Video game graphics are improving with leaps and bounds. We can, more or less, create photorealistic environments in our games. The cost is steep, though, and only a few game studios can handle such a task. Fortunately, graphics aren’t the be-all of gaming. Games provoke emotions, feelings, and realistic graphics aren’t needed to unlock emotional gates. While graphics technology is rapidly improving, what about the technology of raising emotions? 1UP has the story.
Classic video games have been able to provoke emotions even before the advent of excellent graphics. The ancient horror title Alone in the Dark could scare even with cartoonish, blocky polygon graphics. Later, Final Fantasy 7 showcased a sudden and devastating moment of drama that still echos through gaming. Again, blocky, polygon graphics.
High-powered graphics are great, and it’s good to see them improving. They’re just a support, though, for the real content of games. That content is often an emotional experience, and emotions will stick with players long after they step away from the game.