- Multiple releases throughout the years have shown us that gameplay is the most important part of a game.
- Hellblade 2 has been the most recent reminder.
- Even though the game was deemed the best-looking Unreal Engine 5 title to date, it still underperformed.
Gameplay is king in the industry and always has been. Although appealing graphics can improve the experience, they are not essential for a game’s success, as best demonstrated by many Nintendo titles.
Recently, Hellblade 2’s underperformance has been highlighted as a lesson for future developers, emphasizing that gameplay should always take precedence over other aspects since this is the biggest factor in a game.
Why it matters: Despite being considered one of the most visually impressive titles, Hellblade 2 is no longer being talked about. It seems everyone has moved on since the gameplay was quite shallow and lackluster.
Hellblade 2 Was Disappointing
Captivating visuals can draw an audience initially, but what truly matters is whether they remain engaged. According to reports, nearly half of Hellblade 2 players abandoned the game before earning their first achievement.
Furthermore, only 13% of the players beat the main story. This is because the experience has been deemed ‘boring,’ and has even been given the unfortunate label of a “walking simulator.”
Ninja Theory had clear priorities for this title right from the start, aiming for a cinematic experience. However, in their pursuit of achieving this cinematic perfection, they overlooked the importance of delivering engaging gameplay.
This serves as a powerful reminder for all developers that while their game may be hailed as the most visually stunning title, it can still disappoint if critical aspects, such as gameplay, fall short of expectations.
Nintendo Is Leading By Example
In my opinion, Nintendo stands out as one of the premier developers, showcasing that gameplay reigns supreme over all other elements. Nintendo’s consistent emphasis on gameplay has propelled them to great success in the gaming industry.
Recognizing the limitations of their hardware in terms of graphics, Nintendo cleverly transformed this weakness into a strength. They have produced numerous beloved titles such as Zelda, Pokemon, and Mario, which, despite lacking realistic visuals, have captured the hearts of gamers worldwide.
I think many developers could benefit from learning from Nintendo’s example.
Ninja Theory could have maintained Hellblade 2’s quality as a high-quality indie title. However, the team needed to keep in mind that people choose games over movies for interactivity. Eliminating or ignoring this element is far from the wisest move.
As previously mentioned, Hellblade 2 excelled in graphics and could have surpassed expectations if Ninja Theory had balanced this with a strong focus on gameplay. A third entry in the franchise has reportedly been greenlit, presenting Ninja Theory with an opportunity to do just that.
I hope Ninja Theory learns from its mistakes and gives gameplay just as much importance for Hellblade 3.
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