Last week, Steam told developers that it will be cracking down on “bullshots” — images that don’t actually depict the game they’re supposed to represent.
“We ask that any images you upload to the ‘screenshot’ section of your store page should be screenshots that show your game,” Valve wrote. “This means avoiding using concept art, pre-rendered cinematic stills, or images that contain awards, marketing copy, or written product descriptions. Please show customers what your game is actually like to play.”
The rule applies even to Valve’s own Dota 2, which as Kotaku pointed out had to replace its own concept art with actual game shots following the decree.
I’m torn on rule myself. I completely understand why players would feel betrayed and confused over concept art posing as in-game screenshots, but at the same time, I also think most people can tell the two apart, and I’d like a mix of both. And as a blogger, I vastly prefer concept art for using on our site when the games aren’t exactly easy on the eyes — often the case with MOBAs and retro games. Plus it’s often easier to get studios to provide quality concept art than quality screenshots.
What do you think? Is Valve solving a serious problem here? Are real screenshots critical to your MMO purchases?
With cheers to Pepperzine and Anon!
Every morning, the Massively Overpowered writers team up with mascot Mo to ask MMORPG players pointed questions about the massively multiplayer online roleplaying genre. Grab a mug of your preferred beverage and take a stab at answering the question posed in today’s Daily Grind!
