Editorial - Gaming needs to lighten up

In the wake of becoming a parent, i'm gradually starting to get some hobby time back and have some minis to paint. But for now, time for some deep thoughts on the tone of gaming, where so much of it is dark these days. Some of our cultures most celebrated companies have taken us deep into the shadiest, seediest—and sometimes scariest—areas of our world, fantasies, and the human psyche. And you know what? Apparently, we love it.

There is only war

When I say gaming, I mean table top and video games, but the topic itself seeps into most forms of entertainment. But gaming is largely where I spend my (now dwindling) spare time, be it pad in hand or dice throwing on tables. The older we get, the more of that spare time we loose, so tend to ask questions about the universes we escape to. What kind of experiences are we getting, and are they worlds worth spending time in?

I spent almost two decades with 40k, from its Rogue Trader beginnings to the end of 5th edition. But then as I bought and flicked through the 6th edition book I knew I was done. There were rules changes I didn't like, as well as the growing expense of the game. But by and large it was the fact I was jaded by the grim tone of the games universe. I mean, there is just not a single shred of light in the worlds GW has created. There is only the endless war that has raged for all of its editions, filled with characters that are desperate shades of black. It's just not a nice place really, with no need for heroes. Yet GW is successful, and has created a place that gamers rush to escape to via books and other media. I have a lot of friends who still enjoy 40k and love the universe and lore of the game. But for me personally, it just wasn't my thing any more.

So does swapping Infinity for 40k mean my world was filled with rainbows and kittens? No not at all. Pretty much all the Infinity models I own are brandishing weaponry, as its a game about conflict. Black Ops missions that are dirty in fact. But in general, you get the feeling that it is a universe that has heroes fighting for a better world. There is a definite difference between the heroes and villains, and genuine ideals worth battling with little lead men for.

Head shot

Looking at video games, the majority of successful titles involve some form of violence, with more and more gritty M rated games on the shelves. Again, I grew up with games, and have played a whole bunch of different kinds over the years. But when you take a step back from the high resolutions and physics engines, they are still about killin stuff. GTA V sold a monumental amount of copies, and gives you control over three characters will no discernible good in them. While Assassins Creed puts you in the boots of mass murderers, who pounce on innocent guards from roof tops and bushes.

Then you have the tiresome sequels of the first person shooters. Which are so ingrained into our culture that most 20-30 somethings know exactly what you mean when you say 'head shot'. Is "fun" somehow intrinsically linked to violence nowadays? Is the games industry so lacking in creativity that they believe they can only sell games that involve destruction and death?

There are absolutely successful games out there that don't revolve around the ending of digital life. But most are labeled as kiddie, and get shuffled along to the fluffy Nintendo section. While some square jawed generic space marine leers at you from a game shop poster, and questions the size of your manhood. What happened to some good old-fashioned, light-hearted fun?

Grey is the new black

The factions and avatars we jump into within these worlds have also gotten much darker. Our heroes are now anti heroes, who come complete with moral grey areas. I mean, when I was a kid the hero hunted down vampires, not date them.

We are hooked on shows with anti-heroes like Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Wire, Dexter, Game of Thrones, Weeds, American Horror Story, The Sopranos, True Blood and House of Cards, just to name a few. The “anti-hero” is unlike the traditional hero who is morally upright and steadfast, and usually has a flawed moral character. The moral compromises he or she makes can often be seen as the unpleasant means to an appropriately desired end—such as breaking a finger to get answers—whatever it takes for the protagonist to come to justice. Other times, however, the moral flaws are simply moral flaws, like alcoholism, infidelity, or an uncontrollable and violent temper.

At different points in history, the culture-at-large has preferred stories featuring anti-heroes over those with traditional heroes, and vice versa. Perhaps it’s the darkness that reels us in, because we relate to the it. But even so, we hope for the light. I do however think we need a return to inspiring heroes of the past, in all forms of entertainment. It's just too grey out there right now.

A brighter more creative day

All the dark worlds, violence, and anti-heroes give us a sadly limited perspective. One that can be creatively stifling, and mean we miss out on experiencing the full spectrum of entertainment. It's like if summer never came and we were constantly stuck in winter. And winter is a part of us, just as we relate to the anti-hero, but we shouldn't spend all our time in that frame of mind.

I think that we should try to re-capture that spark, that bit of fantasy and joy that just seems to be lacking from so many games and genres nowadays. I mean, why can't the goodguys actually be good guys again? Does a villain have to be a mindless, axe-happy butcher to be considered evil? Can't there be more to fight for than just mere survival?

As gamers, we can look to branch out and play in other worlds and experiences with our spare time. Look for more positive adventures that inspire and enrich. Maybe it's an indy game, or a kick starter that looks to do something different. I know for me personally, spending decades with 40k exclusively is a big regret. I certainly had fun, but also missed out on other peoples work. Nowadays I try to keep a balanced diet with video and tabletop gaming. I actively look for escapism that is offering something new, different and positive. It's out there, you just have to look...

Food for thought I hope.

More painted minis soon!