Gabe Newell, the head of Steam, explained in an interview what he thinks about realism in games.
Many games try to deliver realistic content to players. Numerous simulators create a world that comes very close to reality. In an interview for the 25th anniversary of Half-Life, Gabe Newell, the head behind Valve and Steam, explained that he doesn’t think much of realism.
Realism reminds of grocery shopping
What does Newell say? In a conversation, he explained that realism is not fun for him. Because that would remind him that he has to write a grocery list in the real world (via PCGamer.com):
We were at a design review, and someone said: ‘That’s not realistic.’ And you think: ‘Okay?’ What does that mean? Explain to me why that’s interesting. Because in the real world, I have to write lists of things I need to buy at the grocery store. And I never thought realism is fun. I play to have fun.
For him, games are entertaining and fun that have nothing to do with reality.
Many games sell because they focus on realism
However, Newell’s opinions may not be shared by all players. Because many developers consciously sell their games by focusing on realism. An indie shooter on Steam attracts thousands of gamers because it focuses on uncompromising realism. Especially realistic shooters are very popular, which deliver the opposite of an arcadey Call of Duty. Other games, such as Escape from Tarkov, aim to deliver realistic locations and therefore use photos of real locations during development.
Gabe Newell is known for controversial statements. At the height of cryptocurrencies and digital collectibles (NFTs), he stated that many people do not understand the metaverse. Because people have never played an MMO:
Steam boss Newell says: Many who rave about the metaverse have probably never played an MMO
