Many gamers wonder – what happened to point-and-click games? And are they even relevant today in the golden age of 3D adventures?
While point-and-click adventure games are still a thing, their status isn’t apparent in the modern gaming industry. In the 90s, they were one of the unquestionable pillars of the market – but the emergence of new technologies and development opportunities made gamers turn their eyes toward more innovative alternatives. Do point-and-click games still exist? Our comparison answers these questions.
You can find on G2A.COM: Point-and-Click Adventure Games
A Peek Into History
The 90s represent the peak of point-and-click titles’ popularity.
While console gamers had fun with other evolving genres, PC users had the excellent opportunity to enjoy a vast selection of P&C video games, including Blade Runner, Maniac Mansion, The Neverhood, and Full Throttle. All these titles undoubtedly influenced what modern adventure video games look like.
Genre’s Fall
With the development of 3D graphics, point-and-click titles became noticeably less popular.
Players started pointing out flaws, like the possibility of getting stuck in static worlds, overly complicated puzzles, too-slow controls, annoying action sequences, or lack of hints. For many, they were boring, and the 2000s became the golden age of 3D adventures.
Modern Games vs. Point and Click – Today’s Comparison
So, what is the situation today? Games from both categories have determined their own paths. While modern adventure titles are still developing along with the available technology, point and click games have carved out their place in the indie genre.
Narrative-focused story titles like The Walking Dead, The Wolf Among Us, Minecraft: Story Mode, or Grim Fandango (the ‘90s and 2015 versions) led the way. Many older retro titles received improved remasters, so we can enjoy refined game mechanics previously only seen as nostalgic relics.
What Does the Future Look Like for Point and Click Adventures?
P&C titles have found their niche thanks to the widespread availability of mobile devices like tablets, smartphones, and handheld consoles.
Players can enjoy their favorite titles anywhere they want, and these video games are often cheaper (like the free-to-play and exceptionally addictive Doki Doki Literature Club on Steam) than their advanced AAA alternatives.
Also, increasingly more point-and-click video games like Myst Remake, 7th Guest, The Vanishing of Ethan Carter VR, and A Fisherman’s Tale are playable in virtual reality. The growing interest in such an experience suggests a bright future for P&C games.
Conclusion
The path to renewed popularity for point-and-click video games has undoubtedly been a bumpy one.
Eventually, puzzles, logical challenges, branching narratives, decision-making, and compelling characters have rediscovered their place in modern gaming.
We no longer need to compare P&C to other genres, as it steadily gathers a solid fan base ready to support its beloved niche creators for more of that unique enjoyment.