Do Graphics Matter for Game Play?

On the day that Hollywood voice actors (who are used to help add realism to games) are voting on whether to strike over royalty issues, there is an interesting piece on GamerDad.com about, in this opinion, the decreased importance of graphics (which add realism) in video games.

There is an increased emphasis on realism in games, and thanks to faster processing speeds, higher-resolution monitors, haptic controls, and a variety of upgrades to interfaces, we're now in a time when it's not out of the question to think we might have truly mind-boggling games that twist quite close to reality.

But, as this GamerDad piece points out, I'm not sure that makes the games themselves better:

Gameplay innovation is what really turns me on the most. I'm looking at the Nintendo DS lineup that's available and coming soon and I'm really excited because I see things that are new. The graphics look fine to me so it really doesn't matter that they're not cutting edge for handhelds.

Much of this blog is predicated on the fact that the convergence of Hollywood, the music industry, and the game industry is a foregone conclusion. And, to a large degree, it is because of the nature of these businesses.

However, it always gives me pause (and great pleasure) when someone points out that, actually, what makes a great game is a game that plays great (if that makes sense). Everything else can add to the experience, and no amount of licensing, marketing, or advertising can replace that.