To the uninitiated, the term “fetch quest” refers to a video game trope where the player is required to perform mundane tasks in order to move on to the next section of the game or advance the character’s level. For example, you need to cross a bridge to reach the next town, but some jerk blocks the way stating, “Find and bring me three wolf pelts and I will let you cross!” So now you have to run around fighting wolves until you have enough pelts to proceed, despite the fact that it would be far easier to push the fool into the river and be on your merry way.
Aside from being monotonous, there are two primary problems with fetch quests. The first is that they break the suspension of disbelief, reminding the player that he is playing a game. By definition, fetch quests feel forced and contrived, removing any immersion the player may have had in the game.
The second problem with fetch quests is that the game designers typically rely on them to pad the game’s length without adding any real substance. I will always take quality over quantity, meaning that I would rather have a fantastic but short game than a long and boring one.
If game designers cannot add enough substance to keep a quest interesting, they should leave it out of the game altogether. Following this simple advice delineates mediocre games from the truly outstanding.
Aside from being monotonous, there are two primary problems with fetch quests. The first is that they break the suspension of disbelief, reminding the player that he is playing a game. By definition, fetch quests feel forced and contrived, removing any immersion the player may have had in the game.
The second problem with fetch quests is that the game designers typically rely on them to pad the game’s length without adding any real substance. I will always take quality over quantity, meaning that I would rather have a fantastic but short game than a long and boring one.
If game designers cannot add enough substance to keep a quest interesting, they should leave it out of the game altogether. Following this simple advice delineates mediocre games from the truly outstanding.