How to Embrace Simplicity in Gaming Again
As video game graphics evolve, everything becomes more hyper-realistic, the storylines become more intricate, and the mechanics become even more complex. Therefore, gaming in so many ways becomes not just a mirror of the real world, but a carbon copy of it! In life, we need to find ways to return to simplicity, and in gaming, there is a growing sentiment that we should take a step back in time to the more basic approaches. But what are the best ways for us to do this?
Prioritize Gameplay, Not Graphics
We can easily become blindsided by the spectacle of a game. Constantly yearning for cutting-edge graphics or cinematic experiences rather than the playability. It’s far better for us to look at the quality of the gameplay itself and remind ourselves that it’s actually about the challenge rather than the imagery. A game as simple as online Backgammon can provide hours of entertainment for this very reason.
The Nostalgia Factor
Compare a PS5 controller to a Sega Genesis one, and you will see the difference in terms of the volume of buttons. Gameplay can be as much about embracing simplicity and not having to use as many different digits. This is why revisiting classic games that may only require one or two buttons to operate may seem like a foreign language to modern gamers, but those of a certain age could benefit from looking at games from the late ’70s through the ’80s or even the early 1990s that naturally had simple design and mechanics. The nostalgia factor is a big draw for so many people, especially as pixelated graphics and more straightforward controls have a charm that goes beyond the need for captivating visuals. Look at something like the Game Boy, for example. It was criticized at the time for its limited colors and was not on the same level as its competitor, the Game Gear, but arguably, the Game Boy won the battle for a number of reasons. For many people who want to go back to the world of the Game Boy, they can go to the Nintendo Switch store and find that those games still pack a punch, but with a greater degree of simplicity that can bring about an incredible sense of warmth to those of a certain age.
Choosing Mindful Gaming Practices
Mindful gaming is an approach that typifies gaming while being in the moment. Modern games that go a mile a minute can certainly encourage the flow state, but they can also leave us mentally exhausted if we do it too much. Therefore, going in the other direction and choosing simplistic games that encourage mindfulness and focus through ambient experiences can provide us with a respite from the constant stimulation that games tend to bring. These types of approaches don’t just provide entertainment but can act as a sort of digital meditation. While there are certainly many benefits of playing video games in every single way, sometimes we need to remember that less can be more.
We can all live lives peppered with complexity, and this is why there is a yearning for so many people to get back to the simpler things. We can do this in many facets of our existence, especially in the games we play.
