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The future of gaming, the very purpose of this particular SR forum. It's a topic that everybody is eager to discuss, and in recent months more and more has been said about where the gaming industry is heading in the coming years. For many, the primary way forward is enhanced graphics, better interaction, improved artificial intelligence, and of course a generally more compelling style of game.
However, I was today talking with some friends, and suggested that maybe the REAL way forward for gaming, is longevity. Maybe above all else the real way forward is to improve the longevity of each and every game we play, and add real depth to the worlds we inhabit whilst playing games. I'm sure many will agree, the best games, are those that have an added sense of longevity. Whether it be a storyline that takes a good number of hours/days to work through, or a replay value whereby you can return to the game and still enjoy it having completed the main story, the best and most memorable games are often those we spend longest playing. They have that something that keeps us interested, or time after time pulls us back for another run at the game.
Longevity is something often overlooked when it comes to the future of our games, but it is one of the key area's to taking games to the next level. Recently, Grand Theft Auto 3 has earnt praise from all manner of games players, each with their own individual preferences when looking for a 'great' game. It appeared to have a special formula, and the ability to combine all the key elements of a classic game. But, no matter how quickly the main missions are completed, or how quickly each of the hundred hidden packages are collected, the game continues to hold something worth going back to. The reason why, is the fact that the world is indeed 'living and breathing' and therefore you're able to live a fantasy life in this world. You're able to walk out onto the streets with no constraints on your actions. You're able to walk freely around the world you've been playing in, the world you've learnt through your playing.
If a game can hold the attention of it's players for a vast period of time, then it is succeeding in it's task, providing a beleiveable world for a story to take place, and putting the player right slap bang in the middle of that world. Games that become boring too quickly or pose a particular challenge difficult to overcome, yet neccessary to progress, can lose the interest of players forever. Impressions are lasting, and it is important not to allow a player to give up on a challenge, or to finish playing a game knowing full well they'll never put it in their console again.
Developers want their games to keep people playing for as long as possible, because the more people play, the more the game has been a success, and therefore future games in the same mould or by the same company are likely to sell. To immerse players in their games, developers MUST find the right formula, and longevity is something that can only enhance the enjoyment gained from a game.
With every game released, we hope that the next one will be that little bit more realistic. Hitting realism means creating a world that doesn't bore easily. Reaching realism means replicating the sort of things we expect in the real world, the attention to detail, the physics involved in the game, and allowing enough variety to make a game playable even AFTER months/years of release.
As games progress, the visuals/sound/AI/physics etc will all progress too. But, the real key to interactive gaming is ALSO reaching realism, reaching a game that goes beyond a linear story that ends and offers nothing else worth continuing for.
This isn't to sayt that visuals/sound/AI/physics etc aren't important in the development of future games, just that longevity elements shouldn't be overlooked. And anyhow, if the rest of the 'formula' is right, then the longevity of a game should fall into place. All area's of a game are dependent on one another. Without a progression in physics, AI cannot possibly move on. And likewise, without visuals, games cannot truly move onwards towards this 'interactive entertainment' idea.
The key to a great game? Not neccessarily JUST the playability, or AI.
How about how long it can entertain, and how long it can hold the attention of it's players?
However, I was today talking with some friends, and suggested that maybe the REAL way forward for gaming, is longevity. Maybe above all else the real way forward is to improve the longevity of each and every game we play, and add real depth to the worlds we inhabit whilst playing games. I'm sure many will agree, the best games, are those that have an added sense of longevity. Whether it be a storyline that takes a good number of hours/days to work through, or a replay value whereby you can return to the game and still enjoy it having completed the main story, the best and most memorable games are often those we spend longest playing. They have that something that keeps us interested, or time after time pulls us back for another run at the game.
Longevity is something often overlooked when it comes to the future of our games, but it is one of the key area's to taking games to the next level. Recently, Grand Theft Auto 3 has earnt praise from all manner of games players, each with their own individual preferences when looking for a 'great' game. It appeared to have a special formula, and the ability to combine all the key elements of a classic game. But, no matter how quickly the main missions are completed, or how quickly each of the hundred hidden packages are collected, the game continues to hold something worth going back to. The reason why, is the fact that the world is indeed 'living and breathing' and therefore you're able to live a fantasy life in this world. You're able to walk out onto the streets with no constraints on your actions. You're able to walk freely around the world you've been playing in, the world you've learnt through your playing.
If a game can hold the attention of it's players for a vast period of time, then it is succeeding in it's task, providing a beleiveable world for a story to take place, and putting the player right slap bang in the middle of that world. Games that become boring too quickly or pose a particular challenge difficult to overcome, yet neccessary to progress, can lose the interest of players forever. Impressions are lasting, and it is important not to allow a player to give up on a challenge, or to finish playing a game knowing full well they'll never put it in their console again.
Developers want their games to keep people playing for as long as possible, because the more people play, the more the game has been a success, and therefore future games in the same mould or by the same company are likely to sell. To immerse players in their games, developers MUST find the right formula, and longevity is something that can only enhance the enjoyment gained from a game.
With every game released, we hope that the next one will be that little bit more realistic. Hitting realism means creating a world that doesn't bore easily. Reaching realism means replicating the sort of things we expect in the real world, the attention to detail, the physics involved in the game, and allowing enough variety to make a game playable even AFTER months/years of release.
As games progress, the visuals/sound/AI/physics etc will all progress too. But, the real key to interactive gaming is ALSO reaching realism, reaching a game that goes beyond a linear story that ends and offers nothing else worth continuing for.
This isn't to sayt that visuals/sound/AI/physics etc aren't important in the development of future games, just that longevity elements shouldn't be overlooked. And anyhow, if the rest of the 'formula' is right, then the longevity of a game should fall into place. All area's of a game are dependent on one another. Without a progression in physics, AI cannot possibly move on. And likewise, without visuals, games cannot truly move onwards towards this 'interactive entertainment' idea.
The key to a great game? Not neccessarily JUST the playability, or AI.
How about how long it can entertain, and how long it can hold the attention of it's players?
Not neccessarily.
The fact is they can't just get away with poor games. If they don't pull out all the stops and produce a game that is well accepted, no-one will buy their future games regardless of how good, and they'll lose money.
I think the industry is so big now developers WILL invest more money into their games, and longevity will improve.
The fact is they can't just get away with poor games. If they don't pull out all the stops and produce a game that is well accepted, no-one will buy their future games regardless of how good, and they'll lose money.
I think the industry is so big now developers WILL invest more money into their games, and longevity will improve.
I think that replay value is one of the most important aspects of a game, afterall if you only play a game the first day you brought it and never play it again, what a waste of money.
Programers are not concerned with raplay value all they want is the money and if they can hype up a game or give it some trendy name to sell it they will.
I think alot also depends on what type of game you like also.
Programers are not concerned with raplay value all they want is the money and if they can hype up a game or give it some trendy name to sell it they will.
I think alot also depends on what type of game you like also.
The replay value is quite an important aspect of a game.
Tonnes of secrets, multiplayer modes, huge one player game, all add to the replay value of a game.
But the game is really as long as you make it. What I mean is, if you go straight in, non-stop for ages, then you will complete the game quickly, or get bored quickly. Take your time, and the game can last that little bit longer.
Tonnes of secrets, multiplayer modes, huge one player game, all add to the replay value of a game.
But the game is really as long as you make it. What I mean is, if you go straight in, non-stop for ages, then you will complete the game quickly, or get bored quickly. Take your time, and the game can last that little bit longer.
Obviously Metal Gear is expected to be short, and playability is preferred over length.
But my point is not that games should be longer in length, but that if they are able to hold our attention for longer then they have progressed.
All i'm saying is that a progression in gaming means a development in their overall longevity.
But my point is not that games should be longer in length, but that if they are able to hold our attention for longer then they have progressed.
All i'm saying is that a progression in gaming means a development in their overall longevity.
gad attempt. but a very good one at that. even if it has been done before.
What would Gaming be without considering what the crystal ball of the future holds? As the title suggests, Longevity is an issue in future games, as games are bound to increase in length - thus making them longer and hopefully more interesting.
I don't think that Longevity is the factor in gaming stepping up to the next level by any stretch of the imagination, but it will help. Games such as Metal Gear Solid 2 don't need Longevity, because the game is so immersive. Agreed, MGS 2 is expected to be short, like the first MGS, but at the end of the day, gameplay over length.
I don't think that Longevity is the factor in gaming stepping up to the next level by any stretch of the imagination, but it will help. Games such as Metal Gear Solid 2 don't need Longevity, because the game is so immersive. Agreed, MGS 2 is expected to be short, like the first MGS, but at the end of the day, gameplay over length.
The future of gaming, the very purpose of this particular SR forum. It's a topic that everybody is eager to discuss, and in recent months more and more has been said about where the gaming industry is heading in the coming years. For many, the primary way forward is enhanced graphics, better interaction, improved artificial intelligence, and of course a generally more compelling style of game.
However, I was today talking with some friends, and suggested that maybe the REAL way forward for gaming, is longevity. Maybe above all else the real way forward is to improve the longevity of each and every game we play, and add real depth to the worlds we inhabit whilst playing games. I'm sure many will agree, the best games, are those that have an added sense of longevity. Whether it be a storyline that takes a good number of hours/days to work through, or a replay value whereby you can return to the game and still enjoy it having completed the main story, the best and most memorable games are often those we spend longest playing. They have that something that keeps us interested, or time after time pulls us back for another run at the game.
Longevity is something often overlooked when it comes to the future of our games, but it is one of the key area's to taking games to the next level. Recently, Grand Theft Auto 3 has earnt praise from all manner of games players, each with their own individual preferences when looking for a 'great' game. It appeared to have a special formula, and the ability to combine all the key elements of a classic game. But, no matter how quickly the main missions are completed, or how quickly each of the hundred hidden packages are collected, the game continues to hold something worth going back to. The reason why, is the fact that the world is indeed 'living and breathing' and therefore you're able to live a fantasy life in this world. You're able to walk out onto the streets with no constraints on your actions. You're able to walk freely around the world you've been playing in, the world you've learnt through your playing.
If a game can hold the attention of it's players for a vast period of time, then it is succeeding in it's task, providing a beleiveable world for a story to take place, and putting the player right slap bang in the middle of that world. Games that become boring too quickly or pose a particular challenge difficult to overcome, yet neccessary to progress, can lose the interest of players forever. Impressions are lasting, and it is important not to allow a player to give up on a challenge, or to finish playing a game knowing full well they'll never put it in their console again.
Developers want their games to keep people playing for as long as possible, because the more people play, the more the game has been a success, and therefore future games in the same mould or by the same company are likely to sell. To immerse players in their games, developers MUST find the right formula, and longevity is something that can only enhance the enjoyment gained from a game.
With every game released, we hope that the next one will be that little bit more realistic. Hitting realism means creating a world that doesn't bore easily. Reaching realism means replicating the sort of things we expect in the real world, the attention to detail, the physics involved in the game, and allowing enough variety to make a game playable even AFTER months/years of release.
As games progress, the visuals/sound/AI/physics etc will all progress too. But, the real key to interactive gaming is ALSO reaching realism, reaching a game that goes beyond a linear story that ends and offers nothing else worth continuing for.
This isn't to sayt that visuals/sound/AI/physics etc aren't important in the development of future games, just that longevity elements shouldn't be overlooked. And anyhow, if the rest of the 'formula' is right, then the longevity of a game should fall into place. All area's of a game are dependent on one another. Without a progression in physics, AI cannot possibly move on. And likewise, without visuals, games cannot truly move onwards towards this 'interactive entertainment' idea.
The key to a great game? Not neccessarily JUST the playability, or AI.
How about how long it can entertain, and how long it can hold the attention of it's players?
However, I was today talking with some friends, and suggested that maybe the REAL way forward for gaming, is longevity. Maybe above all else the real way forward is to improve the longevity of each and every game we play, and add real depth to the worlds we inhabit whilst playing games. I'm sure many will agree, the best games, are those that have an added sense of longevity. Whether it be a storyline that takes a good number of hours/days to work through, or a replay value whereby you can return to the game and still enjoy it having completed the main story, the best and most memorable games are often those we spend longest playing. They have that something that keeps us interested, or time after time pulls us back for another run at the game.
Longevity is something often overlooked when it comes to the future of our games, but it is one of the key area's to taking games to the next level. Recently, Grand Theft Auto 3 has earnt praise from all manner of games players, each with their own individual preferences when looking for a 'great' game. It appeared to have a special formula, and the ability to combine all the key elements of a classic game. But, no matter how quickly the main missions are completed, or how quickly each of the hundred hidden packages are collected, the game continues to hold something worth going back to. The reason why, is the fact that the world is indeed 'living and breathing' and therefore you're able to live a fantasy life in this world. You're able to walk out onto the streets with no constraints on your actions. You're able to walk freely around the world you've been playing in, the world you've learnt through your playing.
If a game can hold the attention of it's players for a vast period of time, then it is succeeding in it's task, providing a beleiveable world for a story to take place, and putting the player right slap bang in the middle of that world. Games that become boring too quickly or pose a particular challenge difficult to overcome, yet neccessary to progress, can lose the interest of players forever. Impressions are lasting, and it is important not to allow a player to give up on a challenge, or to finish playing a game knowing full well they'll never put it in their console again.
Developers want their games to keep people playing for as long as possible, because the more people play, the more the game has been a success, and therefore future games in the same mould or by the same company are likely to sell. To immerse players in their games, developers MUST find the right formula, and longevity is something that can only enhance the enjoyment gained from a game.
With every game released, we hope that the next one will be that little bit more realistic. Hitting realism means creating a world that doesn't bore easily. Reaching realism means replicating the sort of things we expect in the real world, the attention to detail, the physics involved in the game, and allowing enough variety to make a game playable even AFTER months/years of release.
As games progress, the visuals/sound/AI/physics etc will all progress too. But, the real key to interactive gaming is ALSO reaching realism, reaching a game that goes beyond a linear story that ends and offers nothing else worth continuing for.
This isn't to sayt that visuals/sound/AI/physics etc aren't important in the development of future games, just that longevity elements shouldn't be overlooked. And anyhow, if the rest of the 'formula' is right, then the longevity of a game should fall into place. All area's of a game are dependent on one another. Without a progression in physics, AI cannot possibly move on. And likewise, without visuals, games cannot truly move onwards towards this 'interactive entertainment' idea.
The key to a great game? Not neccessarily JUST the playability, or AI.
How about how long it can entertain, and how long it can hold the attention of it's players?