In today’s gaming world, where success is often measured by player counts and engagement metrics, the term “dead game” is used too freely. John ‘Bucky’ Buckley, community lead for Palworld, challenges this narrative, urging players to prioritize enjoyment over popularity.
By doing so, he highlights a crucial issue in the gaming industry, the pressure to favor longevity over creativity. Palworld, which once boasted over two million concurrent players, now averages around 30k. While some see this as a decline, Bucky sees it as proof of the game’s lasting appeal, encouraging players to focus on their own experiences rather than external perceptions.
Palworld Community Manager On Why Player Counts Shouldn’t Dictate Enjoyment
Bucky has very active and interactive with the community and his message from a interview is clear, enjoyment should be the primary factor in gaming decisions, not player counts or popularity. He believes that focusing solely on whether a game is “dead” can lead to unhealthy gaming habits, where players feel compelled to stick with popular titles rather than exploring new experiences.
“If you finish in a day, cool,” he remarks, emphasizing that the value of a game isn’t solely tied to its lifespan or current player count. The pressure to keep games perpetually active can also be detrimental to developers, who may feel obligated to create content that caters to trends rather than their creative vision.
This often results in a homogenized gaming landscape where originality is sacrificed in favor of mass appeal. By advocating for a culture where players are free to enjoy games on their own terms, the community manager champions a more diverse and innovative industry.
The Rise of Soulless Live Service Games
He also highlights a concerning trend in the gaming industry: the proliferation of live service games designed to retain players through constant updates and microtransactions. While these games may generate substantial revenue, they often lack the depth and creativity of titles crafted with a singular vision.
“The more we push this kind of narrative,” Bucky warns, “the more very large companies are going to just say ‘gamers want more live service.” This can lead to a cycle where games are created to maximize profits rather than provide meaningful experiences. He also spoke about the closing of the Xbox 360 marketplace.
The consequence of this shift is an industry flooded with “soulless” games that prioritize quantity over quality. These games are often at risk of being shut down if they fail to meet financial expectations, leaving both developers and players at a loss.
He argues that this focus on live service models ultimately undermines the potential for diverse and engaging gaming experiences.
Bucky’s perspective serves as a reminder that the true value of a game lies in the experiences it offers, not the number of people playing it. By embracing this mindset, both players and developers can foster an industry that celebrates innovation and individuality.
After all, the goal should be to create games that resonate with players on a personal level, not just titles that chase the fleeting trends of popularity.
What do you think of the recent fall in Palworld‘s player count? Do you agree with what Bucky said? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
