May 4th 2024.
Minecraft – it's a game loved by many, but for some, it's just one of many video games out there. A reader recently brought up an interesting point – that younger gamers are the ones driving the change in the industry, and they're not interested in traditional console games anymore.
In the past few weeks, we've had Reader's Features discussing how traditional console games are now only for older fans, and another that suggests that younger people, with more free time, are the ones who can truly appreciate them. This all comes after the recent news that both Microsoft and Sony seem to be shifting towards multi-platform releases and moving away from consoles as the main focus.
We can only speculate on what their plans actually are, as they haven't revealed much. But one thing is clear – something has definitely changed. The rising cost of making games may be a factor, but that's been happening for a long time. It can't be the sole reason for this sudden shift in approach.
I believe that both of the previous articles may have missed the mark, even though they touched on the root of the problem. The truth is, kids today just don't enjoy console games like previous generations did. Of course, there will always be exceptions – some kids do have consoles and love them. And Nintendo games are still popular among younger kids. But as they get older, they tend to gravitate towards games like Roblox and Minecraft, before eventually moving on to games like Fortnite and GTA Online, as well as other free online shooters.
These games may be playable on a console, but they're not what most people would consider traditional console games. However, the real issue here isn't the format – it's the fact that younger gamers are only playing a handful of games and have no interest in playing, or paying for, traditional single-player games. That is now left to older gamers, and once they're gone, there's no guarantee that the younger generation will suddenly develop a love for single-player games when they turn 30.
For kids growing up today, video games are Fortnite and Roblox. They don't care about the age-old debates of Nintendo vs. Sega or PlayStation vs. Xbox. They just want to hang out with their friends on their social platform of choice, which happens to be a video game. They're not interested in buying the latest acclaimed games – they'll just play the latest fan-made one on Roblox or buy a new skin in Fortnite. These two games have evolved into platforms themselves, and they have a much larger player base than consoles. That's where the future lies – not in the next PlayStation or Xbox.
If they do show an interest in single-player games, they're more likely to watch someone else play it on Twitch or YouTube instead of trying it themselves. It's just not something that crosses their minds anymore.
And it's not just kids – even adults are playing games differently now. GTA Online has been immensely popular for over a decade, with its various game modes. Then there's Rainbow Six Siege, which is so successful that there's no plan for a sequel. And let's not forget free PC games like Counter-Strike and League of Legends.
Sure, there will always be some games that cater to us – the ones reading this article. Whether it's indie games or the occasional big-budget title from a major publisher. But they will become increasingly rare as the years go by, until they're just a niche.
Maybe one of the current live service games will eventually lose its popularity, or a new one will take its place. But that won't change the overall situation – most younger gamers will continue playing the same few games forever, with no interest in anything else.
I believe Microsoft and Sony are aware of this, and their recent actions reflect that. However, I don't think they'll be able to fully compensate for this major shift in how people play games. Things are only going to get tougher for traditional games from here on out.
By reader Ashton Marley
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