"We have to make games about different stuff," says some dude
July 16th, 2012
Unless changes are made, video games will eventually become niche like comic books have. Or so says nascent developer Chris Hecker.
"Some of us think that games can be the preeminent art and entertainment form of the 21st century, if we don't screw them up like comic books got screwed up with too many superheroes," Hecker recently told Wired by way of PC Gamer. "There are still great comic books," he says, "but they are kind of in a cultural ghetto."
Similarly, Hecker adds, "Go into a game store and you have a choice about killing orcs or guys in armour. It's clear we have to make games about different stuff."
Obviously Hecker is generalizing to prove a piont. But I think he might have one. What do you think: Are game environments and storylines too predictable, staid, and nerdy for their own good?
Read more: PC gaming culture





Comments
New forums... Soon™
Level 7
8094 ARP
Level 5
898 ARP
Level 3
276 ARP
There is still innovation and it lies in the indie genre. They have the "power" to take huge risks because their games lack a large budget and if it fails, only the small group of people who invested in it will be out of their pockets. Large corporations don't have that luxury, if they take a risk in innovation and it fails, they not only lose their companies investment, they lose stockholders.
Level 4
536 ARP
Through all the differences it is still perfection.
Level 7
6202 ARP
Nuff said
I don't try to be awesome, It's natural! So are potatoes, potatoes are natural :l
Level 7
1707 ARP
Inside the matrix. !Groovy Baby!
Level 2
248 ARP
Level 6
1036 ARP
Level 3
376 ARP
The only reason why he believes the games need a change in direction is how our recent shooters are literally aiming for the future...
Press any key to continue...
Level 7
3216 ARP
The problem is some people need Long Epic RPG games, others need Instant-Action Shooter, others like puzzle and so on. The thing that works best for popularity now is Fully-Free-to-Play with lots of possabilities to player but NEVER grind + the out-of-box thinking about subject. That's my opinion.
http://signup.leagueoflegends.com/?ref=4bfe0cbd5929b <<< Register to League of Legends! ;)
Level 4
529 ARP
Level 7
1896 ARP
Level 3
315 ARP
Level 6
1086 ARP
Level 7
1644 ARP
Either get behind our troops or get in front of them.
Level 6
1124 ARP
Level 7
3366 ARP
This pretty much sums it up. The problem is that people generalize the industry by just looking at the top games selling and being developed by the main publishers. There are many different types of games out there, you just have to look.
If comics are in a cultural ghetto, why is it that movies based on them typically have done well in the past 5-10 years? Video games will have a part in our society as long as we stay as leisure societies. The platform that they are played on might change but they will always be around to entertain us.
Level 7
4876 ARP
Believe it or not, comic books were at the pinnacle of entertainment way back when radio was pretty much out and color tv was on the horizon. For awhile, comics let people escape into a fantasy reality. Then shows like Batman and Superman (b&w versions TBH) propelled that vision onto the screen. That trend continues today and is stronger than ever. Sure comic books are no longer at their pinnacle, but they are still persistent, despite their age. They have even attempted to evolve into the digital age with downloadable comics via smart phones. Video games haven't been around nearly as long, they are still evolving as technology evolves. In a lot of cases, technology evolves because the video game industry demands that it does. This ensures that video games will continue to be a viable source of entertainment for decades to come. They may evolve and change over time, but it is extremely adaptable, just as comic books adapting into movies. Difference with video games is that they drive technology in some ways while comic books rely upon technology in order to adapt
M18x R1 w/ATI Crossfire 6990's. Area-51 X58 w/Nvidia 560Ti SLi
Level 6
1106 ARP
Goodbye
Level 1
89 ARP
Level 4
728 ARP
Level 3
283 ARP
Level 1
32 ARP
Level 2
200 ARP
Level 2
217 ARP
Add Your Comment
You are not logged in. To leave a message you must Login First.