Hand Holding in Video Games: Why Games Today Are a Bit “Easier”

Has anyone noticed this almost “quiet” shift in how games are played and designed today? It’s not just about graphics or performance; it’s the fact that a lot of games now have that hand-holding element. No, it’s not a bad thing, but I believe it is noticeable. 

Let’s take a step back for a bit. There was a time when gamers had to figure everything out on their own. No online guides, no video walkthroughs, no quick tips on TikTok. Games back in the past, like Silent Hill or Metroid, just placed you in the game with vague direction, expecting you to work it out. Some can easily get stuck for days on one puzzle or at least spend hours figuring out where to go next.

From IMDB Official Website

Now, fast forward to games like Elden Ring. It’s still difficult, no doubt. But it gives you tools. Player ghost trails show where others have gone. Bloodstains let you see how someone died, potentially saving you from a similar fate. Even if the game doesn’t give you a direct tutorial, the community fills the gap almost instantly. You can boot up YouTube and find a full guide for any boss within hours of a game’s release—some gamers are insane like that.

From Xbox official GIPHY

Another modern example is “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.” While it offers open-world freedom, it still displays helpful markers, shrine detectors, and hints to keep you moving. Compare that to Zelda games from the SNES or Game Boy era—good luck progressing without a manual or tips from a friend.

Is this hand-holding bad? Not really. In fact, it makes games more accessible and allows more people to enjoy them without hitting frustrating roadblocks. It also creates a sense of shared experience, like how players post helpful notes or summon others for co-op. It feels alive, like you’re never really alone in the game. I, for one, like this because my first Dark Souls 3 playthrough felt… “whole” in a sense. 

From Golden Globes Official GIPHY

But that sense of accomplishment hits differently for those who grew up without guides. Solving something purely on your own? It was a hard-earned win. 

So maybe the question isn’t whether games today are too easy—it’s whether we’re just playing them differently now. And that’s not a bad thing. 

Games are meant to be enjoyed, however you choose to play them. In this case, veteran gamers and newer ones can come together and discuss their own experiences peacefully, just like how some gamers share their preferred PC specs, peripherals, and monitor choice. Wanna shop? You can check out the Next Upgrade Shop!