Trophies: Ruining Games?

Ever since Trophies were introduced to the PS3, they have been described as the Marmite of gaming; you either love them or you hate them. It's clear that there are two sides to this argument.

[Delta]

Now shut up.

[Hellsvacancy]

Ive almost reached 600 doesnt really prove anythin except that i got 2 much time on my hands :-)

[Jaces]

No.

In fact, they've expanded the life of a video game. You'll be playing it over and over which is good because in turn your actually saving money...well that's how I see it.

I usually beat a game once and if there is no reason to play again, I'll go buy the next game on my list.

1012 Trophies en counting!

[callahan09]

Yeah, trophies can expand the life of a game. I would have probably only played Demon's Souls for 60 hours instead of 113 hours if it weren't for the trophies. A lot of those trophies were quite time-consuming and involved going for things I would have otherwise ignored. But, to get the platinum, I farmed for stones and played through the game 4 instead of just once. It basically doubled the amount of time I put into the game. Had there been no trophies, I'd have beaten it once and shelved it so I could play something else. Trophies add incentive to see the depth that lies beneath the surface, to do the things you don't HAVE to do in order to finish the game. It gives you a reason to experience all the little things the developers took the time to put into the game that you may not have bothered to experiment with otherwise. It adds replay value.

[Beast_Master]

I don't buy games anymore unless they have trophies. I don't play the Wii because it doesn't have Trophies/Achievments. I used to never really care about MS owners talking about achievements, until I realized how much they added to the experiance.

The fact is now I can keep track of all the games I have played, beaten and compare my score to my friends. Not only that when I get the PS4 or what ever the next iteration of console is I will be able to fire up the ole PS3 and show people what my overall score was on that console, hoping it will carry on but doubt it.

I have over 5 hundred and 2 plats level 9. (I am going to hit ten next week) What level is 1000?

[Delta]

No as in No there not ruining gaming.

[Jaces]

Level 12. 23% more till Level 13.

Got 13 plats soon to be 14

[poopface1]

you either like them or are indifferent, if you "hate" them then your just being stupid.

Marmite on the other hand is disgusting.

[UnwanteDreamz]

It is completely up to the gamer weather trophies ruin the game. I have talked with other gamers about this subject as we all race to get the next titles trophies. I had a couple trophies make me hate a game but no more than I hate any hard game when it is testing my patience.

I play my new games for fun the first time. I don't worry about the trophies until I have enjoyed the full experience. Then I move on to the trophies. There is no harm in putting it down for another title and coming back to the trophies.

Grinding is never much fun this is nothing new.

[Defectiv3_Detectiv3]

MGS4, Valkyria Chronicles, Motorstorm, Ratchet and Clank. I know a lot more people would consider buying the game and think of all the people that would buy it again.

I also think they should add trophies to their PSClassics online, and integrate trophies into your HOME space. It would also be neat if they added some trophies in home for doing The Red Bull Challenge or Bowling, etc.

And I really don't see the gripe w/ them in the first place. If you don't like them you don't have to pay attention to them. They are an optional feature that enhance the game for some.

[Poopface the 2nd]

marmite is disgusting.

Trophies and Achievements are good. If you hate them then thats weird. You could be indifferent, but if you hate them then you probably wish you had more.

[gaffyh]

No...they don't. Like achievements, they add an extra layer of gameplay to a game, thus extending its longevity. Why would it be bad to play a game more? Also the separation of the types (i.e. Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), really shows you how good a gamer is, I only got 2 platinums, but I'm sure there are few people who have 12+.

[Qui-Gon Jim]

I would have only played Bioshock once on normal difficulty, and maybe once on easy just to see the second ending. Since I had that platinum trophy to shoot for, i tried survivor difficulty, and i am really glad i did. That is the way to play the game because you have to play smart, but i wouldn't have gotten that experience if i hadn't had that trophy urging me on.

Other games can prompt you into trying new tactics or weapons by offering trophies (e.g. getting x number of kills with a certain weapon in Uncharted). Plus there is the fact that the replay value added by trophies gives me more time between buying games.

That said, i think it WOULD be a good idea to have the option to turn off the trophy notifications for people who don't care about them.

[Prototype]

Here's my whole take on this:

I do like trophies as a way to extend certain parts of games that you normally don't pay attention to, and it's also a way of rewarding someone for putting some time into playing their game.

What I don't like about trophies is they make people "feel" like they have to do something to boost their score for bragging rights. Yes there's times when certain trophies can be used as a way of saying "I did it why couldn't you?" Part of the reason I prefer older games is to play for fun, not bragging rights.

My biggest piss off is players who judge how good someone is just off their score. I have yet to get any platinum trophies at level 7 because over time I do get burned out of a game and sell/trade it off; yet there's those few who see my score and think "oh he sucks, he's no good" but they fail to see how long it took me to beat a game, or to see what specific trophies I've earned.

[JL]

I guess I'm kinda in the boat that Prototype is in, in that it has it's good and bad sides (trophies that is). On one hand, to some degree, yes it does add a new level of depth to gameplay. But that's only to a degree, because essentially these trophies usually don't add gameplay, they just give you ideas for other goals instead of just beating the game, which you could figure out yourself even without trophies. Like I'll compare a couple games here: Fallout 3 and Oblivion (since in essense they're the same game). Now Oblivion didn't have any trophies, but Fallout 3 did. Trophies that "extended gameplay" and had you going out of your way to do different things. Now all these "going the extra mile" things are things that I also did in Oblivion just because I used my imagination in ways to extend the game, only difference was I didn't get a lil image that I can show off to others or another number on my tally. So really the only way that I see that trophies extend gameplay is that they give you goals, which if you just use your imagination or whatnot, you can come to on your own without having to have trophies guide you. Unless of course, the only reason you do it is for the satisfaction of having those trophies to show off, which brings me to my next point.

The bad side of trophies. I'll let comments like that of Beast_master and Cenobia (and to an extent gaffy's) be the prime examples of the bad of trophies. Used to (and even still) it was graphics whores. Everything had/has to be about graphics. So much so that even gameplay starts getting neglected just so can spend more time on polishing graphics. Now the new thing is trophy whores. See in the end, parts of gaming are sacrificed to appease these new trends. For example: games being made way too easy and generic seemingly just made to rake in some money and to give people some easy trophies to go get and brag about (which seriously, bragging about trophies? does your life have so little purpose? btw, i don't think trophy grades determine how good you are as a gamer, rather it shows how much time you put into games). Also another side effect of this trophy movement is stuff like glitchers online just to pad their score and rack up those trophies to show off and brag about. I'd say those things: gameplay being neglected to make trophy games, games becoming easier and more generic just so people can rack up trophies, and online people ruining other users' experience to raise their score are the biggest downfalls of trophies. Oh, and let's not forget (of course this won't be a problem anymore or in the future), but just like people like Beast_master, gamers have become so entranced by trophies that amazing games aren't even given a chance due to not having trophies (ie valkyria chronicles). I mean seriously, to hear a gamer say "oh i'd never buy that, it doesn't have trophies", that just....i don't know...it's like nails on a chalkboard that's how irritating it unsettling it is. Disgusting really.

Let's be honest, the only thing achievements and trophies were made for was for bragging rights. That is the very purpose of their existence. It's all so we can say "oh look, i got 1,000 trophies and you only got 999. haha. i ownz, ur the suckz" (god I hate ignorant kids). They were made for that and nothing more. That's the only true purpose they have. And quite honestly it's a sad testament when those bragging rights have become the sole reason for gaming for so many people and the sheer fun and satisfaction of a game has become a second offering. I can't even remember how many people I've heard tell me how they got so sick and bored of a certain game, but they kept going because they wanted to make sure they got that one last trophy that all their friends got so they wouldn't be made fun of or so they could brag that they got that trophy first. I mean seriously, that's sad.

Edit: By the way, I don't HATE trophies. Like Poopface said, it'd be kinda weird if you hated them. I mean what's the point, if you don't like them or not all wrapped up in them then just don't worry about going out of your way to get them. I'm indifferent about them really. I just wanted to present the opposite side of the argument since everybody is praising trophies like they're the second coming.

Also, this whole "extended gameplay" stigma that trophies have--just not true. Not unless you're just a trophy whore with no imagination and no real desire to enjoy a game to its fullest. I mean all they do is give you a checklist of things to do outside the main storyline (that is for the few trophies that aren't ones that you actually get for just playing through the game). That can be done whether trophies are present or not, they don't actually add that gameplay. That's just some excuse that developers/publishers use to push trophies and get people hooked on them so that idiots will run out and buy ummm...say..*cough*terminatorg ame*cough* just to get said trophies to brag about. I didn't need trophies to make me get extra enjoyment out of last generations GTA games where I would go back to make an effort to do all the stunts/jumps or find all the packages. In fallout, i didn't care about the trophy, i just thought to myself "hey it'd be cool if i got up all the supplies i need and go and make all the weapons that I can personally make, just to have them", much like I went out and searched and found all the special weapons throughout the game to put in my locker (even though i didn't get a trophy for that), I just did it on my own accord to enjoy the game in it's fullest. Neither do I need trophies telling me that I should play a game through one time, then after I beat it and really get a handle on the game, why don't I go back and try it on the hardest level to see if I can beat it then and see how much different it plays out. I don't need trophies for that just like I don't need to trophies to tell me it would be fun to go and try to find all the artifacts in Uncharted or seeing if I can make it through the game (or how far) with just using melee attacks or only a pistol or something like that. Trophies didn't add that to the game. It was already there Imagination and thinking outside the box, playing beyond the main storyline adds that kind of stuff. The "extended gameplay" is just for trophy whores to use that as a cop-out rather than admit that's the whole reason they game for the most part, and that they either weren't imaginative enough to think about that stuff, or it doesn't seem fun to them but they'll do it anyways so they can have a couple more trophies to brag about.

@UnwantedDreamz
I disagree. Grinding may be tedious and frustrating to a degree. But it was always "fun"...or at least enjoyable or satisfying once you got through it. It's more like a love/hate relationship. And I can tell you I know alot of JRPG fans (that have been gaming awhile) who would tell you the same. Though "fun" might not be the exact word they want to use. Grinding is like a satisfying rites of passage. Younger gamers these days just don't like it cause they want everything to be easy. I know several people now who will tell you that they miss grinding, cause nowadays alot of the time it's set up so that you level up quickly and there's never any need for grinding cause you're always well ahead of the curve, which just takes away from the gaming experience in my opinion.

[Expy]

Why's this only about trophies and not achievements as well? In fact, achievements have been going on for a lot longer than trophies have.

[TheHater]

Sony = trophies
MS = Achievement
I hope that answer your question.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

I've seen "Achievements Ruining Gaming" articles and just like this one I pay them no mind because it's obvious the majority enjoy them and they are completely optional for those who don't.

[T2theO]

I like the trophies more. Bronze, silver, gold and platinum, look much better than numbers.

[LukaX23]

epic fail.

[Max Power]

the leader on the trophy boards isn't just one person but a group of people who play continuously on one name.

[Marceles]

Trophies aren't ruining games, if anything they make crappy games better than they appear.

[Cenobia]

I'm renting Terminator just to get the Platinum. I realize that makes me a trophy whore, but I'd never stoop to Hanna Montana.

So you could also say that trophies give some games play time when they probably don't deserve it.

[evrfighter]

I sure do hope that the mentality in this comment section isn't picked up on by game developers.

"crappy games are ok as long as they have trophies!"

that's pretty sad

[tomsau]

that game is probably worse than hannah montannah =/ it... is... terrible

[fullmetal156]

who in their right mind would sit thru terminator salvation? lol i did "only" because of the trophys not only that some developers implement it in ways so that u could see the whole game and easter eggs like in wolverine (the cake) that u normaly would of missed so i thing they make the experience richer.

[crillyconlig]

this is the first time ive heard anyone complain about having trophies!!!

how on earth can they ruin a game, silly talk

[Rifle-Man]

I get a lot more out of games now that trophies have been implemented. I'm working on getting my first platinum right on on Burnout Paradise, something I wouldn't have even attempted if there was no reward.

[HDgamer]

Terminator Salvation has a horrible trophy/achievement boost level.

[GiantEnemyCrab]

No way! Just like achievements they enhance my game play.

[diatom]

Trophies/Achievements = good. Lame website seeking hits with lame article = bad.

[peeps]

eh? his argument for them ruining gaming was that some ppl have lots of trophies...

trophies, achievments, whatever are a great addition tbh. in reality they don't mean that much but they still give you even more insentive. in the past why would ppl collect all the hidden packages in gta? to brag to their friends... now of course they can brag to their friends and any1 else online.

[kingme71]

No way, we need more trophies integrated into our daily life. How about a platinum trophy for spending over $300.00 at the grocery store, quickest time between street lights, loudest talker in a movie. A trophy for winning an argument with your significant other. How about a trophy for voting (we would get alot more voter turnout).

Let's capitalize on what it has done for gaming.

[marcindpol]

lol thats great:)

[Clarence Callahan]

i am a real trophy whore, lol, i have now 1170 and counting, i have 12 platinums, it's highly addictive, lol, i also don't buy games that don't have trophies anymore.

[SlyGuy]

did not miss out on some of the early PS3 games that were awesome.

E.g. Heavenly Sword, Folklore, Resistance, etc.

If you did, you should still play them w/out trophies.

[The-Director]

Only if it's multiplayer trophies and require you to play 8 hours a day for 3 months to get them, but i love single player trophies, they require skills and add to the experience.

[BULLETBOI]

I have a feeling that trophies will eventually have a part to in the PSN but that won't happen for a while...I guessing about two years we will have benefits and special rewards for those of us who have collected trophies...

[Claudinho69]

NO, now shutup and go sit in a corner

[i_zamorak_i]

trophies are great, if you don't like them why bother to hate on them?
and it does give an extra purpose to playing some games that in some cases can only be rentable. i'm sure some people would not have picked up on some tittles if it wasn't for the trophies, and trophy whores? nothing wrong with that, if thats what they like in a game so be it. it has been a great addition to games, i feel i get more for my money when i buy a game that has trophies included :)

[clintos59]

I know alot of ppl that play all out to get them. On a positive note, it does bring more replay value to games but I fear it might take the gamer away from your real obective of the game or story and make the gamer go after the trophy or achievement first which could ruin the game. Its good n bad but they are cool to have if u like the challenge. I just wish they added them only in the campaighn because sum of the ones u have to grab online are almost impossible, example is cellfactor, how in the hell am i suppose to get 1,000,000 point when hardly anyone goes online? I mean I know I can prolly cheat wit a friend but then i feel im not earning it which would make those trophies or achievements useless.

[cliffbo]

are Trophies ruining gaming?

'i don't know really'

brilliant

[Rourker]

well since I don't play games for the trophies, this argument doesn't really concern me, but I know trophy whores like them, and they do give a game more life by giving gamers more to accomplish. So I can't see this as hindering a game. You play a game how you want to, it's always been like that.

[bankai]

people talk about how they are saving money with the added replay value because of trophies/achievements, but they are actually spending more money so they can keep playing more games to get more trophies/achievements.
i am personally not a fan of the "award system." i just want to play my game, enjoy the story, and move on to the next.
i hope this doesnt turn into even more substandard development than we already have for the sake of appealing to fans who only want to add more to their trophies and achievements.

quality development > trophies and/or achievements

[pippoppow]

Not needed or required but not ruining gaming. If anything it has helped spur sales and rentals due to so many gamers who like it. So as a marketing tool it is a success. As for myself I couldn't give a damn. Been playing games before this gen which didn't have them and offers nothing but a gaming porfolio for others to see. If people like it that's fine, hey my parent's like pogo patches which are similar in a way but overall contributes nothing to the quality of a title. If I replay a game it's due to it's quality and experience. Trophies and the like get a big MEH from me.

[bunbun777]

Like in CoD4 or Kz2 that little sound you get when you make a kill-- i'll call it a 'chime'

When hearing the sound of the trophy coming up-- well besides the 'accomplishment' there's parts of your brain that are activated based on whether or not you enjoy the concept-- I imagine there could be trophy haters that actually dislike the sound when a trophy comes up. But it would have to be something that develops over time.

I like the dates of my trophies, besides replayability, it allows me to go back and remember the times I got a trophy-- like when me and one of my roomies were comparing trophies -- matching up our games from times before-- we both had the Resident Evil Gold Trophy for Pro at the same time, cuz we were co'opin.

Trophies are symbols and they are tools, but how you are affected by them is usually based on your first perceptions. Most people will come to enjoy getting trophies over extended time, whether they want to admit it or not.

[themyk]

God I love the death chime.

[themyk]

I don't hate them. But I have yet to put a game in just to get a trophie. I just get them as I go.

[OGharryjoysticks]

Before the PS3 had them it was just something the media could use to hold over Sony's head and use against them. Ever since Sony went along and gave into the baiting it's like who cares. It never was a big deal like it was made out to be. Sure, there are a handful of gamers who probably sit around and think it's cool, but more often than not who cares.

[kewlkat007]

Look, same sh!t taking place..

[GodGinrai]

acheivments/trophies are the modern day high score. i like em personally. and besides its not like you HAVE to get em..you can still play a game from begining to end and ignore trohpies if you want , so i dont see how they ruin a game.

[Shortstop]

The only way they'd ruin games if games were made solely for trophies. Personally, I just play the games for fun and if I get a few trophies, that's cool I guess, but to each their own of course.

For me personally, they may even add less value, since I prefer to play games without any messages but they pop up anyways. It's kinda like watching a movie then having a pop up saying "Congrats, you've watched 30 minutes!"

Whether you love them or hate them, they certainly aren't ruining games. But they probably could be argued to be wasting a lot of people's time. I mean, seriously, do you really check out other people's trophies and care about what they've done?

[victorMaje]

You got it Shortstop, that is what's most annoying about them, popping up to tell you you've unlocked whatever, which in my view reduces the immersion factor, unless you get a list of what you've unlocked when you quit the game, or they could be announced from within the game environment (Imagine a character coming towards you to tell you you've reached 1000 kills or you've visited 100 locations instead of that message on the screen...that would be so much more welcome).

[TwistedMetal]

the people who buy and rent crap and easy games just to boost there score and then put, in there comment some cheezy 1 liner on them platinuming a game. some guy who platinum cod waw put in his message box ("the war is over") and ("I got 1234 trophies"). those are the people who are losers and ruining gameing. if you openly competeing someone then doing that stuff is fine but most of the time they competeting with you without you even knowing it lol. im like wtf is this guy bragging about his trophys when he got crap games on the list.

[specialguest]

Call me old school, but I don't care about trophies. Once in a while, I'll unintentionally get a few though.

[victorMaje]

Trophies do contribute to the longevity of games, but playing a game should be more about enjoying the experience it creates and less about achieving a certain score, so maybe they should be implemented in a different way for certain games where you sometimes end up feeling you're really wasting time trying to get that platinum, when you could be doing other more meaningful things.

I know the trophies i will gladly try to get (even if they need an eternity of play) are the ones which will unlock a new level or weapon or alternate ending or any sort of additional gameplay...now that's a platinum i will fight for

[NotSoSilentBob]

Same Could be said for the 360 and achievements but no buddy is whipping that horse now.