Game Endings Going Out of Style?

An article in the Guardian asks whether the focus of modern games has shifted away from having a clear-cut ending and toward indefinite entertainment instead. With the rise of achievements, frequent content updates and open-ended worlds, it seems like publishers and developers are doing everything they can to help this trend. Quoting: "Particularly before the advent of 'saving,' the completion of even a simple game could take huge amounts of patience, effort and time. The ending, like those last pages of a book, was a key reason why we started playing in the first place. Sure, multiplayer and arcade style games still had their place, but fond 8, 16 and 32-bit memories consist more of completion and satisfaction than particular levels or tricky moments. Over the past few years, however, the idea of a game as simply something to 'finish' has shifted somewhat. For starters, the availability of downloadable content means no story need ever end, as long as the makers think there's a paying audience. Also, the ubiquity of broadband means multiplayer gaming is now the standard, not the exception it once was. There is no real 'finish' to most MMORPGs."

The first never-ending MMORPG

[Max(10)]

There is no real 'finish' to most MMORPGs.

Duke Nukem 3D was one of the last multiplayer games to feature a cool ending [youtube.com]. 3D Realms then decided to set a new trend of never-ending MMORPGs with Duke Nukem Forever. Playing other MMORPGs while waiting for the release of Duke Nukem Forever is the first never-ending MMORPG.

But..

[symes]

..my ADHD stops from getting even close to the end of a

Re:Old games

[Anonymous Coward]

Sometimes I think we look back on old games with too much nostalgia. Whilst there are undoubtedly some really good games, a lot of them were just an exercise in frustration and slow methodical progress - something I don't derive much enjoyment from any more.

Was anyone else 5 years old when they received their first NES? My parents distinctly remember the frustrated screams of this young child coming from the game room.

On a positive note, all the exercise in frustration has prepared me for a lucrative career in .NET development.

Re:Ok for MMOs, perhaps...

[BoredAtWorkWhatElse]

Occasionally, they'll revisit a story they've already created, such as with FFX-2

I'm pretty sure that game never existed ... just like they never did any sequel to Final Fantasy Tactics.

Re:Small vs. big Ending

[GlobalEcho]

instead of one "grand ending" there are now more smaller ones. While reaching a big ending may be quite satisfying, not all players are able to achieve it with 20-40 hours of gaming time. So several small endings may help them to enjoy games more.

So, you're basically saying the new thing is tantric gaming?

Re:Old games

[bertoelcon]

I was 3 and after a few weeks of that my parents got a game genie.