Realistic Games Don't Have To Be Boring

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the concept of realism in video games, arguing that while many see it as limiting, it can be a highly creative tool when used thoughtfully. Through examples like *Death Stranding*, *Metal Gear Solid 3*, *Final Fantasy 15*, and *Virtual Fighter*, the video highlights how realism can enhance gameplay, narrative, and visuals. The speaker challenges the idea that realism ages poorly, emphasizing that it’s not about achieving perfect representation but using realism creatively to elevate the gaming experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Realism in games is not inherently bad or boring, but can be seen as vain or uninteresting by certain parts of the gaming community.
• 😀 Games like Death Stranding challenge the typical use of realism by making walking, balance, and carrying items a core gameplay mechanic.
• 😀 Realism can be a creative tool in games, offering unique design and gameplay experiences rather than being a limitation.
• 😀 Realism is a spectrum, with some games leaning heavily into realism, others mixing it with stylized elements, and some focusing on unrealistic elements altogether.
• 😀 Many games use realism in the same way, which can lead to it feeling stale, much like overly repetitive stylized art can become tiresome.
• 😀 Realistic art styles can be as expressive and creative as stylized ones, using techniques like color grading, costume design, and set design.
• 😀 Color grading in games can evoke specific eras or moods, as seen in Metal Gear Solid 3's '60s-inspired aesthetic.
• 😀 Costuming and casting choices in games, such as exaggerated hairstyles in Final Fantasy XV, can enhance character design and the game's themes.
• 😀 Set design in games like Mirror's Edge uses clean, minimalist environments paired with bright colors to create a unique visual identity.
• 😀 Realistic visuals can have functional benefits, such as enhancing emotional impact in horror games or ensuring immersion through realistic environments.
• 😀 Realism in games can serve gameplay functions, as seen in the precise hit detection in Virtual Fighter, offering more control and authenticity in combat.
• 😀 The belief that realistic games don't age as well as stylized games is reductive—games like Mirror's Edge still look visually appealing today, and realism can age well depending on context.
• 😀 Realism in games is often a product of technological limitations at the time, and older games’ attempts at realism are now appreciated as a retro aesthetic.
• 😀 As technology progresses, future games may look more similar to each other in terms of realism, making older attempts at realism more unique in hindsight.
• 😀 Realism can be an important artistic approach, but it should be used creatively to stand out and avoid the trap of becoming overly generic or stale.

Q & A

Why does the speaker believe realism in video games isn't under attack?

The speaker believes that most people are fine with realistic games and that realism is not under attack. However, some parts of the gaming community associate it with being vain or boring, which the speaker disputes by emphasizing how realism can be an interesting creative tool.

What is Death Stranding's approach to realism, and how does it affect gameplay?

Death Stranding incorporates realism by making the player think about walking and carrying things as they would in real life. Players must maintain balance while delivering packages, with even minor environmental details like bumps affecting gameplay. This makes walking and movement more immersive and integral to the experience.

How does the speaker define realism in video games?

Realism is viewed by the speaker as a spectrum rather than an absolute. Some games lean heavily into realism, others mix realism with fictional or stylized elements, and some are completely unrealistic. This variation makes realism a flexible and creative approach in game design.

What is the issue with generic realism in games, according to the speaker?

The speaker argues that the problem with realism is not realism itself, but rather the generic way it's often used in many games. Just like any art style, if realism is applied without innovation, it can become stale and uninteresting.

How does the speaker argue that realism in visuals can still be creative?

Realism in visuals can be creative by using techniques like color grading, costuming/casting, and set design. For example, Metal Gear Solid 3 used a yellowish hue inspired by 60s films, and Final Fantasy 15’s exaggerated hairstyles for characters were used to express personalities.

What role does color grading play in the creation of a game’s aesthetic?

Color grading involves the use of lighting and saturation to give a game a certain hue, which helps to evoke a specific mood or time period. For example, Metal Gear Solid 3 used a yellowish hue to capture the feel of 1960s films.

How does costuming/casting contribute to realism in video games?

Costuming and casting impact the aesthetic of characters by influencing their appearance, from hair to fashion to body types. In Final Fantasy 15, for example, characters have unique, exaggerated hairstyles to emphasize their personalities and to fit the game’s theme of fantasy based on reality.

Why does the speaker think that realistic art direction can create stronger emotional impact?

Realistic art direction can create a stronger emotional impact by enhancing the believability of the game's world. For example, horror games often use realism to make the environment more convincing and, therefore, scarier. Similarly, Mortal Kombat's increasing realism enhances the shock value of its gore.

How does Virtual Fighter stand out among other fighting games in terms of realism?

Virtual Fighter distinguishes itself by focusing on more grounded, realistic mechanics, such as precise hit detection. This allows players to dodge moves based on positioning and the direction of the character's limbs, making the gameplay feel more intuitive and strategic.

What is the speaker’s view on the common belief that realistic games don't age well?

The speaker understands the belief that stylized games age better than realistic ones, but argues it is somewhat reductive. While technical limitations in earlier realistic games made them look dated by today's standards, the speaker believes that with technological advancements, older games can still be appreciated for their unique aesthetic.