Is gaming a dying fad?

[Fraught]

With gaming reaching visual and audial perfection, and many games becoming more of a chore than a fun pastime (For example, many MMOROG's, which seem more like part time jobs than games, jobs that you have to PAY for) I ask, how many more generations will it be before the attitude to gaming becomes more of a 'been there done that' kind of thing?

lol? You do know what perfection means, right? Zoom in to a screenshot, zoom in as much as you can. Perfection you say? In real-life, the resolution doesn't change. When they start making games that really look like real-life, and when zoomed in, still maintain the same resolution, then THAT is perfection.
And audio isn't perfect too.
When those 2 get to the status of perfect, then they can make games that last atleast 1000 hours or more.

And it's going to take a long time.

 

[Rhodite]

I found the thread title and the thread creators post a little confusing as they appeared to allude to two seperate things.

I will answer the thread title in that I do not think gaming is a dying fad, infact recently I saw on TV that gaming had not become the #1 pasttime over taking sports or other activities. So there is no question the market is huge.

As to whether quality games area dying fad that is a very subjective and ambiguous topic, one mans gold is another mans crap!

 

[Jursa]

I don't really see why games would die out. Gaming has always been about aim and click, whether with a controller or with a mouse. If it were to die out, it would have done so many years ago. Just as actual guns will never die out, neither will games.

 

[Splitter]

Haven't read everything, but I think the OP and several people here have confused gaming dying out with casual gamers becoming more prominent than hardcore.
There are more gamers now than ever, technology is better than ever, more good games are released more regularly, just the bar has been raised significantly.
Pretty much everything else I could say on that matter is covered by Yahtzee's speech on nostalgia.

 

[Pandy]

Eventually, hopefully, game developers will be happy that a sufficiently photo-realistic body dismemberment engine (complete with internal organs I'm sure) has been created and turn their attention back to making games that are fun to play.

I look forward to seeing Frogger remade to make the most of multicore/multigpu technology. Maybe Hungry Horace too.

 

[MercFox1]

I hope so. It's time game companies started making games for gamers again.

Oh, so you mean that gaming companies have not made games for gamers in the recent past?

I think games and game genres should be like cable tv channels: intended for niche audiences. It's easier and more effective to please a niche audience than to try and please everyone. Developers have it hard enough thinking and creating new ways to stimulate the gaming population, but now they have to consider people who don't play games? What for? (rhetorically speaking that is. greedy bastards)

Would you offer existence to something that isn't?

I don't disagree; you're exactly right about the game genres. Strategy, sports, FPS, RPG: the dividing lines between genres have been very strong in the past, less so right now, but Fallout 3 has been widely praised for everything it's done, and it mixes RPG with FPS. However, there are still niche games like Defcon or Uplink, which cater to a very specific subset of the video game population.

I will give you this: You think that by reaching across genre boundaries, that developers are risking cheapening the experience by offering a lot of something good instead of a little of something awesome. Would you consider that accurate? If so, I'm not sure that is correct, but I can see where this has happened in the past. I mean, Call of Duty 4 is one of the finest FPSes we've had in a long time, which did very well for itself and reached a wide audience. But, then again, we also had Deus Ex: IW, which felt 'consolized' to some and had mechanics (not just stylistic) problems to others. As a result, DE:IW underperformed to a huge level; the failure of which was magnified because it came after one of the finest games ever made.

Steam and XBLA also has a bunch of what I would consider "starter" games: games that casual gamers can sit down, play, master, and then move onto something we would consider more "hardcore". This is how the greater population grows, does it not? You could argue that those games aren't meant for the hardcore populace, yet they provide a vital service to gaming in general.

 

[MrGoodBadLife]

I've just got into gaming properly (Mainly cos I'm only 13 and I was only able to buy a console in the last 5 years) and I really don't think that gaming is fading out. I think Gaming couldonly get better, and the only thing condemning Gaming is people not tapping into the creativity and remaking old games and continuing long dead franchises (I'm looking at you, Nintendo). I'm a hardcore gamer and love gaes like GTA and others that are brilliant and maybe even original ( I don't like it though, whenever a game is set in an open world and involves gun-crime they call it a GTA clone). LONG LIVE GAMING!

 

[waffletaco]

I hope so. It's time game companies started making games for gamers again.

Oh, so you mean that gaming companies have not made games for gamers in the recent past?

I think games and game genres should be like cable tv channels: intended for niche audiences. It's easier and more effective to please a niche audience than to try and please everyone. Developers have it hard enough thinking and creating new ways to stimulate the gaming population, but now they have to consider people who don't play games? What for? (rhetorically speaking that is. greedy bastards)

Would you offer existence to something that isn't?

Isn't that what we currently have, though? Games parallel the TV for they are both mediums; it's the game genres that are equivalent to cable channels.

I think what you mean is developers shouldn't try to appeal to everyone's tastes, because that would be the equivalent to network TV - a bit of everything for everyone but the content is all over the map and too broad in scope?

You can't deny that there are developers that continue to develop "gamer" games - Gears of War 2 Killzone 2 and Left 4 Dead are evidence of this. I think it's just the recent influx of "casual" games that bothers you.

Just because one enjoys watching UFC and would like to knockout everyone on the cast from The Bold and the Beautiful doesn't mean both shows can't coexist in the cable TV industry, and I don't see how games are any different. They're different content for different audiences.

I think everything is fine the way it is. "Gamer" games will continue to be made regardless of the recent growth of the "casual" market simply because like cable TV, there is always a niche market to cater to with money to be made in the process. Just looking at PC sales you see the "casual" dominance of The Sims, coupled with the "hardcore" dominance of World of Warcraft topping the NPD charts month after month. Gamers of all sides won't be left out as long as there is a market for it and there is money to be made.

Speaking of, RIP King's Quest, Monkey Island, Larry Laffer and an entire genre of adventure games. The market has spoken, but some of us still miss you after all these years.

No, see, that's not my point. Different genres can totally exist. I'm talking about devs trying to appeal to multiple audiences within one game--2 very broad audiences: people who play games and those that do not. Doing that is totally different than a game like Fallout 3 or system shock1-2, a game that tries to appeal to fps and rpg gamers.


to MercFox1: Well, the thing about Steam (not so much XBLA) is that they probably won't branch out. I know quite a lot of people who are crazy about Peggle but they didn't even make the small leap to Portal. There's no real commitment when you get games via Steam like there is when you get XBLA. Games like Peggle are just expensive (as opposed to free minesweeper) time-wasters that anyone can pick up and most systems can run.

With XBLA, though some may refer to that as "casual", your point is more valid because they already spent $199 on something that was actually meant to play games. When you shell out money like that, you've already taken the first step into gaming like many first steps in other things: investment. It would be easier to start with new, innovative puzzle games like Geometry Wars. Then maybe some nostalgic Doom action and then maybe into a next-gen game like Farcry 2. This example is what many developers and marketers are hoping on, but what I don't like about that is that that is a pretty rare thing. I don't want to say any B.S numbers because I don't think there is any written source or census on this, but I feel that this isn't worth mediocre next-gen games for the people who already like or love games.

That's why I want the "gaming fad" to die. There is still the diehard market of gamers who've been hooked since adolescence; however, the incentive to market towards non-gamers will die out with the fad so that quality games can start getting shelved again.

 

[Ago Iterum]

Gaming is not allowed to be said to be dying until the best game ever comes out. Unfortunately, that looks like next year.

Care to elaborate what he best game ever will be? And plus, what if it's just the best game so far, not the best ever? In that case, it could still be improved.

Not possible with this particular game, I'm afraid. Search your hearts, you know it to be true, that nothing can ever top this one.

If you were to cross the soul-shivering pure power of rock you feel with Guitar Hero, the pure unbridled action of God of Wars Combat, the writing Genius of Tim Schafer, the combined Talent of Lemmy, Dio, Jack Black, Rob Halford, Bruce Dickinson and Dave Mustaine, you would have yourself perfection - Brutal Legend.

All great rock examples, except... Jack Black.

 

[Ago Iterum]

I've just got into gaming properly (Mainly cos I'm only 13 and I was only able to buy a console in the last 5 years) and I really don't think that gaming is fading out. I think Gaming couldonly get better, and the only thing condemning Gaming is people not tapping into the creativity and remaking old games and continuing long dead franchises (I'm looking at you, Nintendo). I'm a hardcore gamer and love gaes like GTA and others that are brilliant and maybe even original ( I don't like it though, whenever a game is set in an open world and involves gun-crime they call it a GTA clone). LONG LIVE GAMING!

This is the main opposition to my point. It could be that me, and others in my age range (around 18) were there for the massive popularisation of gaming. Not only that, but we were in the target age range for nearly all of them. That could be why I'm feeling boredom toward games, but you have only just started gaming. And in my opinion, it's the worst time to start. With companies mass producing poor quality games to exploit younger gamers etc.

 

[Loderian]

The focus of gaming is the games, not the technology or system peripherals behind them.

As long as games are made that can captivate the imagination, gaming cant die.

 

[Devec]

Gaming inst going to die mostly because the new generation will just play what the older generation won't, even though the quality of games has fallen backwards of a cliff and spawned a lot of linear shooter games.

The moment I began doubting the mainstream game industry was the time I enjoyed a free web flash game more than a bought 3d game.

 

[crimsondynamics]

No, see, that's not my point. Different genres can totally exist. I'm talking about devs trying to appeal to multiple audiences within one game--2 very broad audiences: people who play games and those that do not. Doing that is totally different than a game like Fallout 3 or system shock1-2, a game that tries to appeal to fps and rpg gamers.

In this regard we are in total agreement: "Jack of all trades, master of none". Few games are able to cross genres, get the balance right and appeal to fans of both categories.

I'd like to ask though, which games do you consider to appeal to two *very broad* audiences?

 

[crimsondynamics]

It's like the gaming industry had a big boost in sales that year. Wonder what did that? Must have been some game released that was kind of popular in certain demographics in certain segments of the audience.

Like global warming and the extinction of the dinosaurs, I doubt it's any single factor, but whatever the reasons may be, I'm just glad that video games continue to enjoy sustained growth which is enough to reassure me that my favorite pastime is alive and healthier than ever.

 

[Ago Iterum]

Gaming inst going to die mostly because the new generation will just play what the older generation won't, even though the quality of games has fallen backwards of a cliff and spawned a lot of linear shooter games.

The moment I began doubting the mainstream game industry was the time I enjoyed a free web flash game more than a bought 3d game.

Haha, there are some incredible flash games out there

 

[Jharry5]

Television's full of cliches, with only a few sparkling diamonds in a dank sea of mediocrity; but that isn't fading.
Films are being churned out all the same, again with only a few sparkling diamonds; and they aren't fading either.
Gaming is no different. Just gotta keep the faith!

 

[weirdaljedifan2]

Well..unless they start making games more challenging then the system isn't going anywhere, no a days it seems that games are hyped up so much..when you get it you don't have anything to
be exited about...but i mean the next gen era only just started...and it is like the 3rd generation of gaming.... and there aren't any MMO's that can stand up against WOW...

Think about
Next gen just started
SONY is slowly dying
Microsoft is now going toe to toe with nintendo...i think when the console war is over...we will have another generatoin of gaming?

3rd generation? That would mean gaming started at the PS1? In my view, that's when gaming hit its prime. In gameplay, anyway...

And if anything, I see it as Sony and Microsoft going toe to toe, and after the PS3's poor start, Sony have now shot past Microsoft in the ratings, and quality games.In Nintendo's words; "Let them have their console war". They are their own style of gaming.

No the first gen started when we where using pixel gaming..second was the ps1 3d... then the ps2 and xbox..and now the next gen..so i guess this is the forth then sorry my mistake

You might wanna look up "Game Console Generations" on Wikipedia. We're in the 7th Generation of consoles.

 

[Ago Iterum]

Well..unless they start making games more challenging then the system isn't going anywhere, no a days it seems that games are hyped up so much..when you get it you don't have anything to
be exited about...but i mean the next gen era only just started...and it is like the 3rd generation of gaming.... and there aren't any MMO's that can stand up against WOW...

Think about
Next gen just started
SONY is slowly dying
Microsoft is now going toe to toe with nintendo...i think when the console war is over...we will have another generatoin of gaming?

3rd generation? That would mean gaming started at the PS1? In my view, that's when gaming hit its prime. In gameplay, anyway...

And if anything, I see it as Sony and Microsoft going toe to toe, and after the PS3's poor start, Sony have now shot past Microsoft in the ratings, and quality games.In Nintendo's words; "Let them have their console war". They are their own style of gaming.

No the first gen started when we where using pixel gaming..second was the ps1 3d... then the ps2 and xbox..and now the next gen..so i guess this is the forth then sorry my mistake

You might wanna look up "Game Console Generations" on Wikipedia. We're in the 7th Generation of consoles.

Haha! The poor lad's had so much hassle for that. I hope you saw the sarcasm in my part though...

 

[Ago Iterum]

Haha, this is the longest thread I've ever done, I can't believe it's still kicking around.

 

[swift tongued]

Haha, this is the longest thread I've ever done, I can't believe it's still kicking around.

Well it's an important set of concepts.

I find it funny that people think their generation was the last one that was truely belonging to gamers. I mean you say that the PS1 was the last consol with gamer games, but according to Penny Arcade the PS1 was the first consol to appeal to rich, cool, non gamers, giving off our culture. In the same way some people here say Gears of War 2 is a gamer's game, when the game has had mass appeal among non gamers as well.

What are games for gamers anyway? Are they harder, or do they play on nostalgia? I mean the first Blizzard game I played was Warcraft three and even though I knew how to play stategy games, the tutorial made me intensly happy, it was like the game was baptising me into its world. So I think that when a company makes a game it should ignore gamers entirely, it should create a virtual experience that uses a controller and if the gamer is entirely baffled of what their product is before having have used a tutorial then good! Let them be knocked off their moral high horse and back to a time when they didn't rock at a game before they'd even played it.

Ofcourse all these demands are completely unreasonable considering the raw amounts of money and man power required to make a game in the modern world. **tear* )...;