Threads
- 2015 was filled with incredible games like Arkham Knight, Bloodborne, Yakuza 0, etc.
- Today, the gaming industry is filled with monotony and specific agendas, with some exceptions.
- The fact that gaming was better a decade ago is quite concerning.
Over the years, video gaming as a medium has evolved in more ways than one, and for someone who has witnessed it all, it has been a sight to behold. From two pixels on the screen to intricate gameplay mechanics and photorealistic visuals, gaming has come a long way.
However, recently, I have been feeling stagnant. A few years ago, gaming was the embodiment of innovation. Now, it’s the pursuit of hyperrealistic visuals, even though we’re pretty much already there. Yes, plenty of mind-blowing games exist now, too, but the last massive generational leap was way back in 2015.
Why it matters: Gaming has changed a lot in modern times; a decade ago, games were pushing the boundaries of possibilities, but today, they have become a rare occurrence.
The Unrivaled Lineup Of 2015
Don’t believe me? You will when you see the cracked lineup that 2015 brought with it. I remember it was the year I got my PS4, and man, the games looked good compared to the PS3. When I booted up Batman Arkham Knight for the first time, I knew this was the peak of video game visuals.
Looking back, I wasn’t entirely wrong. Batman Arkham Knight, a 2015 game, looks better than many games today. 2015 already perfected video game graphics, and Arkham Knight is living proof of that.
I feel like Batman Arkham Knight [2015] still looks better than 90% of the games released today…
byu/Spoggi99 ingaming
If Batman had visuals going for it, The Witcher 3 and Bloodborne were engaging gameplay at its best. Witcher 3 is still one of the best RPGs around, and don’t even get me started on my beloved, Bloodborne. I still consider its innovative take on the standard Souls gameplay, bewitching environments, and level design unmatched.
And this is just the beginning. We have Metal Gear Solid 5, a masterpiece stealth action that has aged beautifully; the legendary origin story in Yakuza 0; Tekken 7, which needs no introduction; Rise of the Tomb Raider; Fallout 4; Dying Light; Undertale; Just Cause 3; Life is Strange; and much much more.
My apologies for not writing detailed praise for the last few entries, but that doesn’t change the fact that they were absolute powerhouses.
The Problems Of Today’s Gaming
It pains me to admit that things went downhill afterward. The 2015 me wondered, “If it’s this good now, what is waiting 10 years later?” Unfortunately, it wasn’t the creative explosion I hoped for but an oversaturation of a handful of concepts.
The thing I find the most illogical is the obsession with extreme photorealism. Video games are about entertainment, not a competition of what looks the most realistic. As long as I have fun, visuals honestly don’t mean a thing to me. Regrettably, the pursuit of visual fidelity and blockbuster cinematics still continues.
Visuals aren’t the only thing. Hero shooters, microtransactions, live services, cinematic games, every game adopting the action formula, and Soulslike combat. Each had a “boom period,” when everything tried to imitate these popular concepts.
And now, we’re seeing an abundance of specific agendas and thought processes in games when stuff like this has no place in an entertainment medium. I pick up games to relax and have a good time, not to be fed some form of politics or agenda.
A Lesson From 10 Years Ago
Don’t get me wrong; masterpieces exist today, no doubt. Certain developers have upheld the mantle of creativity and excellence and have my utmost respect. We’ve had some pretty solid years after 2015. 2017 was just as impressive, if not better, for gamers around the globe.
However, a contrast between 2015 and the 10-year-later 2025 period shows how things have slowly deteriorated. You’ll see that 2015 was filled with masterpieces in every genre and category. You had brawlers, beat ’em ups, stealth, survival, RPG, platformers, and moreover, creative gameplay, impactful stories, mind-blowing visuals, everything.
Those games were 10 years ago and they still look more next gen than many games today
byu/Shadiezz2018 inplaystation
Today, quality games like Elden Ring, Yakuza, Astro Bot, Split Fiction, Monster Hunter, etc., have become the exception. It’s mostly just a reiteration of popular concepts. Some think blockbuster AAA’s and “movie games” are the way to go, others opt for a God of War-style action, while some big companies are obsessed with microtransactions.
All this makes me miss the times when gaming was all about blind fun. If it were up to me, I’d give the PS2 era the crown, but since we’re talking about modern gaming, 2015 is some of my most fun. Compared to that, the PS5 era, especially 2024-25, has been pretty dull. How I wish the glory days would return.
Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋
How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔
Shameer Sarfaraz has previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, he loves to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games. Besides his passion for breaking news stories, Shahmeer loves spending his leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited his articles.
Join Our Community
