I'm not a joke account, believe it or not.

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I'm not saying it is always mutually exclusive. But in the video games industry it seems that fun is the ONLY aspect of video games that is being pursued on the Wii (and to a great extent every system). Some games, such as the one I linked to above give a very convincing arguement that video games do not "need' to be fun in every single case, even if, at large they should target the mass market. There are more niche (though sometimes quite popular) movies and  books that work on a purely mind-fuck level, be it surreal, abstract or plain information overload. Other pieces of art such as paintings are often quite depressing and those that appreciate it often find themselves lacking any positive emotions, but rather feel overcome by the grief, sadness, melancholy of the work perhaps even moved to tears-certainly not fun in the traditional sense yet just as if not more appreciated on a deeper level.

As a mass market driven entertainment industry I expect most games to target the trigger happy individual who is looking for enjoyable, light hearted escape from reality. That is FINE. The problem is that the video game industry has created a mentalily where games appealing to a more niche audiance who is willing to invest mentally and emotionally into his games simply do not pass concept stage if even that, save a very few exceptions.

 This just further shows my ignorance.  This is not a good night for me.

Please, please tell me DTG is kidding.

FOR THE LOVE OF GOD SOMEONE HERE TELL ME HE IS KIDDING.

In all seriousness, I believe I'm starting to understand what you're getting at. You want games to focus on making Oscar-calibur stories and the like, while also having good gameplay.

I'd point and laugh, but in all honesty, I'm okay with you having that opinion, IF you're willing to understand that almost none of us feel that way. The majority of us are here for gameplay and fun first, with depp plots and characters coming in second. And since we're the majority, we're going to get most of the games. I'm sorry, but that's the way it works.

Take heart, though. There are still some games geared towards people like you, even if they're slim pickings. Theresia in particular might appeal to you. I do ask, though, that you please extend the same tolerance towards others' tastes as you hope they give to you. Again, you're outnumbered here, so while it's okay to voice and explain your opinion don't beat us over the head with it, or expect it to be the norm. (For the record you haven't done so in this thread yet, although you should probably explain yourself more in the future, as I was certain you were joking the first time. Again, minority).

A game can also be an intriguing work of art that captures the players mind and puts him/her in a different world  he/she can be made to care about. I remember being sad that Aeris died in FFVII. This won't be considered "fun". So using your "fun" logic, FFVII isn't a game?

Don't worry about it. We all have our off nights.

Edit: Hell, I screwed up in this thread alone.

Games are meant to be entertaining. Why is it so important that they be considered art? I don't buy games because they are art, I buy them to have fun. This article nails it.

Playing games can also be competitive, relaxing, rewarding and many other values. Nintendo fans just seem to want to be lieve that "fun" is the end all in gaming. In my case, I don't play games to have fun. I do it to relax or compete with friends or engross myself in a new world. I date for my fun thanks.