Do Graphics Matter in 2011?

Is gameplay still more important than graphics? Bright Hub looks back on the touchy issue and discusses why technically impressive graphics may be more important now than ever before.

[DigitalRaptor]

Graphics have always mattered. Why do a select group of people try and downplay graphics or even question it?

They might not be as critical as gameplay, but both come together to form the overall experience. Often, the more realistic or visceral a game is the easier it is to be immersed in the atmosphere of the game. Some games go for style over realism.

If graphics aren't important, why would companies make better hardware year after year?

Anyway, 2011 is bringing new handhelds which of course offer graphically inferior games to what is available on consoles - but that doesn't matter because its about the overall experience.

[zeeshan]

We are paying $60 (excluding tax) this gen. Our current-gen consoles can provide us with both great graphics and gameplay (Uncharted 2, MGS4, Heavy Rain, Mass Effect, Dead Space, Killzone 2/3 and the list goes on...) so I believe the devs should work hard on providing both great graphics and gameplay. However, this is like expecting every Hollywood movie to be a blockbuster and that is simply not going to happen :(

[Baka-akaB]

the whole "graphic whore" "gameplay is more important" is just a poor excuse and line of defense for every game each of us enjoy that have a poor graphical display .

There are to sides to graphics anyway ...
The technical ones , and then the design and art .

When honest with themselves , people will mostly , if not only , forgive a game for being graphically poor if :

- It's only poor in the technical aspect while sporting a good artstyle and design . As now common with many jrpg and japanese games

- It's indeed poor at every visuals aspects , but offer a unique gameplay experience than mitigate and overwhelm the cons .

There is barely any gaming without a modicum of graphics , besides stuff like minecraft , wich are covered in the second categorie anyway .
gamers should stop being so hypocrite , many wouldnt be caught playing text based games .

The only ones that truly dont care , arent "really gamers" yet , and would be the casual crowd from dr Kawashima and co .

[AWBrawler]

it allows for new ways to play.
if we never had better hardware, we'd be playing Atari Colicovision, and frogger. Neither of which I found fun. So that argument is silly.
do you think Mario 64 could have existed on the Atari? God of War? Halo? no! they couldn't cos they would be lame.
Why do so many peole act like graphics are the only reason new consoles are released?

[DigitalRaptor]

It was simply supporting the fact that the evolution graphics and visual fidelity is more important than some people try to imply.

[Action GO FIGURE]

Too... many... games... to... care...

[Nicaragua]

Do graphics matter - YES

Do they take precedent over gameplay - NO

Do good graphics enhance gameplay - YES

[Naota]

I think you said it perfectly.

[tablav]

Simple...and true.

I've replayed old games and the graphics have taken a little away from the experience; but it's not a deal breaker.

[a08andan]

I agree. There will be a point in time where improvement of the graphics is unnecessary and then I think the gameplay will get another meaning. A lot of developers today boast with "Amagad we do tze best grafix" and put out a game with a lot of bugs. *cough* Activision (Black Ops) *cough*

[dredgewalker]

I also agree, anyone who asks "should graphics matter?" should never buy a new console or even upgrade their pc's. PC's and current gen consoles today wouldn't be the graphical powerhouses if graphics didn't matter.

[AWBrawler]

problem with that is I'd miss out on all the new games. now if they keep releasing everything on the Wii, then maybe I wouldn't upgrade unless somebody introduced something new that I can't do on these current consoles.

[Cloudberry]

.
I still could play great games with average graphics anytime.

[Baka-akaB]

yet notice the key word "average" , not "awful" . And i bet those game still appeals to you thanks to their art and design .

[Malebaria]

Agreed. It's part of a game- just like soundtrack, setting, characters, gameplay, it all boils down to creating this virtual world wherein you feel immersed.
Different people might prefer gameplay to level design but, personally,I'd never neglect the technical side of graphics and its evolution.

[TwistedMetal]

yes graphics matter as long as the graphics arent the crap ones for games like halo then they are mostly ok.

Basically games that look like the ps3 exclusives or the games made by awesome 3rd party developers like rockstar, square enix, etc.

That crap graphics like crackdown, fable, halo needs to freaking stopped and needs to stopped getting hyped for real. Them games are freaking fugly last gen look crap.

[Daz]

Halo looks very good ;/ what are you on about.

[tablav]

Halo does look good. Not AMAZING, but good. You're bound to get disagrees here though, purely because it's a 360 game and this is N4G.

[guigsy]

Halo has one of the best art styles and some of the best visual effects in any game. People seem to write it off because it doesn't look uber realistic, it doesn't need to.

[jimbone79]

I think Reach's graphics, especially on N4G, are very underrated. Everything from the particle effects, to each needle from the Needler having its own ambient light, to being able to see the shields around your armor, to the explosions, the new texture system they put in it, and all maintained while in huge battle’s with 20+ enemies on screen 2 banshees flying overhead, and 4 phantoms zooming around tiring to wreak shop. Yea, Halo: Reach is awesome in the graphics department. I can't name any other game on consoles that does what Reach does while still looking as good.

[TheDivine]

Reach has great graphics and Fable 3 has some really amazing graphics. Fable has come really far. Have you even played fable 3 on a great big hdtv? Crackdown while not mindblowing is definately good enough to enjoy the game. Yes graphics matter but even lower ps3/360 games are good enough. You also need art, gameplay, frames per second, how smooth it is, no lag exc. 360 and ps3 are so close graphically i cant believe people argue or care about the difference in a few games.

[guigsy]

Art style matters, realism not so much.

[christheredhead]

graphics matter, of course, i just wish it wasn't to the extent it is now. screenshot comparisons, demo/game comparisons, and pixel counting is getting ridiculous.

[Naota]

Graphics are nice but they are not everything. That is why I can play an older game like Suikoden, or an older Final Fantasy Game.

But would I expect a new game to have good graphics? Well yes... does it have to be Crysis-quality? Not really but it would be nice.

[Baka-akaB]

Except those older games looks good , only tech wise outdated .
Suikoden wasnt a graphic juggernaut , but its artstyle had definitive value and charm .

And well each FF has always been a graphic beast at the time of their release , along with a very stylish design ...

That's the difference between the 100% realism oriented stuff and those games .

No one will care about crysis in 5-10 years ... it will just be replaced by Crysis 6 or a new equivalent with the always improving new engines popping out . While people will always remember duke nukem among other things

[thief]

Graphics were very important till 2008, and then KZ2 came out and it turned out the PS3 with it poorly designed cell processor, inadequate RAM and weak GPU could push out graphics the 360 could only dream of - and so gameplay became more important than graphics.

[Masterchef2007]

The cell is extremely well designed. And the ram is good as well.

[kenjix]

I think you are missing the sarcasm. The media used to always talk about how 360 had the best graphics and best ports. Now that roles have reversed they are trying to sing a different tune. Muahahah

[Masterchef2007]

It really is diffult to detect sarcasm when its all a wall of text.

[badz149]

wall of text? do you even know what that means? see #20: now THAT'S a wall of text. theif's not at all!

[redsquad]

Of course graphics matter - In many instances, quality visuals enhance the gameplay.
If they didn't matter, I'd still be playing my SNES.

[tablav]

Go back and play your SNES. The art style in SNES games was very very good. Just because it's 2D, doesn't make it any less visually appealing.

Games like Tales of Phantasia, Donkey Kong Country and Chrono Trigger look great.

[redsquad]

Honestly, I've tried - They just aren't as fun as I remember.

[Masterchef2007]

Gameplay>Graphics

But this doesnt mean that graphics dont matter cause graphics can add to the immersion of a game. Its like playing Oblivion with 2D GFX it wouldnt give you the same feeling. Anyways most people when they buy a console they look at the best games that are out. And its usually visuals that win them over. I am just talking about your average buyer not a gamer who surfs the web looking up info of games. Of course what they buy has got to be what factors into their budget cause for example someone who only wants to spend 400€ isnt going to but a gamming PC for example

[aaabbbccc4324]

graphics are always important and im looking forward to the day they become 100% photo-realistic

[candystop]

Graphics are great and I love them but what really makes a game memorable for me is just how immersing it is and it's art style.

[ian72]

Graphics do matter, but most games now on PS3/360 are good.
To me the difference in multi-platform games graphics, eg, RDR,Mafia2, don't make any difference to me. Extra grass etc, don't make the game any less enjoyable on PS3 than 360. Differences like that are negligible to me.
Same with PC games. Playing in 1080p at 60+ fps, doesn't make the game (most games) any more enjoyable than playing at 720p at 30 fps. They still look (only a sleight difference) and play the same.

[mamotte]

What are we talking about exactly? Graphics or design? I dont care about graphics, I dont care about'em being photo realistic, and that's a tendence that's actually worrying me . But I'm ok with design, give something like Okami or Katamari or Madworld or Muramasa, it doesnt matter if it's 480p. Bring me realistic people... and I'll go to the cinema and watch a kid's movie.

A graphic designer and illustrator's words.

[P_Bomb]

Of course they matter. Bad graphics can break the immersion, good graphics can increase it. Seeing Mario Bros evolve from Mario 1-3 on the NES was a joy. Heck, going from Metal Gear on the MSX to the Playstation and XBox was mindblowing. As gameplay evolves, so must the presentation. What they've done with water, lighting and polygons over the years has been amazing.

[sewerdog]

NO. graphics don't matter for the XBox . that is you can't even compete with the PS3 and the PC is a different level .

[sich92]

for PS3 it always gets better over time ,so no need to worry about it ,no need to overdo it like GT5 and might turn out to be a disappointment like it,BUT it would also suck if gamese outdated graphics too :)

in other words it matters for KZ,GOW and MGS :P
and also uncharted but in a CG way

[Inside_out]

This gen now more than any other seems to have alot of emphasis on graphics. In part the fault of the console makers trying to justify the high cost of the machines and pointing out this spec and that spec. That leads of course to the devs getting in on it talking about their game engines, especially if they are in the business of selling it. Which then leads to fanboys from different consoles and games to claim there game is better because of something dumb like the resolution...O_o

Vidoe games have always been about game play. If the game sucks game play wise, it won't matter how good it looks, no one will buy it and care. When a game looks great but plays bad, it's no different than a tech demo. Having said that...

...graphics still play a big part of the fun. Crazy, over the top physics and explosions...big or small heavily detailed animations really help a player become immersed in the world he is entering.

I thought Resident evil 4 was one game that really broke thru many of the barriers and open the door for devs to make a game as interactive and cinematic as can be...If for some reason you missed this game it's a must to play...

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

There have been many like Prince of Persia: sands of time, Half-life, Zelda...etc that have transported gamers to a different time and place. Recently, I've found the MW2 campaign, albeit some what short depending on playing ability and difficulty level, to be an action packed thrill ride into that genre...here's one of my favorite missions...takedown...hit the Hd option for best results...

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

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

Notice how the story and game play was interwoven in the sequence. From the opening scene, everything comes together. You are asked to get down, if you don't you die...lol...then all hell breaks loose and your asked to give chase, ALWAYS involved in whats happening. Your asked again to take down the enemy by shooting him in the legs. This triggers a short cut scene interlude where the a couple of the " good " guys are going to torture someone for intel ( in light of Prez bush )...you are asked to keep going. You run up a couple of stairs and a beautiful backdrop appears of Brazil, right above the slums no less and all sorts of madness ensues, including the need to shoot a couple of dogs. The level ends with a cut scene cinematic when you have capture the enemy...Wow...many games would of had numerous cut scenes scatter through out that level, ruining the fast paced action and incredible gun play. The game also feature many greats environments and locations with fantastic game play and graphics with a genre leading 60 fps for the quick game play. Not the most politically correct game out there but definitely one of the best.

Soooo...it's a combination of great graphics, game play and story that will bring out the buying public. MW2 is one of the top selling games this gen...on all platforms for this reason...haters aside.

[DarkFantasy]

PC has the best graphics around ,so good that it is pretty much next gen compared to consoles PC will always be a step ahead just like it was last gen.graphics do matter but gameplay matters more if i didn't game on both PC and PS3 i would of missed out on some great games.

[RevXM]

Really why is it that people still brings this up?

Every aspect of a game is important.
Its not like a game cant have a fair share of everything.
Graphics is very important, just like Story, gameplay, design and Polish.

@Nicaragua
Well said.

Now I have a question.
Why do people keep buying broken games like
Black ops?
way more important.

[pcz]

movies like blair witch project and paranormal activity used limited resources and technology out of budget restraints. So the camera's, the style and everything about those films reflect that limitation.

companies like nintendo have only limited the technology in the wii an alike because they are tight fisted. they can afford to develop cutting edge technology, but instead they go for profit.

the wiis graphics dont suck because nintendo are strapped for cash, or they want to give us games with an old skool feel, they suck because nintendo are greedy!

[TheSanchezDavid]

Just wanted to tell everyone that I appreciate the comments and discussions. For those of you who actually read my article, you'll see that I actually point out that while gameplay is still the most important factor in a game, we're going through a period where graphics are indeed very important. For the spammer that commented above me, your weak comment with foul language and poor grammar (did you go to school there, sonny?) has been reported. If today's graphics were equal in quality to your grammar, we'd still be in the Atari generation.

-David

[AWBrawler]

How can this article say that the Wii has lost a "Sizable chunk" of fans for its lack of HD.
correct me if I'm wrong, but 80+ million is higher than the Gamecubes 21 million right?
How have they "Lost" anything. You guys can scream new audience all you want, but its still gaining, and I know several people who went from PS2 to Wii and even from XBox to Wii.

[TheSanchezDavid]

There are plenty of core gamers who have expressed their dissatisfaction with the Wii. Even Zelda fans have stated that they won't be getting Skyward Sword due to their lack of interest in the console. Yes, the Wii has garnered a massive audience, but a sizeable chunk of core Nintendo fans don't care about the console. It's a shame, because it's actually a very good system, but it's true. By sizeable chunk I meant the core gamers who used to like Nintendo and eventually went on to sell their Wii (or didn't even bother buying it).

So yes, when I say they've lost fans, I mean the gamers who initially had some interest in the console only to lose that interest later on.

[AWBrawler]

but they gained more, its like you're in a car and you lose $20 of gas but someone gives you $100 more in gas. does it matter that 20 is gone if you have 100 now????

but I see what you mean, and most of the people I know who claimed to be nintendo fans and didn't get a wii, didn't own the Cube last Gen, so thats just hot air they are blowing out

[TheSanchezDavid]

Yeah, in reality, there's validity to both our arguments. The Wii lost some hardcore gamers but gained a ton of casual gamers for every hardcore gamer they lost. Overall, they didn't lose anything. But in terms of the core gamer, they lost a good amount.

It's just a shame that so many gamers hate the console due to its lack of HD visuals.

[Seferoth75]

Well if you look at the market its easy to see they do not to the average consumer. Systems with inferior specs like PS3/360/Wii/PSP/DS are all selling yet they do not compare to a PC.
People who say they matter yet play on outdated tech are just fanboys trying to justify their purchase.

[ufo8mycat]

Graphios are some what important, but no where near as important as gameplay.

I remember playing Crysis on my PC on MAX settings. The game looked gorgeous, but after I got over how nice it looked (about 30 minutes), I got bored with the gameplay.

Ive played graphically inferior games like Just Cause 2 and had much more fun with that.

- A game with amazing graphics, but crap gameplay, will still suck in the end.

- A game with amazing gameplay, but average graphics, will still be absolutely fun to play.

People who think otherwise, are just trying to justify their purchase.

[TXIDarkAvenger]

Amazing visuals along with great gameplay is a good game.

Anyways, some gamers (a majority) always want better and better graphics. Well sorry to burst ur bubble but Xbox 360 and PS3 have limitations which hold back the games graphics. Ah only if it was possible that every dev would use 100% of the console's power than we'd see some really amazing visuals and great gameplay also meaning dont have to give up great graphics for gameplay or vice versa.

[Azianphil88]

when you paying a 60 dollar value game you expect high quality game and graphic is a factor in a true gamer.