Video games have come a long way since the 8-bit area. Gaming went from multicolored pixels on arcade cabinets to realistic visual experiences that straddle the line between the physical and digital world. Graphical advances have taken gaming to incredible new heights, making the medium more life-like than ever. Although state-of-the-art graphics play a pivotal role in video games and are typically preferred by fans, they aren't everything.
The video game industry tends to prop up graphics more than actual gameplay. It is far too common to see a game with cutting edge graphics suffer from mediocre gameplay and a meddling story. Games like Agony relayed to heavily on their graphics and ended up lacking in most other departments. The industry needs to shift its focus away from graphics and more on innovative and compelling gameplay.
The ever-growing popularity of indie gaming proves that great graphics don't make or break a game. Many gamers are tired of AAA developers prioritizing graphics over gameplay, driving them towards more indie titles. Some of the most successful games of the generation came out of indie studios that couldn't afford the latest technology. Undertale, Super Meat Boy and Papers, Please found tremendous success despite having less-than-stellar graphics.
Minecraft's meteoric rise to the top of the video game world is further proof that graphics come second to gameplay. It's sold over 200 million copies worldwide and maintains a monthly player base of 126 million, making it one of the successful indie titles in history. The game's pixelated art style doesn't detract from its captivating gameplay and endless replayability. Most gamers are willing to overlook outdated graphics if the rest of the game outweighs its flaws.
Retro graphics have a certain charm to them that can be both nostalgic and sentimental. They are like a time capsule that reminds gamers of how far the medium has come. Many people still enjoy revisiting their favorite classic games and view their old school graphics as part of the experience. There are still several modern games that utilize the old-school graphics style.
Impressive graphics shouldn't define a video game. While graphics often enhance a game's immersion effect, they aren't as important as the industry makes them seem. There are plenty of great games that don't need state-of-the-art graphics to give players memorable video game experiences. If the industry would shift its focus to gameplay instead of making games look as realistic as possible, it could drastically improve both the quality of a game and the industry itself. If Minecraft taught gamers anything, it's that graphics always come second to gameplay.