User Created Content is Key for New Games

An anonymous reader writes to tell us that recently Valve Software's Doug Lombardi has stated his strong belief that user created content is a very important part of games in the near future. "'I would argue that it's the biggest component those guys have to get over if they want online to matter.' 'Half-Life 1 was okay as a multiplayer game and Team Fortress Classic was really good, but Counter-Strike kicked both their asses no question. And that came from a kid going to college in Canada and another kid going to high school in New Jersey, who had our code and thought it would be cool to play our game.'"

One idea...

[powerpants]

is to give each player their own space and let them custimize it how they want. They can put pictures of their avatar, some fascinating facts about themselves, and maybe have their favorite song playing. They could even link to other players' spaces. I'm not sure what they'd call it, though.

User created content

[$RANDOMLUSER]

U R in amaze of twisty little pasages, all a like

Re:One idea...

[alyawn]

I have a second idea...

Canada+NewJersey

[j00r0m4nc3r]

And that came from a kid going to college in Canada and another kid going to high school in New Jersey

Haha. He says that as if being from Canada or New Jersey is akin to being in the special olympics or something.

Re:Just...

[cheater512]

Hey what about a flight sim in pre-2001 New York with realistic collisions and explosions.

Or is that taking it too far? ;)

We asked

[suv4x4]

We asked the three top consoles, what's the key for new games:

XBOX360: Well, hot detailed graphics are definitely a key.

PS3 [looks in question list]: Hey! That's my line, you jerk! Anyway.. Blue Ray's a key too. You can make bigger games on Blue Ray to fit all the hot graphics, so I can have hotter graphics than any of you guys.

Wii and XBOX360: Yea.. Sure.. [chuckling].

XBOX360: Micro-transactions are a key as well. We sell gamers crippled games, and make them pay to buy assets. It's kinda like Scientology: by the time you understand it's all a bunch of bull, you've already paid, so you gotta keep playing and paying. Aaa.. and... and.. it also makes gaming more engaging, and bitter, just like real life is.

PS3: User content is also key. You allow the gamers to create anything they want in a game, guns, cars, roads... Wait.. this kinda doesn't fly with transactions...

XBOX360: Shhhh... damn it! Another key is online gameplay. I integrate all games with consistent online experience, which builds a great community of gamers.

PS3: Me too!

XBOX360: You too what?

PS3: I build a clone of your service by integrating a clone of Second Life in my clone exp.. I mean core experience.

XBOX360: Oh.. right...

Wii: A key in new games, and old games, is fun an inventive gameplay, you guys. You shouldn't forget that.

XBOX360 and PS3: Hahahaha. Idiot...

Wii: And new fun ways to interface with game with innovative sensor controller!

XBOX360: Hahahaha, you're making our day, Wii.

PS3: [hides the 6-axis controller behind his back] Hu-hu-hu :(

Re:Canada+NewJersey

[jalefkowit]

He says that as if being from Canada or New Jersey is akin to being in the special olympics or something.

I take it you've never been to New Jersey.

Re:Little Big Planet

[master_p]

I heard that one of the developers most impressed with it was 3DRealms!!!