Fallout creator Tim Cain, who created one of the most iconic series in the gaming world, assessed the current state of the industry. The legendary developer believes that today’s games should learn important lessons from the classics of the 1980s.
Fallout creator highlights resource management
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Cain particularly highlighted the “Golden Age” games from 1981 to 1984. He believes that modern games have largely forgotten the most critical mechanic of that era: resource management.
Shiftdelete.netToday, characters’ health or energy often regenerate automatically. However, in older games, every magic point or health potion was vital. This created a tension that kept the player constantly on their toes.
Cain highlights the sense of wear and tear in older RPGs. When players entered a dungeon, they had to calculate how deep they could go with their limited resources. One wrong move meant the loss of all progress.
In modern games, however, this strategic depth has been lost thanks to fast travel and abundant resources. Players are now focused solely on action, rather than managing their resources. This weakens the sense of accomplishment the game provides.
The renowned figure advises new generations of game designers to look to the past. He argues that instead of simply improving the graphics, mechanics that force players to make challenging decisions should be brought back. The struggle to survive with limited resources makes the game more memorable.
So, what are your thoughts on the Fallout creator and the idea of returning to old games? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
