Game Development Reference
In-Depth Information
Things are going to change, but how? What will be the driving forc-
es leading us into the next generation for games, digital or otherwise?
Much of this topic has been negative, but I have very few good things to
say about the current digital game industry. I am extremely optimistic
about the future, however, and think that many of us are. We live in an
amazing time.
The Resistance
Although I think it will be overcome, it must be stated that there is a
tremendous amount of resistance towards progress in the world of game
design theory. The discussion has essentially remained the same for the
last ten years, and the things that have changed it were not sound ob-
servations, but software making millions of dollars. The discussion has
changed because of Farmville and Minecraft and Portal —not because
someone made a solid, bold point about what games really are. Because
of this, you'll hear a lot of people say that talking about games is point-
less or a waste of time. In a way, they're right, but only because of this
resistance to change.
The resistance has a few weapons, all of which are logical fallacies. Any
design theory that leads us to the conclusion that Metal Gear Sold , Ocarine
of Time , or Final Fantasy VII are anything other than the perfect classics
we've always considered them to be is completely off the table. Essentially,
we are a generation of people who have a strong nostalgic attachment to
the largely broken and dysfunctional game designs we were brought up on.
We've absorbed so much abuse that we expect it, and we've committed so
loudly and proudly to our video-game patriotism that we can't question it.
The Media
Just as a democracy has the fourth estate to help keep government in
check, an art form needs critical analysis and discussion to stay relevant.
Sadly, games journalism is currently extremely dysfunctional.
When it comes to professional games journalism, you essentially have
four types of writing.
Advertising . A recap of the industry talking points on the back of
the game box.
Propaganda . A restating of the current industry-fueled narrative
about what's exciting. “What's exciting� may be the new motion-
jiggle accoutrement, 3D viewing cables, or whatever other non-
game-related garbage that the industry wants you to buy.
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