Gaming News: The Need for More Immersive Sims – A Reddit Discussion

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Gaming enthusiasts on a popular subreddit are calling for a revival of the immersive sim genre, expressing a shared desire for more games like captivating classics such as *Dishonored* and *Prey*. The discussion was sparked by a post from user TheMediumEagle, who simply titled it without further explanation. This post ignited a wave of emotions, reminiscent feelings, and passionate suggestions, demonstrating the strong affection for this genre and the reasons why they feel it’s not getting the attention it used to.

Summary

  • Fans celebrate the magic of immersive sims, citing titles like *Dishonored*, *Prey*, and the *System Shock Remake* as high watermarks in the genre.
  • There’s a strong desire for more games in the genre, with users expressing nostalgia and a pitiful yearning for sequels.
  • Some users argue that the term “immersive sim” encompasses too broad a range, stifling focused genre development.
  • Concerns arise about the commercial viability of such titles, suggesting they might not cater to a mainstream audience.

The Love for Immersive Sims

Immersive video games like Dishonored and Prey offer an exceptional level of player involvement and engagement, enabling users to shape their own game experiences within the game’s universe. These titles embody what makes video games exceptional: they provide agency, compelling narratives, and complex gameplay systems that are seldom found in other genres. As user ZedErre points out, these games possess an atmosphere that cannot be replicated elsewhere, creating a unique and lasting impact on players. It’s no wonder that gamers are eagerly calling for more titles with similar qualities to break new ground in game creation. The intricate worlds and captivating storytelling found in these games draw players in deeply, leaving an indelible impression that some feel is missing from the gaming industry today.

The Nostalgia Factor

The affection for this game genre is undeniable. Fans such as Starblast16 have voiced a yearning desire for a sequel to the 2017 release of *Prey*, which demonstrates that the emotional bond with these games runs deep. *Prey* stands out among gamers, as Darksider123 expressed by saying, “I wish we had more games like Prey.” The thrilling gameplay mechanics and immersive storylines make these games timeless favorites. Reminiscing about tense moments of stealth escapes or clever strategies against powerful adversaries permeate fan discussions, highlighting the profound influence memorable gaming experiences can have on a gamer’s adventure.

Defining Immersive Sims

Although many people appreciate the immersive sim genre, some users, such as joestaff, have noted that the term “immersive sim” can be too ambiguous, making it difficult to define games that fall under this category. The question then becomes: what are the key features that characterize an immersive sim? Could it be player freedom, impactful decisions, or intricate world-building? The boundaries between these elements are unclear, leading to differing viewpoints. For example, Sjknight413 contends that games like *BioShock* don’t fit this genre, as they may offer immersion but lack the gameplay philosophy shared by games like *Prey* and *Dishonored*. This debate over definitions demonstrates that while there is a strong affection for immersive sims, further discussion is needed to pinpoint what truly defines them.

The Commercial Viability Concern

In an industry that primarily focuses on high-profile games, there’s a worry about the commercial viability of complex, immersive gaming experiences. As Kododie put it, “Yes, but they require more work to create and don’t sell as much due to the general public not fully appreciating these types of games.” Unfortunately, while these immersive games offer unmatched depth and narrative complexity, they often struggle to reach a larger audience, potentially hindering their production. In today’s fast-paced gaming world where flashy action tends to draw more players, this presents a challenge for developers aiming to create engaging, interactive experiences. This concern naturally leads to debates about which studios might be brave enough to produce more immersive games, given the potential risks and uncertainty about whether the market would accept them.

Pondering over our ongoing discussion, it’s clear we have a community buzzing with enthusiasm for immersive games and the engaging stories they offer. With gamers eagerly anticipating fresh titles that capture the charm of games like *Prey* and *Dishonored*, there’s optimism that the industry will take notice of this heartfelt plea. As gaming tastes shift, it’s hard to predict what lies ahead. Maybe the gaming world will find a harmony between the masses’ craving for fast-paced, single-player adventures and the immersive, multi-layered experiences offered by immersive sims; we’ll see in time. In essence, the passion for this genre remains as strong as ever.

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2025-04-05 08:44