Ever pause and think about why so many modern video games are going for that ultra-realistic look instead of diving into more imaginative and fantastical worlds? When we have the tech to create anything our minds could conjure, why are so many games grounded and limited? As someone who loves both vivid fantasy and immersive realism in games, I’m curious about this trend. How do you think game designers should balance these elements?
6 Answers
You know, it’s wild to think realism and fantasy are wrestlers in a ring. I’ve spotted many games rocking both. The gaming world is huge—over 14,000 new games a year! You’re bound to find a good mix of both genres without squashing them into just two boxes.
Look beyond the surface, and you’ll see realism in games like simulators or certain shooters. But let’s not forget the fantastical worlds like in ‘Elden Ring’ where realism takes a side seat to creativity, sometimes spinning it on its head with crazy enemies like giant fingers!
First off, it’s important to pin down what ‘realism’ and ‘imagination’ mean, because these aren’t necessarily opposites. Plus, there are loads of games mixing both—like, think of those with real-world settings and fantasy twists. It’s not exclusive to the modern era, either.
I feel like realism can enhance a game’s immersion, making it feel more believable. But when it makes the gameplay stale or hampers creativity, what’s even the point? Games like Kingdom Come or RDR show that realism works, but it shouldn’t overshadow imaginative fun.
Personally, as I’ve aged, my favor toward fantasy worlds has dipped. I just can’t connect with them. But when a game mirrors the real world slightly, like Cyberpunk or Battlefield, I find myself much more engrossed. Different strokes, though!
Some developers chase the realism bandwagon to sell better graphics and systems, similar to what’s happening in the film industry. You can have games with stunning stylized art that don’t demand top-tier hardware, but glossy realism often grabs more attention.
