A developer from one of this year’s standout gaming titles has expressed concerns about the industry’s trend towards so-called “forever games.” Bucky, the community manager for the successful title Palworld, believes that constantly playing the same game is detrimental to both players and developers.
In a recent discussion, Bucky emphasized that gamers should feel free to explore new titles, stating, “It’s not healthy for us. It’s not healthy for developers. It’s not healthy for gamers. It’s not healthy for the gaming media.” This perspective challenges the growing dominance of live-service games, which have been criticized for lacking depth and innovation.
Bucky recognized that some games are designed for long-term engagement, such as popular titles in the MOBA and MMO genres. However, he argued that many others are being pushed on gamers without being suitable for extended play. “A lot more people are trying to push gamers to play games that aren’t really designed to be played for months on end,” Bucky explained.
Instead, he advocates for gamers to explore indie titles, encouraging a broader appreciation for the diverse range of gaming experiences available. This aligns with his previous comments criticizing the narrative surrounding Palworld’s player count.
Since its launch, Palworld has seen phenomenal success, amassing 25 million players within its first month. Despite facing various allegations of copying elements from established franchises, the developer, Pocketpair, has not encountered any legal challenges from the concerned parties. Furthermore, the company recently announced a partnership with Sony Music Entertainment to bolster its future endeavors in gaming.
