The market is ”ready for new paradigms” and Heavy Rain proved it. Today’s titles are based on ”violent actions”, the same rules of the past 25 years.
”Today we are a very conservative industry,” said David Cage, speaking at the Game Developers Conference in Europe. “Few take risks. The game industry is technologically innovative, but not conceptually innovative. But I think the market is ready for new paradigms. I think the industry is ready for new ideas.”
PS3 exclusive Heavy Rain won two Develop Awards this year, and Cage believes it’s a much needed change for adult and mature gamers.
”Games are today based on violent actions,” he said.
“They are defined by what you see and what you destroy. You always do the same things whether you drive or shoot or jump on platforms. They are based on the same rules” he says, that have been in place ”for 25 years.”
”And few games try to explore the wide range of emotions out there,” he went on. Cage described the competition to Heavy Rain as popcorn action flicks. ”That’s not necessarily a problem, but you lose out on all the emotions. What do you learn, what do you feel?”
”Games should be art and not toys,” he concluded. “If you are uncomfortable with the word ‘art’, then ‘entertainment’ is fine. Toys are disposable, art is poignant.” What say you, videogamer? Is Heavy Rain a step in the right direction we all want?
