Featured Blog | Between Realism and Abstraction – The Boundaries of Playability

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Navigating the Challenges of Realistic Game Development

In the ever-evolving world of computer games, developers constantly face the delicate balance between striving for realism and maintaining engaging gameplay. Realism can be a powerful tool, enhancing immersion and player engagement, but an excessive focus on detail and faithful representation of reality can also lead to complications that impact gameplay fluidity, overall enjoyment, and even pose legal and socio-cultural challenges. This article delves into the experiences of the Polish studio Jujubee, exploring the compromises they faced, the lessons learned, and the potential impact on the future of realistic game development.

Uncovering the Complexities of Realistic Game Design

Jujubee's Approach to Realism

Jujubee, a Polish studio with over a decade of experience in the computer game market, has made a conscious decision to create socially responsible games that address real-world issues. Under the "Games Beyond" brand, the studio has focused on developing games that not only provide entertainment but also reflect the realities of the world around us.

Navigating the Challenges of Historical Accuracy

The studio's first production under the "Games Beyond" brand was the documentary game "KURSK," which aimed to recreate the real-life events surrounding the sinking of the Russian submarine Kursk during naval maneuvers. The developers faced several challenges in their pursuit of realism, including the scarcity of available materials and sources, particularly those in the Russian language. Additionally, the true causes of the disaster and its sequence of events were not entirely known, forcing the developers to fill in the gaps with an abstract scenario.Crafting an interpretation of reality in such a sensitive situation posed further challenges, as the developers had to consider the possibility of new information emerging that could reveal inconsistencies or illogical aspects in their portrayal. Moreover, they had to be mindful of the emotional impact on individuals directly or indirectly involved in the event, as well as navigate the complex web of licensing issues and the right to use specific materials and likenesses.

Balancing Realism and Playability

Another key challenge the developers encountered was finding the right balance between depicting the truth and creating an engaging gameplay experience. Game design has its own set of rules, and players have become accustomed to certain patterns and solutions. Translating the often-mundane reality into an interactive and captivating experience required careful consideration.The financial implications of pursuing realism also posed a significant obstacle. Faithfully recreating real-world elements can significantly increase development costs, as there is often a limited possibility of using pre-made assets, and additional time and resources are required for gathering source material, verifying facts, and adjusting mechanics and storylines accordingly.

Navigating Licensing and Legal Considerations

The studio's experience with the truck simulator "Truck Simulation 19" further highlighted the challenges posed by licensing rights. To maximize realism, the developers needed to obtain licenses to use real truck models in the game. However, these licenses often came with additional requirements, such as maintaining consistent parameters across all vehicles, avoiding the depiction of trucks in a negative light, and restricting the use of the vehicles for illegal purposes.Similar challenges were encountered in the development of the flight simulator "Take Off," where the computational limitations of mobile devices forced the developers to simplify the physics and abandon certain realistic elements in favor of accessibility and a broader player base.

Navigating Social and Environmental Considerations

The deep-sea diving simulator "Deep Diving Adventures" presented another set of challenges related to social and environmental considerations. The developers had to navigate age-related requirements and restrictions, which prevented the inclusion of real weapons in the game, even though they were intended for realistic purposes. Additionally, they had to align the game's narrative with societal expectations regarding environmental care and the treatment of marine life.

Addressing Sensitive Topics and Controversies

The strategy game "Covid the Outbreak," created during the COVID-19 pandemic, faced significant resistance due to its subject matter. The developers encountered issues such as emotional aversion to the pandemic, differing opinions on the game's neutral approach, and restrictions on the use of certain words and topics. Furthermore, they encountered marketing challenges, as large corporations reduced the reach of content related to the pandemic.

Navigating Geopolitical Conflicts and Controversies

The "Realpolitiks" series, a cornerstone of Jujubee's portfolio, highlighted the challenges of addressing contemporary geopolitical conflicts and sensitive topics in realistic games. Issues such as the delineation of borders, the use of controversial names, and the inclusion of banned symbols posed significant obstacles. The developers also had to navigate the expectations of combating harmful attitudes and the changing narratives in mainstream media, which could impact the game's reception over time.

Balancing Realism and Fantastical Elements

In the fantastical game "Punk Wars," the developers aimed to address contemporary issues through a speculative fiction lens. However, even in this setting, they had to meet the expectations of realism among players, ensuring that the game's technological and cultural elements were consistent with the established conventions of the genre.

Overcoming Challenges in Specialized Knowledge and Expertise

The upcoming survival strategy game "Dark Moon" faced challenges in accessing specialized knowledge and expertise. The developers consulted with a satellite constructor to learn about satellite safeguards and procedures for solar flare disasters, but finding experts willing to share such specialized information proved to be a significant hurdle.

Navigating Cultural Biases and Expectations

The unreleased turn-based strategy game "The Slavs" highlighted the challenges of creating games based on cultural and historical sources. The developers encountered problems related to the scarcity of sources and studies, the need to balance realism and gameplay with mythology, and the challenge of confronting players' ingrained perceptions and expectations of Slavic culture.

Lessons Learned and the Future of Realistic Game Development

The experiences of Jujubee's development team have revealed a multitude of challenges that developers face when striving for realism in computer games. From the availability and accuracy of information to legal and social considerations, the path to creating truly realistic games is fraught with obstacles.However, these challenges also present valuable lessons for the future of the industry. Developers must be prepared to navigate the complex landscape of licensing, cultural biases, and societal expectations. They must find innovative ways to balance realism and playability, leveraging technological advancements and player insights to create engaging experiences that resonate with audiences.As the demand for realistic and socially responsible games continues to grow, the industry must adapt and evolve, embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with this pursuit. By learning from the experiences of studios like Jujubee, the future of realistic game development holds the potential to deliver immersive, thought-provoking, and impactful experiences that push the boundaries of the medium.