As video games get increasingly sprawling, the likelihood of coming upon a glitch increases, and Glitchbuster is a new game that riffs on the concept of errors in video game code. The game centers on the idea of a small piece of code running through the game and battling glitches to get it ready for its upcoming release date.
Glitchbuster's "glitches" are of course part of the game itself, as they put a spin on the standard 2D, side-scrolling action. The little, square pixel of a character is tasked with quelling the twists as they arise, though it can be difficult. There are currently over 40 of these glitches that pop up throughout the levels, including things like low gravity, water physics, larger enemies, and bigger explosions.
Intentionally Glitchy Games
'Glitchbuster' Tasks Players with Debugging a Game Before Release
Trend Themes
1. Glitchy Games - Games intentionally designed with glitches provide new experiences to players and showcase opportunities for creative game design, such as creating an alternate reality or narrative.
2. Debugging Games - Games that task players with debugging other games could potentially become popular and lead to collaboration between developers and players, allowing for more efficient debugging and creative problem-solving.
3. Non-linear Gameplay - Video games that embrace glitches and incorporate them into gameplay could lead to a shift towards more non-linear gameplay, as players are encouraged to approach glitches creatively and experiment with alternate paths.
Industry Implications
1. Video Game Development - Video game companies could incorporate intentionally glitchy mechanics into their games to offer players new experiences and differentiate themselves in a crowded market.
2. Game Testing - Companies that offer game testing services could potentially expand into offering a game within a game type of service, where players are hired to help test/debug upcoming games by playing through intentionally glitchy versions of the games.
3. Artificial Intelligence - Intentionally glitchy games could offer opportunities for AI development, as AI algorithms could be trained to identify and fix certain types of glitches automatically, potentially saving game developers time and resources.