The Video Game Critic

I'd like to debunk a concept that the media is latching onto as the future of video game entertainment, and that is user-generated content (example: LittleBigPlanet).  These games take advantage of the Internet to allow people to share levels they've created with each other.  Some "experts" assume that since sites like Myspace and Youtube have taken off due to user content, this same formula will drive games.

I don't think so.  For the most part, the developers of the game will be able to generate stuff far more compelling than normal players, since they know all the ins and outs of the engine.  What you'll get from typical gamers are either boring, generic stages or extreme, unplayable stages.

Next, video games are now so ubiquitous that they're practically disposable.  People don't need enough content to last them for 10 years.  If a game holds their attention for a few weeks, that's more than enough.

Finally, some game companies have actually contemplated "selling" this user-generated content for extra money.  So they'll sell you the game, make you do all the work, and then sell your own stuff back to you.  Companies are always looking for easy money like that, and it stinks.

I'm not saying user-generated content will be a total flop.  I'm sure some people will find it interesting, but it will not be the new trend. 

I do think that brand new games created by gamers have some potential, which Nintendo is pushing by opening up their architecture.  But I wouldn't bet the house on that one either.

What do you think??

As far as Wii Ware, well, I hope it will amount to smething, and I would be somewhat surprised if it really tanked with bad games. Seems like an awesome oppurtunity for a small team of people to make some great money if they can put a good game out. Internet will really help with word of mouth, they have  motivation to make a good game, and there should be enough talent out there. For me personally, this cannot come quick enough.

User content will be good for a smaller group of people who really get into a certain game to enjoy it longer, so thats probably enough.

My take on user generated content is that it is very cool, always great to have when developers are nice enough to make user friendly dev tools (or just provide them at all, really), however....

What I don't want to see is a game that is essentially a bunch of dev tools with no game. That would be terrible.

LittleBigPlanet looks neat, but I did sense that the gaming media were desperate to promote something Sony, because they frankly share the "Nintendo is abandoning the hardcore!" agenda that is so irritating. So of course it got blown out of proportion.

If one wants a good look at user generated content, look at the mod community. What you have there is a fairly dedicated group that puts out some amazing stuff from time to time (Counterstrike being the most famous mod, one of the select few that actually got published as a commercial product later), but it is a very small group. They say that 20% of the entire mod community does 80% of the work.

So, from a "we'll get cool stuff" standpoint, sure, it'll be nice. But it will not move units, if the game is being promoted only on being able to create new stuff.

-Rob

User-generated content is something that is big in PC gaming.  I really don't know how successful LittleBigPlanet is going to be, but it looks sorta cool...I guess.  From what I've read the game will ship with plenty of levels created by Sony. 

Sony is making it seem like creating levels for the game is VERY simple and intuitive.  If that is the case, then yes I can see it catching on.  However, if it proves to be difficult at all, most people won't mess with it.  The fact that Sony is saying the they will take the best user created stuff and distrubute in the form of downloadable content makes me think that some people will really get into it.

[QUOTE=JustLikeHeaven]User-generated content is something that is big in PC gaming.  I really don't know how successful LittleBigPlanet is going to be, but it looks sorta cool...I guess.  From what I've read the game will ship with plenty of levels created by Sony. 

Sony is making it seem like creating levels for the game is VERY simple and intuitive.  If that is the case, then yes I can see it catching on.  However, if it proves to be difficult at all, most people won't mess with it.  The fact that Sony is saying the they will take the best user created stuff and distrubute in the form of downloadable content makes me think that some people will really get into it.



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Sony doesn't realize it but it takes about 6-8 hours just to make a good mod on CS... It is extremely hard to do so... Unless Sony just makes you able to select pre-made features to add to the game, without that people who don't have knowledge in creating mods won't even try it.

PC Gaming is probably the only place where mods are appropriate...

CS, Warcraft III, and Diablo II are the only games that I have played with successful mods; well actually add Oblivion to that list also... VERY nice mods for the PC.

CounterStrike I would say has a generally small mod community in which I am glad to say I'm a part of... Creating a mod is complex, and to make a mod successful is a step further.

[QUOTE=Mephisto]
Sony doesn't realize it but it takes about 6-8 hours just to make a good mod on CS... It is extremely hard to do so... Unless Sony just makes you able to select pre-made features to add to the game, without that people who don't have knowledge in creating mods won't even try it.

PC Gaming is probably the only place where mods are appropriate...
[/QUOTE]

Yea it is extremely hard to do on a PC game with no tools available with the launch of the product.  Sony knows this and they are (supposedly) making it extremely simple to create a new level in LittleBigPlanet.  You aren't using a mouse to meticulously place objects and create maps...you are selecting and dragging things out of pre-made items.  Its not as complex as creating a level or a whole mod on a PC game.  It something that people are supposed to mess around with and have fun. 

I'm not saying it will work, but you aren't really talking about what Sony is planning on doing with LittleBig Planet.  If you want to talk about User mods for Unreal III...thats a different story.

"I don't think so.  For the most part, the developers of the game will be able to generate stuff far more compelling than normal players, since they know all the ins and outs of the engine.  What you'll get from typical gamers are either boring, generic stages or extreme, unplayable stages."

Alright... I guess thats how it is in the console community or something, but if you say that in the PC community people will laugh at you.

You still don't understand what I'm saying.  Its not like people have to sink a ton of time to meticulously create a level....some people will do that and it will be amazing, but most won't. 

When Blizzard released Warcraft III, they gave players a robust level editior to make maps...Some people were able to make maps that were on par with Blizzard maps, while others just messed around with it. 

LittleBigPlanet is not going to be nearly as complex as something like that.  It will only take your average gamer a few minutes to throw a level together and play with friends.  Its just supposed to be something simple and fun to share with others.