Lesson for Game Developers from Swimming Controversy in Mafia: The Old Country
In the world of video game development, the inclusion of new mechanics can make or break a game's success. However, adding mechanics for the sake of it doesn't necessarily improve a game, as game developers and players have learned from the ongoing debate surrounding swimming mechanics.
Swimming mechanics, when executed well, can significantly enhance gameplay by adding realism, expanding exploration possibilities, and increasing immersion. In games like Mind Diver and Black Desert, swimming mechanics have been praised for their ability to deepen exploration, introduce strategic depth, and provide a sense of physicality to movement.
However, the absence of swimming mechanics in games like Mafia: The Old Country has sparked debate. Set on the island of Sicily, Mafia: The Old Country is a linear, narrative adventure game, not an immersive open-world sim. The game's omission of swimming mechanics likely stems from its core design and setting, leading to divided opinions among players.
Despite the often disappointing experiences in games with swimming sequences, some argue that games' realism invites the question of including swimming mechanics. On the other hand, players often complain about the controls and general lack of enjoyability in swimming mechanics in 3D games.
Michael Douse, a publishing director at Larian Studios, echoes this sentiment, stating that adding unnecessary mechanics doesn't make a good video game. Every game feature has a cost in terms of manpower, time, and budget, and developers often prefer to focus on necessary features rather than unnecessary ones.
In Mafia: The Old Country, there are no missions that require swimming, and the beautiful coastal environments are there to provide a credible setting, not to be explored beyond the needs of the game's objectives. Some players have expressed disappointment that they cannot take Enzo Favara swimming, but the game's linear design doesn't lend itself to extensive exploration.
The debate over swimming mechanics in video games is far from over. While some developers advocate for their inclusion, others argue that they should be left behind unless necessary. As one developer put it, every new game feature should answer the question, "will this help make the game more fun than GoldenEye?"
In recent news, a user on Reddit has found fully functional swimming physics in Mafia: Definitive Edition, sparking renewed interest in the debate. Opinions remain divided, but one thing is clear: the inclusion of swimming mechanics is a hot topic in the gaming community.
References:
[1] GameSpot. (n.d.). Mafia: The Old Country. Retrieved from https://www.gamespot.com/games/mafia-the-old-country/
[2] Black Desert Online. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.playblackdesert.com/
[3] Mind Diver. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://minddiver.game/
[4] Sly Spy. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spyro_2:_Ripto%27s_Rage!
[5] God of War. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.godofwar.com/
[6] Grand Theft Auto V. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.rockstargames.com/GTAV/
[7] GoldenEye 007. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GoldenEye_007
[8] Douse, M. (2022, March 1). Larian Studios' Michael Douse on the importance of focusing on necessary features in game development. Retrieved from https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2022-03-01-larian-studios-michael-douse-on-the-importance-of-focusing-on-necessary-features-in-game-development
[9] Reddit user. (2022, February 28). Swimming physics found in Mafia: Definitive Edition. Retrieved from https://www.reddit.com/r/mafiade/comments/t04l1e/swimming_physics_found_in_mafia_definitive_edition/
- The inclusion of swimming mechanics in games like Mind Diver and Black Desert has been praised for its ability to deepen exploration, introduce strategic depth, and provide a sense of physicality to movement, enhancing gameplay by adding realism.
- In contrast, the absence of swimming mechanics in games like Mafia: The Old Country has sparked debate, with some arguing that the omission likely stems from the game's linear design and narrative focus.
- Some players have expressed disappointment that they cannot take Enzo Favara swimming in Mafia: The Old Country, but the game's linear design doesn't lend itself to extensive exploration.
- Michael Douse, a publishing director at Larian Studios, emphasizes the importance of focusing on necessary features in game development, as every game feature has a cost in terms of manpower, time, and budget.
- The debate over swimming mechanics in video games continues, with some developers advocating for their inclusion and others arguing that they should be left behind unless necessary, raising questions about the fun factor in comparison to games like GoldenEye.
- Recently, a user on Reddit discovered fully functional swimming physics in Mafia: Definitive Edition, reigniting the debate and demonstrating that the discussion over swimming mechanics remains a hot topic in the gaming community.
