A Call to the Creative Part 1: The Problem

Since the development of the Massively Multiplayer Online game and the Rhythm Type games, the types of game genre have been stagnant. While the concept of combining genre has taken hold, the categories to pick from has not changed. Every game can be compared to a set list of standards and classifications.

Whether it is a First Person Shooter (FPS), or a Massively Multiplayer Online Third Person Shooter Role Playing Game (MMOTPSRPG), every game fits into an established list of game types. This raises an interesting question: Given our current technology, have we developed every game type available? Now, before anyone gets upset with me bashing their favorite game, I am only going to be making statements about the general types of games, and will not be making statements about the games themselves. With the amount of time and money invested in even the smallest of game titles they are each unique in their own way.

Many games have been presented as the first of their kind, but have only shown the same trends and genre we have seen before. The most recent of these newly recycled ideas are the Guitar Hero and Rock Band Series. Both games are quite unique in that they have Guitar controllers, but they were not the first to develop an instrument controller, or even the first music based rhythm game. PaRappa the Rapper was released in 1996. (That’s 2 years before the first appearance of Dance Dance Revolution). While this game would be considered relatively basic in modern terms, due to its use of the stock Playstation controller, it contained all of the basic elements of any rhythm based game. It pitted you against the best rappers with button combos pressed in rhythm with the music. But 4 years after PaRappa the Rapper hit shelves, Somba De Amigo struck on the Dreamcast (which was mentioned in past 2o2p Podcasts) using similar rhythm mechanics but implementing the use of maraca shaped controllers. The only unique part of the Guitar Hero and Rock Band games was the shape of the controller…an interesting controller, but unique only in its shape.

Another game to taunt its unique status would be Spore, mostly recognized for being plagued by DRM issues, also not a first since DRMs were installed on games as early as ‘Betrayal in Antara’ (1997)). Spore also taunted its revolutionary game play. In Spore you were able to grow your character from a single cell to a great, civilized creature. While this is impressive, sadly it is not unique either. In 1997 a game was released for the SNES called E.V.O.: Search for Eden, in which 500million years ago Mother Nature recruits you, a small fish in the massive ocean. As this small fish you attack and eat your way to great improvements like sharper teeth, larger fins, and, eventually, legs, or a tail. Your growth is up to you. The game could end in several ways depending on what evolutions you chose. While Spore has more to offer than just that, it was hardly a new idea. Overall the game play broke down into a Real Time Strategy game with elements of a Third Person Fighter/Shooter (an early example of this is Ikari Wariors).

The final example I will present in this part is Little Big Planet, which is a platformer game where you can set up your own challenges for your friends. Now, platformer games have been around for a very long time. While Super Mario Brothers, for example, is one of the most popular, the game type is far from unique. The idea of creating your own levels, while updated in the Halo Forge, was hardly new even then. This ability dates back to Excite Bike on the NES. While that editor was simple, and only offered limited choices, the ability was there. I am well aware that LBP offers so much more, adding in multiplayer, high-def graphics and a great variety of game play options, but the genres remain the same.

With the evolution of the internet new gaming options became available. Online play and the development of the death match have provided a significant alteration to what we view as a Hot Title game. Others suggest that games like Little Big Planet and Spore are the next step, where the world is what you make it. But in both cases the world has its limitations; there are walls and rules built within the concepts of existing genre. You are as creative as the developer lets you be. Both games have a unique flavor, but does that define them as a new genre?

With the progression of technology, the interest in videogames, and the potential profits and recognition that would come from such a new leap forward, more and more groups are getting into the world of game development. However, the developments are all along the same lines, which include action, first or third person shooter with online multiplayer, first person RPG with MMO elements, and medieval real time strategy, among others. The breakthrough will most likely not occur with these massive game factories. They will stick with what they know best. The true genius that will break new ground is the independent developer, one who has an idea that stands out from the crowd, an idea that is too risky for a large development, but may find a cult following to bring it into the light. I feel it is not a matter of if, but when a new development will be made in the list of genre, or in the nature of videogames as a whole.

Ground breaking titles

• Real Time Strategy-Stonkers 1983
• Role Playing Game- Ultima 1980
• Puzzle game- Tetris 1985
• First person Shooter- Red Barron 1980
• 3D game- Battlezone 1980
• Simulator- Red Barron 1980
• Third Person Shooter- an early example is Space Harrier 1985, (due to the rapid evolution of this type of game it is difficult to identify the first).
• Survival Horror-Alone in the Dark 1992
• Fighting game-Karate Champion 1985
• Driving/racing game-Night Driver 1976
• Light gun game- Seeburg Ray-O-Lite 1936 (yes really)
• First Sports game- Tennis For Two 1958 (there are rumors of earlier ones, but none were publicly distributed).

Stay Tuned for Part 2: Deciding the Future of Gaming.