If downvotes aren't gatekeeping, then neither is saying Dark Souls is perfect the way it is and doesn't need to be changed. Ultimately, I think we're all picking a side on this one, and dont want to hear what the other has to say. Voting me down is your way of saying "I don't want to see this kind of thing." It can't be hand-waved away as simple disagreement. There is an echo chamber at work here, it is somewhat nasty and honestly disheartening. Like when I make a joke about Miyazaki not wanting this (it is a joke after all) and everyone piles on the dislike; that's the community trying to send me a message. And yes, I know that calling out downvoters makes them pile on more; I am proud to spit in ya'lls face. The discourse around difficulty is toxic on both sides and I hate it. Can't even make a joke without bringing out the Defenders of the Casual or whatever. Vote me down some more, its exactly what I expect.

Sometimes difficulty is inextricable from the art, and Dark Souls is a good example of that. When people say they want it easier they are missing the message. You SHOULD have to struggle to get what you want, you SHOULD have to pay attention to the game you're playing instead of mindlessly hacking your way through only to forget bout it days later. If a game punishes impatience and hubris, you will be more immersed in an oppressive world, you will feel like a small part of a larger tragedy that transcends your typical hero fantasy. These are the things that make the game special, and Miyazaki and his team knew what they were doing. You are spitting on their vision and their talent when you say it should be different. Lies of P... I haven't played it, and the devs can do whatever they feel is right to make the game they want to make.

But you know, Starry Night is fine and all but its too dark and depressing. They should put some more yellow in there, really make it more accessible to the masses.