Instructor
James Morgan
Document Type
Final Class Paper
Publication Date
Spring 2025
Keywords
Realism in Game Design
Abstract
In the current era of video game development, the gaming industry frequently pursues instant gratification, creating a landscape for immediate and empowering rewards. Current trends clearly show that experiences allow players to become superhuman or extraordinary beings with very little difficulty, satisfying a common desire for escapism and power. This suggests that “fun” is commonly associated with ease, speed, and constant positive feedback. However, my counter-argument is the emergence of games such as Kingdom Come: Deliverance and Red Dead Redemption 2. These games operate with a different game design and philosophy. In fact, they embrace slowness, hardship, and the detailed nuances of their worlds not as obstacles to enjoyment, but rather as crucial ingredients for a more profound and lasting form of engagement.
Recommended Citation
Marsel Abdullin. "Redefining Fun: How Realism and Effort Engage Players in Video Games" ART 108: Introduction to Games Studies (2025).
