Looking around lately, it would appear as if all game developers (PC or console) seem to think that all games should follow a new code: pretty graphics to make up for lack of gameplay. Not only is this “dumbing down” a bad idea; it's also a little offensive to me. I am offended that companies have focused all of their direction toward the major teen & “pre-teen” demographics. On one side, we can see that yes, children playing from mommy and daddy's wallets are a huge market in the video gaming world, but maturity-wise we should understand that these children don't have the mindset needed to really get proper information more than what they get bombarded with from advertising.  They're loose with “their” money, and it's a cheap-shot way of offloading trashware for a profit. I am not a video game producer, so what say do I have in it right?

Bayonetta (See, it looks pretty good!)

The video game market, however, is not a dead cause. Every once in a while, games still shine through that take to heart how storyline, gameplay, and/or character development are still important. For console gaming: whether it's the brilliant, fun, and clean gameplay and storytelling of Bioshock, or the cute, innovative, and customizable gameplay of Little Big Planet, some games can still reach out and burst past the glass ceiling most new games are content building. Unfortunately, these titles are few and far between. Both of the above mentioned titles were huge hits, and although most people who have played them see why, why do you think that is? To me, it's as clear as day that they put effort into every aspect of the game (the way it should be done, mind you). Games such as Bayonetta, on the other hand, drop into the gaming world with heavy advertising, and abundance of gorgeous graphics, and albeit nerdy sex appeal, but then fails to deliver on every level except graphics. (And lonely nights making her dance, YOU SHOULD ALL BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!).

The short-lived Fury (coutesy of MMO Hub)

Although these can be “easily” said of the console world, when crossing over into PC MMO territory, the lines get a little more difficult to draw. The expansive nature of MMO's make storytelling limited to in-game lore, while most try not to seem to linear and closed-off. MMO's by nature cannot be “beaten” though, and are thus stories without endings. But how much is being put into the “story” and its involved gameplay? Tons of MMO's have started off showcasing gorgeous graphics, such as Fury, but are quickly left because of the gameplay.  A good example of a ray of hope through the cloud is the game Age of Conan, which integrates not only breath-taking visuals, but fun, innovative, and clever gameplay. AoC is a good example of how a large company can do something more than just a high-end graphics engine.

Age of Conan

As mentioned above, console gaming seems to be on a steady “quality decline”, but on the bright side,  it would appear as if MMO's may be taking a turn for the better. “Major” titles have taken a back seat as “indie” developers have risen to the occasion.  With the increasing availability of technology, engines, and other game-developing necessities, prices on independent project development have made this undertaking more possible.  Sure, they don't have the “greatest graphics modern technology has to offer”, but they make up for it by understanding what the gamers want to see. Some MMO's which have recently launched or are scheduled in the near future are lacking in many or most of the features players most request.  Some don't even have crafting systems. Many don't offer player housing.  It's as if combat were the only thing in the game that mattered.  Are you kidding me? That is the most blatant example of game producers doing absolutely no research, which may be why some seem to think pretty aesthetics (and scantily-clad female characters) are enough to keep us entertained.

As an end note, dear game developers: You're on to something with these groundbreaking visuals you are using, but if you don't stop assuming we are all children who only like shiny objects with no substance, then you are going to keep being disappointed by the lack of subscriber numbers.  High-quality graphics are a PLUS, but they are not the end-all when it comes to online gaming (or console gaming for that matter).  If you want to make a truly epic game, try taking a look at what all these indie games with potential are doing, ask the players what THEY want, and build off that.  The MMO genre doesn't need another “easy button” game, or more large-breasted elf maidens in revealing leather.  Come up with something different.