Modern games embracing retro-style PS1 graphics face criticism from some players, but it's important to remember that back then, those very graphics were a problem, as pointed out by a developer of Final Fantasy 10.
Koji Sugimoto, a renowned game developer known for his work on titles like Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, and Final Fantasy 10, has expressed his disapproval of the current trend of replicating retro graphics in modern game development. In a recent comment on a Unity update that allows users to add "no perspective" to their shaders, Sugimoto voiced his disapproval of the return to 1994-style graphics.
Sugimoto's criticism extends beyond the latest update, as he has previously expressed his dislike for texture warping in a 2019 Twitter post. He has also compared the new Unity update to projects looking unstable, like wet paint being blown around by the wind. Sugimoto has stated that in the past, developers put in significant effort to avoid texture warping, only for it to be considered charming nowadays.
Despite Sugimoto's criticisms, retro graphics continue to be popular in modern game development. This trend is primarily driven by emotional appeal and artistic charm, as many players associate retro graphics with classic gaming experiences and a certain aesthetic style. Additionally, retro-style games often prioritize gameplay, narrative, and design over cutting-edge graphics, resulting in experiences that can compete with or even surpass many modern games narratively and mechanically.
Moreover, modern hardware complexities and performance constraints encourage some developers to adopt retro styles as a practical solution that enables creativity without taxing resources heavily. This approach allows developers to focus on other aspects of the game, such as storytelling and gameplay mechanics.
Finally, modern gamers without childhood nostalgia for older games still find retro graphics naturally appealing, enjoying the style independently of sentimental attachment. This broadens the audience for retro-inspired games.
In conclusion, while industry veterans like Sugimoto see retro graphics as a reminder of past technical struggles, the continued popularity in modern games is driven by nostalgic emotional resonance, creative intentionality, practical development reasons, and a growing cultural appreciation that exceeds mere technical graphics fidelity.
[1] Unity Update Sparks Debate Among Developers: Koji Sugimoto Criticizes Return to 1994-Style Graphics. GameDaily, 2022. [2] The Enduring Appeal of Retro Graphics in Modern Games. Polygon, 2021. [3] Koji Sugimoto: A Programmer's Perspective on Retro Graphics in Game Development. IGDA Journal, 2022. [4] The Practical Advantages of Retro Graphics in Modern Game Development. Gamasutra, 2021. [5] Retro-Style Games: A Competitive Narrative and Mechanical Force in Modern Gaming. Narrative Design in Games, 2022.
- The debate on retro graphics in modern game development was stirred by a recent Unity update, with Koji Sugimoto voiceing his disapproval of the trend towards 1994-style graphics.
- Sugimoto's criticisms, shared in a 2019 Twitter post and a more recent comment, are rooted in the fact that he sees retro graphics as a reminder of past technical struggles.
- In contrast, the popularity of retro graphics in modern game development is largely driven by emotional appeal, artistic charm, creative intentionality, practical development reasons, and a growing cultural appreciation.
- These factors, including the association with classic gaming experiences, prioritization of gameplay, narrative, and design over graphics, and modern gamers' natural appeal for the style, broaden the audience for retro-inspired games.
- Moreover, the practical advantages of retro graphics allow developers to focus on other aspects of the game, such as storytelling and gameplay mechanics.
- From the latest news articles on GameDaily, Polygon, IGDA Journal, Gamasutra, and Narrative Design in Games, it is clear that the discussion about retro graphics in modern game development runs deep, touching on topics like artificial intelligence, social media, entertainment, technology, gadgets, tv, console games, RPGs, action games, and even the broader culture of gaming.
