Skip to main content

Indie game storeFree gamesFun gamesHorror games
Game developmentAssetsComics
SalesBundles
Jobs
TagsGame Engines
(+15)(-1)

I partly disagree. I think gameplay in & of itself can be a form & expression of art, to express & share emotions, sensations, frustrations, joys, and it feels belittling to dismiss it as entirely separate from & in existence only to serve the rest of the art. While games that are experimental in story or audio or themes or other experiences do not dominate the scene, it seems disingenuous to imply games that are trying to be experimental or innovative or "quirky" in their gameplay mechanics are dominating it, at least in my experience. It feels like a dichotomy's trying to be formed here where it doesn't need to be. 

That said, yes, there are a lot of games that try to "perfect" gameplay or reinvent the wheel for no other reason than because they think it'll sell or because that's what makes good game design, and it's possible I'm misunderstanding the point.

(1 edit) (+8)

Yeah, I like this comment. I want to add that I want good bread, but also good ingredients. I'd prefer to have both. The fillings are accessible and contained this way, and the filling makes it a tasty nutritious experience. I don't really agree with this manifesto, but it makes sense.

The gameplay experience is extremely important to me because of my mental condition, but I only like story based games.

(+1)(-2)

I partly disagree. In order for gameplay to express an emotion you must have an artistic point beneath. Without it there is no emotion to what you do. A good example is Hotline Miami. Re-imagine it as a stick figure flash game for a moment (maybe its called "Ringtone Utah"). Rather than being grounded in the cocaine fueled violence of the 80s- its childish and doesn't hit with the same punch. The slow exit from the carnage would be stripped away quickly if we were to think of only gameplay being of importance (as downtime would prevent us from experiencing more gameplay).  

The opposite end of this is Hotline Miami without any of the gameplay which is watching a video essay about Hotline Miami. I'd rather play Ringtone Utah than watch any video essay ever, actually.