Get out of your gaming comfort zone

What the report says

The Observer published an opinion piece arguing that players should broaden their gaming habits and try more challenging titles, using Marvel’s Wolverine and Elden Ring as examples. The article says early trailers for Wolverine impressed critics and audiences with vivid visuals and intense combat, but later discussion turned to concerns about heavy handholding and whether the game will earn back its reported $300 million budget.

The writer contrasts that reaction with debates around difficult games such as Elden Ring, where some critics argued that high difficulty can make games less accessible. While acknowledging those concerns, the piece says easier games may have become more common and argues that demanding games can offer more motivation, satisfaction and practical benefits such as focus and adaptability. The article also notes that people often abandon games or shows without finishing them, and suggests that a clear challenge can help players stay engaged.

This is presented as commentary rather than reporting, and the author says there is no evidence that Wolverine was made as a direct response to accessibility criticism. The broader context is the long-running industry debate over difficulty, accessibility and how much guidance a game should give players. The piece ultimately encourages readers who avoid hard games to step outside their comfort zone and try titles that require more persistence.