Gimmicks

[cobra_ky]

According to <a href=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/9.189338-Poll-Can-we-stop-calling-motion-controls-gimmicky>this thread, a lot of people think that motion controls are a "gimmick". I can't help but wonder what else the Escapist considers a gimmick.

Personally I've always thought vibrating or "Rumble" controllers were pretty gimmicky, but people still lost their shit when the PS3 didn't have it at launch. The DS was probably one of the most gimmicky systems of all time, between the dual screens, touch controls, and microphone; very few games are capable of effectively utilizing all of those features at once. (The World Ends With You being the obvious exception.)

I guess my question is, where do motion controls lie in the long, long history of gaming gimmicks? Will they die out completely like the Virtual Boy? Will they drive a successful platform like the DS? Or will it become as ubiquitous as Rumble has, to the point where it's difficult to imagine a modern console without it?

 

[FinalDream]

I only consider motion controls a gimmick because they have been horribly implemented into the vast majority of games. When a develop gets it right, it works beautifully but more often than not they don't.

However the biggest gimmick currently must be 3D. Its really awful either in the cinema or games so my only response would be to kill it fire.

 

[inglioti]

i don't know. i always thought motion control was a gimmick because it utilised relatively new technology while at the same time reducing the amount of control players had. while it was initially pretty cool, people generally came to the conclusion that it was pretty useless for precision gaming. whats more, the introduction of motion control, the selling point and "best" aspect of it, was introduced to the detriment of other features such as improved graphics and immersion through more buttons, etc.

i don't know. i never thought rumble was a gimmick because i grew up with it on my PS2, and i'm generally of the opinion now that the distinction between a gimmick (in my opinion motion control) and something relatively more permanent is an option that adds to normal gameplay while not detracting from it.3D gaming could achieve this, as one could presumably turn it off, and it wouldn't affect controls or anything. the same cannot be said about motion control with the wii - you either have a wiimote or no super mario galaxy for you.

 

[xbeaker]

Motion contols are a gimmick. Force feedback, and rumble are also gimmicks. The fact that they are gimmicks does not make them bad. Notice, that rumble has persisted on, while force feedback (like steering wheels which would actively resist) have all but disappeared.

Wii controls in which flailing around simply replaces a button press is a bad gimmick. Motion controls which give us game experiances which we could not have with a standard controler are good gimmicks.

 

[MelasZepheos_v1legacy]

It's a fine line, but it comes between what increases the experience, and what does not. Fully integrated motion control in which your every movement is mapped perfectly to the character, effectively a full step on the road to totally immersive virtual reality, is an innovation, an improvement, a hallmark to keep.

A sensor that looks like a tv remote, works at a half second lag translating your movements, and is innundated with awful third party games and add ons, is a step backwards down the gaming highway.

The worst part is, motion control could become more than a gimmick, it could become the glorious first virtual reality step, but it won't, because right now it's making money, and then when people get bored of it, instead of trying to improve it, developers will just move onto the next gimmick. This is why gaming may be in danger of stagnating, because they're all chasing money too much.

 

[razormint21]

Gimmick is what the masses call it. In a corporate sense, particularly quality management, we'd call it "features".

And what is so wrong about things being gimmicky? It's a win-win for consumers and corporations. You get what you pay for(and possibly more), and we thank you for it. Sure some are expensive, but the experience to play games is a luxury already..

 

[LostintheWick]

I don't think the rumbling is a gimmick. It's another form of feedback outside of what we get visually.

 

[Petromir]

Whether somethings a Gimmick is often how something is implimented.

3D in most movie/TV releases has been gimmicky. Avatar isnt really, it genually allowed you to be sucked into the picture more. 3D has the potential to be as important as colour, and as important in involving you as good surrond sound is. Avatar is one of the few places its been done well in cindema.

As for motion controls and the like, you have to ask is it any better to use than the system its replacing, once you've got the hang of it. For some applications I can see motion/gerasture based controls getting there, but at the moment they tend to either be the fun in themselves rather than what you're using them to do, or a barrier to what you want them to do.

 

[shemoanscazrex3]

I only consider motion controls a gimmick because they have been horribly implemented into the vast majority of games. When a develop gets it right, it works beautifully but more often than not they don't.

However the biggest gimmick currently must be 3D. Its really awful either in the cinema or games so my only response would be to kill it fire.

I'll definitely agree to that 3D seems to be the other new wave next to motion controls. Until they make me something where I don't have to wear glasses and I feel like I'm in the movie or game pfft keep your 3D. Then again I don't want a real life Tron or facebook via South Park on my hands

 

[Katana314]

The difference between a gimmick and a feature is simple. A Gimmick makes everything revolve around it, like the Wii's Motion Controls or the Touchscreen on the DS, while a feature isn't required, like rumble controllers.

So, by your logic, shooting people in an FPS is a gimmick?

Before we continue arguing we need to settle on a definition. Dictionary.com says...

gim·mick
?noun
1.
an ingenious or novel device, scheme, or stratagem, esp. one designed to attract attention or increase appeal.
2.
a concealed, usually devious aspect or feature of something, as a plan or deal: An offer that good must have a gimmick in it somewhere.
3.
a hidden mechanical device by which a magician works a trick or a gambler controls a game of chance.
4.
Electronics Informal. a capacitor formed by intertwining two insulated wires.

Unfortunately, this is very unlike what we seem to think of gimmicks.

 

[Audioave10]

A gimmick is OK as long as its only optional.