Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami believes devs need to "make games that leave people wanting to clear them with their own hands" rather than being content watching a playthrough

Shinji Mikami, the creator of the Resident Evil series, recently shared his thoughts on the role of player engagement in game design. According to comedian and YouTube creator Eiko Kano, Mikami said that if viewers watch a playthrough of a game and are satisfied with just that, then it was only that good of a game. This statement suggests that Mikami values interactive gameplay and believes that games should motivate players to experience them firsthand. For instance, he reportedly told Kano that the goal of game developers is to "make games that leave people wanting to clear them with their own hands, even if they've watched someone else do it."

The gaming industry has seen a significant shift in how players engage with games, with the rise of YouTube gaming content creators and live streaming platforms like Twitch. Games like Among Us, Five Nights At Freddy's, and Phasmophobia have benefited from this trend, but Mikami's comments highlight the importance of player agency in single-player games. Other prominent game developers, such as Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii and Final Fantasy 7 Remake series director Naoki Hamaguchi, share similar concerns about the potential for players to rely on watching others play instead of experiencing the game themselves. For example, Hamaguchi noted that RPGs "need to be careful" about a lack of player agency, lest they "might simply watch a stream and feel satisfied without ever playing the game themselves."

The implications of Mikami's statement are significant, as they suggest that game developers may need to rethink their approach to game design and player engagement. If players are satisfied with watching others play, it could impact game sales and the overall gaming experience. To mitigate this, developers may focus on creating games that offer a high level of interactivity and player agency, encouraging players to engage with the game themselves. For instance, Capcom, the developer of the Resident Evil series, may need to consider this trend when designing future games, such as the upcoming Resident Evil titles. By prioritizing player engagement and agency, developers can create games that motivate players to experience them firsthand, rather than simply watching others play.