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"Like putting lipstick on a pig": Games should focus less on visuals and more on content, says A Dark Room dev

Don't underestimate the power of words

"Like putting lipstick on a pig": Games should focus less on visuals and more on content, says A Dark Room dev

Too many developers – and, indeed, too much of the games media – is focused on delivering visual perfection rather than devoting time to the development of high quality content.

That's according to Amir Rajan, the man behind the iOS version of text adventure A Dark Room, which strips visuals right back and relies on text as its only prompt.

"Only using words is a wonderful constraint," said Rajan, speaking to PocketGamer.biz for a feature looking at the making of the game.

"I wish more creators would place emphasis on content. I can't count the number of websites I go to that flood the view with images, animations, and photos when they should be putting emphasis on the written word."

Big talk

It's Rajan's view that it's possible to deliver an engaging experience without attention grabbing visuals. Indeed, the desire to ensure the graphics are top notch can leave other areas of the game wanting.

"Given that A Dark Room is completely text based, putting lipstick on a pig by placing flashy graphics, explosions, or sound effects wasn't an option," he detailed.

"The constraint removed the ‘noise' giving Michael and I clarity, and as a byproduct, the game and player received clarity too."

Nevertheless, despite Rajan's call for developers to shift focus, he admits downloads of A Dark Room – which retails at 69p/99c – haven't been immense, averaging at around 1,000 a day on iOS.

"A Dark Room has no official media coverage, says nothing in the description, looks absolutely ridiculous with its single screen shot, and asks for $0.99," he detailed.

"It's a roller coaster. There are days that I feel A Dark Room has staying power and will make a permanent mark in the App Store. And there are days where I feel it'll just disappear and be forgotten.

"Currently, A Dark Room hovers around 1,000 downloads a day, but it continues to drop. Bottom line, having only one asset in the App Store simply isn't enough to bet your future on."

You can read our interview with Rajan in full here.


With a fine eye for detail, Keith Andrew is fuelled by strong coffee, Kylie Minogue and the shapely curve of a san serif font.