We’re somehow still in this shipyard, and still getting nothing important done. Thankfully, this will be the last time we ever see it.
I look at the real-time ocean waves simulation, completely with rocking ships, the same way I do the lovingly rendered horse testicles in Red Dead Redemption 2, wondering what the point of it is. Often I find that with AAA game development, there’s so much work put into these small details that offer such little return. Admittedly, it is an impressive technological feat for the PS3, and I’m glad those boundaries were pushed, but I don’t know if the game was made better for it. I can’t rightfully look at this level and say that it would be any more or less fun if the stage wasn’t wobbling slightly under my feet.
As I grow older, and play more video games, I start to recognize that more and more. These uses of high production value ultimately detract from the final product than they add, despite being impressive on their own merits. I doubt my word, or anyone’s word, would cause it to stop happening, but it’s worth pointing out all the same.
In the world of content creation, a common adage is to keep polishing a piece of work until it’s about 80% of what you think you can do at your best because the remaining 20% isn’t worth the time and effort it would take to achieve. If I could wave my magic wand, one of the first things I would do is win the lottery and retire to do hobbies Let’s Plays full time. The second thing I would do is make that adage extend to the games industry.
I think we’d all be better off for it.
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