What does "Souls-like" even mean anymore? How the overuse and misuse of Steam tags can mislead...

TL;DR


1. The term "Souls-like" has become increasingly overused and misused in the gaming industry, leading to confusion and potentially misleading gamers. The article discusses how the Steam tag system has contributed to this issue, with developers often applying the "Souls-like" label to their games even when the connection is tenuous or unclear.

2. The article explores the origins of the "Souls-like" genre, tracing it back to the Dark Souls series and the specific design elements that defined the genre, such as challenging combat, high-stakes exploration, and a focus on player skill. It highlights how the term has been applied to a wide range of games that may share some superficial similarities but lack the core design principles that made the Souls games unique.

3. The author argues that the overuse and misuse of the "Souls-like" tag can be detrimental to both developers and players. It can set unrealistic expectations for games, leading to disappointment, and can also obscure the unique qualities of individual titles. The article suggests that a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to genre classification is needed to better serve the gaming community and provide accurate information to players.

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