Survival is alive once more

So I was playing this video game called Don’t Starve recently, it is a game which to put it simply you run around collecting various natural elements so you can build stuff and then use that stuff to hunt, as well as gaining research to get more stuff to build. It is, essentially the type of game I want to see more of. I’ve talked about the rich lush pastures which can be explored in survival games before, from my praise at Minecraft been a title which can essentially be whatever you want it to be, to my passion for the Survival Kids (Lost in Blue) series by Konami. With the disappointment that goes by each E3 when there is no 3DS or Wii U sequel announced for the series since the horrible experiment style Lost in Blue trilogy and its Wii version.

I believe after the success of Minecraft games are splitting off to capture the survival aspects of the title, in return heading more and more towards the lost series  of survival games in vain of Survival Kids (Lost in Blue), with more upgraded gameplay.

The methods of merging native items to create an object isn’t an old gameplay mechanic. In fact, the series I’ve mentioned twice already by Konami has seen this idea even in the original Survival Kids title. What the future holds and games like Don’t Starve are showing, is that these systems are still common desirable features in video games, and that the evolution of user interaction will develop better ways to communicate these features to consumers who are picking up and playing the titles.

With games like Tokyo Jungle and I am Alive emerging creating more choice for consumers in general, and as well as honing in on expanding the genre, I believe the next big genre clearly is survival. Whether it is in vain of Survival Kids or expanding the ideas into already established genres, the future holds more survival aspects in all our games. Just look at ZombiU with its one life policy, while not a unique feature, it is a breath of fresh air into the genre which is hardly used. A sign of the times, as we move towards experiences which are immersive and critical to stay alive.