02-22-2011, 09:09 PM
Hm, this is a thread similar to one I posted last Fall; the title is the exact same... where did that original post go? If I remember, it had some interesting discussion.
Anyways, I generally agree with ixnay on several points.
Thec core of PBM games can be characterized (IMHO) by these features:
The (e)mail medium was directly suited to these features, however today it is a dated medium. The way most people use and view the Internet is directly contradictory to important core principles of "turn based" and "no instant feedback". After all, the Internet enabled real time mechanics that were previously impossible (not to mention the advances in computers that allow for 3d graphics) I don't think this fact excludes the turn-based, patient, and imaginative playstyle.
True, the majority of modern gamers (of my generation and younger) might not have the patience or interest in playing a game that takes days or more to receive feedback from and lacks flashy graphics, but they are out there, but PBM was never a mainstream genre. Moreover, given the smaller playerbase, the Internet is a godsend, because it will link us together and pay no regard to geography.
The main problem is, as GrimFinger and ixnay pointed out, is that there has yet to emerge a game that has all these qualities and makes use of modern technology.
Anyways, I generally agree with ixnay on several points.
Thec core of PBM games can be characterized (IMHO) by these features:
- Turn based play (also: long turns)
- Asynchronous
- Multiplayer
- Massive scale (aka, epic or "space" opera-y)
- Great Depth (in terms of # of possible actions)
- Lack of instant feedback to create suspense/anxiousness
- Imagination based (as opposed to graphic visuals)
The (e)mail medium was directly suited to these features, however today it is a dated medium. The way most people use and view the Internet is directly contradictory to important core principles of "turn based" and "no instant feedback". After all, the Internet enabled real time mechanics that were previously impossible (not to mention the advances in computers that allow for 3d graphics) I don't think this fact excludes the turn-based, patient, and imaginative playstyle.
True, the majority of modern gamers (of my generation and younger) might not have the patience or interest in playing a game that takes days or more to receive feedback from and lacks flashy graphics, but they are out there, but PBM was never a mainstream genre. Moreover, given the smaller playerbase, the Internet is a godsend, because it will link us together and pay no regard to geography.
The main problem is, as GrimFinger and ixnay pointed out, is that there has yet to emerge a game that has all these qualities and makes use of modern technology.