I think a lot of people go through that shift at some point, especially when you realize that visuals alone can’t carry a game for long. I had a similar experience when I started playing more indie titles, and it completely changed how I see things. There was this article I came across https://oceantogames.com/graphics-are-dead-long-live-gameplay/ and it basically explained why gameplay sticks with you longer than graphics do. It’s not even that graphics don’t matter, they do, but they’re not the core anymore. I noticed that games with simpler visuals often focus more on mechanics, creativity, and player engagement, and that’s what keeps you coming back.
I think a lot of people go through that shift at some point, especially when you realize that visuals alone can’t carry a game for long. I had a similar experience when I started playing more indie titles, and it completely changed how I see things. There was this article I came across https://oceantogames.com/graphics-are-dead-long-live-gameplay/ and it basically explained why gameplay sticks with you longer than graphics do. It’s not even that graphics don’t matter, they do, but they’re not the core anymore. I noticed that games with simpler visuals often focus more on mechanics, creativity, and player engagement, and that’s what keeps you coming back.