13. Achievements/Trophies
Xbox achievements and PS3 trophies are something of an anomaly. Despite being worth nothing, they have the effect of influencing gamers to strive for success on worthless investments. Even I will admit feeling a certain catharsis when hearing the bleep and getting a 50 point achievement. It has caused me to achieve things I would otherwise never attempt. One can see why both Microsoft and Sony have implemented their use. This doesnt stop them from being worthless, however, and it is for this reason that they are an aspect of modern gaming to despise. They exist as a cheap gimmick; a way to get gamers to keep playing long after they normally would move on. Sure, they contribute to your username worth, but that too is worthless beyond displaying how dedicated a gamer you are. But you cant blame Sony and Microsoft for using them, as they work, and no one is forcing gamers to pay any attention to them. Nevertheless, I still feel like it takes a bit away the reason we play games: to enjoy them. We played games just fine before achievements and trophies.