re-imaginings most of the time. I like the point he made about appealing to it's core audience, but it also enables the IP/character to appeal to young kids they feel need to be "wowed" into liking something.
