790°

Video Games Are for Everyone And so Should Sekiro

With so many different takes floating around regarding Sekiro, let's take a deep dive into why having more accessibility is always a good thing in games, especially for challenging ones.

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Juusterey2476d ago

Not all games are for all people.

PiNkFaIrYbOi2476d ago

Yep, there is also personal preference on what type of games you like and ones that you don't like.

bouzebbal2476d ago

Haha omg... I wanna leave this planet I'm done

Sono4212476d ago

I'm seriously gonna stay away from N4G for a week or two, we are just getting bombarded with articles like these, they are so boring and say the same thing just worded differently. I want news not all of this garbage, i'm out see you in 1-2 weeks.

DaReapa2476d ago

@Sono
These Sekiro difficulty articles have become the battle royal games of journalism.

starchild2475d ago

Yes, but third person games should offer first person perspectives for gamers that prefer first person, and vice versa. Easy games need to offer a hardcore difficulty mode that's well balanced and deep for gamers that prefer it.

Where does it end?

Babadook72475d ago (Edited 2475d ago )

“Video Games Are for Everyone And so Should Sekiro”

Yep. Get gud people!

RedDevils2475d ago

This type of nonsense article remind me of crossplay bs.

ravinash2475d ago (Edited 2475d ago )

About games being for everyone..

No one would ever say all movies are for everyone.
In fact there are good arguments to say the opposite.
Games, like movies, novels, paintings... is art. You can't make something that will make everyone happy.
In fact when ever your see examples where people have tried to make something that appeals to everyone, usually ends up the most boring lifeless crap that no one wants to waste their time on.

Art is the communication of ideas... if you take all the messages out of it, then what are you left with?
The difficulty of soul games is part of what makes them what they are.

+ Show (4) more repliesLast reply 2475d ago
harmny2476d ago (Edited 2476d ago )

Exactly. Epic game store exclusives are not for crybabies. I don't know why they keep whining

Nitrowolf22476d ago

That’s a completely different issue.....

Wolffenblitz2476d ago

@Nitrowolf2

He's trolling. it's pretty obvious why people are saying it's bad that the EGS is holding games hostage.

Tross2476d ago

@Juusterey I’m not sure how that’s a hard concept for people to grasp, but apparently it is or we wouldn’t keep seeing these articles.

rainslacker2476d ago

People grasp the concept. They still want an easier mode. I think as it is now though, it's more the media capitalizing on a hot topic, fly by night issue, which will be forgotten in a week or two like almost everything else is, just like this same issue has in the past.

2476d ago
Silly Mammo2476d ago

Why is this From Software game the game that seems to be getting the most traction about an easy mode? It's certainly not their first game that was difficult. Does Sekiro have such mainstream appeal? I'm not a hardcore fan of this genre, but I did think Bloodborne and DS3 were fantastic games. But I realized going into these games that they would be hard and felt theextreme satisfaction of beating them.

krauley2476d ago

Because there are more entitled shits than ever before, thats why. oh and if you dont like it fuck off!

DrumBeat2475d ago

Because Sekiro is a ninja guy and everyone wants to be a sweet ninja! The only problem is, well, it's too harrdddddd. 😭

nitus102475d ago

@krauley

Crude, rude and definitely to the point. 😊

pitythefool2475d ago

Because From Software games score really well, pretty much all these complaints could be applied to The Surge, a game scorning in the 70’s and ...... crickets.

People think they’re missing out and get bruised egos when they can’t beat them.

rainslacker2475d ago

The souls games in general have gained a pretty positive reputation with each one, and the bloodborne being so highly rated, its caused more people to pay attention. If more are asking, it's probably because more people who aren't familiar with the fact they're considered hard, or require heavily on learning the mechanics and timings, that they end up not being able to play them in the normal form, thus they ask for it to be easier.

As far as the numerous topics on the article, its nothing new, but with it getting so much attention this time, every journalist feels the need to add their own opinion piece, which keeps the discussion going. I think most of us around here have pretty much said what we have to say about it, but like most things, we get to repeat it with each new article.

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MajorLazer2476d ago

For fuck sake! Where does it stop if such a thing is implemented? Have the game be played automatically and the gamer just watches so that it can make it accesible for literally everyone?

notachance2476d ago (Edited 2476d ago )

nah it still wouldnt be accesible for blind people

MajorLazer2475d ago

@NX

Detroit's gameplay is literally that. That was how the creator wanted it, and that's how he made it because it's his vision at the end of the day and you gotta respect that

Seraphim2476d ago (Edited 2476d ago )

that was my first thought when reading the headline.

Video games are for everyone but yes, not all video games are for everyone.

hiawa232476d ago

And that should be determined by each gamer based on the options devs provide them for enjoying their games which may differ from how you enjoy and play your games.

rainslacker2475d ago (Edited 2475d ago )

So people aren't allowed to ask for an easy mode? What's wrong with asking? Most aren't demanding, nor would demanding really make much difference. No one is saying the dev needs to remove what's there, just add to it. Dont we do this on a daily basis? Aren't there those who are now saying fit gud whi often say that some company absolutely has to do something while spouting disdain towards said company? The only difference here is that those asking aren't trying to put down the dev.

DrumBeat2475d ago

Agreed. Can't hack it? Keep trying til you do, or don't play it. You lazy, corner cutting crybabies aren't getting your diaper mode. Not going to happen.

Learn the game, learn the patterns, and up your reflexes. FromSoftware isn't going to coddle you.

zugdar2475d ago

Agreed. Just like some movies and shows target a particular audience. I'm not sure how this is so hard for people to get on board with.

sKiiTs82475d ago

i get that, but say there was an easy mode, what difference does it make? do you think it'll harm the community? it might, so i understand the debate on both sides.

wolf5812475d ago

Exactly...next lets ask Ferrari to make cheaper cars so anyone can afford one ahaaahaaaa

savedsynner2475d ago (Edited 2475d ago )

Exactly. That's like saying a restaurant needs to serve all kinds of food, and not be casual or fine dining. Or professional football should allow all people to play regardless of physical capability. From makes a product, and that product appeals to certain types of gamers. If you don't like it....don't play it. Now, you could argue from a business perspective From's games should be more widespread appealing but that's not the argument he makes. It's just another snowflake whining about equal outcome vs equal opportunity.

Reefskye2475d ago

Maybe not but the more people can play your game the more sales you get, the death of games like quake and unreal tournament prove this, its why games like fornite are so successful easy to get in too and to get kills. Where as harder more skilled based games that require alot of practise to be half decent don't sell anymore. Why loot shooters and MMOs drop gear for fun these days and not like they use to quick easy feeling of achievement. Gaming is main stream now for the masses, games will never be as hard as they once where

+ Show (11) more repliesLast reply 2475d ago
Adexus2476d ago

Why does a game or any other type of entertainment have to cater to everyone? If it's not for you then don't play, or watch it.

Atom6662476d ago (Edited 2476d ago )

It doesn't, and it can't. But we see disability accommodations for most types of entertainment. Other forms of media try to be accommodating more than games too.

The current discussion is about gamers with disabilities being unable to enjoy a game due to their limitations. As a community, we should be getting behind saying that all games should be "for you" regardless of your physical or mental disability.

ArchangelMike2476d ago

Oh right, so lets go crap on devs for not making VR games accessible for the sight impaired and blind gamers.

smh

Atom6662476d ago

Who's crapping on devs? The discussion (on the one side at least) has been quite respectful, and has aimed at opening the discussion up to a different perspective of this debate.

Do you scream at people using CC on movies and TV: "git gud at hearing!" Do you cry about the artistic vision of a concert when they offer ASL translators at a show?

Well maybe you do...but as someone who grew up with cheat codes, "God mode", debug modes, etc., I don't think the gaming industry would crumble by listening to well-reasoned feedback from a part of the gaming community and throwing them a bone.

The Wood2476d ago

that bone would be a notice akin to an age restriction notice to tell the consumer the game is effin hard or not for the brittle. Imagine artists be it music or film makers having to cater for everyone or dumbing down their movies for those who find their movies hard to digest. No way mate. Let the provider focus on their product and be true to their vision. This is getting ridiculous.

Atom6662476d ago

Or just throw some cheat codes on there. What does that hurt?

It's not about age or not understanding the product. This particular discussion is about people who physically cannot play some games and want the devs to consider them.

I'm sure the vision of the new Avengers movie is to have some of the best sound design of any Marvel movie. Some people will enjoy it without hearing it at all...because they can't. I would love to see the director come out and say "No CC! It's not our vision!!"

So I'm sorry, I support their efforts on this game and others. Because it's a SP game, these accomodations make more sense. It doesn't hurt the product to think of ways to accommodate some people who still want to enjoy a game despite their disabilities.

Some of the best games ever made have allowed cheats and mods. Maybe it's time more devs realize how that simple addition helped people in ways they may not have realized.

ZombieGamerMan2476d ago

https://www.youtube.com/cha... Okay tell that guy how he needs an easy mode to play Sekiro

antz11042476d ago

That's a garbage argument. The core of the issue has nothing to do with accessibility. At the end of the day it's about gamers whining that Sekiro is too hard, they're not getting an easy mode, and now they're hiding behind a banner of disabled individuals who they don't care about to push their issue. It's pretty pathetic.

Atom6662476d ago

2 different groups antz. Look at the article for more links.

OB1Biker2476d ago (Edited 2476d ago )

Its an excuse to thicken the journalists controversy. Accessibility is welcome in any game but has nothing to do with easy modes. Its different. Accessibility is more like the Ms controller or specific remapping or keyboards etc

Edit
@antz1104
Its not gamers whining. Its journalists. Many gamers just follow the bait
The funny part is they end up saying gamers are crying or outraged by easy modes while its the exact oposite. They are making up an outrage against games with no easy mode and gamers who dont want to force DS games to change.

ArchangelMike2476d ago

You're missing the point. Not all disabilities can be accommodated for unfortunately. It would require a different game as a whole and completely different control schemes. You would need to design the game specifically to cater for the various disabilities, which maybe beyond the scope of many devs.

KwietStorm_BLM2476d ago

If it's about gamers with disabilities, why is it always From Software games that get these corny ass articles littering the internet? If it's disabilities, it's literally every game ever made. But it's not. It's yet another Sekiro article. Much ado about nothing.

NXFather2475d ago (Edited 2475d ago )

That what Twitch for. Just get yo controller and mash da buttons.

Also Youtube.

Atom6662475d ago (Edited 2475d ago )

I would encourage some of you guys to read the piece submitted by Cherry Thompson

https://m.ign.com/articles/...

Or follow people like Steven Spohn on Twitter.

Not everything is black and white. Some are pushing this conversation for very good reasons, and not just because the guy at Forbes sucks at games.

A game like Sekiro is going to be modded on PC in a number of ways, yet From's "vision" will remain the same. Button mapping will be performed on all platforms, yet the "vision" remains.

The dismissiveness some of you guys are showing is pretty low.

OB1Biker2475d ago (Edited 2475d ago )

You talk about 'dismissiveness' but you and this article are missing the point and actually dissmissing it.
Accessibility for gamers with disability are nd difficulty scaling are very different things.
You know well these journalist are singling out DS games. OK?
Accessibility for gamers with disability should be a concern for every game. OK?
There's an obvious hypocrisy here that you should see plain as it is.
If you want to champion accessibility then it doesn't make sense to focus on games which are specifically made to be Difficult.
Accessibility is not meant to lower the difficulty. It's to make all games accessible and therefore make difficult games accessible for anyone who want to experience difficult games because if those games aren't difficult then they just lose most of their hook.
Its a false pretence to attack DS for their difficulty. It's what they are. Difficult games.
Make difficult games accessible is a good intend but they need remain difficult and it's in their design.
An easy mode is completely different and should not be forced to developers. In other times it would be called harassment and entitlement.

The Wood2475d ago

Lol. Never seen this type of crying for an easy mode on super meat boy or many of the countless hard games over the years. Look mate. . . Some games are not meant for everyone. Part of their charm is down to their difficulty. Is it unfair I can't buy a Ferrari because of my height and lack of finance. . . .c'mon

shadowraiden2475d ago

please dont bring up the disability as an excuse. when there is now people with disabilities showcasing them beating sekiro with there mouth etc.

for example this guy doesnt even cheese and make the fight easier and hes a quadriplegic.
https://www.youtube.com/wat...

UltraNova2475d ago

The wood,

Man lets do it, lets start a "Make Ferraris accessible" movement. Common dude lets cry our asses out for it!

Atom6662475d ago

The reason Sekiro is being brought up in the accessibility discussions is because of the able-bodied journalists and players calling for an easy mode for other reasons.

In response to the "git gud" crowd that pops up to rebut them, advocates began to speak out and say: "some of us ask for difficulty adjustments for very valid reasons." So while some journalists push an easy mode idea due to a lack of skill and patience, some with valid gripes used that discussion to remind people that not everyone asking for it are whining because they stink at games.

That seems like an opportune time to have that discussion to me.

Accessibility can be a difficulty slider, closed captions, color blind mode, or hand pedals on a Ferrari.

savedsynner2475d ago

I am all for making game accessible for those with disabilities, but that doesn't mean you artificially change your product. The onus is on PS4 to allow disabled people to play games, not the devs. And why are these people all of a sudden complaining about From's difficulty. Sekiro isn't any worse than Dark souls when you play without a guide.

carcarias2475d ago

With respect though, Sekiro and Souls games are made around the difficulty from the ground up. You simply don't have much of a game without the difficulty. It's not Witcher 3, if you know what I mean?

It could be argued the Souls games have really large, varied areas with RPG elements to customise your character but with Sekiro, they've made the areas smaller, there are less basic enemies, the distance between idols is quite short and it has hardly any rpg elements at all. The bosses and their difficulty is literally the whole purpose of this game. If that doesn't suit someone, then they really aren't missing out. I think those that want to play the game on easy would actually be really disappointed with the game.

The game is getting 9's because of the way the game feels, and the vast majority of that is the difficulty. Take that away and you've got a fairly short, hollow, but albeit quite pretty, hack and slash. People might feel they are missing out on a 9/10 experience but, although it's highly subjective, without the difficulty I certainly wouldn't have bothered playing it. There's not enough 'game' there.

In short, it's not necessarily about 'git gud' or the degrading of gaming, it's about the fact that lowering the difficulty cripples the gameplay, imho. As a developer, I wouldn't want my game going from a 9/10 experience for some to a 6/10 for others. Having said that, if FS did include an easy setting, it wouldn't bother me.

rainslacker2475d ago (Edited 2475d ago )

Most of the crying I'm seeing is people who feel that those asking for an easy mode are even asking for it, usually followed by some assumptive insults. Those that may be ok with it aren't really pressing the issue like these articles seem, nor do any of the people for it seem like their life would be irrevocably ruined if it doesn't happen. Alternatively, it seems those against it seem to think that they will somehow lose something from the game itself in the process, and they lash out against what is a rather mundane topic.

Maybe I should take notes though, because 9 out of 10nof these same people will sit there and talk crap about what a company needs to do, or put down a game for any given reason, or say how they dont want something the game is doing....like lack of jumping in the new God of war.

The arguments for and against on this topic could literally be applied to almost every discussion that is had on here where people say they want something.

I understand there are some strong feelings about this with those against it, but not a single person has expressed a good reason why it should matter that much to them. The dev not wanting to do it should be enough, but there is still nothing wrong with people expressing a desire to have fun with the game. So long as it doesn't affect the fans or general developers vision.

And I'll end with, an easier mode doesn't have to be a super easy, hold your hand game. Could just be the difficulty is dialed back some. Plenty of games do this without having a negative effect on then other modes.

Atom6662475d ago

@Carcarias

I don't disagree with your position entirely. Personally, I would not play a From game on "easy" or use cheats and mods for the reasons you describe. But it doesn't affect my enjoyment or my rating of the game if others do though.

Again, people are conflating two separate groups. Some argued that the game is too difficult for their skill level just in general. I personally might join you in saying that a dev shouldn't feel compelled to change their product to accommodate those people, but there's another perspective that many are missing and is the reason we're seeing some people from this other community speak out at this time.

With the "easy mode" discussions and in response to those speaking out against the complaining journalists, people affiliated with groups like Ablegamers spoke up and said, Hey, some people ask for difficulty sliders due to their disabilities.

There's no call to boycott, no dev attacks, and no threat to our enjoyment of games. Like this particular article shows, it's about voicing an opinion from a different angle that many gamers and possibly devs haven't considered.

In my opinion, if someone with a disability says "Adding a health buff would allow me to enjoy the same game as you," then my response wouldn't be to tell them that the game just isn't meant for them. I'm not sure why so many people actually want to argue in support of that stance either.

OB1Biker2474d ago (Edited 2474d ago )

Man, accessibility is simply a different issue and is a concern for EVERY game. It's a bad idea to drown that fair intent with DS type of games. Make all casual game more accessible to start with and helping a lot more people. Have this discussion about games in general. Single out DS games is NOT helping
It's just not helping anything to mix accessibility into a different issue.
It's clear that some are just trying to move goal posts to suit an agenda, is what it is.

+ Show (19) more repliesLast reply 2474d ago
NXFather2475d ago (Edited 2475d ago )

Man they better hit the Youtube or Twitch and lay it down.

Thundercat772475d ago

The same applies to crossplay.

rainslacker2475d ago

And what is the issue if it caters to more people if it doesn't affect what the current customers are getting

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isarai2476d ago

No they're not, and no it shouldnt be. It should stay however the team wants it to be

harmny2476d ago

And why do gamers keep telling Bioware how shitty anthem is? The team wants it to be that way.

Juusterey2476d ago

Intentional does not mean good

ShinRon2476d ago

cept bioware isn't saying thats how its intended

ZombieGamerMan2476d ago

@harmny Not even BioWare wants it that way

TimeSkipLuffy2475d ago

That's fine if they want it that way. A lot of gamers just like to share their opinions. And if Bioware doesn't care about it, then that's fine, too. But they shouldn't cry when they all loose their jobs.

rainslacker2475d ago (Edited 2475d ago )

No one is saying that sekiro is bad. Or its ar lease far from common consensus. They're saying they want to play the game, but can't or won't because they find it too hard.

Anthem is a bug ridden, poorly designed , light in content, and unbalanced in game play type of game.

People are criticizing anthem for that, whole people are just saying they'd like an easier mode in sekiro. If some are taking the lack of easy mode as criticism, then they misjudge the situation, and maybe it's why they get so pissy and insulting of others. But if that's the case, maybe they should examine if they're too emotionally invested in the dev or their games.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2475d ago
sinspirit2476d ago

Mario games should also be for gore-fest intense gruesome adult gamers as well

/s

Why even have a strategy genre? There should always be a mode for someone that can't even play checkers or tic tac toe. Just turn on a cheat mode where everything is one hit kill. It may destroy all the balancing, progression, and importance of game design, but hey, let someone who doesn't even want to enjoy the game at all for what the game is have god mode by a default difficulty setting.

Just imagine GTA without any resistance from NPC's when you do bad things. It wouldn't even be grand theft auto at that point. Just aggressive borrowing, lol

william_cade2476d ago

And music is for everyone and movies are for everyone. Tell us God of opinion pieces what music should we all like? Experimental music shouldn't exist ( I personally I can't stand it but it needs to be made for everyone) I suppose David Lynch films should be stricken from the film archives too. All NES games need to be burned or retroactively made easier. Seriously, you've got to be a jerk to even think of this stuff.

Not everyone gets a trophy.

2476d ago Replies(1)
CoinOrc2476d ago

Deeply flawed analogy. No one is asking From Software to make their games easier. People are asking From Software to put in an easy mode as an option which you can turn on or off.

william_cade2476d ago

See example below with your deeply flawed.

You obviously didn't see this one to the end deeply flawed..

2475d ago
pitythefool2475d ago

One group is asking for a mode the devs never intended to be an option, the other group isn’t asking any devs to take easy modes away that are options in other games.

Which side is really being unreasonable.

Abriael2475d ago

which is literally "making the game easier."

CoinOrc2475d ago

@william
I have no idea what you are talking about. Learn to write properly.

@fool
One side is asking for the developer to add an easy mode. The other side is asking the developer to refrain from adding an easy mode. It’s as simple as that. No other games are involved in this discussion. Neither side is more reasonable than the other.

@abriael
Um... no, it’s not. It’s an option.

+ Show (2) more repliesLast reply 2475d ago
Sirk7x2476d ago

"Independent art films are too confusing, they should have dumber dialogue and more explosions."

Cueil2475d ago

I read a romance book that turned into a hard core werewolf horror novel.

porkChop2476d ago

No game is for everyone. Some games utilize difficulty as an integral part of the experience. If the game is too difficult, or too fast for you, then the game just isn't for you. I don't enjoy fighting games due to the input speeds and complexity of what's required from the player. But I don't expect anyone to make an easier fighting game for me, I understand that the genre just isn't for me.

CoinOrc2476d ago

Every fighting game has difficulty options.

porkChop2476d ago

I'm not talking about difficulty modes in fighting games. I'm talking about the nature of that kind of experience and how it isn't for me. When it comes to Soulslikes, the difficulty and what is required from the player are essential to the nature of the experience. I don't expect that experience or vision to be compromised for me, because I'm clearly not the target audience.

remixx1162475d ago

There's no better way to put it, I love fighting games yet most of my friends aren't fans of them and I can't blame them, I spend alot of time labbing combos and setups and I honestly can't ask someone else to be willing to do that just to fight effectively. It's just not for everyone.

uth112475d ago

Right The Fromsoft trial-and-error is so integral to the experience that without it you will not be playing the same game. not only that, you probabaly would not even like resulting game all that much.

Almost like how many many times has McDonalds experimented with higher quality menu items over the years, only to scrap them and go back to basics because nobody goes to McDonalds for gourmet food. Serve the niche you have, don't try to be something you're not because chances are it won't work out like you think

rainslacker2475d ago

I can't think of any fighting game which doesn't allow for the button mashers to enjoy it as well. Maybe a few of the Aksys ones, but you can button mash those up to a point.

Is the experience different in a fighting game because of difficulty options if you aren't playing on those lower difficulties? I am a bit of a button masher is fighting games. I can often get the same sense of anxiety, or same rush of victory on those fights that crop up and tax your skills. Happens a lot playing against others, but a lot of AI is pretty good nowadays.

If a player isn't as good at the game, or doesn't have the time to devote to it, the lowered difficulty can have the same effect, except they may see more light at the end of the tunnel, instead of feeling endlessly frustrated. Personally, I dont play games to be frustrated. Challenged at times, sure. But not challenged to the point that it just isn't fun anymore.

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40°

Interview: Yuka Kitamura, legendary composer of Elden Ring, Bloodborne, Dark Souls 3 and Sekiro

For more than a decade, Yuka Kitamura’s compositions have thrilled gamers around the world. From Dark Souls III to Bloodborne, Sekiro and Elden Ring, her music has left its mark on the history of video games, transforming every battle into a memorable experience and every moment of silence into a dramatic pause.

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60°

Sekiro: No Defeat | Official Trailer | Crunchyroll

Japan is fractured into many independent nations entangled in ceaseless war. At the center lies Ashina, a land of sacred earth and ancient mystery. Two decades after Sword Saint Isshin Ashina reclaimed the region in a brutal coup, a new threat emerges from within: The Interior Ministry. Desperate to protect his homeland, Isshin’s grandson Genichiro turns to forbidden powers. The only hope lies in a kidnapped boy — the Divine Heir — and his silent protector: a loyal shinobi known only as Sekiro.

Deathpreacher148d ago

don't pay for this streaming platform, just do some research and find free streaming elsewhere. they took money after I canceled

anast148d ago

This looks cool, but there's something off about the art. It looks like they added sketchy lines to make it look gritty instead of making it look gritty.

50°

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice Review

NoobFeed editor Ahnaf Tajwar writes - FromSoftware cooked up one of the best combat systems with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and never did anything like it again. That may be a good thing, as it makes this game one of a kind. If you are a fan of Souls games or a borderline masochist, you will, without a doubt, love Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice because it is a masterpiece. It is a must-play for all hardcore gamers.

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SoloGamer1512d ago

ummm why are we getting a review for a 5 year old game?? everyone knows its a masterpiece... late much? lol