Modern Games: Endless Landscapes! 1,000s of NPCs! Amazing Sandboxes! Shallow, Empty, Primitive.

[Durgiun]

I'd say this speaks more to Bethesada's inability to write human beings than a general trend in gaming. Compare New Vegas, for instance. That's a pretty good example of what a Bethesada game would be like if the writing was better.

Exactly. And here's proof: name five people from New Vegas and their personalities. Now do the same for, say, Oblivion.

Craig Boone-stoic, introverted, angry, honourable, moral
Raul Alfonso Tejada-loyal, sarcastic, cynical, a bit insecure
Veronica Santangelo-feisty, also a bit sarcastic, tough in battle, gentle out of it
Rose of Sharon Cassidy-serious, gruff, also moral, vengeful
Mr. House-cunning, polite, ruthless, controlling

Vicente Valtieri-polite, calm
Lucien Lachance-immoral, ruthless
Uriel Septim-kind, benevolent?
Baurus-loyal, righteous
Modryn Oreyn-righteous, gruff

 

[FieryTrainwreck]

I feel like I can't say this any more simply: it's not about the actual quality of the writing or the personality of the characters. It's about how the fundamental nature of our interactions with video game characters hasn't changed in over five years. The window dressing is certainly better, and some developers even do that bit especially well (Bioware, for one), but that doesn't change the fact that our NPCs are still cardboard cutouts suffering from intense predetermination.

I'm disappointed that developers haven't dedicated themselves to advancing ai and game behavior in any meaningful way.

 

[JesterRaiin]

Modern Games: Endless Landscapes! 1,000s of NPCs! Amazing Sandboxes! Shallow, Empty, Primitive.

Modern gamers : unable to grasp the concept of immersion, not willing to role-play a little.

But, pray tell, how do you role-play with a field of nothing, and NPCs with the personality of cardboard cutouts?

Some of my RPG sessions took place in practically "I am Legend" setting (but without that chocolate gentleman that ruined whole movie). Also, "field of nothing" is pretty strong description.

I can see that. But I Am Legend had a lot more going on in the environment. Also - massive lulz at "that chocolate gentleman".

One can always pretend that he/she is real outlander and doesn't understand sh*t from what Skyrim's denizens say. Problem solved - there are no flat personalities since there's no interaction with them.

You know, I used to role-play in video games often when I was younger. Maybe I'm just too jaded now, but I just can't seem to do it anymore. A shame. I'd probably enjoy Skyrim more if I could.

Same here buddy. Same here. I think it's because there are so many great titles out there. You can't simply stay faithful to just one, you can't love them all equally... And you know the rest. Acquire one, play, meh, next one. No time for long and passionate relationships.
(I hope i'm still talking about video games).