As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it faces the challenge of balancing innovation with commercial viability
Asmongold’s critique of Assassin’s Creed Shadows and his broader concerns about the direction of modern gaming resonate with many who feel that the industry has lost some of its creative spark.
However, there are still glimmers of hope, with titles like Stellar Blade demonstrating that innovation and quality are still possible.
Ultimately, the future of gaming will depend on the willingness of both developers and players to demand more from the medium.
Asmongold’s critique serves as a reminder that gamers have the power to shape the industry. By voicing their opinions, supporting innovative developers, and holding major studios accountable, players can help ensure that the future of gaming remains bright.
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Asmongold Weighs In on Assassin’s Creed Shadows
A Critical Look at the State of Modern Gaming
The gaming world is ever-evolving, with new titles and innovations appearing regularly. However, this fast-paced development doesn’t always equate to improvements.1
A recent critique from popular Twitch streamer Zack “Asmongold” illustrates this sentiment well. During an August 19, 2024, livestream, Asmongold analyzed a viral clip showing gameplay from the upcoming Ubisoft game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
His thoughts reflected broader concerns about the gaming industry’s direction, comparing it to previous titles and questioning whether new games are truly progressing or regressing.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is one of Ubisoft’s highly anticipated titles. Set to expand on the renowned Assassin’s Creed series, this game aims to blend historical narratives with action-packed gameplay.
The viral clip, shared by X user @Pirat_Nation, highlights the character Naoe engaged in intense combat. The fluid motion, quick reflexes, and brutal efficiency of Naoe’s actions drew the attention of the gaming community, prompting Asmongold to share his thoughts.
Comparing Shadows to the Classics: Prince of Persia Influence
During his stream, Asmongold made an intriguing comparison between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and another Ubisoft classic, Prince of Persia: Warrior Within.
Released in 2004, Warrior Within was praised for its groundbreaking combat mechanics, intricate level design, and dark, mature tone. Asmongold pointed out that the same studio responsible for Warrior Within is now developing Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
He expressed both awe and concern, noting that while the lineage is impressive, there’s a stark contrast between what was once considered innovative and what the industry now regards as cutting-edge.
“This is the new game,” Asmongold remarked during his stream. “Now, believe it or not, the studio that made what I just showed you guys (Prince of Persia: Warrior Within) also made this (Assassin’s Creed Shadows). This hasn’t even come out yet. It’s still being developed.”
Asmongold: Comparison with Metal Gear Rising
Asmongold didn’t stop with just a comparison to Prince of Persia. He also drew parallels between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, a game known for its high-octane action and frenetic combat style.2
Released in 2013, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was a standout for its time, offering players an exhilarating experience centered on fast-paced, hack-and-slash mechanics. According to Asmongold, the combat system showcased in the viral clip of Assassin’s Creed Shadows mirrors that of Metal Gear Rising in several ways.
“This (Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance) is from 11 years ago,” Asmongold said, emphasizing the similarities.
“That’s crazy! I feel like we’re legitimately going through an idiocracy of video games. They’re unironically getting worse. It’s insane! How has this happened?”
Today is the day
2 pm CT https://t.co/W6j2keDDMq
— Zack (@Asmongold) June 4, 2024
The “Idiocracy” of Modern Gaming: A Decline in Innovation?
- One of Asmongold’s most striking comments during the livestream was his assertion that the gaming industry is “going through an idiocracy.”
- He elaborated on this idea by suggesting that many new games, despite their improved graphics and larger budgets, fail to match the creativity, innovation, and overall quality of older titles.
- His statement speaks to a broader dissatisfaction within the gaming community—an idea that modern games may prioritize visual appeal or market trends over substance and originality.
- Asmongold’s criticism wasn’t limited to just Assassin’s Creed Shadows. He used the comparison between Metal Gear Rising and Ubisoft’s upcoming title to highlight a broader trend.
- For him, the similarities in combat systems between a game from 2013 and a game set to release in 2024 signify stagnation rather than evolution. His frustration was palpable as he lamented what he sees as the “idiot era of games.”
The Exceptions: Stellar Blade and the Hope for Quality
Despite his harsh critique, Asmongold did acknowledge that not all modern games fall into this trap. He mentioned Stellar Blade, a recently released title that, in his view, defies the trend of declining quality.
Stellar Blade was praised for its compelling narrative, innovative mechanics, and challenging gameplay—a combination that many gamers feel is lacking in other contemporary titles.
“Well, I mean, we did get Stellar Blade. Stellar Blade, I thought, was good,” Asmongold admitted, offering a glimmer of hope amidst his otherwise bleak assessment.
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Asmongold: Industry’s Dilemma
Innovation vs. Commercial Success
Asmongold’s critique raises an important question: why does it feel like the gaming industry is regressing? Part of the answer may lie in the industry’s growing focus on commercial success over innovation.3
Big-budget games often follow formulas that have proven profitable, leading to sequels and spin-offs that offer little in the way of new experiences.
This risk-averse approach can result in titles that, while polished and marketable, fail to capture the imagination of players in the way that older games did.
Moreover, the rise of microtransactions, downloadable content (DLC), and live-service models has shifted the focus from delivering a complete, groundbreaking game at launch to creating a long-term revenue stream.
This change in priorities can sometimes lead to a dilution of the gaming experience, where short-term profits take precedence over long-term quality and player satisfaction.
The Role of Nostalgia in Gaming Criticism
Nostalgia also plays a significant role in how we perceive the quality of games. Many gamers, Asmongold included, grew up playing titles that defined their understanding of what a good game should be.
As technology advances and the gaming landscape changes, these memories can create a bias that makes it difficult to appreciate newer games on their own merits.
However, Asmongold’s critique goes beyond mere nostalgia. His frustration is rooted in a genuine concern that the industry is losing its way, prioritizing flashy graphics and shallow gameplay over the deep, engaging experiences that made older games memorable.
Community Reaction: Mixed Responses to Asmongold’s Comments
- Asmongold’s livestream comments quickly spread across social media, sparking a variety of reactions from the gaming community.
- Some players echoed his sentiments, agreeing that the industry has become too focused on profit and spectacle at the expense of creativity and innovation.
- Others argued that Asmongold was being overly negative and that there are still plenty of exciting, original games being developed today.
- Supporters of Asmongold’s views pointed to recent disappointments in major game releases, where promises of innovation and quality fell short of expectations.
- They felt vindicated by his assessment, seeing it as confirmation of their own concerns.
- On the other hand, critics of his stance pointed out that the gaming industry is more diverse than ever, with indie developers, in particular, pushing the boundaries of what games can be.
- They argued that while AAA titles may sometimes play it safe, there’s no shortage of innovation in the broader gaming landscape.
Asmongold: Critiques Modern Game Design
A Deep Dive into His Thoughts on Assassin’s Creed Shadows
In the ever-evolving landscape of video game development, few topics spark as much debate as the balance between accessibility and challenge.
Recently, one of Twitch’s most influential figures, Asmongold, weighed in on this discussion with his thoughts on the upcoming release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
The outspoken streamer, known for his candid opinions on gaming culture, didn’t hold back as he dissected what he perceives as a growing trend toward making games more “accessible and approachable.” Here’s a closer look at Asmongold’s critical perspective.
The Streamer’s Reaction to Accessibility in Modern Games
During a recent livestream, Asmongold found himself addressing a statement made by a viewer named “ootsface.”
The viewer suggested that the current state of video games has been heavily influenced by the desire for greater accessibility and approachability. This notion caught Asmongold’s attention, prompting him to express his discontent with how this approach is impacting the industry.
At the 16-minute mark of his broadcast, Asmongold highlighted a tweet from @Pirat_Nation, which showcased some gameplay features in Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Rather than engaging with these features, Asmongold expressed a rather stark opinion: he simply “doesn’t want to approach” the game at all. This reaction speaks volumes about his stance on the direction some developers are taking with their titles.
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Why Asmongold Rejects “Approachability”
Asmongold’s disdain for the idea of “approachability” in game design stems from his belief that it often leads to a diluted gaming experience. He questioned the paradoxical nature of making a game more approachable, only to have people lose interest in it.
His comments reflect a broader sentiment among hardcore gamers, who feel that the drive to cater to a wider audience can sometimes come at the cost of depth and challenge.
By prioritizing accessibility, developers may unintentionally create a product that, while easy to pick up, lacks the elements that keep players engaged over the long term.
For Asmongold, the concern is that games that are too “approachable” might fail to challenge players, resulting in a lack of fulfillment and satisfaction. This could explain why he finds the concept of approachability so off-putting.
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