Innovation is everywhere. The level of attention it’s received over the past few years is incredible. It isn’t a new concept, but it’s definitely a buzzword in game development today.
Why is that, you ask? Well, it’s no secret. Flash games, the growth of portable gaming, and the Wiimote have broadly redefined video games for the popular audience. More people are understanding games as expressions of human experience through play, rather than as simple toys or distractions.
If innovation is so great…why the spiteful title and contradictory introduction? Because my friends, innovation is frustrating. Any developer will tell you that it’s a love/hate relationship. An awkward tryst with an elusive partner. Wanting something and caring for it so deeply, only to find that it snuck out before you woke up the next morning…stealing your sense of self-worth.
You tried to impress it. Playtesting sessions were the awkward dates that defined your relationship. It played along for a little while, enjoying the distraction, but eventually got bored and moved on. Armor Games is cooler than you any way. Plus, I heard he’s got a bigger budget. Sigh.
Sometimes, you just have to say, “Screw you, Innovation.” You’re hurting my brain and my feelings just can’t take it anymore. We both know your hotter, cooler, and more popular than me anyway. I’m tired of trying to cater to your needs. I’m going to go hit on “first person shooter” and “awesome graphics” for a little while. It’ll make me feel better about myself, plus they put out faster.
Ra-sun Williams is an NYC-based Designer/Producer. He works on XBLA titles in the heart of Chinatown and spends his non-existent spare time making dope beats and fresh sounds. Twitter-stalk him now @rasunwilliams if you like cool things and cool people. It makes him happy. www.ra-sun.com
10 responses so far ↓
1 carmen // Apr 10, 2009 at 9:41 am
great post! innovation is great but it’ll cost ya.
2 Dv8thwonder // Apr 10, 2009 at 10:18 am
A truly innovative game will pull you in no matter what demographic it caters to.Pretty graphics mean nothing if there is no substance to back up the visuals.A rewarding experience and a feeling of accomplishment tied around fun, pick up and play gamplay is all I ever wanted, so should you.
3 carmen // Apr 10, 2009 at 12:33 pm
Yes I agree, we are seeing a lot of innovation in downloadable games. (mobile and through console store fronts)
4 ra // Apr 10, 2009 at 12:59 pm
@ Dv8thwonder, Absolutely! I couldn’t agree more. I think that’s what most people want. This is a satirical essay about the frustrations of actually making an innovative game from the developer perspective, not just playing one.
5 jerkface // Apr 10, 2009 at 1:36 pm
Well put, Brandon.
6 Kim Herbst // Apr 10, 2009 at 2:02 pm
I know this all too well!! As an illustrator/game artist, I’ll definitely veer towards games with great graphics! Biased or not, I think great graphics means they spent time on visuals which is a massive part for gaming. It’s the first thing you experience when starting the game. It also can make or break how intuitive a game is! Innovation is so hard nowadays since we’ve advanced so far, it goes the same way with art. We know just about everything’s been done and to come up with an idea that’s never been done before doesn’t ALWAYS mean it’s going to be a great innovation. The trial and error; that’s the tricky part!
7 carmen // Apr 10, 2009 at 2:40 pm
good point Kim. When I was reading this post, I thought about an iPhone game called Trace. The graphics are nothing fancy compared to other iPhone games, but it’s such an addicting puzzle game, the visuals don’t bother me at all. So maybe you can sacrifice one without the other as long as the concept is intriguing enough.
8 carmen // Apr 10, 2009 at 3:24 pm
want to be a guest blogger next month? email me at carmen [at] iuwii.com with your post idea.
9 Dv8thwonder // Apr 10, 2009 at 6:40 pm
I see so much talent right here in these comments.What’s stopping any of us from collaborating collectively to achieve the ultimate innovative title?
10 carmen // Apr 11, 2009 at 7:58 pm
yeah, collaboration (different skill sets, interests) can yield some interesting ideas. if only I had more time…
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