What's Happening?
Masaki Fujita, the game director of Nioh 3, has stated that the series has never considered adding difficulty settings. Instead, the game offers players various strategies to overcome challenges. Nioh 3, a soulslike action game, is known for its emphasis on skill and difficulty. Fujita believes that the value of clearing the game lies in the unified experience it provides, and the game offers more variations in strategies compared to its predecessors. This approach allows players to explore different methods to progress, rather than adjusting difficulty settings.
Why It's Important?
The decision to maintain a consistent difficulty level in Nioh 3 highlights a broader debate in the gaming industry about accessibility versus challenge. By not including difficulty settings,
the game caters to a niche audience that values the sense of accomplishment from overcoming difficult challenges. This approach can impact the game's marketability, potentially limiting its audience but strengthening its appeal to hardcore gamers. The strategy-focused gameplay encourages players to engage deeply with the game's mechanics, fostering a dedicated community.
What's Next?
As Nioh 3 launches, it will be interesting to observe player reactions and community feedback regarding the absence of difficulty settings. The game's success could influence future titles in the genre, potentially reinforcing the trend of challenging gameplay without adjustable difficulty. Developers may also consider how to balance accessibility with challenge in future projects, possibly exploring alternative methods to accommodate a wider range of players without compromising the core experience.
