Video games are art. Just like a movie can be sad or a painting can be distressing, video games are allowed to explore all kinds of emotions.
Sometimes a higher difficulty is part of the artist’s vision. They get to decide how they convey what they want to convey.
One of my favorite new games is UFO 50. It’s a collection of retro-style games where some of them are genuinely very difficult, and others are just do a great job of simulating difficulty. The difficulty drops off right around the time you start to get a handle on the mechanics, so it’s hard to tell if it’s the game getting easier or if you’re just getting better.
Video games are art. Just like a movie can be sad or a painting can be distressing, video games are allowed to explore all kinds of emotions.
Sometimes a higher difficulty is part of the artist’s vision. They get to decide how they convey what they want to convey.
One of my favorite new games is UFO 50. It’s a collection of retro-style games where some of them are genuinely very difficult, and others are just do a great job of simulating difficulty. The difficulty drops off right around the time you start to get a handle on the mechanics, so it’s hard to tell if it’s the game getting easier or if you’re just getting better.
So, you believe that gatekeeping games is cool then? That’s so lame. “Gamers” are weird, man.
They are literally saying that games are allowed to be difficult. Do you think horror movies should have a scary slider?
Are… movies an interactive entertainment medium…?
Oh, right. No they’re not. So, that doesn’t really track.
If they’re fucking “allowed” to be difficult, then they’re “allowed” to be easier if the player WANTS that.
Why is interactivity a special trait for this discussion?
Because that’s the part that makes video games, video games.
Sure, it’s what makes them powerfully immersive. I’m asking why being interactive means they have to be the most accessible form of art.
Because they can be. It’s really as simple as that.
If they want to be, sure. Not everybody wants the same thing, though.