TPWW Forums  

Go Back   TPWW Forums > o f f t o p i c > video games forum
Reload this Page Lack of variety
Register Members List

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-12-2010, 08:30 AM   #1
Kane Knight
Ron Paul 4 EVA
 
Kane Knight's Avatar
 
Posts: 152,467
Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
Lack of variety
This interests me a little. People complain about the lack of variety in "maps" or "levels" on video games quite often, especially citing popular games for limited options.

But a buddy's texting me bitching that he was playing CoD Black Ops before he went to work, and the group voted for the same map five times in a row. Nuke Town or something.

This isn't the first time he's made the complaint in this game, and not the first time I've heard of it happening in any game.

MNC doesn't have a voting option to pick maps, but if you play the same map four times, you're lucky if you get even two votes to skip.

Red Dead Redemption seems to fall into the same, sort of. A lot of guys will just vote to skip every time until they get the map they want, or quit out of they don't. Same with "vote to replay."

Blur's MP Demo usually ended up suffering from this, and maybe the game did too. Play the same two courses over and over again, and only because they don't always give you the same options each time.

Rock Band had this for quite some time, though it may have died down. There were two or three songs picked ad nauseum online by EVERYONE.

Now that I've got examples out of the way, let me ask this:

Why does everyone bitch at the developers for lack of variety?

When given a choice, it seems the average gamer will choose the same map/track/song/option or two repeatedly, making the need for choice all but moot, especially in games that do larger bodies of multiplayer? If people in general are going to just run with it, why should anyone feel motivated to put any effort into diversity?

First Note: If you haven't experienced this, good for you. It's still a widespread complaint and it happens with great frequency across game types. "lol what are you talking about, that's never happened to me" is a stupid argument and misses the point.

Second Note: Arguing that there are private options or you can game with friends also misses the point. the question isn't about options so much as why game companies should bother with them if the majority doesn't use them.

Third Note: Also, I'm not defending developers who put in only four maps. but it's like reality TV. I don't like it, I don't watch it, but if 20 million people watch Dancing With the Stars and the best non-reality show gets 3/4s that at dozens of times the cost, there's no motivation for quality, original programming. Similarly, if everyone's just going to play two maps and like it, why should they bust their asses on a dozen of them?

In fact:

TL;DR: if everyone's just going to play two maps and like it, why should they bust their asses on a dozen of them?

“There are two novels that can change a bookish fourteen-year old’s life: The Lord of the Rings and Atlas Shrugged. One is a childish fantasy that often engenders a lifelong obsession with its unbelievable heroes, leading to an emotionally stunted, socially crippled adulthood, unable to deal with the real world. The other, of course, involves orcs.”

--John Rogers
Kane Knight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 01:26 PM   #2
Funky Fly
The Satanic Mechanic
 
Funky Fly's Avatar
 
Posts: 52,521
Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
Any time I play Modern Warfare 2 I see this a lot. Buddy I play with does it a lot too. Shooters seem to get it the worst because people just play on whatever map(s) they have memorized. I play MW2 like once every 3 months but it's been the exact same thing every single time.
Funky Fly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 01:55 PM   #3
LoDownM
Retired Prolly.
 
LoDownM's Avatar
 
Posts: 11,296
LoDownM puts the "bang" in Bangladesh (30,000+)LoDownM puts the "bang" in Bangladesh (30,000+)LoDownM puts the "bang" in Bangladesh (30,000+)LoDownM puts the "bang" in Bangladesh (30,000+)LoDownM puts the "bang" in Bangladesh (30,000+)LoDownM puts the "bang" in Bangladesh (30,000+)LoDownM puts the "bang" in Bangladesh (30,000+)LoDownM puts the "bang" in Bangladesh (30,000+)LoDownM puts the "bang" in Bangladesh (30,000+)
In Black Ops they need to take out the option to vote on the previous map and make it so it's two different ones every time instead of the one you just did and another one. I'm all for being able to vote for which map to do next, but making the previous map an option is dumb.
LoDownM is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 01:58 PM   #4
The Pope
Pope Is Pimpin'
 
The Pope's Avatar
 
Posts: 4,676
The Pope is a chill bro (7,500+)The Pope is a chill bro (7,500+)The Pope is a chill bro (7,500+)The Pope is a chill bro (7,500+)The Pope is a chill bro (7,500+)
Quote:
Originally Posted by LoDownM View Post
In Black Ops they need to take out the option to vote on the previous map and make it so it's two different ones every time instead of the one you just did and another one. I'm all for being able to vote for which map to do next, but making the previous map an option is dumb.
The Pope is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 02:30 PM   #5
BigDaddyCool
Pelvic Sorcerer
 
BigDaddyCool's Avatar
 
Posts: 64,762
BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
I've never seen this ever, you are dumb for saying this exists.

That out of the way, the thing that annoys me the most about stuff like this, is RDR poker and Liar's Dice. I have had a few time where there are 3 of us waiting for the game to start and only 2 of use have the ready arrow clicked. Then a posse of 2 shows up and they click the skip room, start punching everyone and the guy we were waiting on to begin with to start a 3 person game clicks skip as well. It is fucking poker. The pattern of stains on the table don't change the value of the cards. FFS.
BigDaddyCool is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 03:38 PM   #6
RoXer
History's Greatest, Mr. E
 
RoXer's Avatar
 
Posts: 42,425
RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
I understand what you're saying, but I want to point out that a lot of people pick Nuketown to level up faster/get more kills because it's a small simple map. If everyone was lmaxed out or if it was a group of friends, I doubt it would be picked once.
RoXer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 04:45 PM   #7
BigDaddyCool
Pelvic Sorcerer
 
BigDaddyCool's Avatar
 
Posts: 64,762
BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
but they don't...
BigDaddyCool is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 05:20 PM   #8
Emperor Smeat
Former TPWW Royalty
 
Emperor Smeat's Avatar
 
Posts: 66,647
Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Emperor Smeat makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
Its the same with fighters and every online game since everyone wants to play stuff they are familiar with or easiest thing to memorize for the stat padding or easy wins.

It occurred in Counter-Strike where almost every server included Dust or Dust 2 and any Street Fighter game where majority pick Ryu or Ken since they are powerful.

Worst is when you try to vote or play a different way and get called out as a "cheater" or a noob just because you did something different than majority of people on the server or match.
Emperor Smeat is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 05:21 PM   #9
BigDaddyCool
Pelvic Sorcerer
 
BigDaddyCool's Avatar
 
Posts: 64,762
BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)BigDaddyCool makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
RANDY "TRYHARD" NOOB-BITCH
BigDaddyCool is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 07:34 PM   #10
Kane Knight
Ron Paul 4 EVA
 
Kane Knight's Avatar
 
Posts: 152,467
Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Funky Fly View Post
Any time I play Modern Warfare 2 I see this a lot. Buddy I play with does it a lot too. Shooters seem to get it the worst because people just play on whatever map(s) they have memorized. I play MW2 like once every 3 months but it's been the exact same thing every single time.
Yeah, pretty much what I'm talking about.

Though racing games rely on whatever tracks you have memorised, etc.

Quote:
Originally Posted by RoXer View Post
I understand what you're saying, but I want to point out that a lot of people pick Nuketown to level up faster/get more kills because it's a small simple map. If everyone was lmaxed out or if it was a group of friends, I doubt it would be picked once.
Already addressed this. This isn't about whether or not it happens, or even why it happens, but that there's little motivation to provide diverse options if there are so many people who will support one or two choices.

I really wrote that more with Fignuts or Kris P in mind. Didn't think you'd be the tard, Roxer.

Though I will indulge you for one brief moment. Even maxed out, there is motivation to use small maps for high kills. Play MNC with a group of Level 99s and see how many times they go through SteelPeel, even though they gain no benefit of "XP" for doing so. Lots of kills in itself is a strong motivator in shooters, and I think you know this.

which brings us back to among friends, which is retarded because it has nothing to do with the question of motivation. No developer gives a shit about what your friends do.
Kane Knight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 07:41 PM   #11
Kane Knight
Ron Paul 4 EVA
 
Kane Knight's Avatar
 
Posts: 152,467
Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Kane Knight makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Smelly Meatball View Post
It occurred in Counter-Strike where almost every server included Dust or Dust 2 and any Street Fighter game where majority pick Ryu or Ken since they are powerful.
I think a lot of people pick Ryu and Ken more because of familiarity. Especially when you're a noob at a new street fighter game, there's a certain benefit in at least using them as a starting point. Not just for wins, but also for playability out of the box.

Not that you're wrong, I'm just appending this.

Most of the SF games have characters who are more powerful than Ryu, Ken or both, but tend to require at least a nominal amount of competence to be good at. Though I'm out of touch, maybe Ryu and Ken are both top tier choices again.
Kane Knight is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-12-2010, 07:50 PM   #12
RoXer
History's Greatest, Mr. E
 
RoXer's Avatar
 
Posts: 42,425
RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)RoXer makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kane Knight View Post
there's little motivation to provide diverse options if there are so many people who will support one or two choices..
And yet, how are they going to select their favorite choices if not given diverse options? I don't think these developers are mind readers.

How can I pick my favorite track off of an album without having the entire album?
RoXer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2010, 02:11 AM   #13
Funky Fly
The Satanic Mechanic
 
Funky Fly's Avatar
 
Posts: 52,521
Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)Funky Fly makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kane Knight View Post
I think a lot of people pick Ryu and Ken more because of familiarity. Especially when you're a noob at a new street fighter game, there's a certain benefit in at least using them as a starting point. Not just for wins, but also for playability out of the box.

Not that you're wrong, I'm just appending this.

Most of the SF games have characters who are more powerful than Ryu, Ken or both, but tend to require at least a nominal amount of competence to be good at. Though I'm out of touch, maybe Ryu and Ken are both top tier choices again.
On the topic of Street Fighter, it's getting better online. There's still a ton of Ken/Ryu/Akuma players out there, but I meet a lot of players who are damn near godly with lesser picked characters. The balancing is fairly good and there's not nearly as much of a tier system to deal with (as long as you're not a tournyfag anyway), but it's still easy to get by with just being an average shoto player. If I get smoked by a Ken or Ryu who is godly, however, I will not sweat it at all. It takes a fair bit of skill to be able to stuff most of TPWW's resident players so it's all good.
Funky Fly is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-13-2010, 07:17 AM   #14
#BROKEN Hasney
BAY BAY
 
#BROKEN Hasney's Avatar
 
Posts: 36,524
#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)#BROKEN Hasney makes a lot of good posts (200,000+)
I gotta say, I did this a lot on Race Driver Grid. Great game, but there were better racing games so the only mode I wanted to play on Grid was destruction derby, which only has 2 tracks.

That was kind of the developers fault as I'm sure they would have known it would be a popular mode, but it had the least tracks of any. If they ever do a sequel, I hope they rectify it.
#BROKEN Hasney is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:07 PM.

Forums Home - TPWW - Archive - Top

Powered by vBulletin®