Gaming Leaning Towards Forced Socializing?
See Full ImageI'm playing Final Fantasy VII again. ...just wait, that's relevant to this article, I swear.
You know, it almost seems as if virtual socializing has replaced actual socializing, and things like online multiplayer and the fresh integration of Facebook and Twitter are being jammed down our throats. Of course they're always optional but sometimes, I almost feel as if the majority of the interactive experience often stems from digital socializing.
I get the sneaking suspicion that there are games on the horizon that might kick ass, games I might want to play...but games that are only half an adventure if you don't partake of the many social features. For the record, I'm not one to dissuade real socializing in the real world, but I've always hated this idea that a game is no good unless you can share a high score with your friends or post an achievement on Twitter. The latter is still rare but you can bet more social features will be added with every passing month. It's just the way things are going.
I just refuse to believe that all gamers have an itching desire to be "connected" at all times. Am I the only one who still uses gaming to relax and unplug? Am I the only one who wants to sit by himself after a long day and revel in an adventure that does not involve other humans? Gearheads go into the garage and tinker partly because they get to be alone. I think I'll always have a Heavy Rain to turn to, this manic, somewhat depressing obsession with digital connectivity is on the definite rise.
It just feels as if it's invading every last aspect of life. I fu***** hate Facebook and I don't need it in my chosen hobby. In playing FFVII, I feel better about a great many things; it's soothing. It's like reading a book for me; I'm lost in another world and I do not want anyone else in there to muck it up. So when games say, "oh, you have to go online to finish this," or "oh, you have to be connected to your friends list to get the most out of this quest," I'm gonna pass. Sorry.
Tags: gaming industry, video games, social games, multiplayer
12/15/2011 9:06:09 PM Ben Dutka
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Comments (41 posts)
Warrior Poet
Thursday, December 15, 2011 @ 10:12:12 PM
But it won't replace consoles or even button-based gaming handhelds because they're for different audiences. There's some overlap, yeah. While the iPhone will probably outsell everything else, gamers are still going to buy game consoles and games - because they want the best experience.
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TheAgingHipster
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 8:38:12 AM
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PasteNuggs
Thursday, December 15, 2011 @ 9:41:33 PM
Reply
1 up, 0 down
Warrior Poet
Thursday, December 15, 2011 @ 10:13:08 PM
But I agree that virtual socializing is a bit silly compared to playing with someone who's sitting right next to you. Definitely.
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Beamboom
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 4:41:33 AM
Last edited by Beamboom on 12/16/2011 4:41:57 AM
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Highlander
Thursday, December 15, 2011 @ 9:45:41 PM
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Optional content is fine, but stop forcing us.
I agree 110% with Metallisnake regarding IOS, it is one of the better examples of the Emperor's new clothes I know of, along with the entire IOS line of devices that are little more than generic smartphones, PDAs, music players and tablets with a simple aesthetic and an apple on the cover.
Finally, Ben, welcome to the I h8 Facebook team. Apart from the fact that it invades out lives, is as secure as a wet paper bag, an has all the social awareness of walking down the street nude proclaiming your love for every woman you meet. I hate it, and I particularly hate the pernicious nature of Facebook games that are nothing more tha clickfests that are designed to earn more clicks for sponsors and more microtransactions to fuel the clicking addiction and the profits of the companies that make them - Bossa Studios included...
Last edited by Highlander on 12/15/2011 9:48:20 PM
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Kevin555
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 7:15:50 AM
+1 on this so much it hurts.
This sentence right here is exactly how i feel.
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TheAgingHipster
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 8:51:56 AM
Don't get me wrong, I would never, ever argue that they're going to replace consoles. I don't buy that, not until they possess the processing and graphical capabilities of a modern console. But I do think they're the new direction of portable gaming, whether we like it or not. I prefer my PSP and hope the Vita proves to the world that accessibility and socialization aren't the be-all-end-all of gaming, but the writing on the wall is telling me that iOS is going to lead the way in portable gaming for a long time.
EDIT: And, for the record, I hate forced socialization just as much as you fellas. I just turn off those features and play the game alone, or in couch multiplayer with my wife.
Last edited by TheAgingHipster on 12/16/2011 8:53:18 AM
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Killa Tequilla
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 10:22:13 AM
1 up, 4 down
BikerSaint
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 3:11:12 PM
If you're President of the "I h8 Facebook" team, can I be your Vice President in charge of the "WhoIamisnoneofyourfarckingbusiness" department ?????
Pretty please????
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Teddie9
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 7:14:05 PM
6 up, 0 down
TheAgingHipster
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 8:18:10 PM
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cLoudou
Thursday, December 15, 2011 @ 10:06:36 PM
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Umm..* looks under article...
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shadowpal2
Thursday, December 15, 2011 @ 10:28:13 PM
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For example...if anyone here has ever played a Facebook game...or more so...a Zynga game, you will realize that it basically doesn't let you continue the game until you have MORE PEOPLE come on in and actually socialize with you. Well you see...that's the amazing part of the BUSINESS IDEA. Having a game force you to play with other people causes that game to have a large audience which brings in the potential for advertisers to have their ads seen.
That's all there is to it. Facebook loves Zynga. And Zynga loves Facebook. I hate Facebook and Zynga.
I don't go on Facebook, unless I would want to check out my international friends' pictures, videos, etc. As for status updates or so...thank goodness for Skype ^^. I almost started playing a Zynga game because a friend of mine asked me to. And I realized why he asked me to...so I could help him keep "leveling up" in the game. But with those games...it's nothing but pointless clicking and seeing your stats rise. 0 enjoyment...hell EVEN WITH FRIENDS it's not enjoyable.
It's all cool and addicting at first, but if you've played a gaming handheld game, or a console game...you WILL KNOW, that FACEBOOK GAMES are the MOST DUMBEST KINDS OF GAMES OUT THERE.
END RANT
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BikerSaint
Thursday, December 15, 2011 @ 11:02:42 PM
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And with 45 systems & handheld & 2307 games so far, I certainly don't need them, plus I don't want any phone sitting up on my gaming shelves, mingling with any of my REAl gaming systems.
BTW, I once had a cell phone way back during my early caveman years(Motorola Startek), & I hated it, seemed more like tracking device than a normal form of communication(where you at, where you at, yada, yada, yada).
So I donated it along with the charger, extra battery packs & all the accessories to a program that sent them overseas to our servicemen/women who are fighting in country. And that way they wouldn't have to wait in long lines at their barracks just to try getting 1 call out to their loved ones.
Anyways, I'm a Lone Wolf, so I can't, & don't want to be bothered with posting my life on social sites. I do have Twitter though, but I only use it as a tool to get(and sometimes give) gaming info & gaming related contests.
And I hate FaceBook, but the thing I hate the very most of all about the site is that you can't even comment at some websites unless you only do it through their FB page.
And another BS thing going on now is, that a hell of a lot of sites lately that are doing contests &/or rewards, are forcing you to go to their FB pages too.
I say screw that, & screw FaceBook altogether!!
Last edited by BikerSaint on 12/15/2011 11:05:16 PM
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StubbornScorpio
Thursday, December 15, 2011 @ 11:11:46 PM
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I am currently enrolled in a Game Development class at my college and there were three entire lectures on the "necessity" of social gaming. I was literally shaking my head in disapproval the entire time. A few of my classmates and I were talking about it and we all agree that "social gaming" like Facebook Farmville cr@p has essentially destroyed the true social experience of split screens, seeing people's REAL faces right next to you.
I don't mean to sound too reminiscent, but this is becoming ridiculous. I see people on the train, (couples, friends, even family members) sitting RIGHT NEXT to each other and looking down, playing with their iPhones and iPads and whatever other smartphones. Social gaming isn't bringing people together, it's diluting the humanness in every single person involved.
Sorry for that rant, it's definitely something I've thought about too.
4 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 12:13:51 AM
Their phones are actuality AI lifeforms who have been secretly Zombiefying every damned last one of them.
Phone playa's beware: put on tin-lined hats before inducing any brain-suckage.
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StubbornScorpio
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 12:25:10 AM
iZomb
1. a person involved so heavily in an "i" device that they exhibit zombie-like symptoms.
2. a zebra comb
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Snaaaake
Thursday, December 15, 2011 @ 11:25:16 PM
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Anyone watched the humans in Wall-E?
Yea, that's what I'm afraid of.
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Undertaker575
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 12:02:43 AM
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Kevin555
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 7:20:05 AM
& make sure you play the game on a coloured T.V too Mr old fashioned ;)
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ulsterscot
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 2:05:36 AM
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when I want to socialize I go to the pub. when i want to game - i game
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PoopsMcGee
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 2:17:45 AM
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No thanks.
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Ben Dutka PSXE [Administrator]
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 10:12:19 AM
3 up, 0 down
BikerSaint
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 3:20:21 PM
Hate to break his to ya....but you are actually third-to-last
And Sorry Ben,
but you're second-to last.
(At 59, age seniority rules, or is it senility rules age , damn, can't frigging remember which anymore, LOL)
Last edited by BikerSaint on 12/16/2011 3:27:01 PM
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Fane1024
Saturday, December 17, 2011 @ 3:06:59 AM
Do I get extra credit for also not having a cell phone?
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ulsterscot
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 2:56:11 AM
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nogoat23
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 4:32:16 AM
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I have my social activities that I enjoy like hiking and board game nights and going out to dinner with friends or watching sports in a sports bar, but for me gaming is my solitary delight.
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Ludakriss
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 5:00:26 AM
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I also am one for not getting in the whole "oh, let's connect! It'll make it so much more fun!" yeah, well, it would if you weren't hyperactive in this seemingly, deep, sad, scene that were playing O_O
That's one of the reasons I think if you play with someone, it ABSOLUTELY HAS, to be optional and the team mate you're playing the game with, HAS to be the same/similar mindset or mood.
No point in trying to play something that requires concentration and depth out of the player when the supposed partner is screaming "shoot him in the nuts!"...and there aren't even any guns in the game!
Last edited by Ludakriss on 12/16/2011 5:02:08 AM
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SmokeyPSD
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 6:49:39 AM
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It's everywhere man. For me not a good thing on the horizon. It's exponential the growth into all facets of life.
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Ichigo40
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 8:58:17 AM
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But back to the topic I think its ok to jump into a game and play with your friends that may not be in the same town as you are...but like I said its nice to have that OPTION. All of my friends prefer games that we can play on our own and have good stories because it gives us something to talk about when we do see each other. The whole social sharing aspect of gaming is a nice side option to have but I don't want it to be a deciding factor in how the game should be played...
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Underdog15
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 10:33:46 AM
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By the way, I don't mind the hook. You can still use it as the traditional second hidden blade.
Last edited by Underdog15 on 12/16/2011 10:34:27 AM
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Teddie9
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 7:20:04 PM
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Fane1024
Saturday, December 17, 2011 @ 3:13:33 AM
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PharaohJR
Friday, December 16, 2011 @ 9:00:13 PM
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i congraj games like Mw with there huge #s of profits & sales but when present developers & new developers see this they get on the route of only producing something for money. i hope in tha future they just dont forget tha foundation of gaming.
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Rogueagent01
Sunday, December 18, 2011 @ 5:31:56 AM
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I don't like when games put online trophies in their games(unless it is online only) as I wish the developers would respect that some people don't like playing online or technically cannot, be it slow internet or no internet at all. I wsih they would come up with two seperate trophies a online platinum and an offline so that the customer never feels like they are being forced into anything.
When it comes to online gaming I am all for it. The best way to make sure it is always fun is to go out and find yourselves a good decent sized clan to be part of. A clan is the best way to make sure your all like-minded individuals, and if the clan is big enough you will most likely always have someone to play with no matter what game it is. Plus games like Demon's Souls, Borderlands, Rockband, White Knight Chronicles, Sacred 2, Two Worlds II are all smart enough to have the ability to play both on and offline making only the trophies a issue(see above). I love online gaming as many of my friends were never able to compete with me over the years and the online community was the only place I could really go too for real competition as AI still isn't that good in %90 of games.
Anything Lamebook or Twit related is out of the question. I don't care that Facebook has their own games, but stay the hell off of my console...I don't like games like BF3 either that force you to go to their website to join up with your clan, that is straight marketing BS and should have been in the game on the console. I have a facebook account but it is simply to stay in contact with people that I can't go and see in real life. Everyone of the people that have tried to get me to help them with Mafia Wars or Farmville are essentially on my ignore list, as I said in another article "I DON'T LIKE YOU". The funny part to me is I may have liked the person before they flooded my email accounts with these marketing requests, but now I see that you are a moron and your trying to take me down with you. I can't wait to see a Facebook implant for people. It will be the biggest thing since sliced bread and the best part is all the people that get it will probably get cancer and die, giving us the bottleneck that the world sorely needs as of now. Yeah I know it is pretty morbid sounding and I am half joking, but I am also half serious.
I am sure I have made some typos and or need to clarify some of my post, but this is getting to long. Lamebook SUCKS and as someone already said above, Zynga is even worse as they are responsible for bringing the business bunch into full swing making the public think it is a complete success because it makes money.
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SS4
Sunday, December 18, 2011 @ 11:30:13 AM
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Gordo
Sunday, December 18, 2011 @ 3:13:26 PM
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Dark Souls. You can play it singleplayer but it's a lot harder than when you get help (and why can't I get a pause button in single player?).
Mass Effect 2. Cannot get half the bonus items like the comic unless you connect to the EA site.
Dragon Age Origins. Playing quite happily then speak to some trader who offers a quest and the screen then says go online to buy the quest and download it.
Borderland GOTY edition. This was the best. The original game on disk and just codes included to download the dlc.
All these things to punish the single person playing offliner...
So no, I don't think I'll be using the Facebook integration!
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Metallisnake
Reply
Thursday, December 15, 2011 @ 9:39:42 PM