Why Lack of Philosophy Bother Me Most in Video Games
Video games, a vast and diverse landscape of entertainment, come with a myriad of challenges and disappointments. From download times to costs, from long game lengths to backlog, and the often lack of philosophy, these elements can significantly impact the gaming experience.
Download Times: A Non-Issue for Me
One of the more discussed but often overlooked aspects of gaming is download times. Do you mean the actual download, the installation, or the loading screens? For me, downloads and installations are less about the games themselves and more about my internet provider. On my PS4, most games are downloaded and installed within an hour - hardly worth mentioning. In fact, if I purchase physical media, this issue is completely resolved.p>
Loading screens, while they can be annoying, are barely noticeable for me unless the game has a lot of visual flair. And even then, they're not as frustrating as they were in the past. In most cases, these times are not a problem for me.
Costs: A Matter of Perceived Value
Speaking of which, costs can vary widely. While games are more affordable than ever before, the perceived value can differ greatly. There are some games I'm willing to pay full price for, but most wait for a price drop before purchasing. Whether this wait is worth it is up to individual judgment, but I believe game prices are at a sweet spot currently.
Free-to-play games using a premium currency can be a matter of opinion. While I find it poor value, others may not, as developers continue to use this system. If you think a game is too expensive, you can choose not to pay.
Ultimately, there are plenty of games available. Given the vast number of options, there's no need to get hung up on a handful that may not be worth your money.
Long Game Length: Quality over Quantity
When it comes to long game lengths, I'm not against them as long as there's a purpose. A good return on investment is what I look for. I'm disappointed by games that are too short but can easily avoid them. I do not enjoy endless games, particularly free-to-play ones, but again, I have the choice to ignore them.
Backlog: A Personal Asset
Backlog is one of my favorite things about gaming. With games being so cheap now, I can afford to have too much to play. While I could play everything at once, I don't have to. During slow points in the year when it's hard to find new games to play, or when my finances are strained due to surprise bills, a backlog is invaluable. It gives me something else to enjoy, acting as insurance during hard times and also incentivizing me to wait for price drops, thus saving money.
The Bane of Today's Games: Lack of Philosophy
While the range of options is enormous, it's lack of philosophy that irks me most. A game either fails to decide what kind of game it wants to be or falters in crafting a compelling story. When a game lacks direction, it feels disorganized and meaningless, with little to no playable value.
However, when a game has a story to tell and does it well, it often compensates for poor gameplay or UI decisions. Conversely, if a game handles well and is enjoyable to play, it can make up for a thin story. The key is to find a balance, and the choice is ultimately up to the player.
With so many games available, different players can choose according to their preferences. Older games are still accessible on newer systems, and indie developers offer a diverse selection of deep or shallow games. The beauty of today's gaming landscape is that there's no one size fits all.
To summarize: none of these issues are problematic for me because I have the luxury of selectivity. If I lose other options, then these issues would become more significant. Ultimately, it's a matter of personal taste and choice.