5 ms·

But complexity =/= fun. Factorio shows that "simple gameplay" can lead to massive fun. IMO, the AAA titles would be better if less time was spent on a bleed

But complexity =/= fun. Factorio shows that "simple gameplay" can lead to massive fun. IMO, the AAA titles would be better if less time was spent on a bleeding edge physics system, and more time spent on other aspects.

nip180 6y ago
Physics engines and graphics engines take a lot of resources. Games that invest enough resources to develop their own highly detailed physics/graphics engines are almost by definition AAA. So what you’re suggesting is that AAA games should spend less time/money on the thing that makes them a AAA game. It’s okay that AAA games exist, because there is still room in the market for games like Factorio, which has experienced a long and successful life.
SketchySeaBeast 6y ago
There's a place for both I think. We've seen a lot of lo-fi successes as of late, but inevitably some of the reliably biggest selling games are the annual big budget updated graphics FPS and sports titles. I don't know if FIFA 2K22 would have as much draw if they sold it as a sprite-based title.
Qwertious 6y ago
"Simple" is a great source of endless discussion, because it has so many meanings that nobody can agree on what's simple.
munificent 6y ago
> IMO, the AAA titles would be better if less time was spent on a bleeding edge physics system, and more time spent on other aspects. They would be better games but wouldn't sell as well. Video game sales are driven heavily by screenshots, trailers, and "Let's Play" videos. Graphics and physics look good in those media, actual personal fun experiences less so. There's probably some higher level business principle here that products end up designed to optimize for the property that most heavily constrains sales instead of the properties that maximize customer satisfaction. See also: Hollywood movies, book covers, synthesizer presets, house flippers, car interior widgets, etc.

nip180 6y ago

Physics engines and graphics engines take a lot of resources. Games that invest enough resources to develop their own highly detailed physics/graphics engines are almost by definition AAA. So what you’re suggesting is that AAA games should spend less time/money on the thing that makes them a AAA game. It’s okay that AAA games exist, because there is still room in the market for games like Factorio, which has experienced a long and successful life.

SketchySeaBeast 6y ago

There's a place for both I think. We've seen a lot of lo-fi successes as of late, but inevitably some of the reliably biggest selling games are the annual big budget updated graphics FPS and sports titles. I don't know if FIFA 2K22 would have as much draw if they sold it as a sprite-based title.

Qwertious 6y ago

"Simple" is a great source of endless discussion, because it has so many meanings that nobody can agree on what's simple.

munificent 6y ago

> IMO, the AAA titles would be better if less time was spent on a bleeding edge physics system, and more time spent on other aspects. They would be better games but wouldn't sell as well. Video game sales are driven heavily by screenshots, trailers, and "Let's Play" videos. Graphics and physics look good in those media, actual personal fun experiences less so. There's probably some higher level business principle here that products end up designed to optimize for the property that most heavily constrains sales instead of the properties that maximize customer satisfaction. See also: Hollywood movies, book covers, synthesizer presets, house flippers, car interior widgets, etc.