Why Good Game Design Matters More Than Ever These Days

Sometimes, when I play games these days, I take a break and just sit there in awe, admiring the graphics. Visual quality has come a long way. Some games today are so hyper-realistic it’s hard to distinguish them from real life. Not to mention the introduction of 4K gaming, Ray Tracing, and Path Traced reflections asking “Is this real enough for you?” But then, I move on to playing the game, and often find the visuals as the only impressive stuff.

In the pursuit of ultra realism and cinematic appeal, the more important things got left somewhere along the way. If you ask me, amazing visuals are fine, but if it comes at the cost of engaging gameplay, I’d much rather stick to the old classic stuff that may not look as good, but definitely packs a stronger punch as a game. This is exactly why game design and creative execution matter a lot, especially these days.

Gameplay Engagement Comes First

Today, countless students aspire to join the ranks of game developers. There’s a lot of academic pressure; so much so that students seek aid, like “help me write my essay.” Yet they continue to pursue the dream of making games, and that’s very admirable. Not only that, but we need fresh, creative talent in the industry these days. It would really help if all these layoffs weren’t so discouraging and heartbreaking.

For the next generation, its important to understand that for the majority of us gamers, it’s a lot more important that a game stays engaging, keeps you on edge, and carries creative mechanics rather than looks super detailed. Atleast, that’s what I believe. Because in the end, you play a game because you want interactivity, mindblowing world design, intricate gameplay, or just creative playgrounds you can wreak havoc in. If you wanted a realistic cinema, wouldn’t you much rather watch a movie?

The gaming industry's obsession with realism is making videogames less fun
byu/angus0314 inunpopularopinion

This is where game design comes in. A methodic approach to carefully designing a level, keep player engagement in mind at every step, and adding unique mechanics and fun segments is the way to go. When it comes to open worlds, rather than a streamlined, checklisted approach, a deeper focus on sense of discovery and exploration incentive goes a long way. Whenever playing an open world game, the thing that appeals to me the most is when games go out of their way to encourage you to explore, and then blow your mind with some of the discoveries.

Some Visual Downgrade Is Fine

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again, I’m a gameplay over visuals kind of person. Don’t get me wrong, I admire amazing graphics as much as the next guy, but I’m here to play a game, and that’s where it needs to hook me. I often find myself playing older games these days, and while the visuals haven’t aged all that good in many of them, the gameplay is still addicting and enjoyable. 

Take Final Fantasy 7 as an example. I think there will be no doubt when I say that remakes look absolutely gorgeous. However, some peculiar design choices in Rebirth made me say “When is this going to end?” Many similar examples can be found. 

Can you sit through a boring 30-40 hour game just because it looks good? At some point, visuals start getting old. Now a game that looks as well as plays amazing is the sweet spot, and that’s what gaming should strive for. There’s no real need of hyper realism. As long as a game looks good enough and there are no visual glitches, you’re set. What matters is to spend time and creative thinking on the overall game design.

Video games should look like video games instead of trying to make them as real as possible.
byu/Shammar-Yahrish inunpopularopinion

Its 2026, and visual quality has already more or less peaked. Games look appealing enough now. What needs work is fun gameplay and creative level design. In a sea of weak titles today, players want entertaining games now more than ever, even if you can’t count every hair on the character’s head.