I've Had It with Mining and Logging in Video Games
- Current gaming buzz: Palworld
- Survival games history, starting with Minecraft
- Rise of "tree punchers" games post-Minecraft
- Tree punching: a tired game mechanic
- The core issue with "tree punchers"
Current Gaming Buzz: Palworld
The gaming community is currently buzzing about Palworld. The game has sparked a mixture of love and hate, and almost everyone seems to have an opinion. This has resulted in a whirlwind of discourse that I have found myself navigating through. That being said, I am not here to discuss the debates surrounding Palworld. I am here to express my fatigue with survival games and the seemingly endless cycle of tree punching.
Survival Games: A Brief History
The history of survival games isn't straightforward, but in my mind, it all essentially starts with Minecraft in 2009. The first time I played this game, in its unfinished alpha stage, I was captivated. Minecraft's crafting, survival, and building mechanics were fresh and intriguing, leading me to spend countless late nights playing. Even today, I occasionally play Minecraft for a dose of nostalgia.
The Rise of "Tree Punchers"
Due to Minecraft's immense popularity, a wave of similar games emerged in the years following its release. I refer to these games as "tree punchers" as they often involve punching trees and collecting rocks to progress. Palworld, like many other recent "tree punchers," attempts to innovate with new ideas such as adding guns and Pokémon-like creatures. However, the core issue with "tree punchers" isn't really about punching trees.
Tree Punching: A Tired Mechanic
No matter how a "tree puncher" game tries to disguise itself or add new elements, they all essentially begin with the player punching trees, collecting rocks, and struggling to survive. This mechanic, which was once exciting in Minecraft, now feels like tedious work. The player is forced to slowly gather resources with ineffective tools, with the promise of eventually unlocking faster, more efficient methods. This gameplay loop no longer interests me. It feels like an unenjoyable job.
The Issue with Tree Punchers
It doesn't matter if a Pikachu-like creature is nearby making noises while I'm punching trees, or if I'm a Viking warrior. These elements can't detract from the fact that the main goal in "tree punchers" is to gather resources and craft items so that the slow and tedious parts of the game can be mostly avoided. The gameplay revolves around punching trees and building items so that, hours later, I won't have to do it anymore. This is where I draw the line.
Authored by: Streamers Visuals
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