Right, because women absolutely adore TV shows, movies, and books where the writing and characters have depth.
I challenge you to watch Lifetime and still be able to say that with a straight face.
Almost all popular cinema is shallow these days, and it doesn't surprise me that video games are following the same trend. A common rule of thumb in the TV industry is that if the audience cannot identify with the main characters within the first 10 minutes of the pilot or show, they'll change the channel.
Writers and producers for television have definate pressure to keep viewers watching across the entire life of a show. Video game companies, on the other hand, do not. If you can look at the box, identify with the characters, take it home and grasp the game's concept and controls fairly easily, they've done their part. You've already purchased the product. Sure, you may not suggest the game to your friends , but for the big name stuff that hardly matters. Sims: easy to understand, no depth. Splinter Cell: Easy to understand, little depth.
Amazingly, even for MMOs (I refuse to call them RPGs) where a monthly subscription is paid, depth is in short supply and yet people continue paying for the pleasure of doing some level and money whoring.
Even in games which are arguably "deep," the depth is always a sidenote to the game and unimportant in understanding or playing the game. (Final Fantasy)
The question is: Does the average gamer want depth in their video games? All indications say no.
Unfortunately I think many parents (if not people in general) have the typical toddler's response to responsibility these days.
Just point your finger at the nearest involved party and shout "Look what you made me do!"
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This just in: President Bush's advisors debate Kerry's comments so that Bush doesn't have to.
Right, because women absolutely adore TV shows, movies, and books where the writing and characters have depth. I challenge you to watch Lifetime and still be able to say that with a straight face. Almost all popular cinema is shallow these days, and it doesn't surprise me that video games are following the same trend. A common rule of thumb in the TV industry is that if the audience cannot identify with the main characters within the first 10 minutes of the pilot or show, they'll change the channel. Writers and producers for television have definate pressure to keep viewers watching across the entire life of a show. Video game companies, on the other hand, do not. If you can look at the box, identify with the characters, take it home and grasp the game's concept and controls fairly easily, they've done their part. You've already purchased the product. Sure, you may not suggest the game to your friends , but for the big name stuff that hardly matters. Sims: easy to understand, no depth. Splinter Cell: Easy to understand, little depth. Amazingly, even for MMOs (I refuse to call them RPGs) where a monthly subscription is paid, depth is in short supply and yet people continue paying for the pleasure of doing some level and money whoring. Even in games which are arguably "deep," the depth is always a sidenote to the game and unimportant in understanding or playing the game. (Final Fantasy) The question is: Does the average gamer want depth in their video games? All indications say no.
Unfortunately I think many parents (if not people in general) have the typical toddler's response to responsibility these days. Just point your finger at the nearest involved party and shout "Look what you made me do!"