Has the Internet Robbed Games of their Hidden Treasures?

In the pre-internet era discovering secrets in games, particularly arcade games, was often a matter of trial and error or word-of-mouth. Today, a simple online search can reveal the deepest secrets of almost any game. This shift raises an intriguing question: Has the internet killed the joy of discovery in games?

In the early days of gaming, discovering a secret level or a hidden feature in a game felt like uncovering a treasure. These discoveries were often accidental or the result of rumours shared on playgrounds or among friends. There was a sense of wonder and accomplishment in uncovering these secrets, partly because they were so hard to find, buried deep within the game by the games programmers. Secret discoveries in the arcade era were largely confined to unlocking cosmetic features, or secret characters/areas rather than granting extra lives or increasing player power as it didn’t make business sense to artificially extend play time in a busy arcade. So-called ‘cheat codes’ were much more common on home computers. Nintendo were (and arguably still are) masters of the art of discovery. Games like “The Legend of Zelda” or “Super Mario Bros.” were playgrounds of mystery, where secrets lay hidden, waiting to be discovered by the most dedicated or lucky players.

Fast forward to the internet age, and the landscape is entirely different. Now, within days of a game’s release, detailed walkthroughs, Let’s Plays, and wikis are available. Every secret, no matter how obscure, is laid bare. This accessibility of information undoubtedly makes games more approachable, especially for casual gamers or those who are stuck at a particularly challenging part. It also fosters a global community of gamers sharing tips, strategies, and experiences.

However, this ease of access to information comes with a cost. The thrill of discovery is diminished when the answer to every puzzle or the location of every secret item is just a Google search away. For many players, the temptation to look up a guide when faced with a challenge is hard to resist. This can lead to a more homogenized gaming experience, where players are less likely to experiment and discover unique solutions or hidden features on their own.

Game developers have adapted to this new reality in various ways. Some have embraced it, designing games that are meant to be played with community involvement, like “Dark Souls,” where players leave hints for each other. Others have responded by creating games with procedurally generated content, like “Minecraft” or “No Man’s Sky,” where no two players’ experiences are exactly the same, making it impossible for guides to cover every scenario.

For gamers who yearn for the old-school sense of discovery, self-imposed challenges can be a solution. Playing a game without consulting the internet, or only doing so after completing it, can bring back some of that magic. Communities around “blind playthroughs” or “discovery gaming” have emerged, where players share their experiences of playing games without external help.

Another aspect to consider is the social element that the internet has brought to gaming. Online forums, social media, and streaming platforms like Twitch have created new avenues for communal discovery. Watching a favourite streamer encounter a secret for the first time, or discussing game theories and Easter eggs with other fans online, has become a joy of discovery in its own right.

While the internet has certainly changed the nature of discovery in games, it hasn’t killed it. The joy of discovery now takes different forms, from sharing experiences with a global community to setting personal challenges to preserve that sense of mystery. Game designers continue to innovate, creating games that are resistant to spoilers or that integrate the internet into the discovery process. The landscape of gaming is continually evolving, and with it, the ways in which we find joy in discovery are also changing, keeping the spirit of adventure and surprise alive in the digital age.