Are Video Games Doomed? - Eski33's Blog

Eski33's Blog

Are Video Games Doomed?

Posted on November 22, 2009 at 04:12 PM.

(15)

First off, let me state that I have played video games on home consoles since 1979. I make this point not to declare myself an expert. I make this point because I have seen where home console games were and have watched this medium blow up into something beyond a toy.

The reason I am writing this is to obtain people's thoughts on the current status of the video game industry. I lived through the death of many consoles and the near death of home consoles all together.

My concerns are brought about by perception, not in-depth knowledge of the industry. From an outsider looking in, it appears that the video game industry is set up for another collapse. Why, you ask? I am seeing smaller development studios disappearing and the larger developers cutting back. I will agree that the economy has played a role in the dismantling of developers and cutbacks and large publishers but could there be something else?

That something else I am referring to could be unrealistic consumer expectations. Today, no game is good enough to the consumer, at least from what I read in blogs, forums and numerous sites where gamers can share their opinion. Now, don't get me wrong I have nothing against gamers sharing what is good and bad about a game. Sometimes, those are the best reviews. Then again, many times gamer feedback is not the place to go to help make a decision on whether to purchase a game or not.

One thing I have seen since the current-gen consoles hit the market (starting with the XBox 360 in Nov. 2005) is customer expectations exceeding, in what I feel, is reality. For the fun of it, and because I am a sports game junkie, I will pick out the Madden franchise. I picked this franchise because it is the most critically acclaimed and bashed by gamers.

I played the very first Madden game on the Apple II and the first on a game console so I know Madden. I remember when Madden was simple. No NFL logos, no player names, no real stadiums, jerseys, wrist bands, cleats, etc. Over the past 21 years, Madden has transformed into a virtual monster and every year expectations grow faster than my lawn in the Spring.

Are these expectations fair? Many people will say yes because EA has the exclusive license and that people expect to have the most realistic football game ever made. My question is what makes a game realistic? How can programmers make digital impressions act like real people? In two words -- they can't. I have read many forums and blogs on how EA sucks this and that and Madden is terrible because a player doesn't have the real gear or blocking logic is all wrong.

I agree that I want a game that is fun and realistic to a point. However, I found Madden 10 absolutely impressive. The visuals are outstanding. The gameplay is the best in a few years. The commentary? Many people harp on the commentary but fail to realize if they don't like it they have options to turn it off. I already hear it. "If I turn off the commentary the game is no longer realistic." Why? It's not real anyway.

My whole point is that video game developers and publishers are dropping tons and tons of money into games that are designed to entertain us. For the most part, I feel these companies have done a damn good job of making games look terrific and play even better than they look.

At what point does a game become perfect? How much is that going to cost in development of a game and what will it ultimately cost the consumer? With so many people bashing even the best games because of "this" and "that" how can developers survive? I firmly believe that overbearing expectations will lead to the industry collapsing under its own weight.

When that happens, then where will we be?

Comments

# 1 stlstudios189 @ Nov 22

I think that older gamers (30) remember the classics and there limits and just enjoy the games for what the are. I use to make my own schedules on paper and keep track of stats myself. There was no create a player, no commentary etc... and you know what I loved it every second. I still enjoy the games, some more than others but, since I have only purchaced 3 games at full price this year I do worry a little about the industry, if every one purchased fewer games then fewer games will be made. As a total collapse I don't see it happening any time soon.

# 2 LucianoJJ @ Nov 22

"I firmly believe that overbearing expectations will lead to the industry collapsing under its own weight.

When that happens, then where will we be?"

We will be reading books, watching movies or playing with the next gadget. Aren't board games making a comeback? The future does look grim, given the economy, the impossible expectations, and the failure to fully use the power of the consoles. The need for so many patches is troublesome, too. Consoles are going beyond games, as well, turning into HD media vessels. The next few years will bring about some changes to be sure.

# 3 superstarshad @ Nov 22

You have nothing to fear my friend. Video games are hear to stay! The only thing that could derail video games could be a SOLAR FLARE that incinerates our electrical grid. Keep in mind, what caused the crash of the early eighties, was a saturation in product that was catered to an extremely casual market. Gamers today are a lot more hard core than the ones of yester year. With that said....its too much money to be made by some one. Also-gamers should thank their lucky stars that the wii was overly successful. That system gave the industry a lot of hope, and a humongous new generation of gamers for years to come.

# 4 kjcheezhead @ Nov 22

There are great titles, Call of Duty for instance that prove video games aren't going anywhere. Madden gets picked on for a simple reason. There is no competition at present and some of the things the game does poorly have been done better by another development team in the past.
If competiton was opened up again, the bashing would go away. Either the other company would make a game that gives people that don't like madden something better to play, or that game would be terrible and show the bashers that madden is better than they thought.
Either way it would get people to back off madden a bit.

# 5 raidersbball20 @ Nov 23

I think some games can make digital impressions act like real people, so that sets the standard for madden

# 6 Acedeck @ Nov 24

There's an enormous market for video games. It's bigger than the movie industry. An entire collapse isn't going to occur, ever. Sports games get picked on more harshly than other genres. They're released annually, which means consumers have to justify pulling another $60 out of their wallets. Other titles don't undergo that same treatment.

# 7 JkA3 @ Nov 24

Our expectations are so high these days. We used to applaud graphics only back in the day. Now we want real life simulation. graphics are no longer a big factor, as long as the gameplay is solid.

# 8 wepr3 @ Nov 24

As far as Madden is concerned, the problem is that a lot of people consider the pinnacle of video game football to be 2k's NFL 2k5. Yes, Madden 10 is impressive in a lot of ways. And, yes, there will always be those that complain that they did include this alt jersey, or that special pair of socks. But it's sad that a lot of people STILL feel that 2k5, a last gen game, plays better than any current gen game. Some would disagree, and that's fine, but even if Madden 10 is better, it really took EA five years to catch up?

Are there unrealistic expectations, yes. But I feel that where the most anger comes from with EA is, they add 3-5 new bells and whistles each year, but they never seem to hear our cry for better game mechanics (line blocking, etc).

I'll step off the soapbox now, just my $0.02.

# 9 HiTEqMETHOD @ Nov 24

Are video games doomed, definitely not. The game industry makes way to much money and has become a part of mainstream culture at a time when pretty much anything technology related takes off. I don't see video games going anywhere for the next 20+ years. There may be some periods of a slight decline but to think the video game industry is going to collapse like it did (twice?) is very unreasonable as long as there are younger generations getting into games and the older gamers, well, keep getting older but continue to play.

# 10 tril @ Nov 24

@ superstarshad.
Im glad Im not the only one that would track their own stats on paper. the stats and record keeping in video games was a God Send for us older gamers.

back to the topic.
like any other industries there will be ups and downs. what will keep the industry going will be technilogical break throughs.
Its not just about graphics, its actually about utilizing a console's or pc's full capabalities. processing power and gaming logic/AI will drive the industry.
the games and audience will only get more sophisticated.
Developers only pay attention to a certain extent. its easy to decipher real expectations and over the top request or complaints.

saying a game sucks because of the wrong sneakers sounds obsurd, but once more licensing deals creep into the games the developers will pay more attention to these type of details.

I enjoy these titles, cuase like the orginal blogger said I was around when gaming was at its infancy. Imagination was a big part in enjoying these games. Now a days, these younger folks want the game to do the imagining for them.

# 11 southernbelle @ Nov 25

i think you make an implicit assumption that the blogs are a good indicator of sales. i think this is false assumption. i think two points need to be made. i would bet that video games are inelastic goods. the inelastic nature comes from the fact that people tend to "need" to play games. much discussion out there about addiction.

further, those that blog may not be a good sample set for the overall consumer, let alone top-line sales growth. people tend to be more willing and active when critical than if they enjoy the game. they are playing the game, not writing about it!

video games are here to stay - on the entertainment front they have become a staple.

# 12 TreyIM2 @ Nov 25

I definitely can't say that video games are doomed based on Madden, alone. There are a great number of great games out that sell, as well.

Now I know that your Madden example is based on you love of sports and seemingly more so following sports game blogs and posts and I see all of what you're talking about in terms of Madden, and, even, EA, in general. Lots of demands on them because of what 2KSports has achieved and to a degree, I can't blame gamers for being upset with EA's lack of attention to detail when compared to 2KSports however I DO have a prob with the constant, bratty whining in regards to EA Sports games, namely Madden and Live. It's definitely sickening but that's another story for another day.

I think that the demand of sports gaming details and realism really only hurts EA's bottom line but they are coming a long just fine, to many, including myself. I think you and I started gaming around the same time so we have a stronger appreciation for games than most who aren't from our era because we went through it ALL.
I remember in the 80s how the console gaming industry imploded but that's when gaming wasn't that big, in terms of mainstream acceptance. Probably wasn't even a million dollar industry when it crashed but NOW we're talking about a BILLION DOLLAR INDUSTRY which is huge for the economy and more effort to keep afloat will be given...

However, the thing that COULD possibly crash the market is that if gaming sells continue to plummet, overall, and dev costs continue to rise. More progressive realism will definitely demand more costs and going into a PS4 and 360 successor could make things worst but we'll just have to wait and see.

In the meantime, I think it's time for me to get back into MW2, Madden 10, Live 10, GoW Collection, and the many other unfinished to not even touched games I have after finishing AC2 last night. Lol. Also gotta re-visit Unchartered 2 to get the rest of my treasures cuz at the moment, I am LOVING the current video game cycle, like no other.

# 13 ANDROMADA 1 @ Nov 26

The video game market will be fine.However in Madden's case they "are" the football market and everything they do be it good,bad,or indifferent is scrutinized on a much higher level. I usually buy one,mabe two games per year.Most games just don't make the cut for me.I do think the XBL Arcade is really nice for the casual gamer.Most games are on the cheap 5-10 bucks.

# 14 Eski33 @ Nov 26

Thanks to everyone who chimed in. Again, I only used Madden as an example but I have read crazy comments regarding many strong titles, including MW2 and Uncharted 2 (mostly forum comments) that complained because of this and that.

It's great to see gamers who care yet enjoy what is out there.