Living Games: Redefining Success Beyond Player Counts
The Concept of "Dead Games" and Why It's Hurting the Industry
The Concept of "Dead Games" and Why It's Hurting the Industry
In the gaming world, the label "dead game" is often used to describe titles that have seen a significant drop in active players. This term, however, can be misleading and damaging to the perception and success of a game. John "Bucky" Buckley, community manager for Palworld developer Pocketpair, has been vocal about this issue. In a recent interview with the YouTube channel Going Indie, Buckley argued that the only measure of a game's success shouldn't be how long it can maintain the highest possible player count.
Why the "Dead Game" Label is Misleading
Buckley first addressed this issue back in February when Palworld was labelled as a "dead game" after its player count dwindled from millions to tens of thousands. He criticized this discourse as "lazy," emphasizing that it's perfectly normal for players to take breaks from games. According to Buckley, the pressure to keep player counts perpetually high is unhealthy and leads to the creation of "soulless live service games" that often get shut down within a year due to unrealistic expectations.
This perspective highlights a significant issue within the industry: the expectation that games must remain perpetually popular to be considered successful. This pressure can lead to developer burnout and stifle creativity, as studios focus on keeping players hooked rather than creating meaningful experiences.
Reimagining "Dead Games" as "Living Games"
Instead of labelling games as "dead" when their player base declines, we should consider them "living games." This term acknowledges that games have natural life cycles and that fluctuating player numbers are normal. A living game can still offer value and enjoyment, even if it doesn't maintain peak popularity indefinitely.
Living games promote a healthier relationship between players and their gaming experiences. They allow for breaks and return engagements, recognizing that gamers might explore different titles and come back to their favorites later. This approach can lead to a more sustainable and enjoyable gaming culture.
The Future of Gaming
The discourse around "dead games" needs to change. Embracing the concept of "living games" can lead to a more balanced and enjoyable gaming industry, where games are appreciated for their contributions regardless of their player counts. By supporting indie developers and valuing diverse gaming experiences, we can create a more vibrant and innovative gaming culture for all.
Stay tuned…..
-
Edward Regue | Philosopher of Web3 | Immersive Spaces