Alex Baldwin takes an honest look at how some developers are reducing our games down to a simple formular of blandification in order to appeal to all audiences, much like ads now do on TV or visual media, in order to not offend or discriminate .

An interesting perspective, especially with regards to how Infamous 2 is turning out of late. Not everyone is happy with how things are melding together in the big coffee pot of the world. Take a look.

I loved Infamous. I put it in my top 10 games of 2009 list, and high up on my most-wanted sequel announcement list for E3.

So I should be ecstatic now we’ve gotten confirmation, right?

Honestly, no.

We shouldn’t let screenshots or artwork colour our opinion of a game, but I have to say my faith in the devs at Sucker Punch took a massive dive when I saw the character on the promo image. Or perhaps I should say, lack thereof.

I wasn’t sure if I was seeing the default Sheppard of Mass Effect shooting lightning, or perhaps whatzisface from Dark Void. Maybe it’s Hale from Resistance? Or what about Matt Hazard? I couldn’t be sure. He’s square-jawed with a typical military shave, a 5-o’clock shadow and typical hipster clothing. And apparently he’s still Cole.

You know, because the original was too interesting.

I’m seeing a very dangerous trend appearing in action / adventure games. Interesting avatars slowly replaced by bland, lifeless male models (in more ways than one). The sad thing is, it’s a conscious decision from the developers and publishers, and I can see exactly what their justification is.

XboxOZ360 via oxcgn.com »