Simple Gameplay or Complex Gameplay

[-Apples-]

Thanks to increase in data, games can have more complicated gameplay than ever before. Regardless of how big or small games are, the core gameplay of the game can be more simple or complex. Simple means there are fewer moves, fewer features, easier controls, and less rules. Complex gameplay is the opposite of that.

My question is, do you prefer simpler gameplay or more complex gameplay?

 

[Liability]

if the game is good enough, the gameplay doesn't matter all that much. after thinking about it, games i love the most have gameplay on the more complex side

 

[Fey]

Doesn’t matter as long as the game is good

Complexity does not a good game make.

It’s honestly a pretty even split for me—both in terms of what I enjoy most and what I play most.

I love a well-done complex game, but often the simplest games can be among the most fun and rewarding! On the highest quality level, I’d say that equal effort goes into creating either type of gameplay.

 

[cornimer]

I'm assuming AC would fall under simple gameplay? If so then definitely simple for me. I don't usually enjoy very difficult and complex games; one because I like to use gaming to relax, and two because I just don't have the interest or attention span.

 

[LambdaDelta]

any game becomes simple if you stick with it long enough

 

[xSuperMario64x]

I mostly play "simple" games, but I do always appreciate a challenge. When I was younger I didn't really have the though process to play complicated games, but as I get older I begin to appreciate games that have complicated puzzles and hidden items to collect.

If a game is overly complicated, to the point where I can't figure it out, that just takes all the fun out of it for me.

 

[Mr. Cat]

Really big, open worlds were really cool back when they were moe limited. I'm pretty sick of it at this point and would like a linear storyline.

 

[Midoriya]

I play both simple and complex games, but I prefer simple games.

 

[Maiana]

As long as I can understand the game, I'll like it

 

[Halloqueen]

It's a bit too broad and open-ended of a question because it depends on the individual game or series at hand. I guess I'd lean more complex generally, but I play both simple games and complex games.

 

[Tao]

Really depends on the game. I'm never going to buy or like a game based on how simple or complex it is, but I will critisicze a game that I think lacks depth when its needed or is trying to be too complex when it's unnecassary.


I think there's certain games that tend to be better one way or the other though. Something like an RTS benifits from more complexity as it allows the player more options for how they can win. A platformer though I think benifits from a small amount of tight and fun movement mechanics and maybe a handful of powerups or upgrades drip fed throughout.

 

[Psydye]

I went w/ the last one as I don't feel like thinking too deeply on it(though if I were to hazard a guess I'd probably be somewhere in the middle).

 

[LadyDestani]

It doesn't really matter to me. I play games that are simple and games that are complex. As long as the gameplay fits the game and it's easy enough to ramp up and learn the complex aspects, I don't care.

 

[Jacob]

"Complex, but no gimmicks," pretty much sums it up. I love a complex and creative story, but I need a game to show and tell exactly where I need to head. I can handle complex controls fairly well. Post game side quests are always a plus, but if a game has too many distracting midgame non-mandatory objectives, I'll get too confused and stop playing entirely

On a scale of Pac-Man to BOTW, my absolute favorite games fall around Link Between Worlds, Super Paper Mario, and Splatoon Octo Expansion Pack mode. That's plenty complex

 

[Sweetley]

It depends on the game, but overall, if the game is good and has lots to offer, then it doesn't matter if
it's complex or simple. Although I'm not a fan of too simple games.

 

[Romaki]

I prefer simple and straightforward gameplay, I think any medium benefits from having limitations.

 

[Stalfos]

Complexity just for the sake of it is never a good thing. I prefer when they keep things as simple as possible without taking away from the core gameplay experience.

That said, some games, like Football Manager, absolutely thrives on complexity.

 

[Alienfish]

Simple. I play games for the story and characters etc. not to overcome the most difficult mode or being competitive or anything. So yeah if they put like 7 different difficulties and annoying menu system just to appeal to hardcore games just no.

 

[Cress]

Hm... it depends on the game but I think that I'd generally lean towards simple gameplay, but with gimmicks. Have the gameplay start off simple, but then introduce some new features every now and then to ease you into complexity.
Too much complexity for the sake of complexity could lead to something like Xenoblade X (and I'm saying that as someone who loves the game). There's.... way too many things to do in the game, and you probably will have to learn how to manage these features that got introduced at the start of the game sometime, but you probably ignored it since it didn't seem that important at first. And overdrive, one of the game's most important gimmicks, requires a very lengthy page explaining how it all works, but the game pretty much says "congrats you unlocked it" and that's the tutorial for it.
Complex games can be good, but they can also very easily turn into a mess if you don't have the right balance. SImple gameplay is easier to make, and having some gimmicks to make it interesting hours and hours later is a great approach.

...but if we're talking about stories in games then I'd much rather take a complex story involving a ton of characters.