Tagged: games

Are video games being dumbed down?

I like playing PS3 games and my friend got a new one called Prototype 2. I have played it this week and it is dumbed down from the first one. It directs you what to do in a linear fashion. First do this, then that. I don’t remember the first game doing that as much. It is similar to another game called Infamous which I like better. I get a feeling of a more open-world space.

It isn’t just that, but also Final Fantasy and many other classic PS3 games that are simplifying gameplay. Part of what attracts us to those games is the ability to strategize and make decisions. While the computer can certainly do a better job, the less input we put into a game, the less pride we can take feel in winning it.

I would ask for game developers to consider that there is an adult population that plays games, and to do whatever they want, but have the option for old-school strategy and options. Some of us like to be in control of the situation, and not just taken along for a ride.

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Your life is a game

Jane McGonigal, Designer of SuperBetter, Moves Games Deeper Into Daily Life – NYTimes.com. It does feel that way sometimes doesn’t it? This is interesting that she is attempting to use some of the fantasy elements of gaming to improve the real world. I think part of the attraction of gaming is that it isn’t the real world.

This is an extension of the Sims genere of gaming for me. I was addicted to the Sims for awhile since it was fun to direct peoples lives. However ultimately its more fun to direct your own life.

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