I think it just implies that since it’s out on a platform that pretty much everyone has access to, global productivity will plummet due to everyone playing it and getting addicted

Haha hard to argue that one

They also conveniently forget how recently these jobs were hailed as being essential to the function of society…covid taught us nothing lol

Same here! Infinite universe to explore, I’d find a cool planet to rip around in exocraft, build a nice cliffside base, chill in a space station if things get dangerous, would be a sick time!

Oh god are you sending me down a YouTube rabbit hole?!

In the early days of Halo I was shocked at how fleshed out the universe was. The games seemed to rush through the story without a ton of background and when playing them I always felt like I was missing some key information. I read some of the books and a Halo encyclopedia and it’s really easy to get lost in the lore!

The gift that keeps on giving, No Man’s Sky. Pretty much just aimlessly wandering around and having a blast!

When I was growing up reading those I was also a big fan of the Artemis Fowl series!

Wooooo may be worth trying out!!

It certainly works better in some games than others! Usually a HUD element would need to be replaced with a different on-screen visual indicator…how well it works can vary a lot between games and genres.

There are a lot of design choices I love about that game! I’m one of those people however that found the PvP frustrating.

Battlefield 1 just drips with atmosphere, it’s amazing!

I tried that game once, got stuck at one point and put it down. I really need to give it a fair chance!

Holy crap I’ve played so much AC and never thought to try those without the HUD! I feel like unity and syndicate in particular would be great to wander around with no screen clutter!

That sounds glorious! I haven’t played that one yet but it really interests me!

I much prefer a compass to a mini-map, for me the mini-map is the worst offender in terms of pulling my attention constantly into one corner of the screen. Halo’s motion sensor was good in that sense too, I’d check it but not constantly.

That sounds amazing and part of why I loved fallout 4’s survival mode! Does every game in the series have ranger mode?

I think you hit the nail on the head, give me what I need to know when I need it, and make it more environmental when possible. Halo for example had the assault rifle show the ammo count on the gun itself and other games have as well, there are countless other ways to give information organically to the player.

This is a great answer and I learned a new word today! I’m okay with diegetic elements, as it feels organic and as long as it’s not distracting I’m okay with that! I forgot about mirrors edge, the minimal(ish) design of that game is great.

I suppose saying “no HUD” was a bit narrow, the spirit of my question was more about games that don’t have displays and elements pulling too much attention from the game itself. I appreciate the response!

Immersion is one aspect, but I also find that artists put so much work into creating great visuals, it almost feels like I’m ignoring the great things to look at by chasing dots on a map. I really just want experiences that help me focus more on the world in front of me.