Forming Valid Opinions About Games: Playtime Shouldn't Invalidate Perspectives

Benjamin Harris

Updated Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 2:47 AM CDT

Forming Valid Opinions About Games: Playtime Shouldn't Invalidate Perspectives

The Fallacy of Playtime: Forming Opinions Without Lengthy Gameplay

Gamers can form opinions about a game without playing it for a specific amount of time. Sometimes, just hearing about the setting, genre, or watching gameplay trailers can be enough to judge. The notion that one must invest a significant amount of time in a game to have a valid opinion is arbitrary and dismissive of individual perspectives.

The amount of time it takes to form an opinion about a game varies for each individual. It can range from just an hour of trying the game to over 10 hours of gameplay. However, it is up to the player to decide when they have seen enough to form an opinion about a game. Others should not try to invalidate their subjective viewpoint.

There is no reason to continue playing a game past the point where it is no longer fun. It is more logical to switch to another game that is enjoyable from start to finish. Even if someone has only played a game for 10 seconds and dislikes it due to issues like unreadable font, their opinion is still valid. Opinions about games are subjective and based on personal preferences. Each individual is an expert on their own preferences, and it is not appropriate to question or invalidate someone else's opinion.

Some people use the argument of "you didn't play it enough" to dismiss opinions they don't like. This argument is arbitrary and serves to confirm their bias towards the game they enjoy. It creates a double standard where short playtime is considered an invalid opinion, while long playtime is assumed to indicate enjoyment of the game. All opinions about a game, regardless of playtime or whether it was beaten, are equally valid. It is pointless and annoying to use the argument of "you didn't play long enough" to dismiss negative opinions.

Forming an opinion about a game based on a short playtime is similar to judging a movie based only on its trailer. It is important to have a solid understanding of the plot and mechanics before forming a true opinion. However, it is also valid to take some time to understand the mechanics and fully experience a game. 30-60 minutes of gameplay may not be enough to form a valid opinion about a game and everything it has to offer.

People often criticize games, shows, and movies without having a clue about their content. It is important to have a good understanding of the plot and controls before formulating expectations or opinions. However, the argument of "you should just give the show/game a chance, it gets better at X point" is comparable to the argument of playing a game until it becomes enjoyable. Many people do not want to spend a significant amount of time on something they do not enjoy.

Some games, especially MMORPGs, have long tutorials and delay the introduction of content and mechanics until later levels. This can be a strategy to prevent players from refunding the game once they realize its flaws. Similarly, single-player games often start strong but become cheaper and less enjoyable as the player progresses. It is similar to a movie trailer that is exciting, but the actual movie turns out to be boring.

the author emphasizes that opinions about games, shows, and movies are subjective and should be respected. People are free to form their opinions based on their own preferences and experiences. The argument of "you didn't play long enough" is considered pointless and annoying. It should be avoided when discussing opinions about games. It is important to acknowledge that everyone has different preferences and experiences when it comes to games. What may be enjoyable for one person may not be enjoyable for another. It is crucial to respect and accept that all opinions about games, regardless of playtime or personal preference, are equally valid.

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