Graphics vs gameplay: Hellblade 2's linear design sparks debate in gaming industry

Gaming industry is facing consolidation with companies buying up smaller studios and limiting innovation
An undated image of the Hellblade 2 poster. — Xbox Wire
An undated image of the Hellblade 2 poster. — Xbox Wire

The gaming industry is constantly evolving with new developments in graphics, gameplay, and company strategies. One game that has recently made headlines is Hellblade 2, which boasts impressive graphics but raises questions about interactivity and gameplay. 

Hellblade 2 is an action-adventure game that sets a new standard for graphics with detailed environments and realistic water effects. However, some gamers feel that the game's linear design and minimal player interaction make it feel more like an interactive movie than a game. This has sparked a debate about the importance of gameplay in modern gaming. 

On the other hand, Paper Mario fans are eagerly awaiting the remake of The Thousand-Year Door, hoping for a return to form with proper role-playing elements. This has led to discussions about the future of the Paper Mario series and the possibility of new gameplay mechanics. 

Read more: Twitch streamer beats Super Mario 64 without hitting A button once in 86 hours

Meanwhile, Xbox's next-gen plans focus on AI, which promises better gameplay experiences. This has generated excitement among gamers, who are looking forward to seeing how AI will improve their gaming experience. 

The gaming industry is also facing consolidation, with companies buying up smaller studios and potentially limiting innovation and diversity. This has raised concerns among gamers, who value unique gameplay experiences and the creativity of independent developers. 

While Hellblade 2's graphics are impressive, its minimal player interaction has sparked debate about the importance of gameplay. Paper Mario fans are eagerly awaiting a remake of The Thousand-Year Door, and Xbox's next-gen plans focus on AI. However, the trend towards industry consolidation has raised concerns about innovation and diversification.