Video game mini-maps might finally be going away

[hahahanoobs]

I think people should keep in mind WHY we can finally get by without mini-maps: Higher resolutions allow for more subtle information to be displayed on screen.

1080p is the bottom-end standard, and 1440p or 4K are what games are built around now. Below 1080p there just isn't room for subtle little details like a compass or watch on a character's arm because you wouldn't be able to read it.

Once 8K+ becomes standard (In 6+ years lol) we won't have a need for almost any hud. You could just read the little indicators actually on a person's arm considering we will be in the near photo-realism era.

According to Steam, 1366x768 comes in second after 1080p....

And 4K won't be even close to standard/mainstream until you can get 60fps with a $200 video card.

 

[Abraka]

Mini-maps are useful. In the World of Tanks the mini-map can be turned off. But if you're playing without the mini-map you're a *****. In the year when even the real military is all networked, having miniature drones to collect data, sharing situational awareness and having digital mini-maps, it's stupid that games are leaving that concept.

But don't worry. Even if they do it temporarily, they will return the mini-map soon. At least as an option. Because it's so is damn useful, especially in multiplayer games. In real life or game, situational awareness is the key.

 

[Sausagemeat]

I find the mini map depends on the game. If the creator wants you to spend time getting to know the World well enough to be able to navigate it from memory and pay attention to the details so you know who/where to go then I think removing the mini map is a good idea and means that you have to put effort into learning who to go to next rather than just following a marker. But in other games where it’s more about what you do when you get to each marker then you will just piss gamers off making them have to remember where things are and look for details about who to speak to etc. Although I guess you can use a system like they had in bioshock infinite to overcome this.

Personally I like mini maps, what would be awesome is if you could get one running live on your phone or tablet whilst you play the game.

 

[Cycloid Torus]

Great idea...program in-game GPS!! (...go 300 yards, turn left onto...)

 

[Dch48]

I couldn't agree less with this article. I have always found the minimap to be useful and I'm lost without it. Also FarCry 2 SUCKED. It was probably the worst of the series.

 

[Evernessince]

I'd rather they just move the map onto a 2nd screen. Tablet, 2nd monitor, phone, whatever.

 

[Boilerhog146]

I prefer an orienteering,style,as an army cadet.we learned lots of survival skills ,and map &compass ,was the way to find the easiest,safest route across a vast open space.
Ask any landwarrior that's served in Iraq or Afghanistan,how he found his way around,map & compass.give me a map & compass ,and I'll wait for you on the other side.

Should be able to toggle on a map & compass in any large open world game.I hate just wandering around.
to call in an airstrike on a target.map & compass is required for giving grid references.orientation.

 

[cliffordcooley]

I want to know what is wo bad about calling up the full screen map.

 

[Jackwoz]

Whats the Authors problem with mini maps? Ive never considered it a problem, and never thought anyone would have a problem with it until reading this article. Very odd

 

[Draconian]

"...in the words of fellow anti-mini-map-crusader Mark Brown, encourage players to 'follow the little dotted line.'"

Reminds me of the world of aviation, where old school pilots are pissed off about GPS, that it encourages new pilots to mindlessly fly the magenta GPS line to their waypoint.

 

[amghwk]

A mini map that get's mapped along your exploration would be more appropriate.

Giving out your surroundings immediately and, gulp, letting know your enemy positions, takes away the fun.

I know new and young gamers like everything easy, for example, letting you know on-screen what key to press to walk and duck, etc... so, I'm not surprised they want the mini maps too.

Mini maps may be useful, if it's mapped as you progress... just like how your brain registers an area where you've been.

But then, if your brain can register the area, even if in game, you don't need the mini map anyway.

But nowadays, people are so blindly used to the mini maps, that they can't live without them.

On the other hand, a compass is definitely useful. Just like in real life.