Give me a "busy mode" or give me death
Or how video games should introduce a new mode to make my life easier
As is the case with many people in their mid-30s, video games have played an oversized role in my life. I’m of an age where I’ve witnessed gaming’s shift from a nerdy habit into an industry bigger than music and movies combined.
And it shows.
Whether it’s murdering my pals on GoldenEye, venturing into the unknown on WoW, or wiling away the hours on Ocarina of Time, some of my fondest memories have been made in virtual worlds.
These experiences — and many more besides — shaped me. Video games are art, and some have impacted me as much as an album, painting, or movie.
Despite saying all that… please please please can modern games all have a “busy mode?”
When I was younger, it was like I had all the time in the world. I think back to long summer breaks from school, when fields were rich and verdant, when the sun always seemed to be shining, and, in those rarified moments, wanting nothing more than to go back indoors and play video games.
I wasn’t allowed to live this dream, but as soon as I was old enough to not be told to go outside, you better believe I stayed inside, surgically attached to my games console or computer.
Eventually, when I reached the latter parts of school and started university, I suddenly had freedom. Yeah, I probably should’ve been working, but FIFA wasn’t going to play itself. There were hours to be spent and squandered.
Yet the only constant in life is change. And things, dear readers, done changed.
As I’ve gotten older, I still game, but I’ve accepted that the years of throwing myself into a title with abandon are coming to a close. Honestly, I now find it a bit of a struggle to play any single-player game for more than about 20 hours.
Sure, there are exceptions — Breath of the Wild, Hades, and Balatro have all rocked my world — but, generally, I find it tough to justify a 100 hour campaign.
I seem to enjoy the start of a game, but as soon as the spectre of grinding appears and I’ve got a handle on what’s happening, the enjoyment wilts.
When I was younger, I loved games that overflowed with content. The more side quests and interesting missions the better. Now though? Just tell me the story. Tell me the story and let me get on with my life.
Which is why story-based games should have a “busy mode.”
“Busy mode” is a simple idea. If you have a huge game filled with side quests, cut it down to its core components, the main story, and nothing else. Basically, something you can lope through in under 20 hours, hit all the salient points, and then go about your business.
I’m not even asking for a discount. I’ll pay the full whack so I’m in with a chance of finishing the damn thing.
Look, I know there are an array of arguments for not offering this. I can imagine hardcores would worry it would take away focus and dilute the rest of the game, or that companies would shift to try and serve only this market.
There’s also the question of art. Would you want someone to make a 90 minute cut of all of The Godfather movies? So they can be watched quickly and efficiently? Wouldn’t that be missing the point?
Maybe.
But maybe games and movies aren’t the same, and can’t really be judged as such. And maybe gamers have sleepwalked into a world where we equate bloat with value; the more there is to do in a game, the better deal it is.
For me though? It’s deeper than that. My argument against all these “busy mode” naysayers and negative nancies is as simple as it is comprehensive: come onnnn.
Like, seriously, come on. Why not? “Busy mode” will be fun.
And, to me, that’s what games should be. Entertainment. I’m not asking for other gamers to lose anything, I just want to have fun for a few hours and go about my day without feeling like it’s a chore.
So, please, video game companies, give me “busy mode,” or give me death.
Actually, on second thought, don’t worry about the death thing. Just give me “busy mode.”