Bye Bye Manuals

Note: This marks my first month of posts! Coming from someone who had a hell of a hard time starting a regular blog, this is a big deal for me. Back to the regularly scheduled blog post.



Well, it's finally happened. Sony is the first company to release a gaming system that will not have manuals for any of its games. Sure, many companies have started shipping games with manuals resembling a pamphlet on seizures but they still include something. The Vita will have no manuals in any of its games, probably only including a few small sheets of paper containing the usual necessary seizure warnings and ads for other products.

I'm somewhat torn on this. I grew up with games and can remember several game manuals that I loved to look at, whether because of the writing style or the pictures included within. Hell, I even remember keeping a few manuals when I rented games, pretending that I never received one with my rental. A good manual was a fun little extra to have.

Of course, on the other hand, manuals aren't really necessary anymore. When was the last time you needed to know something that wasn't readily apparent in the game's opening tutorials (aside from a few more hardcore games like Dark Souls)? Developers have gotten good at teaching you how to play their games as you progress. Do we really need manuals anymore?

I don't think I'll be too heartbroken when we learn this trend will continue on to other new game systems but I can't deny I won't feel a slight twinge on my heartstrings. Fare thee well manuals.