High fidelity is damaging game experiences.
High fidelity is damaging game experiences.
I see these and agree with my earlier statement. https://tinyurl.com/nhb8b26 This is essentially the perspective of a younger generation, not a real argument.
It’s a solid counter to the “back in my day” attitude you’re promoting. The saying “99% of everything is garbage” has always held up. Most games are forgettable, including today’s titles, but focusing only on the best examples from the past ignores how far games have come and how much they’ve improved. There’s always been quality in gaming, both good and bad, and comparing them fairly is misleading at best.
I understand these challenges clearly. Once the industry moves in this direction, to be taken seriously you need to embrace it fully. As a game developer, I'm shifting away from this style by incorporating heavily stylized graphics—currently working on a game that renders everything in a hand-drawn, three-year-old aesthetic with toon shading and RT light calculations. However, I have several upcoming projects that require a more realistic visual approach. To be credible with those, I need to invest more in high-quality art. Fortunately, one of them is a Source engine project, which means I won’t have to push as hard there. The other will likely be built using Source 2, a version that’s highly optimized.
It's a blend of various elements, evolving over the past ten or so years. People have been advocating for better graphics to justify upgrading tech like CPUs and GPUs. However, games themselves don't necessarily require them. They need graphics that complement their art style and gameplay. For instance, if Borderlands had been more realistic and gritty, would it have continued producing sequels and spin-offs? Probably not. It might have faded into obscurity, just like many games from that era with dated visuals. Cell shading and similar techniques actually contributed to its appeal.
Games featuring more artistic visuals tend to stand out better in terms of presentation. For instance, Team Fortress 2 looks solid overall, though it lacks precision in geometric details. In contrast, Half-Life 2 delivers similar visual quality but focuses on realistic detail rather than a stylized approach.
Directly, my top three favorite games is a Scratch title. Was it visually striking? Not really. But did it tell a compelling story? Absolutely. Was the gameplay captivating? Definitely. Did the music stay with me for a long time? I can’t say. By the way, you should try it out. The link shows you how to enjoy it best.
You're looking for a way to make your project stand out in a crowded space. Instead of copying what's popular, consider exploring unique visual directions. I've found retro pixel aesthetics appealing, though they're becoming less common. If you're aiming for a modern feel, a sleek, contemporary look could help your game capture attention. Just remember, it's okay to take risks and experiment—what matters is finding a style that truly reflects your vision.
Half Life isn't holding up at all. That's what I'm saying. Yeah, I played them both when they were new, but I'm not trying to stir up any trouble. The game feels overrated now.