Why so serious?

  Bioshock Infinite was my most anticipated game for about three years. After all, it took long enough in production to get my attention! Not only did it suggest the same gameplay elements that made the original Bioshock (and its less significant sequel), but it offered the prospect of being able to explore an entirely new city in this dark, deranged and sublime world that the creators envisioned with the first game. I don't want to use this post as a review of the game - that will probably come a bit later - instead, I wanted to explore what Bioshock Infinite represents, expanding into the gaming world. 

  I haven't played the largest catalogue of games to be completely honest, however, I am sure there are many people who would agree that Bioshock Infinite's resonance in the gaming community upon its release was one of the largest in gaming history. Without giving any of the plot details away, Infinite accomplished something that threatened the very foundations of how we see and play games - bringing an unrivalled sophistication to games that will be remembered for a long time. Its ability to present a fairly basic combat system (it did not stray far from its predecessors satisfying gun/power combinations) that appears to facilitate the story is a bold move that would otherwise have failed. Why doesn't it fail? The story is that friggin' good! Ken Levine's writing style remains the similar but still manages to surprise, brining the journey to a puzzling, metaphysical conclusion that will no doubt perplex gamers for many years to come.

 So why am I talking about Bioshock Infinite? After finishing the game I sat, like many I'm sure, trying to take in what I just played through. Immediately I hit up Youtube to browse the many attempts of interpretation that differed, or coincided with my own opinions on the game. This wave of discussion illustrates just how seriously an industry that had its foundations in entertainment and 'fun' has become. 

  The recent unveilings of next generation consoles in the Playstation 4 and Xbox One have shown just how intense the industry has become. Beneath the shimmering screens, buzz words and fake, executive smiles of E3 this year, there was a fierce battle. However, the seriousness seems to come more so from the masses - i.e. us. We have become so invested in the lore of games and the correct way to treat gamers that developers like Microsoft and Sony have their hands tied - don't mess with what the people want! I don't want to call myself a fanboy because when it comes down to it, both consoles will come out, and Sony and Microsoft are going to get a shit tonne of money. I am considering either one or the other down the line but at the moment I am not about to jump down someones throat for choosing one console over another. For instance, it has to be said that Microsoft cocked it up! But, even with the fiasco of the Xbox One's launch somehow I think the company will still manage to get by. Arguably then, those who have been complaining incessantly has lead to the unbelievable dissent directed towards the issues in the gaming industry. In looking for resolution, a lot of the time, this has exacerbated the debates.

  Therein lies this excessive seriousness. I am all for the competition. I think that the constant stream of evaluation and blatant criticism forces the developers to bring to the table the best possible consoles, that we can only benefit from. I just hope that we don't get so cynical that we forget that games are meant to be fun. A game like Bioshock Infinite, and even more recently The Last of Us, seem to be products of an industry that is pushing the limit of what is entertaining to what is becoming more and more confusing and puzzled over.

  I don't like that The Last of Us and Bioshock Infinite have been compared (not a big fan of IGN's video that was sub-headed "which heavy hitter comes out on top?") Having not played The Last of Us, I am in no position to say which one I think is better, but from all I have heard, the game is a masterpiece and while holding the same gravitas as Bioshock Infinite, something that well refined deserves to stand alone. Infinite presents a unique experience that goes beyond mere gameplay and allows gamers to invest in a unique story above all. Unfortunately though, it seems that the industry's thirst for competition now affects the very games that try to break the mould of a generic game.

  I think the industry needs injections of humour like the one in the picture below. There is something about a dry sense of humour that helps to keep the gaming industry entertaining without being drowned in cynicism. It might be having a fair crack at Microsoft's DRM issues (since been rejigged) but isn't doing it in a repetitive, whining voice that so many comments  are adopting.