EGM: The Changing Complexion of The Modern Gamer

[cenue]

For those of you who have fond memories of reading Electronic Gaming Monthly in the early nineties, I have uploaded a page to show the most recent editorial from executive editor Brady Fiechter.




Personally I don't understand how one can use the the words "stripped-down" and "classical" in the same sentence when talking about games from the late 80s to mid 90s. Today's games are built off the same foundation as those of previous generations, just with more eye candy and the easy button strapped on for mass appeal. His "App Store" games are what has been stripped-down of all "old-school" gaming elements, retaining only the modern additions aforementioned. His examples of "return-to-old-school" gaming include Limbo and Super Meat Boy, testament to his obvious lack of understanding of what the term old school means in the short history of video games; tough as nails and a feeling of sheer dominance when you finally beat the game! Both games our editor lists present little challenge and thus very little reason for re-playability, both of which are defining traits of old school gaming. Shoot me if I am wrong but Pac-Man: Championship Edition DX is the easiest version of Pac-Man that I have ever played!!!

Then Mr. Fiechter goes on to say that Red Dead Redemption, God of War, and Heavy Rain style games are pushing the industry forward in the most important ways. I guess graphics and mission-driven gameplay "speak to the emotional side of gaming." I don't understand this last sentence. "The fissure between the two factions is widening, and the friction that'll result between them will ultimately power a stronger medium." My only guess is that he is referring to this http://insomnia.ac/reviews/xbox360/limbo/ game, which is further propelled forward by this http://insomnia.ac/reviews/xbox360/batmanarkhamasylum/ game and this http://insomnia.ac/reviews/playstation3/heavyrain/ game.

I remember the editorial used to be one of my favorite sections of EGM. Now it has become a test for whether I even want to continue reading. Then again, it could just be me getting upset that the pathetic excuses for games he mentions are spoken off in the same article as the word old-school, synonymous with the best of what gaming has to offer. That is until studios realize, if ever, that games are about challenge and not an emotional experience. I have movies for that.

[icycalm]

That is until studios realize, if ever, that games are about challenge and not an emotional experience. I have movies for that.

So you don't feel anything when playing a game? How is this possible? People have "emotional experiences" even when sleeping, dude. In fact it is NOT possible to NOT have "emotional experiences" all the time. How retarded do you have to be to not realize this? To require someone to explain this to you?

You are like several other people who post in this forum, who think that because they've managed to understand a thing or two I've said, that they understand EVERYTHING, including WHAT I HAVE NOT YET SAID. Then they take these one or two things they've understood, and without making an effort to HARMONIZE them with all the IDIOCIES THEY think, nor waiting for me to COMPLETE my system, they spew fucking nonsense like the above.

GAMES ARE NOT ABOUT CHALLENGE. THEY ARE ABOUT AN "EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCE". CHALLENGE IS MERELY GAMING'S WAY OF DELIVERING THIS EXPERIENCE.

In short shut the fuck up and think and read more you stupid little brat.

[icycalm]

Actually, I banned him. The fewer little brats on this forum the better.