Triple-A Ain't What it Used to Be

[Rodolphe Kourkenko]

AAA is more a description of the budget of the game and the size of the teams making it imo.
The Titanfall hype didn't work on me because EA described it to make people think "it's our answer to COD", and since i don't like COD, i didn't buyed Titanfall (and i don't want Origin on my PC).

A thing is sure: the more i see advertisments about a game on my tv, the less i'm likely to buy it because marketing budget is taken from the funding of the game and because a good game don't have to use a hammer to write "buy it" into the brain of players (each time i wrote about hype i remember ME3 and Swtor, this two games had looooot of advertisment and did they survive the hype ? It's just an example of course, i'm not a Bioware hater, i'm more incline to think they're an overhyped studio with a weird fanbase)).
I've no problem with people liking Titanfall, i don't judge, far from it, i've lot more problems with the hype surrounding the game BEFORE the launch and for this i look at the "gaming journalizts" and their "detachment".

I buy lot more indie games than AAA. I buyed three AAA in three years and none of them force anything beside Steam on my pc, i never pre order, i don't buy DLC nor microtransactions.

We have what we deserve and i'm fine with the AAA VG now because i don't play any of their product...
It's my choice.

 

[alj]

The problem we face is that the majority of the sales of the over hyped games like titanfall do not come form the informed games enthusiast, but they come from the man in the street the 14 year old hid who has a new xbox who sees an add on tv with lots of words like "awesome" and "smash hit" and so on and does not know any better ( how can it be a smash hit when its not out?).

I this the best way to look at it is, if it sounds too good to be true then it most likely is, i would wait and see what people think of it first. The only time i would pre order a game would be if its from a studio i trust and the game has been shown at shows and people who i trust the opinion of have seen and played it or its an MMO and i get the chance to try out the beta(demo) or something to see if its worth my time.

What needs to happen is for production costs to be rained in massively, then there is less money to have to make back and so you don't have to spend millions marketing your crap game and then the good games will float to the top and the crap will sink to the bottom and the world will be a better place. Never going to happen like but we can hope.

 

[geldonyetich]

Yahtzee was preaching to the choir on this one, and I think he knew it.

But he might have given himself slightly too far into despair in that he might have missed how we really aren't taking it anymore, at least, not exactly.

Triple-A games are still around, true, but they've largely migrated off of the PC platform and onto platforms with less piracy and, more to the point, the owners of those platforms are forced to play their games for lack of alternatives. (Perhaps this is a supporting reason why reverse compatibility went away, and it wasn't all just hardware laziness, DLC, and copy protection? Well, that's a bit of a pin in a haystack, isn't it?)

Here's the thing: the rise of indy games. Take a look at the front page of Steam these days and the indy games outnumber the triple-A about 40 to 1. Of course, part of that is be because indy games are cheaper to make, but the thing is that experienced players, burned out from the nth iteration of a terrible Triple-A experience, are turning to alternatives, and this has created the demand.

While the man behind the curtain may succeed in distracting some of us by staging an elaborate parade through the streets of Oz, those of us who have been fooled too many times before have already looked behind the curtain, flipped the man the bird, and went off to find some other wizard to satisfy our desires for computer entertainment homecoming.

 

[Kolyarut]

I didn't play the first Deus Ex (or, rather, didn't get past the tutorial - the first one feels like a child's drawing compared to the newer one at this point),

I....wow.

Seriously, that Deus Ex tutorial is indefensible. It looks bad, plays bad, teaches poorly, goes on forever and has no story or hook to engage you (all issues that are almost always addressed with the opening of modern AAA games, funnily enough - except with Titanfall, that thing goes on for ages, but at least it teaches you well). Contrast and compare it with the modern equivalent (or almost any other modern AAA game, in fact), and it doesn't hold a candle. Maybe there's a decent game buried a few hours in, but they did a good job of burying it. The dated graphics wouldn't matter a jot if the gameplay or the story were good enough to persevere with.

Human Revolution in particular blows it out of the water, with an opening sequence that addresses every one of those points. That said, I wouldn't personally consider Human Revolution AAA, it's always felt on the second tier with games like Dark Souls or Mirror's Edge to me.

Exactly, there is a ton of variety in gaming these days, more than there ever has been. All this cynicism is starting to get on my nerves.

That couldn't be any more fucking wrong. I haven't been able to find any thing of real interest to me for ages. I can find things to just pass the time sure, but nothing really worth a damn.

The cynicism comes from disappointment, we're far past basic nerves here.

Sounds like it's more a problem with you. I could list a whole bunch of excellent games from just the past twelve months.

Very happy for you. We could discuss what is excellent, but the point of my post is not everyone is satisfied with the choices. And I'm glad you revealed your the type that believes he's so right, that those who disagree must have a problem.

He's kind of right, though. For anyone who's reasonably satisfied with the AAA games coming out at the moment, there is no problem. For those who're not... there's plenty of alternatives available, so why is this an issue?

 

[rembrandtqeinstein]

Ignore corporate publishers and "big 3" consoles.

We are in a gaming renaissance and have been for the last 5 or so years. Its just been getting easier and easier for small, passionate, dedicated teams or individuals to make "good" games and get them noticed by the public. AND, if they produce something worthy, get paid for it.

The tools just keep getting better and better, the promotion and review and marketplaces keep getting broader and more accepting.

The "industry" might pay the bills (and looking at the ads it sure does for websites like this) but the heart of gaming is at the game jams and the developer meetups and on steam greenlight, and in the IOS and android app stores.

And as much as its fun to mock the OOYA was an important first step to broadening the console market that has been pretty much locked down for the last 20 years.

I wish Yahtzee would use his popularity as an "influencer" to promote independent games he thinks are worthy, and spend less time and ink and electrons promoting the very marketing driven bullshit he rails against.

 

[Thanatos2k]

I didn't play the first Deus Ex (or, rather, didn't get past the tutorial - the first one feels like a child's drawing compared to the newer one at this point),

I....wow.

Seriously, that Deus Ex tutorial is indefensible. It looks bad, plays bad, teaches poorly, goes on forever and has no story or hook to engage you (all issues that are almost always addressed with the opening of modern AAA games, funnily enough - except with Titanfall, that thing goes on for ages, but at least it teaches you well). Contrast and compare it with the modern equivalent (or almost any other modern AAA game, in fact), and it doesn't hold a candle. Maybe there's a decent game buried a few hours in, but they did a good job of burying it. The dated graphics wouldn't matter a jot if the gameplay or the story were good enough to persevere with.

The fact that you quit one of the best video games of all time because it didn't have a perfect tutorial and because of the graphics is what dumbfounded me.

Did you know I didn't even know there was a tutorial at first? That I found it after I was 8 or so hours in? And that it didn't impact my play experience at all? That fact that you need a tutorial reflects the sad state of AAA gaming these days.

 

[Kolyarut]

The fact that you quit one of the best video games of all time because it didn't have a perfect tutorial and because of the graphics is what dumbfounded me.

Did you know I didn't even know there was a tutorial at first? That I found it after I was 8 or so hours in? And that it didn't impact my play experience at all? That fact that you need a tutorial reflects the sad state of AAA gaming these days.

I didn't say it wasn't a perfect tutorial, I said it failed in every possible way a tutorial can possibly fail.

It's not like I wasn't raised on old and arcane games, I've been gaming since the early 90s (and just happened to miss Deus Ex at the time), but there's no shame in saying that modern games are better at providing information, and better at frontloading some interesting content to show you what makes the game special. No tutorial at all is better than a bad tutorial, but better still is a sensible learning curve that's properly integrated into the game, and modern AAA games are *far* better at that.

 

[Nazulu]

He's kind of right, though. For anyone who's reasonably satisfied with the AAA games coming out at the moment, there is no problem. For those who're not... there's plenty of alternatives available, so why is this an issue?

No he's not right. There isn't plenty of alternatives. That was my point.

I'm happy for you 2 to be able to find things you can look forward too, but there has been fuck all for me, and many others I know. There used to be millions of things I liked, and now there isn't.

No tutorial at all is better than a bad tutorial, but better still is a sensible learning curve that's properly integrated into the game, and modern AAA games are *far* better at that.

This is a joke as well. Modern games are known for holding your bloody hand the whole way, they aren't far better at any thing. The best games I've played teach you with subtle hints, giving you the chance to think and accomplish everything yourself. There were many of these during the classic era, one of my favourites being Super Metroid, a game very well known for it's design.

 

[Kolyarut]

He's kind of right, though. For anyone who's reasonably satisfied with the AAA games coming out at the moment, there is no problem. For those who're not... there's plenty of alternatives available, so why is this an issue?

No he's not right. There isn't plenty of alternatives. That was my point.

I'm happy for you 2 to be able to find things you can look forward too, but there has been fuck all for me, and many others I know. There used to be millions of things I liked, and now there isn't.

Without any background in what sort of specific subgenre of games you've been waiting for a revival of, it's going to be hard to point to anything specific, but I find it incredibly hard to believe that there's a genre of games that used have millions of new releases and has now faded away without a trace.

No tutorial at all is better than a bad tutorial, but better still is a sensible learning curve that's properly integrated into the game, and modern AAA games are *far* better at that.

This is a joke as well. Modern games are known for holding your bloody hand the whole way, they aren't far better at any thing. The best games I've played teach you with subtle hints, giving you the chance to think and accomplish everything yourself. There were many of these during the classic era, one of my favourites being Super Metroid, a game very well known for it's design.

Modern games tend to have a lot more buttons to press than the 2d sidescrollers of days gone by - and there is no subtle hint on which button you press to run, or to throw a grenade, or whatever. Without those prompts appearing on screen, you're telling people to read the manual or mash buttons until they figure it out. Given that different games map their controls differently to prioritise different sets of actions, it's not unreasonable to expect a game to tell you how to play it.

 

[Nazulu]

He's kind of right, though. For anyone who's reasonably satisfied with the AAA games coming out at the moment, there is no problem. For those who're not... there's plenty of alternatives available, so why is this an issue?

No he's not right. There isn't plenty of alternatives. That was my point.

I'm happy for you 2 to be able to find things you can look forward too, but there has been fuck all for me, and many others I know. There used to be millions of things I liked, and now there isn't.

Without any background in what sort of specific subgenre of games you've been waiting for a revival of, it's going to be hard to point to anything specific, but I find it incredibly hard to believe that there's a genre of games that used have millions of new releases and has now faded away without a trace.

Oh please, quality titles don't grow on trees. And you won't be able to figure out what I'm interested in. If I wanted your help I would've asked, but I don't need to with the net.

Modern games tend to have a lot more buttons to press than the 2d sidescrollers of days gone by - and there is no subtle hint on which button you press to run, or to throw a grenade, or whatever. Without those prompts appearing on screen, you're telling people to read the manual or mash buttons until they figure it out. Given that different games map their controls differently to prioritise different sets of actions, it's not unreasonable to expect a game to tell you how to play it.

Oh wow. Shows how much you know. There are many many functions to Super Metroid, a lot not even shown. And it's not the only game I was talking about either.

There are ways to show how things work, it's how you design it. The clever ones usually do it by introducing things slowly with obstacles that spark the idea. And I don't just mean all the moves you can make, but just how to get around or how to even overcome a challenge.

Just in case anyone gets confused, I'm not saying classic games were just better at this, just that there are many terrible examples these days too.

 

[Arcane Azmadi]

Amen Yahtzee. I remember when "triple-A" meant "top quality", not "enormously hyped up and blinged out" or "millions of dollars spent on it".

I don't even bother with so-called "AAA titles" any more. None of them. Not one single one. Every single last one of them can fuck off. I got better things to play.

 

[Kolyarut]

He's kind of right, though. For anyone who's reasonably satisfied with the AAA games coming out at the moment, there is no problem. For those who're not... there's plenty of alternatives available, so why is this an issue?

No he's not right. There isn't plenty of alternatives. That was my point.

I'm happy for you 2 to be able to find things you can look forward too, but there has been fuck all for me, and many others I know. There used to be millions of things I liked, and now there isn't.

Without any background in what sort of specific subgenre of games you've been waiting for a revival of, it's going to be hard to point to anything specific, but I find it incredibly hard to believe that there's a genre of games that used have millions of new releases and has now faded away without a trace.

Oh please, quality titles don't grow on trees. And you won't be able to figure out what I'm interested in. If I wanted your help I would've asked, but I don't need to with the net.

Well, yeah, it does seem kind of weird that between Google, Steam, news sites and message boards you can't find anything to satisfy your interests, but given the variety of stuff coming out at the moment (quality titles may not grow on trees but they may as well do - as someone said earlier, this is a frickin' gaming Renaissance we're in at the moment), I find it deeply suspicious that you can't find anything and won't name a genre for fear of... hearing about good games?

Modern games tend to have a lot more buttons to press than the 2d sidescrollers of days gone by - and there is no subtle hint on which button you press to run, or to throw a grenade, or whatever. Without those prompts appearing on screen, you're telling people to read the manual or mash buttons until they figure it out. Given that different games map their controls differently to prioritise different sets of actions, it's not unreasonable to expect a game to tell you how to play it.

Oh wow. Shows how much you know.

Is there any need for this attitude?

There are many many functions to Super Metroid, a lot not even shown. And it's not the only game I was talking about either.

There are ways to show how things work, it's how you design it. The clever ones usually do it by introducing things slowly with obstacles that spark the idea. And I don't just mean all the moves you can make, but just how to get around or how to even overcome a challenge.

Just in case anyone gets confused, I'm not saying classic games were just better at this, just that there are many terrible examples these days too.

It's really easy to design a game and not tell people how to play it. What takes some skill and craftsmanship is actually seeding that information properly in the game, and pacing it properly so that people have a chance to find out what abilities and strategies are available, learn them, implement them, and then pick up new ones. For a game in a similar genre, I'd nominate Mark of the Ninja as a modern game that does an exceptionally good job at that.

 

[Wntrmt]

The hype around titanfall did nothing but put me off.

Underneath it all, there was a nugget that I kind of liked - the idea of a fresh CoD-like game, one that isn't incredibly stale dog doo-doo, and also with big robots. That nugget was pretty good.

But it was buried under such an extreme, loud, obnoxious and clearly manufactured-purely-by-suits hype machine that it undermined the interest I had. It was just so obviously not genuine, and just marketing gone to the extremes. Then when I finally did play the game... it was ok, but nothing amazing.

I think it's lose-lose for the triple A industry. If they manufacture hype so much and then deliver games that are "just ok" then people who buy into the hype will eventually tire of it, and the people already sick of the manufactured hype will just go "see, thats why I'm this way. See!" and further reinforce their distrust and disdain

 

[Nazulu]

Well, yeah, it does seem kind of weird that between Google, Steam, news sites and message boards you can't find anything to satisfy your interests, but given the variety of stuff coming out at the moment (quality titles may not grow on trees but they may as well do - as someone said earlier, this is a frickin' gaming Renaissance we're in at the moment), I find it deeply suspicious that you can't find anything and won't name a genre for fear of... hearing about good games?

Gaming renaissance is posh. Absolute rubbish. And I knew you were one of those who made assumptions. You're as bad as the other guy, because there must be something wrong with me cause you can find what you want. It's not as great as you make it out to be. 97% is generic and shallow, and the rest doesn't interest me at all. That's all I'm saying.

Also, I said I didn't need to say a bloody fucking genre because I can easily look myself. This is an answer I usually get that I didn't ask for. And so I'm scared now. You can go work for Scientology and tell everyone they're depressed too. Seriously

Is there any need for this attitude?

When you show no knowledge of it, yes. I know you want to write it all of quickly because you are oh so right. You even said there is no subtle hint on how to run. Are you kidding? Super Metroid did all of this, that's why I mentioned it. It's great in that it doesn't rub all this information in your face, just how to select it, and then it gives you an obstacle to test it on. It didn't even need to bring up the running.

It's really easy to design a game and not tell people how to play it.

I really hope you're not just saying I'm ignorant. What games were you thinking of when you wrote this?

It's up to you mate. If you want to keep talking to me like a clueless bint then I'll return the favour.

 

[Extragorey]

As I reached the end of the article, I became increasingly unimpressed with the volume of vulgarity used in the text. Then at the end I saw why - it was written by Yahtzee. Because apparently that guy can't express himself without resorting to foul language. Swearing while talking fast is one thing, but if you need to inject coarse language into your writing then you have a problem. Reminds me of a Mark Twain quote, actually: "Substitute "damn" every time you're inclined to write "very"; your editor will delete it and the writing will be just as it should be."
Except obviously this isn't the case for articles published on The Escapist. How disappointing...

On the subject of triple-A games, however, I find that marketing is increasingly being directed at non-gamers more than anything. Personally I get my news from official press releases by the developers or interviews in which they do frequently discuss the actual gameplay content of the game. I've never been one to pay attention to marketing. Especially when EA is behind it - for all the irony in their name, they really don't seem understand the attraction of the medium.

 

[ShinyCharizard]

Exactly, there is a ton of variety in gaming these days, more than there ever has been. All this cynicism is starting to get on my nerves.

That couldn't be any more fucking wrong. I haven't been able to find any thing of real interest to me for ages. I can find things to just pass the time sure, but nothing really worth a damn.

The cynicism comes from disappointment, we're far past basic nerves here.

Sounds like it's more a problem with you. I could list a whole bunch of excellent games from just the past twelve months.

Very happy for you. We could discuss what is excellent, but the point of my post is not everyone is satisfied with the choices. And I'm glad you revealed your the type that believes he's so right, that those who disagree must have a problem.

In this case you do have the problem, if your going to seriously say that 97% of games these days are generic and shallow then the problem clearly lies with you.

 

[Nazulu]

In this case you do have the problem, if your going to seriously say that 97% of games these days are generic and shallow then the problem clearly lies with you.

You know what? I'm done here. I'm clearly talking to people who believe they know whats best for everyone. You believe these times are so perfect for gaming right now, I believe it's ass.

Edit: We've come to an understanding. Just leave it

 

[Kameburger]

It's certainly an industry with an overly forgiving population. And I really don?t understand it if I am quite honest with myself.
I seem to be a true minority of those who still haven?t forgiven Blizzard for Diablo 3. I don?t understand how people can give money to EA even though only 1 out of every 10 games they release seems to dial the DRM down enough to deter me from embedding my controller in the dry wall, well, except for sports games, because EA hasn't seemed to figure out a way to ruin those yet (but when was the last time you saw madden reviewed on a gaming site). I don?t get how UPlay and Origin and all the Always Online DRM nonsense doesn't stop a significant enough population from buying a game to warrant them to stop.

Then again I do feel like the poster child for all this is Cliffy B, who I?m convinced was abused and bullied by happy consumers his whole life and has vowed and is now secretly plotting revenge on them in the new legion of doom he built with the money he?s acquired through the Facebook/Oculus deal.

The goal of triple A games is not how to produce a good product, but how much money can you throw at it to convince people to buy it at full price at launch.

 

[rasputin0009]

I dunno, Titanfall has some pretty good mechanics that allow for a challenging competition between other people. Pretty much what you want from a multiplayer game. Sure, it's got some fancy dressing for it to look good in trailers, but it also looks good while you're playing it. Just because it had a lot of marketing and people got excited for it to means it was a shitty game?

Also, if the AAA industry is so different from its past, why weren't there any specific examples of past AAA games given? Silly article.