The Stifling of Creativity
The Stifling of Creativity
Creative License
Continued…
The original PC Aliens vs. Predator introduced the wall climbing mechanic, providing a new perspective and a greater sense of freedom in tactics and exploration. Fully drivable vehicles in the original Battlefield 1942 added to the tactical options and styles of play available to players. Being able to switch between third and first person viewpoints in Dark Forces 2: Jedi Knight added a new perspective and a level of practicality to wielding a light sabre. The realism of Condemned’s melee combat added depth. The ability to “quick kill” in CoD4 intensified multiplayer and reduced the balancing issues of weapons, and the AC130 mission in CoD4 showed an entirely new mission structure within an FPS – one of my favourite examples of creative thinking inside the confines of a mainstream box.
Don’t get me wrong…
Those were just a few examples that – in my mind – stick out as innovations in the FPS genre. While not all of them were fantastic successes – in their first iteration at least – most of them were, and their ability to elevate the FPS genre without breaking the mould is mighty impressive.
Having said all that about mainstream titles, there is no denying that there are some very impressive indie games out there such as the aforementioned Introversion titles, or VVVVVV, or The Path, and each one brings something fresh in terms of its aesthetic, narrative, or premise. But are indie games gaining the reputations of being more creative because their innovations are more obvious than in mainstream games? It’s a theory, but one that could hold true.
I enjoy indie titles and I am by no means trying to insult the creativity behind them, however I don’t agree with the general consensus that indie games are more creative than mainstream. While yes some of them are using new techniques to create interesting puzzles and interesting delivery methods for their narrative, a lot of them are still just taking ideas that have been successful in the past and modifying the aesthetics.
I put to you that this unquestioned notion that indie games – and to some extent game mods – are more creative than mainstream games is hogwash. Just because they have more ‘freedom’ doesn’t make their creativity any more creative than those who are working for developers owned by big name companies. I find that those who work hard to make something new and innovative within the confines of what they are being told to make have to be more creative in their game development.
Pages: 1 2
This article makes a very good point. Without taking anything away from the independent sector, it’s unfair to say mainstream developers lack creativity. The restraints involved certain encourage creative solutions.
I have noticed indie games increasingly falling into genres that are just defined and restrictive as mainstream ones. Do we really need any more 2D platformers – with a twist?
I partially agree here. Creativity is not limited to either method (indie or AAA), as you’ve stated.
But, I think the boundaries are being expanded in the indie world. The franchises that are making money are…well, generic-ish. Not all of them, mind you. But it’s disappointing how many crap ones there are. And pretty much all the innovations you’ve stated are not quite anything new, but more refined of previous systems.
Also, defining studios as either AAA or indie is more questionable as well, as some AAA studios employ very indie-like techniques (Valve, Blizzard).
“I find that those who work hard to make something new and innovative within the confines of what they are being told to make have to be more creative in their game development.”
This, I think goes the same for indies as well. Just in a different way.
@BigJonno
I think the indies are simply reviving the past, as it were. I don’t know about “increasing”. There are plenty of 3D indie games and mods. One that comes to mind is Aaaaa!. Freakin’ brilliant indie game there, in 3D.