Prediction: The Future of the FPS

In an earlier article, Game Nook discussed where the FPS genre stood today, however its future has yet to be given the same attention. Call of Duty 4 is arguably the most influential FPS of this generation because of its integration of RPG elements and fast, accessible gameplay. Countless studios have incorporated infinity ward's formula to the point where it has become standard across the genre. However, very little innovation has occurred since Modern Warfare launched in 2007, until only recently. Perhaps in response to a stagnating market, some developers are iterating and morphing CoD's formula, into -what I think- is the next big revolution in the genre.

Is the Popularity of First Person Shooters a Phase?

Currently, First Person Shooters like Call of Duty, Homefront, Battlefield, and Medal of Honour dominate the sales charts and gamer's free time. Many gamers however (myself included) are frustrated with this genre's current trajectory, criticizing its lack of innovation, uninspired settings, and predictable, rushed experiences. There's no doubt FPSs are one of the most (if not the most) popular and profitable genres in all of gaming, but will this trend eventually fizzle and give way to the next best thing? Is the current popularity of First Person Shooters just a phase? I heed warning before venturing further; the answer may be a little discouraging. Allow me to elaborate...

Failure of the MMOFPS

 

Granted, I've never played an MMOFPS, so I'm not nearly as experienced as I should be on this matter, but I find the consistent failure of the MMOFPS genre very interesting when MMORPGs can achieve such massive success. Why can't the FPS, the most popular and profitable genre in gaming, be translated into the massively multiplayer space? Why can't games like PlanetSide or Tabula Rasa attract and maintain sustainable audiences like Blizzard's World of Warcraft? Some say it's the nature of the FPS genre that makes creating a compelling MMO experience impossible. However, I think MMOFPSs have simply been approached from ineffective perspectives and need to be re-worked and re-thought for mass audiences. It's fascinating that MMOFPSs have failed, time and time again, to be a reliable and viable platform to develop games. I think this genre is full of untapped potential and it's only a matter to time before the MMOFPS blasts its way through the genre's seemingly impenetrable dark crevice of the gaming sphere.

Do eSports Have a Bright Future?

Now, I must admit, my friends and I would laugh hysterically whenever we'd talk about or watch a match of professional gaming. Games taken seriously as sport was so new, awkward and so nerdy, that it was always a reliable source for rich comedy.  But that was then. To be clear though, I still think eSports is -and will continue to be- an incredibly nerdy pursuit, but I've noticed a growing following toward this niche past time. Up until a year ago, I'd chuckle at the thought of a large-scale professional gaming league. Recently however, I find myself subscribed to popular Starcraft 2 commentators like HuskyStarcraft and TotalBiscuit on YouTube. I'm totally fascinated and engrossed in professional Starcraft 2 right now. I don't think I'm the only one noticing eSports as legitimate entertainment either.