Why Stealth Sucks

Summary

The video script discusses the decline of the stealth genre in gaming, with 'popcorn stealth' becoming prevalent where games simplify the mechanics to maintain action focus. It explores why developers may have abandoned pure stealth games, suggesting psychological factors and modern gaming conventions that favor immediate rewards over strategic patience. The script also speculates on the future of stealth, noting its potential in indie games and the need for innovative approaches to revitalize the genre.

Takeaways

• 🤖 The term 'popcorn stealth' refers to a simplified and less challenging stealth gameplay style, often found in games that prioritize action over pure stealth mechanics.
• 🎮 Stealth games have seen a decline in recent years, with fewer dedicated titles and more games incorporating stealth as a secondary feature rather than a core genre.
• 😕 The 'ghost of Shishima' example illustrates how stealth is sometimes presented in a way that feels more like a gimmick than a true test of ninja assassin skills.
• 📉 Classic stealth franchises like 'Thief' and 'Splinter Cell' have been largely absent, with 'Dishonored', 'Deus Ex', and 'Metal Gear Solid' seeing long gaps between releases.
• 👥 'Mimimi Games', known for 'Shadow Tactics' and 'Desperados', was a significant contributor to the stealth genre but was shut down shortly after releasing 'Shadow Gambit'.
• 🚫 The perception that breaking stealth in games should feel like a failure is not universal, with some games offering enjoyable combat that lessens the impact of being spotted.
• 🧠 Psychological factors play a role in the decline of the stealth genre, as the delayed gratification and potential for frustration can clash with modern gaming conventions.
• 🎯 The rise of multitasking while gaming and shorter attention spans have affected the stealth genre, which often requires focused, uninterrupted play.
• 🛡️ 'Listening mode' in some games was an attempt to give players more control, but it could trivialize the challenge by revealing too much information.
• 🔍 Scouting and tagging systems have become a common middle ground, providing some control and planning rewards without giving away too much.

Q & A

What is 'popcorn stealth' as mentioned in the script?

Popcorn stealth refers to a style of stealth gameplay that is more about appearance than providing a challenging or realistic stealth experience. It is characterized by enemies being conveniently positioned to allow for easy maneuvers, and where failure to maintain stealth is not heavily penalized, often because the game is designed to be more enjoyable when played with direct combat.

Why has the dedicated stealth genre seemingly declined in recent years?

The dedicated stealth genre has declined due to several factors: the rise of action-oriented games, the fact that stealth gameplay can be less forgiving and more stressful for players, the difficulty in creating satisfying progression systems for stealth, and the changing expectations of modern gamers who often prefer immediate rewards and faster-paced gameplay.

What are some examples of games that have diluted or secondary stealth mechanics?

Games like 'Assassin's Creed', 'The Last of Us', 'Far Cry', and 'Tomb Raider' have stealth as a secondary mechanic. These games often feature more action-oriented gameplay with stealth being a supplementary part of the gameplay loop, used to diversify gameplay and add depth to activities.

How do the psychological aspects of gameplay affect the popularity of the stealth genre?

The psychological aspects of gameplay play a significant role in the popularity of the stealth genre. Stealth games often involve delayed gratification and can lead to feelings of stress and frustration due to the need for careful planning and the potential for instant failure upon being detected. This contrasts with the immediate rewards and positive reinforcement found in action games, which are often more appealing to a broader player base.

What is the issue with enemy AI in modern stealth games as described in the script?

The issue with enemy AI in modern stealth games is that it is often too forgiving and lacks realism. Enemies are frequently programmed to be conveniently oblivious, allowing players to easily maneuver and avoid detection. This makes the stealth experience feel less challenging and less immersive, as it does not accurately simulate the tension and skill required in real stealth scenarios.

Why do some players prefer action gameplay over stealth in games?

Some players prefer action gameplay over stealth because action games typically offer immediate rewards, a sense of empowerment through combat, and less stringent consequences for failure. The direct and often快节奏的 combat can be more engaging and satisfying for players who seek immediate results and do not want to invest as much time in careful planning and execution.

What is the significance of the 'Mark of the Ninja' and 'Desperados' games in the context of the stealth genre?

The 'Mark of the Ninja' and 'Desperados' games are significant in the stealth genre because they focus primarily on stealth mechanics, making any other approach, such as direct combat, unreliable. These games emphasize the importance of stealth by punishing players for being spotted or engaging in combat, thus encouraging the use of strategic and covert methods to achieve objectives.

What are some design principles that can improve the stealth experience in games?

Design principles that can improve the stealth experience include providing more options for stealth approaches, creating intricate and layered level design that allows for multiple solutions, and balancing AI behavior to make stealth both challenging and rewarding. Additionally, offering abilities that enhance stealth without trivializing the experience can help maintain the tension and strategic depth that define the genre.

How does the script suggest the industry's approach to stealth games has changed over the past decade?

The script suggests that the industry's approach to stealth games has shifted away from treating stealth as a genre towards treating it as a supplementary feature in games. This is due to the challenges in creating a wide appeal for pure stealth games and the preference for action gameplay, which offers more immediate and satisfying rewards for players.

What is the potential future for the stealth genre according to the script?

The script suggests that the future of the stealth genre may lie in indie games and in AAA games that offer a fresh take on stealth mechanics. It also indicates that the genre could benefit from games that provide more dynamic and complex stealth options, as well as from developers who are willing to experiment with supernatural elements and power fantasies that enhance the stealth experience.