Back when I first got into AIF there were ZERO pictures, I can't remember when they first appeared but it was definitely Goblinboy that was the first to implement then in a large way and popularize their use.
Personally, I don't care for them unless the game is visually focused, if there's text descriptions along with pictures I'll turn the pictures off, and let my imagination do the work. It's not like I hate when a game has pictures, not at all, just given the option, I'll go without.
That's just my preference, and clearly I'm in the miniority. But my question is, how much am I limiting myself by not including pictures? Is any AIF game without pictures doomed to obscurity? As has been discussed recently, all the stuff on patreon is very picture heavy (and largely crap), and if people are willing to spend actual money on frankly awful games solely because they have pictures where does that leave games that go without?
In my case, as an author, I have no interest in producing pictures myself, but I did enjoy the image that Lost Trout made for my game from the AIF Minifest - http://adultinteractivefiction.blogspot.com/2016/09/aif-minifest-2016.html (and it uncannily nailed the image I had in my head for the character!)
I think pictures are used too often as a crutch for poor writing or game. The BEST AIF games have no pictures or are picture optional (i.e. goblin boy). I also fear patreon has lead to more people to expect pictures. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteFor the initial playthrough, I might leave images on (if optional). When I want to really enjoy a game and appreciate the text, I'll turn off images. Images don't do much for me in AIF, because I simply don't play AIF seeking visual stimulus.
ReplyDeleteThat said, I do think you'll be hampering yourself on Patreon if you do choose to go without them. The most successful games have images.
Wow, big question, with a small answer, look at the the money people are getting for turning out shite and the look at the money Palaverous (The Lost Hound) is getting for quality writing.
ReplyDeleteI personally love making images, so that's why I add them but, I also like to think I add enough text and description to do without, I really don't know as I don't play my own games. I do know this though, I could easily compete with any of the Muppets on Patreon, I dunno if that's a good thing for me or not lol.
I am more than happy to play any game, imaged up or otherwise, I tend to do all my reading before I view the images.
I’d like to think we can do all text, no text and everywhere in between – it all comes down to what the individual creator enjoys. I am doing this for my own enjoyment and at the moment I get fun from text and also from making pictures, so I am tending to go for both. I am still interested in text only and, while there is some picture-dominated stuff on Patreon that I consider to be rubbish, there has also been some picture-dominated stuff that I really enjoyed. A date with Ariane for example.
ReplyDeleteWe ain’t gonna get rich doing this S’man so let’s just do what we enjoy – and if you don’t enjoy doing pix then just write text.
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I certainly hope not. While I've only published one AIF game, I've made lots of text-heavy experiments and, other than a cover graphic, wouldn't bother even trying to make pictures. I know some people do it well, but clunky CGI models kind of don't add anything to the game. If I want to read a comic book, I'll do that.
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