I agree. Troika should have done what Obsidian did. Started off with a license instead of making their own game first. You make three to four sure fire "hits." Slam dunks to put it as Feargus, then make your original title. Make two to three licensed games, then make another original title, and so forth.
You take it slow and make sure you get the sure sells and money makers, then do what you want to do.