| steven787 said: Heavy Rain is an attempt at drama, and I can appreciate the risk there, but I would like to see more. More War games that tackle the difficulties and pain of war. More adventure games that bring you into the feelings of loneliness and struggle of the adventurer. Fantasy that challenges modern day society to look at itself, like Gulliver's Travels or Alice in Wonderland. Where are the deeper characters, more poignant humor, and challenging themes? |
Well, it's beginning to happen. War games which challenge war: MGS3. Fantasy which makes society look at itself: Final Fantasy 12. Deeper characters: DMC3.
Two of the biggest barriers in making better games are (1) game designers don't know enough about history and aesthetics, and end up copying other genres instead of innovating, and (2) the pressure to make money - you have to sell 500,000 copies just to break even.
The first problem can be solved by better education - universities should teach game design, people who make games should be cosmopolitan and have extensive cultural literacy.
The second problem is tougher. The big franchises have the resources and stability to allow creators to shine, e.g. the MGS franchise is bankrolling Hideo Kojima. On the other hand, "Shadow of the Colossus" and "Ico" were magnificant games, but never turned a profit. Fortunately, Sony had the sense to continue to invest in the team behind those games.
I think eventually governments will have to get serious about co-financing game development, just like most non-US governments support their local cinema and television industry. You don't pick winners, but you can provide tax incentives, create educational infrastructures, do other clever things to create a game-literate society. Korea has been doing something like this for awhile.
