Do you think gameplay in games is slowly deteriorating with each gen?

This topic has probably been thoroughly discussed before, at some point, but I'm going with it anyway.

I read a post someone made on GS that really got me thinking. That post claimed a majority of games nowadays have only been progressing with their visuals and narrative, while gameplay wise, they've been progressively getting worse. They went on to say this trend could very well continue into next gen, and so on, and so forth.

I never really thought about it myself, until now, but the more I have, the more I'm starting to believe it to be true. While I do acknowledge this doesn't apply to every game released this ending generation, it still does seem to be a noticeable issue with games overall these days. A lot seem to be slacking off on the very thing that differentiates them from the other forms of popular entertainment (i.e. movies/TV).

If I was to give an example of this, in regards to the topic, I would go with Uncharted, in comparison to other games in its genre. While I found the game's visuals looked good, and its story was fairly interesting too, the gamplay wasn't very fun, in my opinion. It almost felt like a chore to get through, just to see how the story would develop. Of course this is only the first game that came to mind, as I could go on giving more examples. Though, knowing this game got quite a bit of praise, and I don't wanna make this sound like a pandemic either, but it has me a tad worried for what's to come.

Also, just to clarify, I'm capable of understanding Uncharted's praise could have stemmed from other aspects, and not necessarily gameplay, but you get my distress, yeah?

So, my question is, do you believe gameplay is slowly deteriorating? If so, should we be concerned for the future of gaming? Or do you think it'll just iron itself out as time goes on?

I blame RPG's !Lulu_Lulu

It's simply not true, in general. Most genres have been improving gameplay-wise generation after generation. And that includes 2D genres.

I blame RPG's !Lulu_Lulu

This topic has probably been thoroughly discussed before, at some point, but I'm going with it anyway.

 

I read a post someone made on GS that really got me thinking. That post claimed a majority of games nowadays have only been progressing with their visuals and narrative, while gameplay wise, they've been progressively getting worse. They went on to say this trend could very well continue into next gen, and so on, and so forth.

I never really thought about it myself, until now, but the more I have, the more I'm starting to believe it to be true. While I do acknowledge this doesn't apply to every game released this ending generation, it still does seem to be a noticeable issue with games overall these days. A lot seem to be slacking off on the very thing that differentiates them from the other forms of popular entertainment (i.e. movies/TV).

If I was to give an example of this, in regards to the topic, I would go with Uncharted, in comparison to other games in its genre. While I found the game's visuals looked good, and its story was fairly interesting too, the gamplay wasn't very fun, in my opinion. It almost felt like a chore to get through, just to see how the story would develop. Of course this is only the first game that came to mind, as I could go on giving more examples. Though, knowing this game got quite a bit of praise, and I don't wanna make this sound like a pandemic either, but it has me a tad worried for what's to come.

Also, just to clarify, I'm capable of understanding Uncharted's praise could have stemmed from other aspects, and not necessarily gameplay, but you get my distress, yeah?

 

So, my question is, do you believe gameplay is slowly deteriorating? If so, should we be concerned for the future of gaming? Or do you think it'll just iron itself out as time goes on?

Trail_Mix

Personally, I don't think so. We have such a vast and variety of types of platforms to delve into and ever expanding platforms.

Not really i think each gen is better than the last gen.

Indie developers and Nintendo can always be counted on for a strong gameplay focus among other developers, but I will agree that there is a definite move away from gameplay to a more cinematic experience over the past gen.

Of course.

The mainstream and popular any form of entertainment gets the more dumbed down it becomes. You have to homegnize and make things easy, simply, unoffensive and bland if you want to appeal to the most people as possible.

Thats why the biggest selling games are usually the least unique ones and have easy gameplay.

Game developers and publishers want to sell the most amount of games as possible so they create ones with the most mass appeal as possible. Its like the movie, every year the big studio movies get dumber and dumber and play it safe so they get the most ticket sales possible.

Im speaking of the majority though. Nintendo, sony, microsoft, EA, bioware, capcom and so on are the ones who dumb down games for the majority. There are plenty of games that dont, but they tend to be the medium level studios or the indie guys.

Indie developers and Nintendo can always be counted on for a strong gameplay focus among other developers, but I will agree that there is a definite move away from gameplay to a more cinematic experience over the past gen.

Pikminmaniac

While I hear you, I would also like to say how Nintendo lately likes to make things easier and hold your hand all the time.  It really comes down to the game, and the fact of the matter is a cinematic feel is not bad, taking control from the player all the time is bad. Ocarina of Time was one of the most cinematic games of its time, and it is still the best game of all time ;).

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"]I blame RPG's !Jacanuk

[QUOTE="Pikminmaniac"]

Indie developers and Nintendo can always be counted on for a strong gameplay focus among other developers, but I will agree that there is a definite move away from gameplay to a more cinematic experience over the past gen.

NaveedLife

While I hear you, I would also like to say how Nintendo lately likes to make things easier and hold your hand all the time.  It really comes down to the game, and the fact of the matter is a cinematic feel is not bad, taking control from the player all the time is bad. Ocarina of Time was one of the most cinematic games of its time, and it is still the best game of all time ;).

Nintendot has made the entry point easier for their games, yes, but the difficulty cap has been raised quite a bit. They offer some of the toughest challenges in the industry quite frankly. Just try to master any Nintendo Land attraction, complete New Super Mario Bros. U's challenge mode, gold medal Pikmin 3's challenges, get all challenges completed in Punch-Out!!, get a gold medal speed run in every Donkey Kong Country Returns level, etc. Nintendo's gotten tougher in general, you just have to want the challenge.

No I just don't see that at all.  For every one chore-like experience I've had this gen I could easily name 3 last-gen games that were worse.  And some of those I'd count among my favorites.  I can't even count how many times I'd kill all the enemies in an area and then be left to wander around, literally for hours, wondering what in the world I was supposed to do next.  Talk about a chore.

And when you get back to the PS1 era games without analog sticks you just had the D-pad and you'd steer your character around like a tank and...just no.  I didn't mind it at the time but I could never go back to that now.

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"]I blame RPG's !Jacanuk

That's right! Let's blame the acceptable scapegoat for everything!

Of course, gaming is in a downwards spiral as all anyone cares about in games these days is the story, critics will give games 10/10s just for the story, even if the gameplay is boring and repetitive (Mass Effect 2 for example) or if there is barley any gameplay at all (Metal Gear Solid 4 for example). Due to things like this happening, I am not all that excited about the next gen.

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"]I blame RPG's !Jacanuk

No. I don't think so. I've been gaming since the NES and going back to those games are a source of nostalgia, but I still prefer newer titles. And whenever I play a new game from the earlier eras I rarely find myself enjoying it. Even though I used to love these kinds of games and would spent as much time as I could in front of a new game back in the early 90's. Gameplay has certainly improved. 

Of course, gaming is in a downwards spiral as all anyone cares about in games these days is the story, critics will give games 10/10s just for the story, even if the gameplay is boring and repetitive (Mass Effect 2 for example) or if there is barley any gameplay at all (Metal Gear Solid 4 for example). Due to things like this happening, I am not all that excited about the next gen.

RageQuitter69

I'm not sure I like the focus of many games these days, but gameplay hasn't suffered.

I don't think it got worse at all. Sure there are more games that are easy, and they hold your hand more. But not every game is like that. And I like that games can tell a great cinamtic story now.

If you like tough and simple games, they still exist. Ya just gotta look in the right places. But yeah they may not be as plentiful as before.

Although I disagree with you about the gameplay in Uncharted (I thought the platforming and TPS elements were a lot of fun), I do feel that many big time releases these days put a bit too much emphasis on graphics and storytelling over gameplay. For now I'm not too worried though, since gaming is large enough to accommodate all sorts of different tastes, so there is always something I can find to enjoy.

No, on the contrary I think gameplay has steadily improved. 

not at all.  games have been getting better over the past 7 years, but the standards also have gotten higher.  it's the nostalgia people miss.

not at all.  games have been getting better over the past 7 years, but the standards also have gotten higher.  it's the nostalgia people miss.

drekula2

Although I disagree with you about the gameplay in Uncharted (I thought the platforming and TPS elements were a lot of fun), I do feel that many big time releases these days put a bit too much emphasis on graphics and storytelling over gameplay. For now I'm not too worried though, since gaming is large enough to accommodate all sorts of different tastes, so there is always something I can find to enjoy.

lensflare15

[QUOTE="RageQuitter69"]

Of course, gaming is in a downwards spiral as all anyone cares about in games these days is the story, critics will give games 10/10s just for the story, even if the gameplay is boring and repetitive (Mass Effect 2 for example) or if there is barley any gameplay at all (Metal Gear Solid 4 for example). Due to things like this happening, I am not all that excited about the next gen.

firefox59

Dumb, dumb, dumb criticism. If you're not interested in games that focus on their story, play something else. There are a lot more games with complete disregard for the story than games in which the devs actually try to tell a good one. You could completely skip any game with a decent story effort and still have way more enough quality games to play.

And more importantly: I don't care about your personal tastes. What you posted is the equivalent of dismissing entire genres or types of games. It's like saying "you know, games should be games and not simulations. Racing sims, flight sims, etc. shouldn't be made", or "games should be games and not serious matters. Developers should stop making grim, mature games entirely and focus on making light-hearted stuff exclusively". Or just plain "I don't like JRPG, stop making them".

Right now I'm playing Tropico 4, Serious Sam 3 and Trackmania Stadium. One has a barebone story just to give you an excuse to build multiple islands. One has a barebone story thrown out there just because. The other doesn't have one line of text. Gameplay-focused games are not hard to find.

[QUOTE="RageQuitter69"]

Of course, gaming is in a downwards spiral as all anyone cares about in games these days is the story, critics will give games 10/10s just for the story, even if the gameplay is boring and repetitive (Mass Effect 2 for example) or if there is barley any gameplay at all (Metal Gear Solid 4 for example). Due to things like this happening, I am not all that excited about the next gen.

firefox59

I think it's becoming less of a focus as graphics and other shiny bullshit becomes the bigger deal. A couple of guys at work last night were talking about how good the next gen game slooked already and I got a bit sad at the whole thing. I want the next gen to facilitate more expansive gameplay, not just make my gun sparkle.

[QUOTE="firefox59"][QUOTE="RageQuitter69"]

Of course, gaming is in a downwards spiral as all anyone cares about in games these days is the story, critics will give games 10/10s just for the story, even if the gameplay is boring and repetitive (Mass Effect 2 for example) or if there is barley any gameplay at all (Metal Gear Solid 4 for example). Due to things like this happening, I am not all that excited about the next gen.

ReddestSkies

Dumb, dumb, dumb criticism. If you're not interested in games that focus on their story, play something else. There are a lot more games with complete disregard for the story than games in which the devs actually try to tell a good one. You could completely skip any game with a decent story effort and still have way more enough quality games to play.

And more importantly: I don't care about your personal tastes. What you posted is the equivalent of dismissing entire genres or types of games. It's like saying "you know, games should be games and not simulations. Racing sims, flight sims, etc. shouldn't be made", or "games should be games and not serious matters. Developers should stop making grim, mature games entirely and focus on making light-hearted stuff exclusively". Or just plain "I don't like JRPG, stop making them".

Right now I'm playing Tropico 4, Serious Sam 3 and Trackmania Stadium. One has a barebone story just to give you an excuse to build multiple islands. One has a barebone story thrown out there just because. The other doesn't have one line of text. Gameplay-focused games are not hard to find.

I don't think thats what He meant. He means why spend butloads of cash on a video game that still leeches from other mediums like film and books to deliver their story. He's not against story driven games, he's just against stories that require an observer instead of a player, Playing (watching) Metal Gear solid is like watching (reading) a text based movie.Lulu_Lulu

I have no interest in the MGS series. But its reliance on cutscenes is an artistic decision which you and I are in no position to dismiss as a waste of money. If Konami wants to include literally 0 gameplay time, it's their decision and not ours. If you don't like it, don't buy it.

[QUOTE="ReddestSkies"]

[QUOTE="firefox59"] I agree with this. Games should be games and not movies. Too many devs try to make games look sexy and go for style over substance. The consumer may not like the mechanics of a game but the devs should at least create games that you can play rather than watch.Lulu_Lulu

Dumb, dumb, dumb criticism. If you're not interested in games that focus on their story, play something else. There are a lot more games with complete disregard for the story than games in which the devs actually try to tell a good one. You could completely skip any game with a decent story effort and still have way more enough quality games to play.

And more importantly: I don't care about your personal tastes. What you posted is the equivalent of dismissing entire genres or types of games. It's like saying "you know, games should be games and not simulations. Racing sims, flight sims, etc. shouldn't be made", or "games should be games and not serious matters. Developers should stop making grim, mature games entirely and focus on making light-hearted stuff exclusively". Or just plain "I don't like JRPG, stop making them".

Right now I'm playing Tropico 4, Serious Sam 3 and Trackmania Stadium. One has a barebone story just to give you an excuse to build multiple islands. One has a barebone story thrown out there just because. The other doesn't have one line of text. Gameplay-focused games are not hard to find.

Not at all. In fact I think it's evolving.

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"]I don't think thats what He meant. He means why spend butloads of cash on a video game that still leeches from other mediums like film and books to deliver their story. He's not against story driven games, he's just against stories that require an observer instead of a player, Playing (watching) Metal Gear solid is like watching (reading) a text based movie.ReddestSkies

I have no interest in the MGS series. But its reliance on cutscenes is an artistic decision which you and I are in no position to dismiss as a waste of money. If Konami wants to include literally 0 gameplay time, it's their decision and not ours. If you don't like it, don't buy it.

[QUOTE="ReddestSkies"]

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"]I don't think thats what He meant. He means why spend butloads of cash on a video game that still leeches from other mediums like film and books to deliver their story. He's not against story driven games, he's just against stories that require an observer instead of a player, Playing (watching) Metal Gear solid is like watching (reading) a text based movie.Lulu_Lulu

I have no interest in the MGS series. But its reliance on cutscenes is an artistic decision which you and I are in no position to dismiss as a waste of money. If Konami wants to include literally 0 gameplay time, it's their decision and not ours. If you don't like it, don't buy it.

Yes, that's what I'm saying. Because really, it comes down to personal preferences. Even if you take those "MGS has no gameplay" statements literally, it's still just an artistic decision made by developers, and somehow they found millions of people to buy their product. Whether you like it or not is down to personal preferences, and I really don't care about your personal preferences.

And that's where I go back to my original point: if games that focus heavily on story aren't your thing, you still have hundreds of quality games in which the story is an after-thought to choose from. 

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"][QUOTE="ReddestSkies"]

I have no interest in the MGS series. But its reliance on cutscenes is an artistic decision which you and I are in no position to dismiss as a waste of money. If Konami wants to include literally 0 gameplay time, it's their decision and not ours. If you don't like it, don't buy it.

ReddestSkies

Yes, that's what I'm saying. Because really, it comes down to personal preferences. Even if you take those "MGS has no gameplay" statements literally, it's still just an artistic decision made by developers, and somehow they found millions of people to buy their product. Whether you like it or not is down to personal preferences, and I really don't care about your personal preferences.

And that's where I go back to my original point: if games that focus heavily on story aren't your thing, you still have hundreds of quality games in which the story is an after-thought to chose from. 

[QUOTE="firefox59"][QUOTE="RageQuitter69"]

Of course, gaming is in a downwards spiral as all anyone cares about in games these days is the story, critics will give games 10/10s just for the story, even if the gameplay is boring and repetitive (Mass Effect 2 for example) or if there is barley any gameplay at all (Metal Gear Solid 4 for example). Due to things like this happening, I am not all that excited about the next gen.

RageQuitter69

I completely agree as well. When a game favours story and style so much that it gets in the way of gameplay, it just turns me right off the game. Gameplay, level design, and challenge are the essential elements of a game. All three are exclusive to this medium and are timeless.

[QUOTE="ReddestSkies"]

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"] lol, so you're saying if they want a Video Game that can't even be played at all then I can't dismis that ?Jacanuk

Yes, that's what I'm saying. Because really, it comes down to personal preferences. Even if you take those "MGS has no gameplay" statements literally, it's still just an artistic decision made by developers, and somehow they found millions of people to buy their product. Whether you like it or not is down to personal preferences, and I really don't care about your personal preferences.

And that's where I go back to my original point: if games that focus heavily on story aren't your thing, you still have hundreds of quality games in which the story is an after-thought to chose from. 

This argument is incredibly stupid. A book can obviously not be a motion picture. Unless you project the book on a screen while flicking the pages or something, which would be rather inconvenient. A book, by definition, has to be printable. A movie, by definition, involves moving pictures.

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"][QUOTE="ReddestSkies"]

I have no interest in the MGS series. But its reliance on cutscenes is an artistic decision which you and I are in no position to dismiss as a waste of money. If Konami wants to include literally 0 gameplay time, it's their decision and not ours. If you don't like it, don't buy it.

ReddestSkies

Yes, that's what I'm saying. Because really, it comes down to personal preferences. Even if you take those "MGS has no gameplay" statements literally, it's still just an artistic decision made by developers, and somehow they found millions of people to buy their product. Whether you like it or not is down to personal preferences, and I really don't care about your personal preferences.

And that's where I go back to my original point: if games that focus heavily on story aren't your thing, you still have hundreds of quality games in which the story is an after-thought to choose from. 

I heard it was some sort game. . . . . and thats about it.

[QUOTE="ReddestSkies"]

Yes, that's what I'm saying. Because really, it comes down to personal preferences. Even if you take those "MGS has no gameplay" statements literally, it's still just an artistic decision made by developers, and somehow they found millions of people to buy their product. Whether you like it or not is down to personal preferences, and I really don't care about your personal preferences.

And that's where I go back to my original point: if games that focus heavily on story aren't your thing, you still have hundreds of quality games in which the story is an after-thought to choose from. 

Lulu_Lulu

What are YOU talking about? The original RageQuiters "argument" is:

Of course, gaming is in a downwards spiral as all anyone cares about in games these days is the story

My answer is that this is not true, if you don't like games that focus heavily on story, there's still plenty of choices for you. Moreover, focusing heavily on story is an artistic decision and if you don't like it, it's just because of your personal preferences. English might not be my first language, but I'm 100% certain that my argument is countering his, right on topic.

[QUOTE="RageQuitter69"][QUOTE="firefox59"] I agree with this. Games should be games and not movies. Too many devs try to make games look sexy and go for style over substance. The consumer may not like the mechanics of a game but the devs should at least create games that you can play rather than watch.Pikminmaniac

I completely agree as well. When a game favours story and style so much that it gets in the way of gameplay, it just turns me right off the game. Gameplay, level design, and challenge are the essential elements of a game. All three are exclusive to this medium and are timeless.

Hope you got an Umbrella !

[QUOTE="Lulu_Lulu"][QUOTE="ReddestSkies"]

Yes, that's what I'm saying. Because really, it comes down to personal preferences. Even if you take those "MGS has no gameplay" statements literally, it's still just an artistic decision made by developers, and somehow they found millions of people to buy their product. Whether you like it or not is down to personal preferences, and I really don't care about your personal preferences.

And that's where I go back to my original point: if games that focus heavily on story aren't your thing, you still have hundreds of quality games in which the story is an after-thought to choose from. 

ReddestSkies

What are YOU talking about? The original RageQuiters "argument" is:

Of course, gaming is in a downwards spiral as all anyone cares about in games these days is the story

My answer is that this is not true, if you don't like games that focus heavily on story, there's still plenty of choices for you. Moreover, focusing heavily on story is an artistic decision and if you don't like it, it's just because of your personal preferences. English might not be my first language, but I'm 100% certain that my argument is countering his, right on topic.

[QUOTE="Jacanuk"][QUOTE="ReddestSkies"]

Yes, that's what I'm saying. Because really, it comes down to personal preferences. Even if you take those "MGS has no gameplay" statements literally, it's still just an artistic decision made by developers, and somehow they found millions of people to buy their product. Whether you like it or not is down to personal preferences, and I really don't care about your personal preferences.

And that's where I go back to my original point: if games that focus heavily on story aren't your thing, you still have hundreds of quality games in which the story is an after-thought to chose from. 

ReddestSkies

This argument is incredibly stupid. A book can obviously not be a motion picture. Unless you project the book on a screen while flicking the pages or something, which would be rather inconvenient. A book, by definition, has to be printable. A movie, by definition, involves moving pictures.

I heard it was some sort game. . . . . and thats about it.

[QUOTE="ReddestSkies"]

[QUOTE="Jacanuk"] What your saying is wrong, its like calling a book a movie or a movie a book. There is a reason why we put things into boxed when it can be clearly defined. Like with Dear Esther, thats not a game its a interactive story, which is the best example i can remember.Jacanuk

This argument is incredibly stupid. A book can obviously not be a motion picture. Unless you project the book on a screen while flicking the pages or something, which would be rather inconvenient. A book, by definition, has to be printable. A movie, by definition, involves moving pictures.

What I'm saying is that there is essentially no possible confusion between a movie and a book. Nobody is going to make a movie and call it a book, and vice-versa. Your argument doesn't apply to gaming, because you're looking at a video game, that people are calling a game and that is released as a video game, and you're deciding that it's not one.

Dear Esther has a lot exploration. That's a gameplay element. 

I heard it was some sort game. . . . . and thats about it.