Minority Mindset

On February 22, 2025, well-known Twitch streamer and OTK member ExtraEmily was talking on the phone during which it seemed like she mentioned fellow caster Nick ‘nmplol’ Polom among the streamers she has collaborated with.

Back then, it was all about snack breaks and video game trials! Here’s an interesting observation – ask your testing partner to play your game just before they’re due for a meal, and voila, the torrent of feedback flows freely, wider than a fast-food restaurant’s double doors. Honest feedback is gold for developers, but let’s be real, sometimes that honesty needs a bit of hunger to spark it. As one comment wittily said, “Friends will usually be positive and supportive about your game, but they might not give you the hard-hitting criticism you need, especially if they’re hungry.” There’s a blend of wisdom and humor in that statement – when people are hungry, they tend to speak their minds freely without holding back on their critiques, enjoying the chaos of a good meal along with some game testing. We all know that when someone’s rummaging through the fridge during the game, you’ll hear the truth tumble out like change jingling from an upset purse.

For anyone who’s ever made something, setting and managing expectations can be a challenging endeavor. For tunyapz, being chosen for Steam Next Fest is like getting a golden ticket to a theme park, but with all the butterflies in their stomach. They admitted honestly, “I’m not going to lie, I’m really happy to see my project there,” referring to their game, Northwind, which they have invested countless hours into. The sense of pride is evident, but let’s be real; it always comes with a dose of anxiety. The worry about how players will react, how the game will be received, and whether it will meet the imagined glory is enough to make anyone question their choices. A user offered an encouraging message, “Very cool!! I’d consider that a big win already,” reminding everyone that just being noticed is an accomplishment in itself. Isn’t that what we all seek? A bit of validation, a reassuring nod as we pursue our dreams? As tunyapz experiences this validation, one can only imagine the internal struggle between hope and doubt.

The anticipation leading up to the launch of a game is intense, particularly for independent developers who have poured countless hours into their projects. Captain0010’s post underlines this apprehension, focusing on the worry about whether anyone will actually play their game. A user named holdmymusic mirrored this concern, expressing, “I’m more anxious about the possibility that nobody will play my game.” This fear touches upon the essence of being a creator—what if all the effort is overlooked? Navigating the competitive market can be draining. However, other comments provide comfort, demonstrating that the indie gaming community is compassionate. For instance, codygamedev pointed out that many successful games started off slowly, suggesting that a game’s value and a developer’s potential should not be solely judged by the first day’s sales. This viewpoint softens the impact for those nervously counting down to their release date.

Among gamers, there’s a widespread sentiment that the anticipated PS5 Pro is overpriced compared to its performance enhancements. User Pugilist12 humorously expressed this as “it seems incredibly expensive with very few games really making use of the power,” echoing shared frustrations. It appears that gamers are asking for tangible benefits, suggesting they view the PS5 Pro as a hyped product without a clear destination. With its high price tag, many are questioning whether it’s worth the investment when the noticeable improvements over the PS4 Pro remain unclear. Commenter Maleficent-Vater labeled it as a “low-quality product” that isn’t worth investing in, highlighting community concerns about perceived value.

Nostalgia significantly influences how gamers view Mature (M)-rated games. A user known as epicflex expresses a sense of nostalgia about the thrill they felt when purchasing M-rated games, expecting intense violence and uninhibited storytelling. They miss the excitement of buying an M-Rated game, knowing they were in for a raw, gory experience. Back then, video games weren’t shy about embracing graphic content, whether through violent combat, gritty narratives, or provocative themes. As we grow older, our tolerance and desire for shock value decreases, causing us to reminisce fondly about those outrageous moments that M-rated games once delivered so vividly. Many Reddit users echo this sentiment of longing for the ‘good old days’, expressing disappointment with modern offerings.

The unexpected closure of Monolith Productions has left many in the gaming community stunned, as one user, proesporter, expressed, “They managed to drive even the studio behind NOLF, F.E.A.R., and Shadow of Mordor into closing… what a joke!” This sentiment perfectly reflects the widespread disappointment seen across online forums. Monolith has delivered numerous critically acclaimed games that seamlessly combined innovative gameplay with compelling stories. The loss of such a studio is much like losing a key player in a sports league; it throws off the balance and leaves fans puzzled about the reasons behind this decision. The fact that many of their titles, particularly Shadow of Mordor and Shadow of War, were commercial successes only adds to the shock. It’s hard to comprehend why WB would close a studio renowned for its creativity and significant contributions to iconic franchises.