Older games often achieve a lasting appeal that many modern titles lack, due to a combination of factors. Simpler designs and smaller scopes meant more focus on core gameplay loops, which fosters replayability and allows communities to master and explore the mechanics in depth, even creating their own content through modding. Modern games, burdened by larger budgets, often prioritize graphics and complex systems that can detract from engaging core gameplay and become outdated quickly. Additionally, live service models with ongoing updates and microtransactions can fracture communities and make it difficult to revisit older versions, effectively killing the game as it existed at launch. These older, simpler games remain accessible and enjoyable precisely because they are complete and unchanging experiences.
The blog post "Why old games never die, but new ones do" by pleromanonx86 delves into the intriguing phenomenon of longevity in video games, exploring why certain titles from previous eras maintain vibrant communities and enduring appeal while many contemporary releases fade into obscurity relatively quickly. The author posits that this disparity arises from a confluence of factors related to design philosophy, technological advancements, and the evolving dynamics of the gaming industry.
One key argument centers around the concept of "completeness" at launch. Older games, often constrained by technological limitations, tended to be released as fully realized experiences, offering a defined scope of content that players could fully explore and master. In contrast, many modern games, particularly within the "live service" model, are released in a perpetually evolving state, relying on continuous updates, expansions, and microtransactions to extend their lifespan. This constant flux, while potentially engaging in the short term, can lead to a sense of incompleteness and a lack of definitive closure, ultimately contributing to a game's decline as players move on to the next evolving experience.
The author further elaborates on the impact of technological advancements. While modern games boast impressive graphical fidelity and complex mechanics, these advancements can paradoxically create barriers to entry and long-term preservation. Older games, with their simpler technical requirements, are easily accessible on a wide range of hardware, even decades after their initial release. Furthermore, their comparatively simpler codebases make them easier to modify and maintain by dedicated communities, ensuring their continued playability even as original development support ceases. Modern games, tied to specific hardware platforms and complex software ecosystems, face greater challenges in terms of long-term accessibility and preservation, potentially leading to their eventual demise as technology marches forward.
Furthermore, the author touches upon the shifting landscape of the gaming industry. The increasing prevalence of online multiplayer and competitive gaming contributes to a faster churn rate for modern titles. As player bases migrate to newer releases with updated features and competitive metas, older online games can quickly become ghost towns. This contrasts with the enduring appeal of single-player or locally multiplayer experiences found in many older games, which remain accessible and enjoyable regardless of the current gaming trends.
Finally, the author suggests a nostalgic element contributing to the longevity of older games. For many players, these titles represent a connection to their past, evoking fond memories and a sense of familiarity. This nostalgic appeal can sustain interest in older games long after their initial popularity has waned, creating a dedicated community that continues to play and celebrate these classic experiences. In essence, the author argues that while technological advancements and evolving industry practices have undoubtedly enriched the gaming landscape, they have also introduced factors that can contribute to the ephemeral nature of many modern titles, contrasting sharply with the enduring legacy of their older counterparts.
Summary of Comments ( 245 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44083917
HN users generally agreed with the premise that older games are more replayable, citing factors like simpler design focusing on core gameplay loops, and a lack of aggressive monetization schemes. Some argued that "new" in the title really meant AAA games with bloated budgets and feature creep, contrasting them with indie games which often capture the spirit of older titles. Several commenters highlighted the importance of moddability and community-driven content in extending the lifespan of older games. Others pointed out the nostalgia factor and the rose-tinted glasses through which older games are viewed, acknowledging that many releases from the past were simply forgotten. A few dissenting voices argued that newer games also have staying power, especially in genres like strategy and grand strategy, suggesting the author's generalization was too broad.
The Hacker News post titled "Why old games never die, but new ones do" (linking to a blog post on pleromanonx86.wordpress.com) generated a moderate amount of discussion. Several commenters offered perspectives that expanded on or challenged the original blog post's premise.
A compelling line of discussion revolved around the concept of "discoverability." Some users argued that older games benefit from nostalgia and established communities, making them easier to find and connect with, even years later. Conversely, the sheer volume of new releases makes it difficult for modern games to stand out, even if they possess similar or superior qualities. This echoes the blog post's point about the overwhelming nature of choice in today's gaming landscape.
Several comments highlighted the impact of ongoing development and community modding. Users noted that many older games enjoy continued life through fan patches, mods, and private servers, which fix bugs, add content, and even allow players to experience the game in new ways. This ongoing community involvement contributes to their longevity, a feature less common with newer titles, especially online games that rely on official server support.
The discussion also touched on the differences in design philosophy between older and newer games. Some users felt that older games prioritized gameplay mechanics and replayability, while newer games often focus more on graphics, narrative, or a shorter, more curated experience. This difference in focus, they argued, can impact a game's long-term appeal.
Another perspective suggested that the blog post's premise wasn't entirely accurate. Some commenters pointed out that many modern games maintain active player bases for years, particularly in genres like MMOs and competitive online games. They argued that the perception of newer games "dying" might be skewed by the rapid pace of the industry and the constant influx of new releases.
The idea of accessibility and cost was also mentioned. Older games are often cheaper and easier to run on a wider range of hardware, broadening their potential audience. Furthermore, the lack of always-online requirements and aggressive DRM in older games can make them more appealing to players who prefer offline or single-player experiences.
While there was some disagreement on the nuances of the blog post's argument, the comments generally agreed that factors like community engagement, ongoing development, design choices, and discoverability all play a role in a game's lifespan. The conversation provided valuable insights into the complex dynamics that determine why some games endure while others fade into obscurity.