Fallout co-creator Tim Cain warns endless online arguments are driving players and developers from gaming

The original Fallout's co-creator, Tim Cain, recently came forward and said, "there's so much arguing" about video games to the point that, in recent years, many fans and developers are abandoning the industry altogether. However, he threw in some words of wisdom and said, "Buy the games you want to see more of. It's the only way forward through this I can see."

Tim Cain has been pretty vocal about a number of game development-centric issues on his YouTube channel. In a new video titled "Arguing About Games," Tim talked about the tense debates that happen every day in the world of gaming. With over three decades of experience in the video game industry, Cain pointed out that gamers often get into online arguments because they can't understand each other's varying tastes and priorities.

The Root of Gaming Arguments

Cain explained that these conflicts stem from fundamental differences in what players value. "As a developer, I always try to make games with the features I want. But then, I have people who get mad at me and argue that I should be adding other features, too, that I do not like."

For example, he talked about "romancing" NPCs in video games, a feature he doesn't pay attention to, yet fans keep pushing for it anyway. Cain went into detail about how these arguments take root from individual "thresholds" and priorities. For example, buttery-smooth frame rates are part and parcel of competitive shooters, while at the other end of the spectrum, open-world games with exploration in mind focus on stunning visuals and relaxed pacing over speed.

He further explained: "A lot of arguing I see online is gamers arguing past each other. Sometimes, those gamers deny that the other groups even exist. When I see them argue online, they'll say things like, 'Tim, no one's asking for a low frame rate.' I agree. But many people are not asking for a high frame rate. They care about different things than you do. And you should acknowledge they exist. But you don't because you either don't want to or it would wreck your argument."

The Real-World Consequences

Gaming arguments and bickering over fandoms, minuscule details, and actual controversies have come and gone. However, these arguments have had a lasting impact on individual gamers, as many gamers are moving beyond video games. According to Cain:

"What this results in is some people are leaving gaming altogether. I know gamers who've gone off and found new hobbies. They mainly play board games now, or card games, because there just isn't this arguing so much in that area. They aren't basically belittled for expressing what they like and don't like online."

The impact extends beyond just players leaving the hobby. Cain also noted that "developers leave. I know many developers who left the industry and found jobs in related industries. And I know why the programmers were paid better, too. So, people are just leaving the game industry."

A Call for Support

At the end of the day, his two cents on the matter are simple: "Buy the games you want to see more of."

Cain's message is clear - the endless cycle of online arguments isn't helping anyone. Instead of fighting over features that one group loves and another hates, the most effective way to support the games you enjoy is through your wallet. This direct action speaks louder than any forum post or social media argument ever could.

For developers, this means understanding that they can't please everyone, and that's okay. For players, it means recognizing that different games serve different audiences, and that's healthy for the industry. The solution isn't to win arguments, but to support the games that align with your preferences, allowing developers to continue making the types of experiences you value.

The gaming industry continues to grow and evolve, but Cain's observations highlight a persistent problem that affects both the creation and enjoyment of games. As the medium matures, perhaps the community needs to mature as well, learning to appreciate that there's room for all types of games and all types of players.