The director of Shadow of the Colossus and ICO, Fumito Ueda, recently shared his perspective on the changing landscape of the gaming industry. He believes that the era focused on unique gameplay mechanics has come to an end. Ueda, recognized for his influential work under Sony, reflects on how games like Shadow of the Colossus have redefined the notion of video games as an art form.

In the current gaming environment, developers often stick to popular concepts, frequently trying to iterate on existing ideas within sub-genres. Notable titles like Dark Souls and Minecraft have become templates worth replicating, thereby diminishing the emphasis on original gameplay mechanics. Ueda points out that even games like Stardew Valley have contributed to the resurgence of established genres by innovating on older formats. He articulated these thoughts through a recent interview, emphasizing the necessity of crafting a game’s unique visuals and distinctive narratives over inventing new gameplay functions.

Ueda stated in an interview, “The age of gameplay mechanics has already passed,” highlighting the importance of visual appeal and narrative depth.

In this context, Ueda acknowledged other developers, specifically praising Keita Takahashi for his game To a T, which also prioritizes narrative without relying on unique gaming features. As Ueda continues to work on his upcoming project, fans are eager for what’s next, particularly after a teaser from GenDesign showcasing a new sci-fi action game inspired by Shadow of the Colossus.

Additionally, the in-progress film adaptation of Shadow of the Colossus has not been sidelined, as confirmed by director Andy Muschietti. For the supporters of Ueda and his pioneering title, there’s plenty to anticipate.