Why Aren't Games Fun Anymore?
That Guy Bis・2 minutes read
AAA games often release broken on launch day, with the need for first-day patches becoming common due to a shift in focus over time. Nintendo finds success by respecting its franchises and focusing on fun gameplay, while indie games provide a unique alternative with creativity and passion.
Insights
- The introduction of first-day patches in AAA games has allowed developers to release titles with major bugs and issues, shifting the industry towards rushing releases for hype and larger-scale development, resulting in broken and mediocre games.
- Nintendo's success in the gaming industry stems from prioritizing gameplay and respecting their franchises over graphics or game size, as seen in iconic titles like Mario and Zelda, showcasing a different approach from the trend of overwhelming content in AAA games.
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Recent questions
Why are many AAA games broken on launch day?
Many AAA games are broken on launch day due to the trend in the industry to rush releases to capitalize on hype, leading to larger-scale game development. This rush results in developers not having enough time to thoroughly test the game, leading to major bugs and performance issues that are only discovered once the game is released. The ability to patch games post-launch has also contributed to this issue, as developers may rely on patches to fix problems rather than ensuring the game is near-perfect upon release.
What sets Nintendo apart in the gaming industry?
Nintendo sets itself apart in the gaming industry by respecting their franchises and focusing on fun gameplay rather than graphics or game size. While many AAA games focus on creating larger-scale games with overwhelming content, Nintendo prioritizes the player experience and the enjoyment of their games. This approach is exemplified by iconic franchises like Mario and Zelda, which have stood the test of time due to their focus on gameplay and innovation rather than following industry trends.
How did Battle Royale games become popular?
Battle Royale games became popular due to the desire for a video game version of The Hunger Games, with the first game in the genre, H1Z1, paving the way for games like Fortnite and Apex Legends to dominate the genre. The unique gameplay mechanics and distinct features introduced by Fortnite and Apex Legends revolutionized the Battle Royale genre, attracting a large player base looking for competitive and engaging gameplay experiences.
Why have no games surpassed the success of Fortnite and Apex Legends in the Battle Royale genre?
Despite numerous attempts by other games to innovate within the Battle Royale genre, none have surpassed the success of Fortnite and Apex Legends due to the unique gameplay mechanics and distinct features offered by these two games. Fortnite's building mechanic and dynamic gameplay, along with Apex Legends' introduction of legends with different abilities for each squad, have set them apart from other Battle Royale games, making it challenging for new games to surpass their popularity and success.
What role do microtransactions play in the gaming industry?
Microtransactions play a significant role in the gaming industry as a necessary revenue stream for game developers to sustain the cost and time invested in creating games. While controversial, microtransactions, including crossovers and cosmetic items, have contributed to the ongoing popularity of games like Fortnite by providing additional revenue beyond the initial game purchase. This additional revenue stream allows developers to continue supporting and updating games, ensuring a continuous flow of content for players to enjoy.
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Summary
00:00
AAA Games: Innovation, Patches, and Trends
- AAA games like Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher 3 are often seen as masterpieces, but many recent AAA releases have been broken on launch day.
- The need for first-day patches in games arose due to a change in focus over time, with Unreal Championship being the first console game to receive a downloadable patch for performance issues.
- Games before the era of patches had to be near-perfect upon release, as there was no way to fix major bugs or performance issues post-launch.
- The ability to patch games on the fly has led to larger-scale game development, rushing releases to capitalize on hype, resulting in many broken and mediocre AAA games.
- The trend in the industry is to make games bigger, overwhelming players with content, leading to longer development times and cancellations like Final Fantasy XV and Metroid Prime 4.
- Nintendo's success lies in respecting their franchises and focusing on fun gameplay rather than graphics or game size, as exemplified by games like Mario and Zelda.
- Some AAA games like Red Dead Redemption 2, The Witcher 3, and potentially Spider-Man 2 innovate with each release, adding new elements and enhancing the gaming experience.
- Elden Ring's success is attributed to its new and fresh approach, bringing back difficulty and minimal hand-holding tutorials, unlike many other AAA games that follow the same formula.
- Battle Royale games, starting with H1Z1, became popular due to the desire for a video game version of The Hunger Games, with games like Fortnite and Apex Legends dominating the genre.
- Despite attempts by other games to innovate within the Battle Royale genre, none have surpassed the success of Fortnite and Apex Legends, leading to a lack of new breakthroughs in the genre.
16:44
Battle Royale Games: Fortnite vs Apex Legends
- Fortnite and Apex Legends revolutionized the Battle Royale genre with unique gameplay mechanics and distinct features.
- Fortnite, known for its building mechanic, offers dynamic and fun gameplay, while Apex Legends introduces legends with different abilities for each squad.
- Despite numerous attempts, no game has surpassed the popularity and success of Fortnite and Apex Legends in the Battle Royale genre.
- The skill gap in Fortnite, particularly in building, created challenges for new players joining the game.
- Microtransactions in Fortnite, including crossovers and cosmetic items, have contributed to the game's ongoing popularity.
- Apex Legends has faced challenges with its ranked system, indicating that even top Battle Royale games have room for improvement.
- The gaming industry, including Battle Royale games, may benefit from more unique and innovative approaches to the genre.
- Microtransactions, while controversial, are a necessary revenue stream for game developers to sustain the cost and time invested in creating games.
- The prevalence of game remakes, while profitable, may hinder creativity and innovation in the gaming industry.
- Indie games offer a refreshing alternative to AAA gaming, focusing on unique gameplay, passion, and creativity without the pressure of high-end graphics or technological advancements.
32:31
Gaming: A Timeless Escape and Innovation
- Despite aging and shifting priorities, gaming remains a valuable escape to diverse worlds, offering enjoyment and opportunities for all, with developers continuously enhancing the gaming industry's experience.
