Hit markers are an FPS crutch
The humble hit marker has its place, but it's way overused.
In the world of first-person shooter games, the humble hit marker glyph has become a common feature in user interfaces. When a player successfully hits a target, an X marks the spot, providing immediate feedback. While the hit marker is seen as a unique form of feedback in shooters, it is also considered a crutch. It is overused and often misused, appearing in every game with guns as if it were the best form of communication.
Interestingly, the hit marker was originally intended for multiplayer use only, as popularized by Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. However, it has since made its way into single-player campaigns, which seems odd since the campaign doesn't require such feedback. The hit marker is overused and often distracts players from the game's visuals.
In contrast, older FPS games used creative solutions like impact animations and sound effects to provide intuitive feedback. Developers have seemingly abandoned these methods in favor of hit markers. The author argues that hit markers add an artificial layer to the gaming experience, particularly in competitive multiplayer settings.
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