The State of Gaming & The Entertainment Industry

I've decided that it's time I voiced my thoughts on the state of the entertainment, and gaming industry. I have invested over 20 years of my life in video games, and various other forms of entertainment. As time has passed I've seen many changes concerning the quality, and motivations behind various video game, and entertainment releases. Some changes have been for the good of things while others haven't helped the declining situation at all. In these current hard times things definitely seem to have taken a turn for the worse resulting in a marketplace that is anything but consumer friendly. Greed is now the motivation that leads developers, and companies to release half-assed products to people who have trusted them for years. As a result I'm left wondering if the gaming, and entertainment industry will last much longer. If they bleed us of our last hard earned penny this world will no doubt become a chaotic mess very reminiscent of the apocalyptic scriptures of old. In retrospect our entertainment will become like that of the days when gladiator events were held. I'm not kidding.

I'm sure you're thinking at this point in the article, "Brad, aren't you being a little overly dramatic?". My answer to that is "No". If you take away the entertainment industry that has defined America, and the world then people will find other ways to "entertain" themselves. This could very well mean more violence, riots, and even civil war. Without joking you could even see countries building coliseums, and charge people entry fees so that they can watch some inhumane form of entertainment. Evidence of the progressing state of violence is becoming more, and more noticeable as time passes. You hear about people losing their jobs, and going on a killing spree as a result. If you take away a person's only means of "happiness" desperation is bound to set in. As a result some people result to desperate acts including murder, and other violent acts. Greed of course is one of the main driving forces behind all of this.

The gaming, and entertainment industry most certainly has more of an impact on our society than most people can fathom. All around us you see things associated with the various forms of entertainment. You can't help but notice as a lot of things are practically in your face. In a haphazard sort of way video games, movies, and music are all a lot like drugs. I know I'll probably catch heck for saying so, but please hear me out. Like a drug, or food addiction gaming/entertainment hooks the consumer to the point that they've gotta have the next product that's released. If they don't they are not considered part of the "In Crowd". Game companies, and developers realize this, and exploit it as much as possible. As an example you've probably noticed that gaming companies are releasing games/products that don't really live up to the hype. In a lot of cases the games aren't even fully developed when released.

In the indie gaming market there are some developers that release products that no one in their right mind would buy. Such games as the ones that look like they were ripped from someone else's original idea are only created for one purpose, and that is to make a quick buck and see who they can fool in the process. The same applies to more mainstream gaming companies/developers. You'll see a lot of games released that are of the same genre with similar features that you'd find in earlier games. Originality has left the building folks, at least for some developers. Aside from the previously mentioned things you'll also notice that a lot of developers have jumped on the "DLC train". They want to charge you for things that should have already been included in the game. In the 80's, and 90's games were complete, and a gamer didn't have to worry about DLC bullsh*t. If the content is already on the disc (SFxT) then why should a developer get paid extra by a consumer to be able to unlock what's already there?

Like I said, it's all about greed. If you know what greed is all about then you'll know that it's a bottomless pit that cannot, and will not ever be filled. In the end the consumer is the one losing out, and is the one who will pay the ultimate price. I'm not saying don't buy video games, movies, or music. I'm just saying be smart, and don't throw away your hard earned cash to the sharks of the entertainment industry. With that being said there are still some developers, and directors who have your best interest in mind. These thoughtful few are growing ever more small in number, so it's best that you pick and choose whom you support as it could very well impact us all as consumers. The entertainment industry is not something to be taken lightly, especially in these hard times.

I hope that you were able to make sense of my points regardless of how "off-the-wall" they might initially sound. As a long time supporter of the entertainment industry I can't help, but voice my opinion on the status of it's current standing. Anything that has had such an impact on peoples' daily lives as video games, movies, and music should not be taken lightly. We as consumers need to open our eyes to the bigger picture, and get smart about the choices we make.

- Brad (OtakuDante) -