FOMO Has “Infected” Many Modern Games, Remedy Says

by

Firebreak developer Remedy is speaking out against the trend they’ve noticed in game development, where titles are being created with a focus on inducing a fear of missing out (FOMO). In an interview with TopMob, game director Mike Kayatta explained that their team aimed to make Firebreak a manageable game by focusing on “managing the worthwhile aspects.

In essence, Kayatta posits that certain games with a grand scale may elicit two possible reactions from players. One group could become fully immersed, investing significant amounts of time and resources. The other group might perceive the time commitment as excessively large and opt for a different game altogether.

FBC intends to offer a game that’s easy for players to jump into during quick sessions, priced affordably at $40. From the get-go, this game will be accessible on Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, expanding its potential player base theoretically.

According to Anssi Hyytiäinen from Remedy, the game is designed specifically for individuals who fit the profile of middle-aged dads. This was a concept they frequently discussed during development. Their aim was to create a game that is straightforward to grasp, allowing players to jump right in and enjoy themselves with friends.

As a dedicated fan, I can tell you that Kayatta revealed an intriguing aspect about FBC’s gameplay sessions – they are thoughtfully crafted to be completed in just five minutes. Now, even if you’re the type who likes to explore every nook and cranny, you’d still only need around 30-40 hours to fully immerse yourself in this game, a far cry from the thousands of hours often required for similar titles.

He made it clear that our game is distinct from Monster Hunter, and this distinction was a deliberate choice. We aim to avoid designs that might seem predatorily draining of one’s time, as he put it.

Kayatta shared with IGN that the concept of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) has permeated many contemporary games, but when developing Final Fantasy XIV: Stormblood (FBC), Remedy made a deliberate effort to minimize such anxiety-inducing elements.

Regarding the topic of fear of missing out (FOMO), a seasoned developer from Call of Duty’s past, Mark Rubin, has commented that Activision employs strategies aimed at manipulation, such as FOMO, to motivate players to engage with Call of Duty.

On June 17, the highly anticipated game, FBC, will be available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and personal computers. Don’t forget to check out TopMob’s latest hands-on review and chat with Remedy for more exciting insights!

Read More

2025-05-14 20:06