Progress Quest: A Critique of Poor Game Design
Progress Quest: A Satirical Take on Role-Playing Games
Consider your actions carefully. Strive for improvement. This fundamental concept underpins Progress Quest, a game designed to satirize the less appealing elements found within the gaming world.
The Appeal of Interactive Entertainment
Video games hold a special place for many, including myself. Unlike more passive forms of media, they demand active engagement from the player to continue. Simply observing isn't sufficient; participation is key.
However, not all games achieve a high standard of quality. It is this disparity that Progress Quest cleverly addresses. Rather than being a traditional game, it functions as a pointed critique of common gaming flaws.
Gameplay: Or, the Lack Thereof
The process begins with character creation, allowing selection of class and race. Following this, the player adopts a purely observational role. The character embarks on quests, gains experience, and acquires items – all autonomously.
The player’s involvement is limited to monitoring the advancement of progress bars. This is not a misstatement; this constitutes the entirety of the gameplay experience.
The Underlying Message
This unconventional approach serves a specific purpose. By allowing the game to play itself, Progress Quest highlights broader issues within the gaming landscape. The core message will be explored further.
Initial Configuration
The first step involves obtaining the game itself through a download. Upon launching the application, a choice must be made regarding the game mode: offline or online. Functionally, these modes are nearly identical, with the primary distinction being the ability to have your character interact with those created by other players in the online environment.
Character creation represents the most engaging aspect of this title. Indeed, it is the sole segment offering direct player input. Players will select a race and a class for their character, and then generate randomized statistical values.
Character Customization
Consideration can be given to the character creation process, should you desire, or it can be approached with less deliberation. Following this, the game experience can commence.
The stat rolling process is largely deterministic, but offers a degree of customization. Understanding the implications of each stat is not crucial to enjoying the game.
The game proceeds automatically after character creation, requiring minimal further player intervention.
Observing the Lack of Purpose
Let's examine what the initial experience of playing Progress Quest entails:
The following image illustrates the game's state after a period of play.
Essentially, the gameplay consists of observation as your character advances in level autonomously.
Is this concept absurd? Indeed. However, this is intentional – the game highlights the inherent lack of tangible achievement within video games. The experience points and items acquired in Progress Quest hold the same intrinsic value as those obtained in any other game.
The perceived worth of these gains is directly proportional to the investment of time and effort made by the player.
Consequently, a well-designed game transcends mere level progression. It should provide enjoyment through its gameplay mechanics, rather than relying on compulsive behavior.
The Allure and Illusion of Progress Bars
“What is everyone occupied with?” This is a common inquiry I make upon arriving at my workplace in downtown Boulder.
The response is frequently straightforward, tinged with irony, and unfortunately, quite relatable.
“Observing the advancement of blue progress bars,” is the typical reply.
These incrementally expanding indicators visually represent the completion status of a process, both current and remaining. Consequently, observation becomes the default action. Whether it involves file transfers, report downloads, or data transmission, contemporary work often necessitates monitoring progress bars periodically.
Certain video games, however, prove more compelling through their addictive nature than through genuine challenge.
During a recent installment of Technophilia, the podcast I co-host with fellow MakeUseOf contributors, we explored the captivating gaming experience offered by Skyrim. James and Dave highlighted the game’s expansive potential for discovery and its intricate design.
It appears to be a remarkable title, one I intend to explore in the near future. We also analyzed Cow Clicker, a game that satirizes Farmville and its propensity for simple addiction over immersive gameplay.
We determined that a truly excellent game fosters exploration and encourages discovery. It should be interactive and stimulating, rather than merely a time-consuming habit.
Ideally, gameplay should impart knowledge; you should experience personal growth alongside your character’s development.
Progress Quest effectively illustrates this point. The game offers no opportunity for player skill development – only character leveling. There is no element of mastery involved.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation while playing any game, it’s advisable to pause and reassess your engagement. Consider your actions and then pursue a more fulfilling activity. Share your thoughts on this topic – whether you agree or disagree – in the comments section below.
