Unraveling the Mystery of Modern Game Settings

Why Are There So Few Modern Game Settings?

One might initially assume that creating fantasy worlds is cheaper. However, as GameCentral pointed out, inventing a fantasy world from scratch for each franchise is a cumbersome task. On the other hand, making a photorealistic city allows for easy copying and pasting into different real world settings with minimal alterations. There's no need to concoct monsters or background lore, and one doesn't even have to obtain real world licenses to make things look realistic. Rockstar, with GTA, doesn't bother with such things, yet they could easily afford it if they deemed it important.

This scarcity of modern game settings is quite puzzling. Modern video games often strive to be seen as serious and "grounded," yet it's always in the context of a fantasy world. Take Final Fantasy 16, for instance, with its miserable Game of Thrones-style world, which is far less interesting to explore compared to the whimsical strangeness of Final Fantasy 7 Remake. If one is so fixated on telling a serious and plausible story, why not set it in the real world? After all, Call Of Duty has plenty of action. Even in movies, there are examples like James Bond or Mission: Impossible that are more realistic and "grounded" than the vast majority of video games.

The Impact on the Gaming Industry

The question of why publishers don't make more GTA clones essentially boils down to expense and Rockstar's stranglehold on the market. But this also leads to the absence of real-world games or crime thrillers. It's a sad reality that video games, like movies, are now largely based on nostalgia and existing properties. Publishers prefer to remake games rather than create something new. Older games, especially those from decades ago, aren't set in the real world, and this fact remains unchanged. Even if someone were brave enough to create something new, there would be no existing popular franchises to copy. It leaves us with games like Pay Day as the only option.

This situation is a real shame as there seems to be no obvious way out. Despite the industry's talk about appealing to a more modern, adult audience, most video games still exist in a fantasy world. When Silent Hill 2 is considered one of the most grounded and realistic games of the year, it becomes evident that something isn't quite right. We need to break free from this rut and explore the potential of real-world game settings.

Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 – The First Impressions

The first impressions of Call Of Duty: Black Ops 6 are quite good. It showcases the continued dominance of the franchise in the gaming world. The game offers intense action and immersive gameplay that keeps players engaged. Its realistic graphics and detailed environments add to the overall experience.

However, it also highlights the contrast with the scarcity of real-world game settings. While Call Of Duty provides a thrilling gaming experience, it still operates within a certain genre and setting. It makes one wonder why there aren't more games that explore the real world with the same level of depth and excitement.

Silent Hill 2 – Not Quite the Real World

Silent Hill 2 is a game that stands out in its attempt to create a somewhat grounded and realistic atmosphere. The game's eerie settings and psychological elements make it a unique experience. It shows that there is potential for real-world-inspired games to succeed.

But it also serves as a reminder of how rare such games are. Despite Silent Hill 2's success, it remains an exception in a gaming landscape dominated by fantasy worlds. We need more games like this to expand the boundaries of what is possible in gaming.