Tim Cain Weighs in on Influencers and the Changing Landscape of Gaming

In a recent video on his YouTube channel, renowned RPG designer Tim Cain shared some eye-opening thoughts on how the internet has transformed both gaming and game development. From the early days of message boards to the explosion of streaming, Cain is here to break down how these changes aren’t all good—and he’s quite worried about where we stand today.

Cain reflects on the journey of gaming, pointing out a shift from a world of possibilities to one that feels more restrictive for developers, while gamers seem to be adopting a more closed-minded attitude. He reminisces about the ’80s, a time when developers had the freedom to experiment without the weight of strict genre classifications and consumer expectations weighing them down.

He specifically highlights the late ’90s as a turning point when the internet began to influence gaming preferences. Back then, players relied on game manuals and maybe a magazine like PC Gamer for information, but with the advent of message boards and online guides, that DIY spirit took a hit. Fast forward to today, and Cain points out another major shift: the rise of video content and influencers.

According to him, the focus on creating clips and streamable content has altered how games are designed. Developers are now asking themselves, “What part of our game would make for good clips?” As a die-hard CRPG fan, Cain admits that this trend is problematic since those games often lack the flashy visuals that attract viewers.

Much of Cain’s video is dedicated to discussing how the gaming community’s taste is heavily influenced by these online personalities. He observes a troubling trend where gamers turn to influencers not for nuanced reviews, but to be told exactly what to think about a game. “Many gamers don’t form their own opinions; they just adopt the views of their favorite influencers,” he says.

This shift in perspective has led to a noticeable change in game reviews. Gone are the days when critiques offered detailed comparisons. Now, it’s more about personal biases, with influencers labeling games as “stupid” or “slow-paced” without a fair assessment. It’s become a simple process—find a voice you like and accept their opinion as your own.

Cain acknowledges that it’s perfectly normal to seek opinions from those who share your tastes, but he warns against the tendency to blindly accept their views. He mentions that many people share strong opinions about games they have never played, which can create a toxic environment for both gamers and developers alike.

As for what the future holds, Cain admits he has no clue what the gaming landscape will look like in the 2030s. Will things become more divisive, or will players start to push back against these trends? While he leans towards hoping for a more conscious consumer movement, the reality is that the divide may only deepen.

In this whirlwind of gaming opinions and influencer culture, one thing is clear: if you’re going to take advice from anyone online, it might as well be from informed and engaging writers who know their stuff. After all, forming your own opinion is what gaming is all about!