Talk:Cult video game

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Definite Cult Games

The page really needs a stronger cemented definition of cult video games, versus games that don't quite match up with those standards. Cult works of any medium are given that title because they never reach the main-stream audiences, but the work manages to amass a significant (and, more importantly) highly devoted set of fans. The idea of a cult game is, that while the game might not have ever reached mass audiences, due to logistical, financial, managerial, other practical problems, or, self-imposed limits to the broad appeal of a title, the game is loved by a sizable portion of people, and it develops a following with a series of highly devoted fans who's views towards the game are extremely positive.

Cult games are, at sporadic moments, viewed near the spot-light on the mainstream (not too many gamers would be completely confused if you mentioned the name Tim Schafer, or, if you asked them about previous Fallout games prior to Fallout 3, they'd at least understand that other Fallout games predated Fallout 3). Cult games are different than mainstream selections because they tend to be just about immortal in some small fashion with devoted fans keeping the games alive, but still, they never reach the spotlight. Even if certain games have a cult-like following, or a powerful, loyal, or otherwise devoted core-demographic (You could argue Mario, Nintendo, Call of Duty, or really any main-stream game displays these qualities in some manner) they're not cult-games, because their total demographics are so much larger (the old idea of appealing to the lowest common denominator).

Mainstream games typically can't be cult-games just by the essence of 1) How they managed to become mainstream games by having a mass-appeal, or 2) Because so much of the player basis, fan or otherwise, just isn't that into the game, and the majority of players can sort of take it or leave it. Chances are, if it's mainstream, it's not a cult game.

On one last note, and I know I've missed plenty, cult-games transcendent all ratings, critical acclaim, popularity, sales, graphical or other high production value, or otherwise factors that would indicate a successful game. The only real common trait among all cult games is that they're usually moderately (or less) financially successful, have a smaller, devoted fan basis that views the game inextricably highly, and, (this is more of a recent trend, and it will not apply for all titles) the game (or a new game made by the same team of people that made the cult game) may be resurrected on Kickstarter, because a highly motivated fan-basis is just about the perfect demographic to breath life into a cult classic property.

Alan Wake

Alan Wake isn't quite a cult game, because, despite the cult-type fan basis Alan Wake has forged, it's still a AAA created game, it received a mainstream launch, complete with corporate sponsorship, it's received multiple awards from major sources, and the entire demographic reaches far beyond a cult game's player demographic.

Katamari Damaci

Katamari Damaci should be removed, upon the basis that a "cult game" was defined as a game that only appeals to a particular type of gamer. Katamari Damaci is a simple rolling game that is enjoyed by many hardcore and casual gamers due to its simplicity. It may not be a best-seller, but it is certainly not a cult game. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 198.82.88.90 (talk) 04:44, 9 November 2008 (UTC)[reply]

That's a very far-fetched statement. The large amounts of oddities in Katamari Damacy turn away many casual and hardcore gamers alike--leaving mostly players who seek strangeness from games. You're entitled to your opinion, but it's at least at least two-to-one on the subject. Yamzilla (talk) 05:29, 1 June 2009 (UTC)[reply]

Only recent games decribed

This articles describes recent games only. We need to add older games. Netrat_msk (talk) 16:11, 25 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Suggestions

Bushido Blade(PS1) This is the best fighting simulation(note: not a fighting game, a simulation) to date IMHO. One hit can kill you or take out an arm or leg.

Monster Rancher(PS1) This is a pokemon-ish game with an unique monster creation system. You actually had to insert a CD(any CD will do: music, PC, games, empty CDR's) to get a new monster.

Monster Seed(PS1) Another Pokemon-ish game. This is the first monster collecting game i had that included a two-player mode.

Graffiti Kingdom(PS2) Create your own monster in a simple 3D drawing program and play the game with it. Anything goes, ANYTHING: My work: http://s73.photobucket.com/albums/i213/halfbaked7777/

Shinobido: Way of the Ninja(PS2) Do you know the Tenchu games? Well this game is ten times better! I'll never touch a Tenchu game again, this is where it's at... —Preceding unsigned comment added by Gier NL (talk • contribs) 15:41, 7 April 2009 (UTC)[reply]

God Hand really ought to be on here. (Momus (talk) 22:06, 30 January 2010 (UTC))[reply]

Maybe stupid, but can Rogue be considered a cult game? It sure has a cult around it. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 88.131.29.2 (talk) 13:01, 18 August 2010 (UTC)[reply]

Drakangard/Drag on Dragoon (PS2) Developed by the now defunct Cavia, who also made NieR which I have seen on your list. It has gained to become quite infamous among the gaming community for its mutiple sad/deppresing/bizzare story and endings. A mark of the company and the writer who wrote both it and NieR. It seems to have a dedicated fanbase who enjoy it for its tradjic tones and unconventianal characters (normally of which show taboo traites). — Preceding unsigned comment added by 85.210.90.213 (talk) 22:44, 26 December 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Speaking of Roguelike games, I think at least Nethack if not the whole genre and associated community is worth a mention. 82.181.0.25 (talk) 14:10, 2 February 2012 (UTC)[reply]

I have a few games that definitely follow into the definition of cult classic: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy and Oni. Jedi Academy's predecessor, Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast may also be considered a cult classic, but Jedi Academy is more so. Jedi Academy has a devoted following in online multiplayer that has been going 11 years small but strong. The Academy and its predecessor is beloved for its lightsaber combat that is unlike any other sword combat in any other game with its amazing nuances, pliability, and effectiveness. Again Jedi Outcast is also a cult classic in story, gameplay (which is the same as Academy without some expansions), and multiplayer although to a much lesser degree. Also the fact that people are still making mods for this game today shows how much people love it. Oni is an excellent example of a cult classic; it was not widely received by critics for not following through on its promises to have mech suits and multiplayer, and it does not seem that this game is ever remembered. The game itself is fantastic in its combat system, well done in its story, and quite unique in style. Oni's combat system is often described as like a fighting game in a 3rd person action game with 3rd person shooter gunplay; its deliciously anime combat features punching and kicking, grapple moves, and power moves (that they declare). The game has a wiki and now a limited multiplayer courtesy of modding. 173.60.125.165 (talk) 16:07, 31 July 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Deletion

Cyrius XIII, would you explain what's wrong with this article? I believe it is just as neutral and verifiable as cult film article. The only problem I see is there's no universally accepted definition of cult video games, but this is also true for cult films. Netrat_msk (talk) 19:30, 25 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The Sims

Please don't add The Sims games to the article. The Sims is a mainstream hit, and certainly not a cult game. You won't add Titanic to Cult films, would you? Netrat_msk (talk) 19:30, 25 March 2008 (UTC)[reply] 

            - What about "Star Wars" then? This is ridiculous. Deletion impeding.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by 155.158.117.186 (talk) 14:44, 10 December 2011 (UTC)[reply]

References

This article has not references. I would like to add some, but don't know where to find a relable source. For most of the games I have mentioned in this article, their Wikipedia pages describe them either as "cult games", "cult classic" or "despite critical acclim, this game had limited commercial success". Does this count? Netrat_msk (talk) 09:02, 27 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'd say that if it is branded as such in the wikipedia article, we can just take it from there. Any reference is then the responsibility of that article.
The problem that's kind of occurred with this article is that it's not something that's really much covered in the media. It is undeniable that this is an excisting phenomenon however. GameLegend (talk) 10:32, 27 March 2008 (UTC)[reply]

This is retarded

Half-Life and Portal are now cult games? Half-Life is only one of the most important and influential FPS games in existence that has sold over 9 million copies and won over 50 Game of the Year awards. As of November 2008, The Orange Box has sold over 3 million copies (and that's old information). Among all the Orange Box games it was Portal that drew the most attention. And Mirror's Edge? Sold over 1 million copies. The 360 version has 82 reviews on Metacritic.

But clearly we're talking about "cult games" that only a few "non-gamers" (lol) would be interested in. As Nintendo has shown, it's complex and difficult first person shooters that non-gamers want to play!

Shadow of the Colossus is on the list because "its gameplay is unconventional." When you visit the game's Wikipedia entry, you learn that it was both a critical and commercial success. Welp.

As even the article itself admits, "there is no set definition of a cult video game." The guidelines are an incoherent mess and clearly don't apply to most of the games on the list. I don't think anyone even reads the guidelines anyway, and just add random games for random reasons (which usually are not explained). So basically this article is "Video Games Considered Cult Games by Random People for Unknown Reasons," with "cult game" essentially left undefined or, at best, open to vague interpretation. Verifiability is of course out of the question.

And what about those old games on the list? I suppose they're cult games only because they're old and therefore Joe Halo Player has not heard of them. Sure, why not.

How has this article managed to evade deletion? Dubyaninja (talk) 13:54, 5 June 2010 (UTC)[reply]

We should send rude letters to Joe Halo Player, I don't like him one bit. Wikipedia is for moles. -220.245.253.81 (talk) 01:10, 11 July 2011 (UTC)[reply]

this article is indeed retarded. half-life is a piece of shit that should be purged from people's memory roman-style

The World Ends with You is on this list, and it was the top selling DS game the week it came out, definitely not in following with the definition provided by the article .--Blood sliver (talk) 17:29, 8 February 2014 (UTC)[reply]

Article needs improvement or will face deletion

Glancing over this article, not only do I find a complete lack of definition for a 'cult video game', I also see the list is inconsistent on several aspects.

Furthermore, the discussion page seems to be filled with contradictory arguments that still offer no clear definition. All I see is argueing about wether or not a commercially successfull game can be considered a 'cult game'. This article is in serious need of improvement, with veriable sources or taking examples from the cult movie article.

If this does not happen I will mark this for deletion on the grounds that it has no sources or reliable information. Moccamonster Talk 19:10, 22 February 2011 (UTC)[reply]


Agree with the above, this article doesn't seem to have any verifiable statements to make, it can't even give a good definition of 'cult video game' that isn't clearly the personal opinion of the editor. If you want this page to stay around: 1) Create and substantiate a good definition for 'cult video game' and 2) find a way to certify a game is a 'cult video game' via references. As it is now, we have neither of these things. 174.75.64.219 (talk) 21:28, 7 April 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Unfortunate problem with this article

I think that the article on cult followings justifies the existence of an article about cult video games. Its a phenomenon that does exist worldwide and is recognised by fans of the cult object. But therein lies the problem: the opinions of fans are not "credible sources" which can be verified and utilised in Wikipedia. I can't find any information about any books or publications about the phenomenon of cult video games. All that can really be gathered are articles/websites that, in the discussion of a specific video game, refer to it as a "cult game" or "cult classic". Unfortunately, any lengthy or deep discussion of the cult phenomenon of certain video games is held largely in web forums and other places that Wikipedia cannot claim as credible sources. -220.245.253.81 (talk) 05:42, 11 July 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Globalize

The dates are meaningless. I suggest you replace with names of countries where games have a cult following. --64.149.42.238 (talk) 01:19, 3 October 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Luigi's Mansion?

Even though the sequel was announced to come out at the start of next year for the last ten years I believe this video game has had a cult status. If it is true I know I am part of it haha. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 50.13.66.210 (talk) 01:51, 3 October 2011 (UTC)[reply]

The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

Why is this game on the list? You could argue that it wasn't as popular as Ocarina of Time, but this game certainly was mainstream. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Raizet (talk • contribs) 05:02, 14 November 2011 (UTC)[reply]

Due to its context of story that is deep and difficult to understand, its characters that have a more mature and dark side, as well as the game system that is original and disturbing. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Heimdall Xtreme (talk • contribs) 17:08, 7 April 2019 (UTC)[reply]

HK97

The article on Hong Kong 97 said it had a cult following. Why isn't it on here, then? --174.34.202.214 (talk) 08:19, 7 February 2012 (UTC)[reply]

A small addition

I guess no one is against adding Minecraft to the list of the cult video games. If a game could be described as a cult game, then Minecraft is one. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 212.226.40.83 (talk) 05:12, 23 April 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Minecraft does have a significant following amongst a massive series of fans, and it had metaphorically hit the mainstream, which typically excludes it from being a cult game. But, then again, it didn't start out as a mainstream game, Minecraft has mainly spread by word of mouth, and the internet's ability of sharing, rather than marking plans and other business strategies, and Minecraft does maintain a highly motivated and devoted fan basis, perhaps, even enough to say the majority of fans, and players, are high devoted to Minecraft. Those are, at least, the options that I've weighed in Minecraft being a cult game. But, Minecraft is not the archetypal cult game. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.251.78.15 (talk) 12:26, 23 March 2013 (UTC)[reply]

should be chopped and locked

I count 9 games in the list that are strongly cult games, and a few weak cult games, and there are several strong cult games off the top of my head not on the list... by the standards of cult film. Inclusion would have to be region centric also given the east/west divide in video games. Probably anything from the past decade should be automatically omitted--184.21.215.174 (talk) 19:22, 28 November 2012 (UTC)[reply]

Article relies on some unreliable sources as well, such as blog posts and user reviews. Too much recent stuff too, you can't have a cult following if your game was just released last year. These "cult" followings generally build after a few years when people get new pairs of nostalgia-tripping, rose-tinted glasses. And for goodness sake, somebody listed The Cave, which was released within the last month! --Jtalledo (talk) 21:20, 14 February 2013 (UTC)[reply]

The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Series

My gut tells me that the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series merits inclusion, though I don't know much about how the three titles sold. I know that a lot of people were turned off by the buggy state of the first two games on release, as well as the lack of hand-holding in early missions. Still, a fiercely devoted fan base is still pretty active, with tons of mods and overhauls available. The production was arguably AAA in scope, though not necessarily in build quality (see the aforementioned bugs), and the games received a decent amount of press, but my feeling was always that they didn't sell nearly as well as anyone had hoped they would. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 157.166.173.130 (talk) 14:18, 27 March 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Arbitrary inclusion criteria

This list seems very arbitrary. I came here and expected to find titles like Dwarf Fortress which are obscure to the mainstream audience, yet have gained a small but very passionate fanbase. But instead you find popular mainstream titles like Boulder Dash, Maniac Mansion, The Secret of Monkey Island. Even The Witcher, which sold millions of copies, got "Game of the Year" awards, and is widely known. Rh73 (talk) 16:39, 12 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]

Yeah, the problem is there is no criteria for inclusion. Any blog or whatever can call a game a cult game.... I wouldn't mind if there was no list on this page. --Jtalledo (talk) 22:35, 12 August 2015 (UTC)[reply]

"Genres" section makes no sense

Why does it start with graphical adventures but doesn’t say much about other genres? And the given examples seem to be pretty random. --84.162.53.202 (talk) 22:10, 7 August 2016 (UTC)[reply]

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