I. The Worst Game of All Time
When it comes to video games, we often find ourselves looking for the best ones to play. But have you ever stopped to consider what makes a game bad, and whether that “badness” could actually make a game entertaining?
Enter Carsen Rapp, a game developer who has embarked on a mission to create “the worst video game of all time” with the help of his TikTok community.
II. Embracing the ‘Bad’
Rapp’s journey into game development began at a young age, and now with years of experience under his belt, he has decided to focus on the less conventional route of creating a game. He shared, “I decided with this project, I just want to do the most ‘fun’ parts of making a game, which is implementing cool new features. Those things that are kind of hard and boring… I don’t want to do those.”
While many features of his game, known as Monster Sniper Season 3, would be considered poor game design by traditional standards, Rapp and his community have embraced them, understanding that even “bad” games can still offer a unique and enjoyable experience.
III. Experimenting with Game Elements
From underwater areas with stressful oxygen levels to an auto-scrolling escort mission and an unintuitive control system, Monster Sniper Season 3 defies conventional game design to create an intentionally frustrating yet captivating experience. These unconventional elements have drawn interest from Rapp’s followers, proving that even features considered “bad” by many can still engage an audience.
“Gamers are very knowledgeable about what they do and don’t like. There are so many universally bad things that I get in my comments,” shared Rapp. It’s clear that by exploring these “bad” ideas, Rapp has tapped into a new level of creative expression within game development.
IV. The Allure of ‘Bad’ Games
Rapp’s journey reflects a nuanced understanding of what constitutes a “bad” game. He shared, “Deadly Premonition, now that is a bad game. Objectively. Like the shooting is bad, the gameplay is bad, the game’s really janky. It’s glitchy, it’s too long. But, I love it! It is so unique and special, and the badness makes it more interesting.”
Through his work, Rapp has sought to challenge the norm, questioning what makes a game truly engaging. In doing so, he draws inspiration from fellow developers who have pushed boundaries and redefined the concept of “bad” games.
V. Redefining Game Quality
For Rapp, the concept of a “bad” game is defined not by traditional standards, but rather by its ability to captivate the player. He emphasized, “The worst game is a game where you open it up and you play for 10 minutes, but it just doesn’t grab your attention.”
By challenging conventional notions of game quality, Rapp seeks to invite players to explore a new realm of gaming experiences, one that goes beyond traditional standards and redefines the concept of a “good” or “bad” game.
VI. Embracing Creativity
Rapp’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of creative expression within game development. While Monster Sniper Season 3 challenges traditional game design, Rapp’s aim is to create an engaging and uniquely entertaining experience for players. His commitment to infusing humor and amusement into the gaming world echoes the drive of many developers to redefine what makes a game truly captivating.
As Rapp continues on his journey towards completing Monster Sniper Season 3, he hopes to inspire others to push the boundaries of game development, challenging preconceived notions and fostering innovation within the gaming industry.
“But besides wanting to hit 100 videos, I am just seeing where it goes.”