Why is there so much controversy over yellow paint in video games?

What's the fuss all about?

A recent tweet featuring an image from Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth sparked a heated debate online. The tweet claimed that the game had been "infected" by the "yellow paint virus." But what does this mean, and why is it such a big deal?

The role of yellow paint in game design

Yellow paint is a common technique used in game design to guide players along the intended path. By marking climbable areas with bright yellow paint, developers can draw players' attention and help them navigate the game world. However, this technique has received mixed reactions from gamers.

A matter of immersion

Many players argue that the use of yellow paint breaks their immersion in the game. They feel that it reminds them they are playing a game and can disrupt their sense of being fully absorbed in the virtual world. Some even interpret it as a sign that game developers think they are incapable of figuring things out on their own.

The attention span factor

The "yellow paint virus" is not about players' intelligence but rather their attention spans. Studies show that only a small percentage of gamers actually finish the games they start, with the rise of instant gratification through social media and short-form videos being partly to blame. Developers have found that if the next step to progress in a game isn't immediately clear, players quickly become bored.

Fighting against expectations

Game developers also face the challenge of breaking players' habits and preconceived notions from other games. For example, most players instinctively start moving right in 2D games, even if that path is blocked. While some games have successfully subverted this trend by moving the player left, the majority still expect to travel to the right.

A long-standing tradition

The use of markers in video games is not a new concept. Games like the Uncharted series have long used white markings to indicate where players can grab onto walls. While the color of the paint may vary, the practice itself has been around for decades and is likely here to stay.