This blog post serves as a companion piece to our latest podcast episode, "Saying The Quiet Part Out-loud - Let's Discuss Toxic Gamers." In the episode, we delve into the often uncomfortable realities of online gaming communities, exploring themes of toxicity, harassment, and the need for positive change. This blog post expands on that conversation by taking a broader look at the gaming and anime landscapes that defined 2024, analyzing both the triumphs and the failings of that year.
Gaming: A Year of Highs and Lows
The Rise of Subscription Services
In 2024, subscription gaming services continued to grow in popularity. Platforms like PC Game Pass offered players access to a large library of games for a monthly fee. This model has made gaming more accessible, allowing more people to enjoy different experiences. However, there are concerns about how this might affect game development. Developers may feel pressured to create games that fit the platform's needs rather than their creative ideas. We discussed these issues in our podcast, especially the risk that this model could limit creativity if developers focus more on making profitable games.
While many new successful titles were introduced, there were just as many flops. Titles like Concord and Dragon Age were met with fierce player backlash despite being praised on certain review platforms. Players were extremely vocal in 2024, taking to platforms like Reddit and review-bombing titles on major platform Steam in response to "political agendas" being introduced in games by bigger developers.
The Indie Scene Thrives
Even with bigger companies dominating the market, independent game development thrived in 2024. Many small studios released innovative and creative games that stood out for their unique gameplay and storytelling. These titles provided a refreshing contrast to the typical AAA titles, proving that smaller teams can create equally memorable gaming experiences. This shows that there is still room for creative freedom in the industry despite the influence of large corporation agendas.
The Ongoing Struggle with Toxicity
Sadly, online toxicity continued to be a major issue in 2024. Harassment, hate speech, and negativity affected players’ enjoyment and made the gaming environment hostile for many. This topic was a key focus of our podcast episode, where we talked about the complexities of this problem and the need for a team effort to address it. Solutions must come from everyone involved, including platform owners and community members. Without these efforts, the gaming industry risks pushing away a significant number of potential players.
Anime: A Year of Change and New Ideas
Fanservice: A Mixed Blessing And Curse
In 2024, fanservice in anime sparked many discussions. Some see it as harmless and enjoyable for a certain audience, while others criticize it for being excessive, exploitative, and unnecessary. In our podcast, we talked about different viewpoints on this topic mainly regarding the hit anime DanDaDan. While we discussed the variety of opinions and stressed the need for responsible content creation, we also recognized the differences in cultures and the freedom for creators to portray their characters how they wish with out feeling the need to appease every outside influence.
At the end of the day, it is far simpler to turn off a show than to waste precious time creating content specifically to complain about it for personal gain. Which unfortunately was a staple last year.
Exploring Different Genres
Besides the debate about fanservice, 2024 also saw a lot of innovation and variety in anime. New shows were introduced that fans quickly took to, with nearly every genre gaining a new title, while many favorites that went into hibernation were given second or third-season release date announcements in 2024. With so many anime in circulation, you would be hard-pressed not to find an enjoyable show in any genre.
The Role of Streaming Services
Streaming services continue to play a big role in how people access and watch anime. While they make it easier for more viewers to enjoy anime, there are concerns about limited content availability, regional restrictions, and how mergers cause many shows to be lost in transition.
Another glaring issue (mainly in the US) is streaming companies like Disney that separate their services between their platforms, forcing consumers to subscribe to more than one service while serving all of the same content on one platform in other countries.
Gaming and Anime: Connected Worlds
Adaptations and Collaborations
In 2024, many games were adapted into show series, and some anime franchises inspired new video games. These collaborations show how closely connected gaming and anime are, becoming almost synonymous with each other while creating mutually beneficial partnerships. This connection has allowed both industries to reach new audiences, creating interest among users of both mediums.
Paving The Way To The Future
In 2024, both the gaming and anime industries made significant progress but also faced important challenges. New technologies, better distribution methods, and creative growth pushed these mediums forward. However, problems like online harassment and ethical content creation still need attention. As we discussed in our episode, “Saying The Quiet Part Out Loud - Let's Discuss Toxic Gamers,” we must promote positive and inclusive communities to support the growth and enjoyment of both gaming and anime. The future of these industries depends on our efforts to tackle these issues and create better experiences for everyone.
We encourage you to listen to the full episode for more insights. Check out the GZ Chop Shop Gaming Podcast for more discussions like this.
We may earn a small affiliate commission from purchases made using links on our page
