By: RPR

RPR — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 12:57:07 +0000

I do think this is a badly needed statement from people who actually made games. There are so many dismissive comments I have read throughout the previous few decades about things that get inextricably associated with “bad game design.” For instance, how Hideo Kojima should “just make movies.” Yet we see that elements of great video games involved literal skills developed from other media or, in the case of this post, someone who says that they made work inspired by other mediums.

While I do think there’s a broader nexus of issues at play, especially ones concerning basic affordability and the way material conditions are becoming more harrowing for most people… when it comes to taking risks or the ways people will cling to culture that has a seeming “legacy” that feels safe and assured… the fact is that the ability to take risks for creators and players is distinctly diminished.

A lot of things feel like an investment that one literally cannot afford to make. Despite that element existing throughout recent history, it’s certainly at a level we could call unprecedented to see, say, a game console release and go up in price after the developer admits its in the latter half of its life.

Looking for “answers” as to why things are worse that are patently false is where actual arguments about “nostalgia” have merit.

Comments on: “Drawing inspiration from great games” is what’s holding developers back. Megami Tensei original writer on why taking inspiration from other media is crucial

By: RPR