Why Humor in Games Fails and How to Make It Succeed

It's tough to make a video game that's genuinely funny. Here are three reasons why they struggle and how to overcome them.

[Sadie2100]

Someone should take that poker idea and expand it to even more "humor" characters.

[VersusEM]

I thought Conker:Live and Reloaded was kinda funny, and also the part in Assassin's Creed and mario said 'its a me, mario'

[theonlylolking]

Uncharted series...all I need to say.

[LordMarius]

came here to post this

[Tdmd]

So did I. Hey, remember MDK? That too was hilarious from the intro to the ending scene! So was - any - Oddworld.

[BrianC6234]

I can't believe anyone would write about comedy in gaming and not even mention Uncharted. Uncharted games have the perfect amount of humor in them.

[NegativeCreepWA]

The clown bit made it the funniest game ever. Because I've hated clowns all my life. I don't think any movie scarred me more then "IT" when I was a kid. Uncharteds humor is perfect.

[el zorro]

Yep, I was going to say the same thing.

[thebudgetgamer]

the bards tale.
armed and dangerous.

[Arup02]

Spider Man games are funny lol

[UnSelf]

yep.

ppl arent just open-minded. that goes to all who said Zeke wasnt funny.

sumtimes im glad devs dont always listen to their fans. removing zeke would be a dumb move.

joker in AA was also hilarious

[choadley]

The Paper Mario games were also good with humor.

[theonlylolking]

I never laughed when I played any of the paper mario games.

[danielle007]

"Ben There, Dan That" is another point-and-click that's literally super funny. Free download from Zombie-Cow Studios. Go get it. Then play the sequel. And their other games.

Love.

Also, I love Alistair. Hardcore.

[ssj2gohan83]

Jak and Daxter, Rachet and Clank are also quite funny.

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

http://www.youtube.com/watc...

[el zorro]

True.

[snoopgg]

The first Bad Company had some side splitting redneck humor going on!!!! The bickering between the soldiers was hilarious.

[Figboy]

i think the Uncharted, Ratchet and Clank, Tim Schafer's games, and series like Monkey Island showcase that humor in games can succeed wonderfully when little things like "writing talent" and "comedic timing" are considered by the studio creating the game.

that last scene in Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is brimming with so much charm and humor you almost think you should take a trip to the dentist because of the sweetness.

games like Psychonauts and Monkey Island demonstrate wonderful humor as well as Brutal Legend.

personally, i think Ratchet and Clank Future: A Crack in Time was the funniest game i played in 2009, as the writing and delivery was just really spot on.

and lets not forget Heavy Rain. Ethan's delivery of "Jason!" and "Shaun" had me rolling every time. i'm just playing, you know i love you Heavy Rain!

anyway, i don't think game developers need tips from this site on how to be more funny. there are some professional writers out there that specialize in humorous writing, so why not contract them to look over the game's script and touch it up?

the article brings up some good points, but they apply to more than just video games, honestly.

gaming is still maturing as a form of creative, albeit, interactive, expression. my hope is that this wacky generation of the FPS will give way to a generation of more creative freedom and appreciation of genres that don't adhere simply to "what's hot right now."

with network games becoming a serious player in the gaming industry, i can see that being a great way to keep more niche gaming tastes satisfied. we've seen that already with the reemergence of genres like the twin stick shooter and 2D sidescroller.

i wouldn't mind some more story driven point and click adventure games, myself, geared towards a mature audience.

[Myze]

The gameplay wasn't anything great, but the Discworld series of games were all very funny, in my opinion (first game was hard as hell though first time through considering the complete randomness of some parts). Of course, the Discworld books were very funny, so they transferred well to the point-and-click adventure style of the games.

Also, as has already been said, for purposes of less blatant in your face humor, and more light-hearted, fits well with the setting humor, Uncharted (1 and 2) is perfect.

[tplarkin7]

Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Although it has a serious undertone, it is the funniest game I've ever played.

[SybaRat]

I always thought the humor in a lot of those "humor" games was a little too forced. Like HA HA! THIS IS FUNNY BECAUSE IT'S NOT SERIOUS! Games where the humor is more natural - like Uncharted 2, where it flows from the characters' personalities - always works better.

[earbus]

Matt hazzard craked me up on more than one time crazy stuff.

[sp1deynut]

As many have already pointed out, several games have in fact succeeded in humor...the author just needs to play more/better games, and never waste bandwidth with another stupid opinion piece.

The games that best portrayed humor, either through script, gameplay devices, or more subtle aspects are:

- Armed and Dangerous
- Oddworld : Stranger's Wrath
- Psychonauts
- Brutal Legend
- Voodoo Vince
- Battlefield: BC
- MDK
- Fable 1, 2, & 3
- Uncharted 2
- LEGO Star Wars and Indiana Jones

[Panzerkanzler]

I think TF2 is funny. I often laugh out loud when people blow up or when you do the funny animations with the different classes.