440°

Warren Spector has it right when he says games aren't improving

Matt from GamersFTW writes: I have to say he has a point. The first game that comes to mind for me is the Call Of Duty franchise. Since Modern Warfare I feel a little bit like I’ve been playing the same game for the last six or seven iterations. Initially this isn’t a problem. I love the series, Black Ops and Modern Warfare 2 probably favorites – but herein lies the issue. Adding a higher number to the title won’t necessarily make it a better game.

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gamersftw.co.uk
c00lvilKid693403d ago (Edited 3403d ago )

I don’t even think Warren Spector is referring to particular franchises when he says things are getting stale. I just think there’s a staleness to video games in general. Generic third-person shooters, the saturation of first-person shooters, cinematic uncharted clones, etc. It’s all incredibly samey imo.

FasterThanFTL13403d ago

Where are the cinematic Uncharted clones? If anything there are not enough of them.

never4get3402d ago

x86, windows, DirectX and games aren't improving. Massive Extinction of Game Developers happening in Gaming?!!!

abstractel3402d ago

Yeah I am sorry but I think it's BS. There's never been more diversity in gaming thanks to indie movement. We have games like Firewatch and The Witness as well as fantastic diverse triple A open world titles, linear action games, massive RPGs. Having been gaming since the C64, I've never seen more diversity and forward momentum in gaming. I've never really liked Warren Spector's statements. He lives off his work on Deus Ex and Syndicate and hasn't really made anything noteworthy since then (in my opinion). It's never been a better time to be a gamer.

nommers3402d ago

I think it would be more accurate to say RE4 clone, which Gears of War was heavily influenced from and thus creating the multiplayer 3rd person shooter and cinematic game archetype. There were a lot of games in the last 10 years that at the very least took on this approach in some form, including Uncharted, Dead Space, Read Dead Redemption, GTA and notable well established franchises like MGS that didn't originally have a more focused third person shooter over the shoulder feel, but which now have. Resident Evil changed too obviously after the success of RE4.

Ck1x3403d ago

Not to mention that every game wants to be a open world, "western RPG", with multi-player elements and cinematic free running experiences. It does get very old after a while, even the new FF wants to emulate something that is more mainstream in order to gain mass appeal.

frostypants3403d ago

Too many devs are putting all their energy into using new hardware to push prettier graphics, rather than deeper and more interactive experiences.

mechlord3402d ago

Persona 5, for what i have seen, begs to differ.

Youre still right tho...

abstractel3402d ago

Look at the spectrum of diverse titles we have these days:

On one end; Story driven games with barely any action like, all with unique visual styles like Firewatch, The Witness, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter, Journey, Everyone's gone to Rapture, Unravel...

Another end; Great open world games like Tomb Raider (which is semi open world), Assassin's Creed Syndicate, GTA V, Metal Gear Solid, Dying Light, Batman,

Linear action; Uncharted, Last of Us (groundbreaking story telling as well), God of War series, Killzone, Quantum Break, Mirror's Edge, Alien Isolation all different from each other and all high quality.

Innovate multiplayer; The Division, Destiny, Evolve, For Honor, etc. plus plenty of quality mp that's semi-innovative like

Traditional RPGs that are innovating; Persona 5, Final Fantasy Type 0, Child of Light, South Park, I would include Dragon Age 3 as a traditional western RPG, World of Final Fantasy, Ni No Kuni 1 and 2 etc.

Action RPGs that are steadily improving the genre: Final Fantasy XV, Witcher 3, Kingdom Hearts series,

Plain innovative AAA titles like Dreams.

Top Down RPGs like Diablo are very much alive

MMORPGs are doing really well.

Advent of VR.

Really don't see how some can't see the incredible time of gaming we are living in and how much it's evolving. Compare games this year and last year to just a few years ago and tell me that games aren't getting better. SMH.

exkalibur973403d ago

generally speaking thats true for the aaa market, because lets face it budgets for games have skyrocketed while the price for said game has stayed more or less the same. its simply better to go for the sure thing that popular then to try and make something new.

KurtRussell3403d ago

That's the main problem right there. They are more interested in maximizing profits instead of creating the best game they can. Most AAA games now are designed as a money making product not a work of art.

frostypants3403d ago (Edited 3403d ago )

@KurtRussell, I think there's an argument to be made that that's never NOT been the case. Sales has always mattered to major developers. I think they're just underestimating how well a little creativity can sell.

Fez3402d ago (Edited 3402d ago )

I know you're not doing this, but I hate seeing the recent trend of justifying bad business practices or shady microtransactions and DLC by saying "budgets for games have skyrocketed"...

Firstly, a large chunk of that is due to advertising which does nothing for the consumer.

Secondly, I assume it is usually the choice of the publisher/developer at how much it will cost to develop. As an example, we shouldn't feel sorry for a company if they splurge out on increasing employee count by 200% to try and increase profits and gain market share. That was their decision to increase operating costs for their own benefit. Expecting the consumer to keep shelling out more and more for no added value to cover their risky decisions and marketing budgets will lead to bigger problems for the industry in the long term.

Thirdly, video games are still massively profitable otherwise they wouldn't continue the business.

/rant

On topic: I agree we aren't seeing the big leaps from the 90s/00s era in terms of graphics and gameplay. Hopefully VR can inject some innovation.

3-4-53402d ago

Too much copying and not enough risks or originality.

There is some here and there but overall it's not as fresh and exciting.

The last 2 gens had much more variety.

Everybody is too obsessed with making games LOOK real, instead of just making fun appealing games to play.

nommers3402d ago

@mechlord

Persona 5 isn't anything new, it's just not something that's with the current trends of the last two generations. It's from generations before that. Although that's not a bad thing; games can only go so far before history inevitably repeats itself and an older style of gaming comes back to feel refreshing. A lot of great indie games for instance tried their hands at a metroid-vania style of game a few years back and it worked out very well for them.

+ Show (3) more repliesLast reply 3402d ago
shodan743403d ago

I respectfully disagree with that view. There are so many boundary-pushing games right now doing really interesting and innovative things. You just need to look beyond the obvious annual mainstream franchises, which will almost always take an 'if it ain't broke' approach.

Yukes3403d ago

Have to say I agree with you in principle. The issue and sad thing is the dominance of these annual mainstream franchises in the sales charts, though. The vast majority of innovative games are still stuck on the fringes, looking with bemusement at the often broken, repetitive goliaths still commanding attention.

Ark_3403d ago

It's the same in every medium - be it books, music, films etc.
The majority of people do NOT want to be challenged, but entertained.
(They indulge in known formulas, be it beloved platforms, genres, franchises, gamemechanics, storys or characters. It's a certain kind of identity build around those things. Which is btw true for me as well.)

It's allways a curious minority exploring new concepts first. Until it gets a trend. (e.g. Minecraft)
Those innovative games of today are also the potential "repetitive goliaths" of tomorrow, IF they catch fire.

frostypants3403d ago

Just to be clear, Minecraft rode the wave started by Infiniminer.

mrmacw3403d ago (Edited 3403d ago )

Oh yeah I realise if you look beyond the mainstream there's gold there - but with mainstream titles holding most of the spotlight the games we play most are guilty of this repetitive trend. Which I think is what Spector is referring to.

Perjoss3403d ago

The headline is a misquote, he said he hadn't seen a lot of progress in *mainstream* gaming, he didn't say gaming in general.

Ck1x3403d ago

It's very easy to say that there are so many boundary pushing games, but it's another thing to actually list them. For almost every game that is out now, there were similar games doing the same thing last generation. Visual fidelity and the amount of on screen interactions are the only things that have increased this generation.

We haven't seen any major leaps in Ai or groundbreaking game play ideas, or physics. That's why there are so many articles on N4G simply about 1080p this and that, because everything else has just been so lackluster that all anyone can praise is the visual bump over the previous generation.

+ Show (1) more replyLast reply 3403d ago
Errorist763403d ago

I kinda agree there are few games as groundbreaking as TLOU or RDR. Most of the stuff out there is pretty samey minus some indie titles. AAA games really need to get more out of their comfort zone!

Gatsu3403d ago

It's easier said than done though.

Errorist763403d ago

Yeah I know. With the huge production costs these days people afraid to take risks.

KurtRussell3403d ago

Whats so groundbreaking in TLOU except it "being cinematic"?
And RDR? Asking bc i never played them but watched quite a bit and didn't see anything groundbreaking.

Errorist763403d ago

Both games did things mostly with their storytelling and incredibly well done gameplay no other medium would be able to do. After finishing both games I said there for hours incredibly moved and thinking about the games for hours, days and weeks. They are experiences, more than just games. I don't think just watching them can transport that, one has to identify with the characters.

sullynathan3402d ago

There was nothing specifically groundbreaking in either game you mentioned.

Wallstreet373403d ago (Edited 3403d ago )

in general i would agree, however their are many games that have been released that have innovated, improved and pushed gaming forward for the better. Games like Demon Souls with its special flavor on mp that has spawned Dark Souls, Bloodborne and some copy cats. Games like Journey which was very artistic and had a special mp aspect. LBP series which took the plat former genre on consoles to a new level with a robust build and create system. Ill add Heavy Rain with its step up on cinematic approach and and qtes. I mean if you look there are some good gems that have went outside the box. I think Sony platform especially has been pushing that innovation and trying to improve the gaming landscape with all those games mentioned and "Dreams", "Wild", etc.. coming soon.

Of course since i didnt mention ppls console of choice theyll hate on my post lol hahahah go handle that with the company not me.

Show all comments (49)
50°

How Warren Spector got back to making his latest game

OtherSide Entertainment has bounced back from the cancellation of System Shock 3 and Warren Spector is working on a new game.

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venturebeat.com
MadLad1192d ago

The father of the immersive sim.

Yui_Suzumiya1192d ago

Still would have loved a System Shock 3 though

160°

Warren Spector Thinks Deus Ex Is Too Real For 2021

The Game Developers Conference kicked off today as a week of virtual talks. In a live chat alongside a rebroadcast of his 2017 GDC talk, Deus Ex designer Warren Spector talked about why he wouldn’t make the game today.

victorMaje1557d ago

Legend.
If he ever really does a spiritual successor I’d get it in a heartbeat.

RaidenBlack1557d ago

Well, Warren worked on the immersive sim, System Shock 1 whose spiritual successor was/is Deus Ex.
You'll be happy to know, he's currently working on System Shock 3 at OtherSide Entertainment.
Also, a Remake of System Shock 1 is releasing in few months.

victorMaje1557d ago

Didn’t know that, thanks will def read up on it.

RaidenBlack1557d ago

@victorMaje
Also, CP2077 was initially targeting the dark Deus Ex style aesthetics/look. A bit darker. Check the first teaser.
But changed later to what it is today.

sourOG1557d ago

He just said he couldn’t make a game like that today. Of course it’s kotaku promoting the game that wouldn’t be made and the coward that wouldn’t make it lol. What a weird ass publication. And he’s a weird dude, legend or not. I’m not interested in the game he’s not going to make like conspiracies didn’t exist in 1987 or whenever he was relevant.

FyBy1557d ago

Human Revolution was absolute masterpiece. I love that game!

sourOG1557d ago

In other words, you’re too woke for good video games.

LucasRuinedChildhood1557d ago (Edited 1557d ago )

"The guy who made Deus Ex and produced System Shock can't make a good video-game." - sourOG

I salute you for your stunning, brave response

sourOG1557d ago

Not in 2021 apparently. What a hack lol

sourOG1557d ago

Says the white knight securing his spot in Lucas’ friend zone. Your begging isn’t getting him any closer to your buttcheeks.

sourOG1557d ago

Immersive sims are my jam. It’s kind of sad to see one of the founders of the genre be such a spineless coward.

BlaqMagiq11557d ago

Imagine being dumb enough to call someone who made 2 of the greatest games ever in System Shock and Deus Ex a hack lmfao. I'm sure you know more about making a game than he does.

sourOG1557d ago

Yeah 30 years ago. The article is saying he wouldn’t make that game today you idiot lol. Because he’s a hack and a coward.

You and kotaku can champion his self-censorship of you want but don’t act like I’m the dumb one lol. He’s no different than the moron trying to ban GTA because it “supports stealing cars”. That’s how dumb y’all are. Is your dimbulb brain too fragile for such complex conspiracies written 30 years ago? My condolences.

BlaqMagiq11557d ago (Edited 1557d ago )

Wow you're a LOT dumber than I thought 😂. Because he doesn't make another Deus Ex it's self-censorship? Last I checked he is allowed to make whatever he wants. Oh my bad, he is only allowed to make what you tell him to. How about you go and make the next Deus Ex since you apparently have all these "complex conspiracies" in your head, but we both know you don't have the brain capacity for that 😂.

By the way if you actually READ the article you would've seen he said this:

“I’d actually love to make a new Deus Ex game but the property is now the property of Square Enix so that ain’t gonna happen,” he wrote. He did however write, “Spiritual successors to Deus Ex are basically all I’m interested in making.”

But he doesn't want to make another one? Like I said you're a LOT dumber than I thought.

sourOG1557d ago (Edited 1557d ago )

I didn’t say he couldn’t make what he wants. He said what he didn’t want to make lol. Moron. How about I don’t make a game and that would give kotaku something to write about.

Ohhhh a spiritual successor? You mean a responsible, conspiracy free one just in case you idiots play and then decide storm the capitol with Viking helmets? Sounds amazing. If my brain was as smooth as yours I’d be hyped too.

BlaqMagiq11556d ago (Edited 1556d ago )

Clearly yours is a lot smoother because you clearly can't come up with a "complex conspiracy" game to write about and you can only speculate what game he will make but continue your fake Illuminati persona you seem to think you have.😂

"You mean a responsible, conspiracy free one just in case you idiots play and then decide storm the capitol with Viking helmets? Sounds amazing. If my brain was as smooth as yours I’d be hyped too."

Oh so you know exactly what his next Deus Ex spiritual successor game is? Tell me what is it called and what is the story about with your fake Illuminati ass 😂

sourOG1556d ago

Clearly not since the point has gone over your head 3 posts in a row lol. I said in other words, you are too woke to handle good games. That’s what he said, not me.. You are too mentally fragile to handle his “complex video game conspiracies” written 30 years ago and doesn’t want to support that anymore. I didn’t say his games sucked, I didn’t say I wanted to make a game or replace his game, I didn’t say I know what he’s making, I don’t have an “Illuminati persona” or whatever dull shit your brain is trying to fart. He said he wouldn’t make that game today due to the political climate... a game he’s already made... because he’s a coward who blames you. Do you understand? Do I need to walk you through this? I got you bro. We’ll get through this someday.

I have no idea what the spiritual successor is and I couldn’t care less after this article lol. If I had to take a guess I’d say boring. An immersive sim void any mystery whatsoever because people like you are too dumb to know the difference lol. I’m a “fake Illuminati ass” because I’m laughing at the people in this article crying about the real world influence of video game stories? That’s funny somewhere I guess. Your emojis liked it at least.

BlaqMagiq11556d ago (Edited 1556d ago )

"Clearly not since the point has gone over your head 3 posts in a row lol. I said in other words, you are too woke to handle good games. That’s what he said, not me.. You are too mentally fragile to handle his “complex video game conspiracies” written 30 years ago and doesn’t want to support that anymore. I didn’t say his games sucked, I didn’t say I wanted to make a game or replace his game, I didn’t say I know what he’s making, I don’t have an “Illuminati persona” or whatever dull shit your brain is trying to fart."

Except that's not what he said in any way but you wanna seem to make it that if he doesn't make a game about "complex conspiracies" he can't make a good game. You didn't have to say his games sucked. You called him a hack which IMPLIED it. I don't think you're keeping up with this point here.

"He said he wouldn’t make that game today due to the political climate... a game he’s already made... because he’s a coward who blames you. Do you understand? Do I need to walk you through this? I got you bro. We’ll get through this someday.""

Did you also miss the part where he said he would LOVE to make another Deus Ex, you know that series that talks about conspiracies, BUT it's owned by Square Enix? He walked back his previous statement in the SAME article. I said this to you in a previous comment. I know reading is hard for you.

"I have no idea what the spiritual successor is and I couldn’t care less after this article lol. If I had to take a guess I’d say boring. An immersive sim void any mystery whatsoever because people like you are too dumb to know the difference lol. I’m a “fake Illuminati ass” because I’m laughing at the people in this article crying about the real world influence of video game stories? That’s funny somewhere I guess. Your emojis liked it at least."

So you're making judgments on a nonexistent game based on a statement he walked back? Just because he SAID he wouldn't do it anymore doesn't mean it's not possible he won't do it again clearly by the fact he said he would LOVE to make another Deus Ex, a series that LITERALLY delves in conspiracies. You are taking ONE of his statements, ignoring his others and are running with it lmfao. You may find this hard to believe but developers don't always stick by what they say.

"I’m a “fake Illuminati ass” because I’m laughing at the people in this article crying about the real world influence of video game stories? That’s funny somewhere I guess. Your emojis liked it at least.""

Except no one was crying "we hate conspiracies, real world influence or whatever you wanna call it", but you seem to want to make it that way for a reason. Seems like my emojis touched a nerve with you. 😂

sourOG1556d ago

That’s exactly what he said lol. It’s literally the second paragraph of the article. I never said he couldn’t make a good game. He said he wouldn’t make a game about conspiracies today, including a game he already made. He wouldn’t have released that in 2021. He thinks it’s scary and I called him a hack because he’s a coward for not standing up for his own work. I don’t doubt his capabilities as a developer. Your implications are just assumptions.

Yeah I know that series that talks about conspiracies and this article that writes about how he wouldn’t do a game about conspiracies today because of real world
Implications. I love reading.

You brought up his next game and told me to make it lol. I couldn’t give a shit less what his next game is. That has nothing to do with the point I was making.
That’s some weird shit you went off on lol.

Yeah that’s exactly what this article is lol. People crying about real world implications from scary video game stories. Nah it doesn’t bother me, I was just pointing out at least someone is laughing at your joke lol. Ol fake Illuminati ass! *canned laughter*. You got your own laugh track my dude, that’s pretty sweet.

Oh you! 😂

BlaqMagiq11556d ago (Edited 1556d ago )

"That’s exactly what he said lol. It’s literally the second paragraph of the article. I never said he couldn’t make a good game. He said he wouldn’t make a game about conspiracies today, including a game he already made. He wouldn’t have released that in 2021. He thinks it’s scary and I called him a hack because he’s a coward for not standing up for his own work. I don’t doubt his capabilities as a developer. Your implications are just assumptions."

Except that's what you DID by calling him a hack and you were called out for it? Now you're changing the definition because you were exposed for it.

"Yeah I know that series that talks about conspiracies and this article that writes about how he wouldn’t do a game about conspiracies today because of real world
Implications. I love reading."

Except he said he WOULD make another Deus Ex if he could and that series is ALL about conspiracies. You really think he wouldn't make another Deus Ex without bringing up "complex conspiracies" because he said it in an article? That is the series literal constant. It's clear you can't see the contradiction here.

"You brought up his next game and told me to make it lol. I couldn’t give a shit less what his next game is. That has nothing to do with the point I was making.
That’s some weird shit you went off on lol."

Well seeing that you're capable of understanding these "complex conspiracies" you should be more than capable of making that game since Warren Spector is a hack and implied he couldn't make a good video game if it's not about a "complex conspiracy".

"Yeah that’s exactly what this article is lol. People crying about real world implications from scary video game stories. Nah it doesn’t bother me, I was just pointing out at least someone is laughing at your joke lol. Ol fake Illuminati ass! *canned laughter*. You got your own laugh track my dude, that’s pretty sweet."

Lol one person says he doesn't want to make it means we are all crying about conspiracy theories? That's funny because last I checked Warren Spector didn't say "people don't like conspiracy theories". He said "conspiracy theories have become part of the real world." So it's clear you don't read. Yup I'm continuing to laugh at your terrible statements. Glad you're acknowledging that.

sourOG1556d ago

Lmao a person that isn’t capable of making good games is your description of a hack, not the definition. A person that created a good game 30 years ago and wouldn’t release that game today due to real world implications is a washed out hack, the term is fine. If it doesn’t meet your description of a hack then that’s your problem. It wasn’t implied on my end, that’s just an assumption on your end.

Yes I can see the contradiction of him wanting to make conspiracy game and him thinking that conspiracy games are dangerous in today’s age. That’s the whole point of my post lol. His spiritual successor sounds dull already just by his mindset.

You: “he didn’t say anything close to that”
Me: yes he literally did
You: “well yeah but you actually believe him when he says something? lol”

Nice argument weirdo lol. Apparently I have more respect for him than you do by believing him lol. I never said I could do better. He said he wouldn’t do it anymore lol. That’s why he’s a hack. It’s not that he’s not capable, he’s not willing because he’s a coward.

I didn’t say you all were crying. I literally said the people in the article are crying. Are you in the article? No? Then I wasn’t talking about you. Another wrong assumption on your part and it’s a common theme here. I never said “people dislike conspiracies”, not once did I say or even imply that lol. YES FINALLY, you got it! He said he wouldn’t do a conspiracy game like deus ex today because of real world implications. It’s too real and scary. I have told you this 3 times but it finally stuck. We’ll end this conversation on that good note. Good job I’m proud of you.

BlaqMagiq11556d ago

"Lmao a person that isn’t capable of making good games is your description of a hack, not the definition. A person that created a good game 30 years ago and wouldn’t release that game today due to real world implications is a washed out hack, the term is fine. If it doesn’t meet your description of a hack then that’s your problem. It wasn’t implied on my end, that’s just an assumption on your end."

Lol no that is THE definition and you're throwing around a word without knowing what it means but want to apply your own definition. You keep calling it an assumption just because of your idiotic use of the word.

"Yes I can see the contradiction of him wanting to make conspiracy game and him thinking that conspiracy games are dangerous in today’s age. That’s the whole point of my post lol. His spiritual successor sounds dull already just by his mindset."

Lmfao no it's not. You're saying he WON'T make it because WE don't like conspiracies when that's not what he said. He said if given the chance he WOULD make another Deus Ex which is filled with conspiracies. You keep saying his spiritual successor is going to be dull when you don't even know what it's going to be about. But because he doesn't make one about conspiracies he's a hack. Wow I didn't you had to be original by making a game about conspiracies. And I'm the one making assumptions lol.

"You: “he didn’t say anything close to that”
Me: yes he literally did
You: “well yeah but you actually believe him when he says something? lol”

Nice argument weirdo lol. Apparently I have more respect for him than you do by believing him lol. I never said I could do better. He said he wouldn’t do it anymore lol. That’s why he’s a hack. It’s not that he’s not capable, he’s not willing because he’s a coward."

By the fact that he contradicted himself means there's no reason to fully believe him. There goes that word hack again. You keep throwing that word around without even knowing what it means. He doesn't HAVE to make one about conspiracies to not be a hack. This makes no sense.

"I didn’t say you all were crying. I literally said the people in the article are crying. Are you in the article? No? Then I wasn’t talking about you. Another wrong assumption on your part and it’s a common theme here. I never said “people dislike conspiracies”, not once did I say or even imply that lol. YES FINALLY, you got it!

Wow one person is people now? My bad I should've known. My wrong "assumption". Lmfao you've been saying "people dislike conspiracies" literally with different wording and that I'm championing "self-censorship" in one of your earlier comments but of course you'll spin that too.

"He said he wouldn’t do a conspiracy game like deus ex today because of real world implications. It’s too real and scary. I have told you this 3 times but it finally stuck. We’ll end this conversation on that good note. Good job I’m proud of you.""

Wow so you're STILL missing the contradiction that he said he WOULD make another Deus Ex if given the chance? If he COULD make another Deus Ex he wouldn't have to make a Deus Ex SPIRITUAL SUCCESSOR. I don't know how you keep missing after I told you this 3 times but it's clear it's NOT sticking. Since you're clearly not understanding this easy point, yeah we'll end it here.

Have a good day. 😂

+ Show (5) more repliesLast reply 1556d ago
senorfartcushion1557d ago

Rockstar said something similar.

I wish creators would get a backbone and accept that every piece of their art will be reflective of the society during the time of creation.

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90°

120 Memorable Warren Spector Quotes

We selected a few words of wisdom that the creator of System Shock and Deus Ex has to share, ranging from his thoughts on game development to collaboration with Disney

Read Full Story >>
en.cbreaker.net
Jimboms2138d ago

this article is a real treasure, thank you!

2138d ago
quent2137d ago

Warren Spector the real MVP of gaming