Exploring the Dark Side of Familiarity in Dishonored 2: When Contempt Breeds Among Fans
Gamers around the world who are fans of the Dishonored franchise have been eagerly awaiting the release of the second installation, Dishonored 2. The game, which was released in November 2016, was highly anticipated due to the massive success of the first game. However, after the game was released, it became clear that it was not as well-received as the first game, leading to an outburst of disappointment, frustration, and even contempt among some fans.
The Downward Spiral of Familiarity
One of the main reasons for the backlash was the perceived lack of innovation in Dishonored 2. Fans expected more from the game, hoping for new features, characters, and gameplay mechanics. However, the game seemed like a rehash of the first game, with only a few new elements added to it.
This sense of familiarity can often lead to contempt among fans. Familiarity breeds expectations; when those expectations are not met, disappointment ensues. Moreover, when fans have invested so much time and energy in a franchise, they have a sense of ownership over it. They feel like they know what’s best for the franchise and what it should look like. When the creators of the franchise don’t deliver what the fans expect, it leads to feelings of betrayal and anger.
The Perception Problem
Another reason for the negative reaction to Dishonored 2 was the perception problem. The game received mixed reviews, with some critics praising it while others panned it. This created a sense of uncertainty among fans, who were not sure what to expect from the game. Moreover, with so many differing opinions, it was challenging for fans to form their opinions without bias. They were influenced by the opinions of others, which led to a herd mentality.
This perception problem was further exacerbated by the prevalence of online communities. Fans could discuss the game with others, share their thoughts, and influence others’ opinions. The problem was that these communities often become echo chambers, where only like-minded individuals congregate. This leads to a sense of groupthink, where critical thinking is replaced by group loyalty.
The Backlash Effect
The final reason for the negative reaction to Dishonored 2 was the backlash effect. When a group of people doesn’t like something, they tend to be more vocal about it than when they do. This is because negative emotions are more potent than positive emotions, leading to a disproportionate response.
This backlash effect was evident in the comments section of various gaming websites and blogs, where fans expressed their disappointment and frustration. The problem was that these comments were often inflammatory, rude, and disrespectful. It seems as though the negativity became contagious, leading to a toxic environment where any positive opinions were ridiculed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the negative reaction to Dishonored 2 was the result of various factors. The perceived lack of innovation, the perception problem, and the backlash effect all contributed to the fans’ disappointment. Moreover, the toxicity that emerged as a result of the backlash only made things worse.
When familiarity leads to contempt, it’s essential to step back and look at the situation objectively. Fans need to realize that they don’t own the franchise and that the creators have the creative freedom to develop their games as they see fit. Moreover, it’s crucial to acknowledge that not everyone will like everything, and that’s okay. Instead of focusing on the negatives, fans should celebrate the positives and appreciate the effort that went into creating the game in the first place.
