A Lack of Consensus
One of the things that stands out about the reader comments over at Massively Overpowered is that there is seldom any sort of consensus. Regardless of the subject it become quickly apparent that views differ greatly and clearly reflect the fact that gamers do not want the same things. The only point that most agree upon in principle is that everyone wants “good” games. However, this is a nebulous term, devoid of a universally agreed definition. What one gamer deems as being a good or an essential mechanic, another will consider a complete anathema, leaving us with a divided player base. In fact, the gaming community seems to reflect a wider trend that manifests itself in politics, religion and other social issues at present. There simply isn’t a prevailing majority consensus. A lot of the assumed sacred cows and alleged shared values associated with all these communities are either waning or have proven to be bogus. Naturally, many would argue that such differences are simply human nature and a foible of the human condition. However, it does present a difficult problem for the games industry.
Read More