Random Thoughts

Wow, I haven't posted in two weeks. When I started this thing the goal was to post once a week. I guess I didn't realize how easy it is to lose track of time.

Honestly, I was a little burnt-out after that string of Grim Dawn posts. Partially because, for me, it was a lot of writing. Partially because I was a little discouraged by the reactions I received. But hey, nobody writes on the internet to make friends. At least negative reactions are reactions, right?

I don't have anything specific in mind to write about today. I just wanted to get something up here again to keep me motivated to write. I have had a few random ideas floating around these past two weeks, none of which have evolved into much yet. These may or may not become full length posts in the future.

The Significance of Story
Several people reacted to my last post about Grim Dawn with the assertion that RPGs aren't meant to have stories. In their words, RPGs are all about the stories you create while playing. I agree that organic storytelling is an important part of good RPG design, but I disagree with the premise that the game doesn't need a core plot to tie it all together.

Cinematics and Cutscenes
There was also a lot of kickback regarding my belief that a few more cutscenes would have greatly improved Grim Dawns storytelling. I understand that that is a controversial idea, many games take cutscenes and such way too far. I believe that there is a proper way to use cutscenes and cinematics, one that changes the overall experience of a game for the better.

Most Impactful Cinematics and Cutscenes
One respondent made the claim that they had never, in their entire lives, played a game where a cutscene or cinematic improved the experience. They claimed that cinematics and cutscenes only ever ruin games, they don't make them better. My initial reaction was to blow them off as an idiot, but after some thought it occurred to me that I don't know anything about them, their story, or their struggle. Maybe they have a very legitimate reason for feeling that way? Anyway, I want to compile a list of in game cinematics and cutscenes from my gaming experience that I feel did enrich the experience.

The Blank Slate Fallacy
Another response that I saw a lot was that the player character in Grim Dawn and other RPGs isn't meant to have a background story. I want to address this idea.

A Return to New Eden
I recently returned to one of my great gaming loves, Eve Online, after a multi-year hiatus. I want to discuss my feelings on going back to a game that has such a rich backdrop and tight, active community. The things that, to me, have changed or not changed and why I decided to go back.

Anyway, those are the barest glimmer of article ideas that I have been mulling around these past two weeks. Maybe I'll expand on them, maybe I wont. I guess we'll see what shakes out next week.