The question of whether video games are getting harder or easier has been debated by players for years. To find a clear answer, The Economist analyzed difficulty rankings from GameFAQs, a long-running community website where players rate games from one (“simple”) to five (“unforgiving”). The data covers popular titles released over the past 40 years, offering a detailed look at how challenge levels have shifted as technology, audiences, and design philosophies evolved.
From the Arcade Era to Home Consoles
In the 1980s and 1990s, video games were built to be tough. Arcade machines were designed to keep players spending coins, with limited lives and steep difficulty curves meant to encourage repeat attempts. Operators could even tweak settings to make games harder, reducing the number of lives offered per credit.
When gaming transitioned to home consoles, that model changed. Developers began selling complete games rather than individual plays, and the goal shifted toward keeping players engaged over longer sessions. This led to a gradual softening of difficulty across the industry. Nintendo’s decision not to release the original Super Mario Bros. 2 in Western markets illustrates this mindset. The Japanese version was considered too challenging for international audiences, so the company adapted a different game, Doki Doki Panic, for release under the Super Mario name instead.
Are Video Games Getting Harder or Easier?
The Modern Approach: Choice and Adaptation
Today’s games often give players more control over difficulty. Adjustable settings allow users to choose how challenging they want their experience to be, and some games go even further with adaptive difficulty systems powered by artificial intelligence. These systems analyze player behavior and adjust the challenge dynamically - if a player misses too many shots or fails repeatedly, enemies may become easier to defeat.
While these features have made games more accessible, they’ve also sparked debate within the gaming community. Some dedicated players argue that modern titles are too forgiving, using the phrase “git gud” to challenge others to master the game rather than rely on built-in assistance. This tension highlights a broader shift in the industry: balancing inclusivity with the desire for deep, skill-based challenges.
Are Video Games Getting Harder or Easier?
Why Difficult Games Still Stand Out
Despite overall trends toward accessibility, difficult games continue to attract attention and respect. According to The Economist’s analysis, the average difficulty rating reached its lowest point around 2010 and has since stabilized. Yet titles like Dark Souls (2011), ftl: Faster Than Light (2012), and Hades II remain defining examples of games that embrace challenge as a core design element.
Jay Ma, co-founder of Subset Games, said that ftl was built to be the kind of game the team wanted to play themselves. Its roguelike format, which forces players to restart after failure, didn’t deter fans. Instead, it became part of the game’s identity and appeal. The success of these titles suggests that while most players appreciate accessibility, there’s still a strong market for games that test skill, patience, and strategy.
Are Video Games Getting Harder or Easier?
Striking the Right Balance
The recent release of Hollow Knight: Silksong in September reignited discussions about where to draw the line between satisfying difficulty and player frustration. Some players described the game as overly punishing, while others celebrated its demanding nature. Following player feedback, the developers released an update to make certain aspects more forgiving, showing how studios are increasingly responsive to player sentiment.
The evolution of difficulty reflects more than just changes in design - it mirrors the growth of gaming as a global medium. Developers now create for audiences that range from casual newcomers to lifelong enthusiasts. Finding a middle ground between accessibility and challenge remains a constant balancing act.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are video games getting easier or harder? Data from GameFAQs suggests that games became easier over time, especially after the 1990s, but difficulty levels have remained stable since around 2010.
Why were older games so hard? Arcade games were designed to be difficult to encourage players to spend more money. This model carried over into early console games before shifting toward accessibility as the market expanded.
What makes modern games easier? Many modern titles include adjustable difficulty settings or use AI to adapt challenges based on player performance, helping reduce frustration for casual players.
Why do some players prefer hard games? For many gamers, overcoming difficult challenges provides a sense of accomplishment. Games like Dark Souls and Hades are praised for rewarding persistence and mastery.
Has player feedback changed how developers handle difficulty? Yes. Studios often release patches or updates based on community input, fine-tuning gameplay balance to better suit different skill levels.
What role does AI play in difficulty today? AI-driven systems can monitor player performance and make subtle adjustments in real time, ensuring the experience stays engaging without becoming overwhelming.