10 Deliberate Gameplay Features That Ruin Your Immersion

7. "Photorealistic" Human Faces

SKYRIM DRAGONS
EA

Video game graphics are getting better all the time. And surely, that can only be a good thing, right?

Well... the thing is, game developers can promise us "photorealistic" graphics all they like, but can they ever really deliver on that promise? When it comes to creating human faces and lifelike gestures, history has shown us what the answer to that is.

True, maybe this is an overly cynical opinion. But the Uncanny Valley is a very unpleasant place to be, and us humans have a weirdly keen eye for imperfections in things that are supposed to resemble us. Even when it's the slightest bit off, you can be sure you'll pick up on it. And when it's pre-patch Mass Effect: Andromeda? ...Yeah.

Many games come extremely close to making convincing human faces, however, and should be genuinely applauded for that. Then again, if they had opted for a less complex art style, would the developers have had more time to iron out the bugs and performance issues that plague AAA games in recent years?

Contributor

Graduate composer, on-and-off session musician, aspiring novelist, professional nerd. Where procrastination and cynicism intertwine, Lee Clarke can be found.