The rise of the causal gamer, modern gaming, and the loss of interest in it- what do

[*JuriHan*]

Link to original post: [drupal=3840]The rise of the causal gamer, modern gaming, and the loss of interest in it- what do you think about it?[/drupal]



Am I just a nostalgia ***, growing up and legitly losing interest in video games or does it seem that nowadays it's harder and harder to find games that stack up to the classics? It seems like it's all about dat causal gamer now. I mean even microsoft wants a piece of that action with their kinetic.

I've been lurking and it seems many people feel that Nintendo turned their backs on the consumers who made them big to begin with to get a bigger market share and more profit. Brawl even has been hit with the causal stick.I will say that Nintendo's handhelds such as the DS are still legit as Hell. Nintendo has and probably always will be the handheld kings, but their console games seem to be lacking nowadays compared to the SNES and N64 glory days.

Is their merit to what im saying and modern games are lacking in substance be it appealing to causals or even putting too much effort into graphics while neglecting gameplay or am I (and many other gamers) just growing up? I can't tell

If I was vauge this is kinda how I feel:

http://www.bitmob.com/articles/how-nintendo-are-hurting-themselves

I want to clarify that this isn't a Nintendo bashing thread at all because I've even noticed other companies and games are suffering from this problem however Nintendo seems to be the most profoundly affected at the moment.

Nintendo even seems to be aware of this themselves:

http://www.1up.com/news/nintendo-apologizes-casual-focused-e3-showing

What do you make of this? Do you think people dislike change and should embrace this new style of video gaming, are the "old-school" generation growing up or do you think this is a problem and game companies are now putting market share/$$$ before game quality?

 

[Omnicron's Baklava Enterprises]

I'm a causal gamer, and I love it.

 

[LSDX]

As people grow up, they tend to lose interest in their former hobbies due to a growing number of responsibilities and whatnot. This is common among most people as they leave their childhood years and begin anew as an adult. Just look back fondly on those years as an avid gamer as cherished memories.

 

[finalark]

Honestly, I think the reason why a lot of people see the games they grew up with as superior to most new titles is simply because they don't have the time to sit down and learn an entirely new game. Therefor they choose to stick with the familiar, and through nostalgia they view them as being better.

That's just my two cents.

 

[El Nino]

What do you make of this? Do you think people dislike change and should embrace this new style of video gaming, are the "old-school" generation growing up or do you think this is a problem and game companies are now putting market share/$$$ before game quality?

This community has been over this topic time and time again. I think all of those factors you brought up are in play and all at the same time. It isn't possible to pin down any one cause. Games are changing, but so are the people who play them.

Honestly, I think the reason why a lot of people see the games they grew up with as superior to most new titles is simply because they don't have the time to sit down and learn an entirely new game.

A lot of us live in fast-paced societies. No matter how good a game is, it will fail commerically if it doesn't grab and hold the player's attention within the first few minutes.

Part of what made many of the classics great was their ability to do just that. You can watch someone play Pong for five seconds and immediately get the point of the game even if you've never seen it before. The same is true for Tetris. And when you're watching the Tetris blocks disappear, it triggers some really basic primal pathway in your brain where "disappearing blocks = good = 8D." It is probably one of the most unsophisticated, unintelligent thoughts you'll ever have, but it works on a gut instinct level, like satisfying a craving or something.

Some new games still have that, but it seems that right now they are working on improving existing models and concepts rather than coming up with anything new. There are still games that I think are good, but after I start them, sometimes it's like I'm indifferent to whether I finish them or not.

Most people can only afford to be hardcore for a few years before life gives them more responsibilities. That's the unfortunate reality. But it's really hard to tell if it's just changes in life that cause people to cool off on games or if it's the new developments in gaming that are moving too fast for people to keep up with. Both of those things are happening at the same time. Could be either, could be both. But I think the more people become distanced from games (for whatever reason), it's still not good for the gaming industry. In business, unless you're selling something vital to survival, you can't expect people to just give you their time; you have to go out and grab their attention and make them want to give you that time. I'm not sure how many games that are out now can do that for me, personally.

Edit: ****, I did not mean to write that much.

 

[Pikaville]

Unfortunately I think it's the online community that is helping destroy games.

That and the desire for improved graphics instead of improved gameplay.

Back in the day, games had to be perfect before release.

Now they can just (attempt) to fix them using DLC.

This is also another bull**** way to milk gamers for more money.

I don't really want to get into this because the topic makes me really mad.

There are very few games released this decade that live up to the games of yesteryear.

 

[SuperBowser]

Just to play devil's advocate, I'll offer a contrasting view.

The current generation is the best we've ever seen for a gamer. There are more games covering more genres covering more audiences than at any other point in gaming history. We are spoilt for choice and there really is a great deal of choice of games if you look in the right places.

It is possible some people don't know of the options available or just don't like games much anymore.

 

[Falconv1.0]

Unfortunately I think it's the online community that is helping destroy games.

That and the desire for improved graphics instead of improved gameplay.

Back in the day, games had to be perfect before release.

Now they can just (attempt) to fix them using DLC.

That's a lie, unless you're truly deluded enough to believe even 50% of the games of whenever the **** you're year for a cut off sate is were 'perfect'.

 

[*JuriHan*]

Unfortunately I think it's the online community that is helping destroy games.

That and the desire for improved graphics instead of improved gameplay.

Back in the day, games had to be perfect before release.

Now they can just (attempt) to fix them using DLC.

This is also another bull**** way to milk gamers for more money.

I don't really want to get into this because the topic makes me really mad.

There are very few games released this decade that live up to the games of yesteryear.

omg freakin this. We buy the games because we like them, why do they have to change with it even more, and even worse require updates? For example after reading all the new changes for SSF4 in arcade edition, i just dropped the game all together. They're changing my mains and other characters way too much so im pretty much going to have to learn to play it over again. And most of the changes are ridiculous nerfs that just make the game even more causal. Hopefully Marvel vs Capcom 3 will be legit, but why is it my instincts are saying it's going to get hit with the causal stick too?

 

[Signia]

Hopefully Marvel vs Capcom 3 will be legit, but why is it my instincts are saying it's going to get hit with the causal stick too?

Maybe because the developers said it would be more casual friendly? MvC2 is a very difficult game, but the thing is, casual gamers mashing buttons would have fun playing that game just fine.

I don't really understand the whole "The new games seem worse but I might just be growing up" argument. When you get older, you are more experienced having played more games, so obviously your taste is more advanced now. You are a better judge than ever. Also, it sounds like you guys think games are for kids, and as an adult you don't enjoy them anymore, but games have been marketed to adults for a while now. Super Mario Bros was marketed to children but I'm sure you'd still like it if you played it today. The difference with the new games is that developers have realized that kids have no taste and can shovel out any crap they want as long as it has the proper title.

As gaming becomes mainstream, the games will necessarily suffer, because the masses have no taste, and still buy anything that's marketed. Things suited to please everyone will not please anyone with advanced and specific taste. Luckily, we can still just play the old games. Never trust a game sequel nowadays... and give up on nintendo. Once they went down the motion control route, they were forever lost.

 

[*JuriHan*]

I don't really understand the whole "The new games seem worse but I might just be growing up" argument.

What "argument?" I'm trying to figure out if im outgrowing and having less time for them, or that games really aren't as good and I'm legitly losing interest. Just clarifying.

 

[Sucumbio]

Now that's I've seen some of the new games first hand I have to say I'm looking forward to owning a PS3. Though the game elements in today's games can still be traced back to their roots in the old-school, the presentation is wonderful to behold, and there's a lot more of it due to increase in technology.

But I hear Epic Mickey sux and that disappoints me.

 

[Dre89]

The Suc has weighed in.

 

[Omnicron's Baklava Enterprises]

So much tl;dr on this page it's so unnecessary.

 

[JOE!]

But I hear Epic Mickey sux and that disappoints me.

odd, i heard it's quite awesome as long as you're not expecting it to be like GoW or some random crap

 

[Elyssa Xey Hexen]

When I look back at all the games I had in the past, it really was not much different than it was today. I grew up with nintendo from 64 and GBC onward. Each collection of games I noticed never really had a large library. The bulk of the games were 1st party title with a handful of good 3rd party titles or rare picks that turned out pretty good. I feel that has always been the life of nintendo.

Jet Force Gemini, Tales of Phantasia, Lufia: The Legend Returns... anyt of these titles ring a bell?

 

[Dre89]

So much tl;dr on this page it's so unnecessary.

What does tl;dr actually mean?

Forgive me, I'm not really in with gamer slang.

 

[Clownbot]

What does tl;dr actually mean?

Forgive me, I'm not really in with gamer slang.

too long; didn't read

 

[*JuriHan*]

K can we get back on topic please?

 

[El Nino]

So much tl;dr on this page it's so unnecessary.

Oh, Omni, are you never satisfied? I try so hard to be interesting....

K can we get back on topic please?

It was only a minor detour.

My coworkers are all about Starcraft these days. I think I'm missing out by staying away from online gaming, or just PC games as a whole. Some days I really get the urge to play something, but after I moved I never unpacked the Wii and it's still boxed up along with the PS2.

My first console was the 8-bit NES. My first computer was a Commodore. I see a lot of people on the boards saying that their first console was the PS1 or the N64. And if those were your first consoles, then it's no wonder many of you would see new games as being improvements on the old. When games went 3D, graphics became more important. And if there's any one thing that's gotten better, it's the graphics.

But sometimes the gameplay itself suffers. The game designs just seem less original. They are limited by their attempts to be more "realistic."

Sometimes, I think there's more you can do with a black screen, a couple of lines, and a dot, then you can with a perfectly rendered virtual reality.

Games like Tetris have made it as apps for smart phones, but what games currently out will make it into the future? I wonder. Games that don't rely on graphics don't seem to age as fast as ones that do.

 

[Xyro77]

Link to original post: [drupal=3840]The rise of the causal gamer, modern gaming, and the loss of interest in it- what do you think about it?[/drupal]



Am I just a nostalgia ***, growing up and legitly losing interest in video games or does it seem that nowadays it's harder and harder to find games that stack up to the classics? It seems like it's all about dat causal gamer now. I mean even microsoft wants a piece of that action with their kinetic.

I've been lurking and it seems many people feel that Nintendo turned their backs on the consumers who made them big to begin with to get a bigger market share and more profit. Brawl even has been hit with the causal stick. I will say that Nintendo's handhelds such as the DS are still legit as Hell. Nintendo has and probably always will be the handheld kings, but their console games seem to be lacking nowadays compared to the SNES and N64 glory days.

Is their merit to what im saying and modern games are lacking in substance be it appealing to causals or even putting too much effort into graphics while neglecting gameplay or am I (and many other gamers) just growing up? I can't tell

What do you make of this? Do you think people dislike change and should embrace this new style of video gaming, are the "old-school" generation growing up or do you think this is a problem and game companies are now putting market share/$$$ before game quality?

I really dont know how to approach this blog because im pretty sure you have already got your mind sealed on one thing but let me try.


"Am I just a nostalgia ***, growing up and legitly losing interest in video games or does it seem that nowadays it's harder and harder to find games that stack up to the classics?"

Im not gonna lie, ive seriously lost a lot of interest in games over the years(i just turned 23) especially multi player games. The main reasons are the fact that ive moved(moving) on with my life. Games, which used to be a top 3 priority, have now dropped in importance. Advancing my career, taking care of my wife, trying to finish school and actually have a REAL social life...ect have all taken the front seat. This is a legit reason for many people.

"Nowadays it's harder and harder to find games that stack up to the classics"

This Is not only opinion but it doesn't matter. I personally think Saturday Night Slam Masters( http://www.superfriendsuniverse.com...10/11/snes-saturday-night-slam-masters-bo.jpg ) is one of the best fighting games ive ever played in my life but since next to no fighting games comes close to its greatness(imo), it doesnt mean fighting are getting worse or doesnt "stack up to the classics." Its all personal preference and opinion.

"It seems like it's all about dat causal gamer now. I mean even microsoft wants a piece of that action with their kinetic."

What is wrong with casual? Not everything can be "core" and it definitely shouldn't be(core alienates newcomers). Game companies are out to make money FIRST.......everything else comes 2nd. Whether its wiimote/move/kinect/3d its another way to gain people who do not play games much(casual) or at all(newcomers) which gains the company money. Oh and btw, you can have a "core" game using any of those methods so dont think motion controls are a bad thing. Metroid prime trilogy(wiimote), KillZone 3(3d/move) and Kinect(as bad as it is) will have a core game. Yes the focus is on the casual players(remember, money 1st,) but core fans are never left out even though they "feel" that way.


"I've been lurking and it seems many people feel that Nintendo turned their backs on the consumers who made them big to begin with to get a bigger market share and more profit. "

Most of the people who say this are the ones who dont want to change(most people fear change). They want a ssbm 2 or a halo 46 or a CoD 99 all with the same gameplay...ect as all the previous ones. They dont want to see a wiimote, they want their wired/button filled controller of choice forever. They fail to realize that MONEY runs this planet and if a company aint making money they will not exist so that company must do what it takes to faty afloat(even if it means changing the status quo). These people will NEVER be happy thus should be ignored or put on a lesser priority.


"but their console games seem to be lacking nowadays compared to the SNES and N64 glory days."

Thats total opinion. I think PSO 1&2 ( http://www.shinforce.com/elite/phan...cans/cv-Phantasy_Star_Online_E2p-usa1-320.jpg ) or ToS ( http://www.gamershell.com/static/boxart/large/uk/8292.jpg ) or Resident Evil 4 or SSBM or Sonic Adventure 2 Battle are on par or better than some of the most amazing the N64/SNES games. Hell, some people think the Dreamcast is the best system with the best games of all time. Its all a matter of opinion.



"Is their merit to what im saying and modern games are lacking in substance be it appealing to causals or even putting too much effort into graphics while neglecting gameplay or am I (and many other gamers) just growing up? I can't tell "


Your day in age is the SNES/64 days(me too). Im pretty sure some of your most amazing gaming memories are from that era, right? No matter how hard you try with the gcn or wii, NOTHING will beat games like Crono Trigger, Turtles in Time, Secret of Mana, Super Mario RPG....ect and thats fine because back then your gaming spark was BRIGHT. Those days have passed and you have grown up since then. Your spark for gaming is still there but its fizzling out and it makes current games feel like a nice creamy pile of poop. Yea there are some truly ****ty games out there but over all its just you growing up....its not a bad thing.

 

[Omnicron's Baklava Enterprises]

I'm really sorry, El Nino, I'm sure there's lots of interesting information in those posts you and others make.

It just doesn't appeal to me, especially because it's on a video game forum.

 

[darkoblivion12]

Question and answer are both simple:
Q: "Why am I not interested in these new games?"
A: "Because you are not a part of a large portion of people that enjoy casual games."

A (more detail): All game companies have realized that casual gamers are a much larger portion of the market than normal gamers. You can sell crap like Wii sports and farmville and make a lot more money than by making a game that the average gamer likes. Some game companies don't produce the casual games because they have already set themselves as a big company in the market (ie bungie, valve, etc). The companies that don't have the luxury of having a pile of gold to make a start-up company with (right now are getting bought by zynga), are forced to make a casual game to get their name out in the market. At some point, the market will get flooded by casual games, and the true game makers will be able to sell a good product to an even larger portion of people due to the people's conditioning from casual games. I hope this makes sense.

tl;dr
Just remember, there are still game companies working on legitimate titles, they're just being overshadowed by a large number of casual games that have flooded the market due to zynga's recent success.

tl;dr
zynga is evil

 

[El Nino]

I'm really sorry, El Nino, I'm sure there's lots of interesting information in those posts you and others make.

I was kind of joking. I tend to ramble on and on about the good ol' days like the geezer I am.