Russ Frushtick of multiplayerblog.mtv.com discusses the known term of "button mashing" and in general, the use of controls in games. They point out some good examples and some bad examples. Is too much effort a waste of time for both developer and player?

Let me put this bluntly: Slamming X a bunch of times to do something mundane like open a door is not fun. It's never been fun. I'm not sure how or why developers came up with the notion that it'd be a good idea to make players sweat to accomplish seemingly simple tasks, but it's a horrible practice that should die as soon as possible.

That's not to say that there's no room for portraying "effort" in a game. There's a value in it, as it allows players to share a moment with their avatar, as both are physically exerting themselves at the same time. But there's a time and a place.

Dark Arcanine via multiplayerblog.mtv.com »