Customizable gameplay options: how many is too many?

[Sigourn]

Should one be able to adjust random encounters in JRPGs?
Should one be able to toggle sexuality of companions, so that they are either straight, or gay, or whatever, instead of simply flocking to your character's crotch/vagina?
Should hint systems that make sense in game be disabled if the player thinks they make a game too easy?
Should difficulty options be a thing?

These are some questions that drove me to the following question: when does a developer stop making a thoughtful game and simply hand the reigns of their creation to the player?

 

[Falksi]

1. No, the devs should just develop the game well.
2. No, they have their own personality and should stay true to the devs vision.
3. Yes.
4. Yes. Replaying games on harder settings is always the core experience.

 

[ds]

There should be infinite gameplay options. It's called a modding scene.

Devs themselves should focus on making the game moddable.

 

[Iucounu]

Should one be able to toggle sexuality of companions, so that they are either straight, or gay, or whatever, instead of simply flocking to your character's crotch/vagina?

Like porn videos, maybe the game should clearly advertize what it contains? Porn videos usually don't try to please everyone.

Should hint systems that make sense in game be disabled if the player thinks they make a game too easy?
Should difficulty options be a thing?

Ideally the entire game should be designed for a general skill/ambition level. But then there are games that become easier during replays, after the player has become more experienced with that particular game. There are also games that can be played in many different ways (such as RPG classes or builds) and that alone might be regarded as difficulty options.

When does a developer stop making a thoughtful game and simply hand the reigns of their creation to the player character?

The player character, not the player? I don't think a game becomes less thoughful just because the player can create his own challenges, in fact I think such games are great. But maybe a player should start messing too much with custom settings (or mods) already at the first run? Play the game as the devs intended first.

 

[Lagi]

i think the codex hive mind is of the opinion that; that gameplay options are bad and mods are for fags.

f.ex.
Age of Wonders 4 shit storm. "lack of cohesion - CYOA - gay shit"
procedural generated maps
"git gud" , "skill issue"

IMO:
devs (Devs - not , like nu-blizzard) have some vision in mind. If you add any option, you alter the intended gameplay experience.

Even difficulty levels. Some players have slower reflex than other, if you lower bots reaction time, your resource managements is thwarted (you use less ammo, or maybe you don't need to swap weapons, nor pick up medpacks). Also, it prevents to create elitism: "I beat that boss - you dont", which is a massive factor for any communities around game, that drive weaker player to get better by learning the game.

I think forcing players to mod a game is good. Player need then to put effort if he don't like spell costs. Also, it separates the "true players - faithful to the original" from "bitching faggots - who cannot suffer like a man", so the situation is clear: "TF did you do?! you play it with mods?".

what if I want to just explore the game?

Thats the point. You cannot explore it. Because you are too weak. as a player. So there is a point to this exploration - its hard so it has a value. "Story Mode"

I can just watch youtubes and read forums.

You can. So why do you pay for games?

My point here is. Game shouldnt be too easy because player will not taste the full flavor of the game. Nor cannot be too hard, because only autists or teenager with months of free time each year, could enjoy it.