Nexon adds jiggle physics to The First Descendant, enhancing realism and sparking debate among gamers.
Nexon just dropped the bombshell that they're adding "jiggle physics" to their game, The First Descendant. If you're scratching your head wondering what that is, you're not alone. But apparently, a ton of players were asking for it, and PD Lee from Nexon Korea said they’re gonna do it. Now, whether this is a genius move or a distraction from core issues is up for debate.
The First Descendant has been out since June 2024 and has built quite the player base. I mean, who wouldn’t love a free-to-play looter shooter with stunning graphics? But as impressive as the game looks, Nexon thinks they can push the envelope even further with some good ol' jiggle physics.
Okay, so let's break this down. Jiggle physics basically simulate soft body movements—think hair swaying in the wind or other body parts moving realistically (and yes, I’m being vague on purpose). According to some blog I found while researching this article (yeah, I'm thorough), these effects can actually make things feel more immersive. And hey, if you’ve got the hardware for it, why not?
But here’s the kicker: it costs resources to implement these things. Indie devs have shied away from them because of that very reason. But now? With plugins and better tech? It’s becoming more common in bigger games.
After PD Lee's announcement on Discord—where he also promised more details down the line—the community was pretty quick to react. And let me tell you; it was overwhelmingly positive... mostly.
Gamers are out here joking that jiggle physics might be "the greatest scientific invention by Korea." But of course there are some naysayers too; a few folks pointed out that maybe fixing bugs should come first before adding eye candy.
Now here's where things get interesting. As cool as jiggle physics might be (and let’s be real for a second—they're kinda cool), they aren't going to save a game that's lacking in core elements like good gameplay and storytelling.
According to some dude named MoldStud I found while doing my research (again, I'm thorough), long-term player engagement needs a balanced diet of visuals AND solid gameplay mechanics. You can't just live off fan service alone; it's like trying to survive on potato chips—delicious but ultimately unsatisfying.
And let's face it: if Nexon focuses solely on fan service like jiggle physics and ignores pressing gameplay issues? They risk alienating a good chunk of their player base.
So what about money? Well, there's an argument to be made that looking good can help sell your game—even if it's an F2P model like The First Descendant. A study cited in The Quarterly Journal of Economics suggests that visual appeal can sway player behavior significantly.
But again—the key word here is balance! If jiggle physics are all they add and nothing else improves? Then don't be surprised when players dip out faster than you can say "fan service."
Nexon's addition of jiggle physics in The First Descendant raises questions about priorities in game development. While these visual enhancements can boost immediate engagement—they're not a substitute for solid core gameplay over time.
In short: make your wallet sexy sure! But maybe fix those bugs first?
