A game that lasts is built around fundamental truths. Think about Super Mario Bros. – it came out in 1985, but you could pick up a controller today and still get the same rush of joy from jumping on Goombas. That's timeless design at work.
On the other hand, trendy design is like a meme. It might be hilarious for about five minutes (if you're lucky), but then everyone moves on to the next big thing, and your meme just sits there, alone and forgotten. In gaming terms, this means relying too heavily on gimmicks or fads that lose their appeal over time.
Now, here's the thing: both timeless and trendy designs have their place. It's kind of like how some people prefer long-term relationships while others are all about short-lived flings. Neither is necessarily better than the other – it's just about knowing which one works for you.
The problem comes when developers try to have their cake and eat it too, creating games that are supposedly timeless but rely heavily on fleeting trends. These are the games that end up feeling like a bad blind date with an ex who won't stop talking about Bitcoin or NFTs (looking at you again, most NFT-based games).
So how do you spot these trendy time bombs? Well, look out for buzzwords like 'disruptive', 'innovative', and 'revolutionary'. These are usually just fancy ways of saying 'faddish' or 'trendy'. Also, pay attention to whether the game is built around something that will remain relevant regardless of changing trends – think mechanics rather than memes.
In conclusion (I know, I know, you were enjoying the ride), it's worth remembering that some games will never age well because they weren't designed to. Just like people, games have personalities too – and some are just destined for a short, forgettable life. But others? They've got legs – they can stand the test of time. So next time you pick up a controller or download an app, ask yourself: is this game built to last, or is it just riding today's trending wave?
