Connecting Emotionally with Gamers

BioWare’s Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk have penned an editorial for GameDaily BIZ that discusses how video games have evolved to the point that players are able to connect with them at a deeper, emotional level.

Gaming has evolved along with the continued march of technology, allowing creators to go places they never could before the variety of video games now available is quite stunning when you consider the range of titles and available platforms. Think about it you can literally buy a video game for almost any kind of experience, whether it be a deep strategy simulation, a casual game for a quick break, a fast-paced action game, a handheld or mobile title perfect for that train ride or transoceanic flight, or a rich character and story-driven experience, all possible to play either with friends or solo.

When we created Baldur’s Gate we were determined to connect emotionally with our fans using characters measuring sixteen pixels tall; fast-forward ten+ years and with games like Mass Effect and Dragon Age, we’re now developing realistic and incredibly compelling characters in full high-definition. We believe the games industry is poised to truly take advantage of the opportunities that advancing technology affords. Based on our industry’s increasing ability to emotionally connect with our fans, we fully expect that video games will establish themselves as a true art form.

Good reading.