A reader argues that video games are becoming too long and too time-consuming and dont fit in well with modern life.
Theres been a lot of talk recently about whether Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is too hard and whether thats putting people off from playing it. Based on my experience of previous FromSoftware games I imagine its probably judged just about perfectly, assuming you know what youre getting into and have the patience for it. But I may never find out, because for me the problem is not the difficultly but the length of time it would take to beat it.
Since I passed 30 I began to realise that video games are not aimed primarily at me anymore, or at least not the big name ones like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Destiny. Never mind whether I would want to, I dont have the time to play them for hours every day just to keep on top of the current meta. And would resent playing exactly the same thing day in and day out when Ive got a world of other experiences out there that I could be enjoying instead.
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But if youre a teenager with nothing in particular to do I can see the appeal, especially if youre playing with your mates and chatting while you play. But thats not a video game thats a glorified chat room. If thats whats popular then fine, but its not for me.
I was briefly interested in Anthem, because I liked the idea of the flying and the Iron Man suits, but when I realised just how much it was like Destiny I knew Id never have the time or if I did it would become the only game I ever play, which I dont want. But these are specific types of games and becoming your whole life is their point. If thats what some people want then I dont want to mess with it but Im also experiencing similar problems with single-player games as well.
Assuming Sekrio is similar to Bloodborne that game would take a huge amount of my time for probably a month or two to beat and while Im sure Id enjoy it Im also sure Id begin to resent it. Ive similar concerns about Metro Exodus, and while I havent played one of the Metro games before my impression is that its a complex, lengthy single-player adventure – which is exactly the sort of game I love and exactly the sort of game I havent got time for anymore.
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I would like to make it clear Im not criticising these games in any way or suggesting that theyre doing anything wrong. Maybe the games as a service titles, that exist purely to fleece impressionable teens from their pocket money, but the single-player games are not a fault. Its not them, its me.
I dont think Im alone in having a lack of spare time and a multitude of other entertainment options all nagging away at me (if I dont use them that subscription will be a waste of money!). Video games are evolving into an all or nothing situation where you either dedicate all your time to them or theres no point bothering at all.
No wonder mobile games have become so big, and now companies are desperate to stream real games onto them as well. It also helps explain the success of the Switch, especially as many of its games are cut up into easily digestible pieces. Ive got 20 minutes on the train free every day, but I feel lucky if I have that much at home.
By comparison, games I have enjoyed recently – or more importantly have had time for – include thRead More – Source
