Fishing is a common feature in many video games, from Animal Crossing to Hades. Why do some gamers enjoy this relaxing activity, while others find it boring and pointless?
Mathieu Triclot, a French philosopher and video game scholar, says fishing creates a contrast between action and inaction. “It’s absurd,” he says. “One moment I’m fighting monsters, the next I’m waiting for a fish to bite. It’s so mundane and unheroic.”
Fishing in video games is not new. The first fishing game, Gone Fishing, came out in 1977. It was a text-based game where players typed commands to catch fish. Since then, technology has improved and so have fishing games. Some of the most popular ones are SEGA Bass Fishing and Nintendo’s Virtual Fishing.
One of the earliest examples of fishing as a side activity in a video game is The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, released in 1993. In this game, players can fish in a hidden pond in the forest. Fishing has been a part of almost every Zelda game since then.
Fishing is a popular mini-game in many video games, especially in Japan. Victor Moisan, a video game critic and author, says Japanese gamers enjoy these mini-games as Easter eggs. They are easy to make and add variety to the gameplay.
Many Japanese games have fishing mini-games, such as Breath of Fire IV, Dark Cloud, and Fire Emblem: Three Clouds. They are not essential to the story, but they are fun and relaxing.
One of Moisan’s favorite fishing games is Final Fantasy XV, released in 2016. It is a game with many distractions and activities, including fishing. Moisan says fishing is a common hobby in Japan, and people take it seriously. It is also a way to connect with nature and escape from work.
Fishing is not only popular in Japan, but also in other countries. Ubisoft, a French publisher, makes many open-world games with fishing features. They aim to create realistic and immersive worlds, where fishing is a natural and enjoyable option.
Fishing is a game mechanic that can be both unpredictable and repetitive. Some gamers like the challenge and the reward of catching rare fish, while others prefer more action and adventure. Marion Haza, a psychologist who studies video games, says fishing mini-games can be addictive, like loot boxes. They have a random element that keeps players hooked.
Fishing in video games can be a satisfying and calming experience for some gamers. It can also reflect the culture and preferences of different regions and developers. Fishing is more than just a mini-game, it is a phenomenon.