At 49, one gamer has had enough of the current state of the gaming industry and is turning his back on the current generation. As a long-term gamer who has been playing since childhood, he has always enjoyed diving into the commentary around gaming. However, recent developments have left him feeling exhausted and disenchanted.
Take a look at the modern gaming landscape, and it's hard not to feel overwhelmed by the cynicism and commercialism that permeates every aspect of the industry. Fortnite-chasing clones like Horizon Hunters Gathering are just the latest examples of a trend that has been going wrong for years. The divide between old and new gamers has never been wider, and it's clear that the executives in charge are oblivious to the problem.
The old guard remembers when games had intent, soul, and creative spark. They recall the Capcom standard of the 90s and early noughties, when developers were writing the rules rather than following the latest trend. Games were self-contained experiences that you could complete and put on a shelf, rather than just another installment in a never-ending series. The younger generation, on the other hand, has been indoctrinated by a manufactured ecosystem that prioritizes live service models and microtransactions over genuine art.
The real tragedy is that many older players are finally hitting the brakes. As hardware costs spiral out of control and the prospect of a PlayStation 6 looms large, it's becoming clear that the hobby is no longer affordable or enjoyable. Rather than continuing to throw money at a system that has become increasingly soulless, many are opting to revisit the golden era of gaming and rediscover the joy and creativity that once defined the medium.
It's easy to get caught up in the doom and gloom of the gaming industry's future, but looking backwards can be a powerful antidote to the cynicism and commercialism of modern gaming. By celebrating the masterpieces of the past and embracing the self-contained experiences that defined the medium, gamers can find a renewed sense of purpose and joy in their hobby.
For those who have grown tired of the corporate machine and its relentless pursuit of profit, there is a way forward. It's not about abandoning the hobby or giving up on the industry, but about taking a step back and rediscovering the things that once made gaming so special. By doing so, gamers can ensure that the medium continues to thrive and evolve, rather than succumbing to the homogenization and commercialism that threatens to consume it.
