Why Modern Games Focus Less on New Mechanics and More on Story and Art

Keita Takahashi, the creator of Katamari Damacy, is famous for making unique and unexpected games. His newest game, To a T, continues this trend. In To a T, you play as a teenager frozen in a T-pose, trying to handle normal daily activities like brushing teeth and eating breakfast. The game is simple, using interactive scenes instead of complicated systems or mechanics.

At GamesCom LATAM, Takahashi explained that To a T was not designed with advanced mechanics in mind. He jokingly called his concept silly and stated that there was no smart game design or mechanics involved. This approach caught the attention of Fumito Ueda, the respected director behind Ico and Shadow of the Colossus. During a conversation about To a T, Ueda remarked that the age of gameplay mechanics has already passed.

Ueda shared that he reached out to Takahashi to learn how to play To a T, only to find there were no special systems to master. Ueda found this idea refreshing and suggested that game developers do not need to create brand new mechanics or devices for every game anymore.

According to Ueda, games can create powerful experiences using art and story instead of relying on new gameplay mechanics. He believes it is better to take existing systems and improve or redefine them with strong themes or creative visuals. This means that even if a game’s controls and features are familiar, its personality and style can make it enjoyable and memorable.

Many modern games follow this idea, using well known gameplay foundations while standing out through their stories, themes, and art styles. Creating completely new game mechanics is rare and usually happens in small steps, not big breakthroughs. Even in the early days of gaming, most games built on what had come before but added something unique in art or story.

To a T has received mixed feedback. While reviewer Chris Livingston found some parts awkward to play, he felt the story was rewarding and full of surprises and heart. For many players, this shows how a strong message or creative design can make up for simple or even challenging gameplay.

In summary, the gaming world is shifting. Developers are focusing more on art, narrative, and overall experience rather than always introducing brand new mechanics. This allows for more creative and personal games that many players find meaningful and fun.

Original article and image: https://www.pcgamer.com/games/puzzle/the-age-of-gameplay-mechanics-has-already-passed-says-shadow-of-the-colossus-director-as-he-praises-katamari-damacy-creators-new-game-for-not-being-systems-driven/