Future Games Show at gamescom Reveals Industry Priorities
· design
Gaming’s Royal Treatment: What the Future Games Show at gamescom Says About Industry Priorities
The gaming world is abuzz with excitement as the Future Games Show prepares to unveil its slate of announcements and premieres at gamescom in Cologne, Germany. The event boasts an impressive lineup of over 40 games, but it’s the hosting duo of Nick Apostolides and Angela Sant’Albano that deserves attention. As stars of the Resident Evil Requiem series, they bring a level of authenticity to the show.
The show promises “first looks, exciting reveals, and plenty of surprises,” language that has become all too familiar in gaming. The focus on spectacle is evident, with a trend that began at E3 and influencer events gaining momentum. This emphasis on flashy graphics and Instagrammable moments over innovative gameplay raises questions about the industry’s priorities.
Gaming’s obsession with spectacle has been building for years, with gamescom setting the tone for industry priorities. The event reinforces the notion that gaming is more about being seen than being experienced. Even established franchises like Resident Evil are not immune to this trend, as evidenced by the recent Requiem installment.
The shift towards shallow, plot-driven experiences has consequences: games that prioritize clicks over creativity and narrative depth over nuance. This trend is particularly jarring when considering the state of gaming’s storytelling. Beloved franchises have been reduced to shallow, plot-driven experiences that sacrifice nuance for a quick dopamine hit.
Gamescom itself is also telling. With its global reach and extensive streaming options, FGS is poised to become a premier platform for gaming’s top brass to showcase their wares. However, smaller studios and indie developers often struggle to make their mark in this environment. Will they continue to be overlooked in favor of established brands?
As we eagerly anticipate the announcements from FGS, it’s worth considering what kind of gaming experience we truly want. Do we crave shallow, flashy experiences that promise but rarely deliver? Or do we yearn for something more substantial – games that engage us on a deeper level with rich narratives and thought-provoking themes?
The Future Games Show at gamescom is just another reminder that gaming’s priorities are out of whack. As we watch Nick Apostolides and Angela Sant’Albano bring the excitement, let’s not forget what’s truly at stake: the future of our medium itself.
Reader Views
- NFNoa F. · graphic designer
The spectacle-driven gaming landscape is getting harder to ignore. While the Future Games Show's emphasis on graphics and Instagrammable moments may be a draw for some, I worry about the long-term implications of this trend. Where are the innovations in gameplay mechanics? The risk-taking that once defined our industry? With AAA titles prioritizing blockbuster-style storytelling over depth and complexity, it's no wonder indie developers and smaller studios struggle to get noticed. Gamescom needs to make space for more than just flashy reveals – it's time for substance to take center stage.
- TDTheo D. · type designer
The spectacle-driven approach to gaming is a siren's song, luring in audiences with flashy graphics and Instagrammable moments while sacrificing depth and nuance. But what about the games that don't fit this mold? The ones that prioritize creative gameplay over clickbait headlines or narrative complexity over shallow plot twists? FGS' focus on "first looks" and "exciting reveals" creates a binary choice between spectacle and substance, when in reality, gamers crave both.
- TSThe Studio Desk · editorial
It's clear the industry has its priorities skewed when the most exciting moments are saved for the presentation stage and not in-game. The emphasis on spectacle over substance is a symptom of a larger problem - publishers chasing clicks rather than meaningful engagement. But what about the developers themselves? How do they navigate this landscape, where shallow experiences are rewarded with accolades and financial success, while true innovation and risk-taking are often overlooked?