Oh dude … I don’t know how to tell you this but at this point you’re just wrong. Sorry to be the one to break it to you.

What riveting, useful commentary.

I’ve broken it down several times in this topic already, but sure, let’s do it once more. Difficulty is a complex equation that is the result of various components like level architecture, encounter design, world puzzles, and complex stat curves across enemies, equipment, and player characters in addition to intricate boss fight routines with varied movesets. There’s no “slider” here. Everyone keeps mentioning these mythical sliders and THAT is the magical thinking here. That there is a simple way to adjust the game to Easy that adjusts all those other variables.

Just because you state something repeatedly doesn’t mean you’ve made a logical argument or a good point.

The easy rebuttal to this nonsense, is the question, for a game that is already made, where you are already happy, lets say they keep everything as it is right now, like they literally have the games they already have and add some difficulty options like less annoying backtracking. How does this “ruin” your experience?

There has yet to be a legitimate answer to this question.

The truth therefore, is that the only answer is gatekeeping, because you don’t want other people to be able to experience the game in a way they enjoy.

More than that, the idea that difficulty is just a series of sliders is something entirely constructed in your mind.

Atomfall for instance has things like live hints vs you figuring it out your self. Stamina, vs infinite running, etc etc. There is so much more that can be done with difficulty than your simplistic view that its about sliders.

Basically your whole point is nonsensical.

Here is criticism: “I do not like this game because I find it too difficult.” Here is not criticism: “This is a bad game because the developer did not make more effort to cater to the wide range of entirely subjective opinions on what difficulty is.”

Just because you make a hyperbolized version of opinions you disagree doesnt mean they arent criticism. Also, its 100% legitimate to criticize something for being too focused in certain areas.

You are here literally gatekeeping criticism. Is gatekeeping all you do?

I hate to rely on arguments from popularity but

Then don’t. This should be a sign to you that your point is weak.

and the game is so popular it literally

Just because something is successful does not mean every single element of it is what made it so, or is good.

I think you need to look up what gatekeeping is. At this point looking at your other responses in this topic I think you’re kind of a troll?

Least obvious attempt to troll possible by you here. When you don’t have an argument you just imply the other person must be trolling for not agreeing with your bad take.

But I mean I don’t care, I have fun talking about and critiquing the finer points of games online

Evidently not judging by this conversation.

Cheat. Just cheat.

Modding games is extra effort and not immediately available, especially for consoles. This isn’t a solution and you know that.