Digital Sextant

Game-ism reflected on the experience of new games, as opposed to games that repackage old experiences. After explaining why FPSes built on the traditional model no longer work for him, he writes:

I’ve already experienced those things, and I want to enjoy new experiences.

As designers, could we all agree to eschew the idea of “Genre with a _____?” I think the consumer has spoken through their wallet that they’re not really that interested in those concepts anymore.

Let’s no longer think in terms of selling them a game. Let’s instead think of selling them an experience. (link)

I guess that’s what appeals so much about the innovations at work in some Wii games. It’s as though the gimmicky new controller has urged designers to think about what new experiences can manifest themselves through this setup. My favorite Wii game is still Trauma Center. I haven’t been a surgeon in any other game, and the excitement of trying to stem the blood, massage the little girl’s heart when it stops, and replace her pacemakers is remarkably satisfying.

I would love for a game that let me use two wiimotes as hand-held pistols and the balance board as a steering mechanism. Imagine being the Green Goblin in a game, steering by leaning and shooting with abandon.

But his point holds as well regardless of nifty controllers. If they release Harvey Birdman, attorney at Law for the Wii, I’ll buy it. As he says, new experiences are at the center of good game design.