Cage's presentation specifically called out technology limitations as a barrier to emotional connection in storytelling, while simultaneously using the classic silent film The Great Train Robbery as an example of why movies weren't interesting until the technology radically improved. It's a lame argument, one that presumes that the quality of artistic expression and the rate of technological advancement are inextricably linked. Considering we've seen no small share of terrible storytelling in the last few decades, regardless of how technology has improved, I don't think this point holds water.
I have disagree here.
Yes, we have had great story telling over the last few decades. But Cage didn't claim that there has been no story telling at all, nor did he claim that that the quality of artistic expression and the rate of technological advancement are inextricably linked.
He just said there's a link. Not an inextricable one.
Specifically he talked about large game-changing moments in movies, like the introduction of sound. Ok, pretty large and obvious. But then he showed the unprecedented detail and expression achievable with next-gen tech. Subconsciously this is massive, but inherently subtle.
And it's that subconscious-level difference where the progress will be made this generation. It's the little things, those minute differences that so many cynics write off as 'incremental graphical upgrade'. In this domain, it's hard to put into words. It's a feeling, a vibe. Something you know is true, but you can't place why.
Today, game reviewers never venture further than criticism of a characters voice actor. In the future, it'll be their overall performance. They'll be full blown actors. Mannerisms. Idiosyncrasies. Right up in their highly rendered face. And man, it's going to be fucking glorious.
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