Friday, September 23, 2011

Video Game Industry Tactics: Booklets and Strat. Guides

 
The informational booklets that come with new games are becoming smaller and smaller. Most games come with a decent sized informational booklet that explains the controls, story synopsis, and other miscellaneous tid-bits that help the gamer get oriented with the game. Lately, though, these booklets have little to no information pertaining to actual game content. Except for some warranty and copyright information the insert is excitingly baron.

Why is this becoming the norm you ask? I will tell you.

This is because some piece of shit executive wanted to save money and make money all at the same time. Now keep in mind that this probably wasn’t an executive’s idea in the first place but some exec signed off on it. By decreasing the number of pages used in the booklet the company saves money which is reason enough to make that move. Second thing, by offering strategy guides they can capitalize on the gamer’s need for information supposing that the gamer does not think to go on the internet. If the gamer decides to go on the internet they have connections with the websites that offer the walkthroughs and wikis and the websites sell ad space for the video game industry. Thus, the industry wins. 

 AND some games don’t need any bloody additional information. Just play the game and figure it out or go online and use someone else’s work.  It’s not a big deal. Games should be fun because of the content of the game and information should be available when needed and as needed. Games should be about engrossing adventures, glorious rampages and thought provoking experiences, not about extra bullshit.

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