To start this statement is an exceptionally hackneyed expression on these forums despite the fact that it is the least intelligent way to express a sentiment. In addition, it exhibits that you have not put in the time to come up with a reasonable objection to a feature of the game and that you are just merely attacking it with a trivial, overused statement. If you are going to criticize the work that Bethesda put into making the game, at least take the time to articulate your complaint thoroughly and with adherence to the rules of grammar. Don't complain about something that took massive effort to achieve without at least putting some time in come up with a respectable argument.

Completely abolishing it is not going to happen, and there are points when it is a viable way to express your criticism (when coming up with a logical reason for why a change was made, and nothing else seems to fit,) but I think we can all agree it needs to stop being used to where it basically means nothing in most circumstances other than that the individual is clearly upset and has no argument to logically express their discontent.

I really don't care if an idiot or a genius on these forums uses the terms. It's a forum and I will never be upset about that.

That can only happen if you can get people to "smarten up."

Bethesda did not make any changes simply to "dumb down" the game and even if they did the term itself is "dumb." There are far better ways to put it, try "simplify" for example. Dumb is not a verb and down is not a relevant prepositional phrase. But besides the grammar, Bethesda made changes (some of which I despise) to appeal to a broader audience and maximize revenue. However, if I have an issue with something I'll make a logical argument and evaluate the reasons for the change, rather just arrogantly stating that the game is "dumbed down."

So instead of trying to refute it, you want to censor people altogether.

8)

Agree with the sentiments of this post 100%

Quite honestly, any criticism of the game that uses the term "dumbed down" has zero credibility in my book, and I will not take the time to consider their complaint legitimate.

This thread is pretty dumbed down from the last one I saw complaining about the same issue.

No, I am making an appeal to people to stop using it. However, although I don't advocate censoring it, it would force people to think a bit more before they criticize wouldn't it? I refute and agree with posts that criticize the game all the time, this term in specific just irks me (and apparently others as well).

But it's so hard when all my games are dumbing down

but seriously, yeah people should learn to express themselves better, and I also hate hot button words, whiner being another

It's basically gotten to the point where it means "changing the game in a way I don't like."

Which is my point; when using the phrase it should be used in place of simplify; as a sign of clear negative criticism (as simplification isn't always a bad thing.) As long as the person using the term logically backs up their argument it's perfectly acceptable to use it. And grammatically speaking, figures of speech or phrases created by masses have never made English scholars happy.

While most instances the phrase is just a reply to hating change some are not. Games are being cut down "mainstream" doesn't mean no challenge which is what various games as Skyrim are leaning too this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6FaEg_D-bc&list=UUy1Ms_5qBTawC-k7PVjHXKQ&index=8&feature=plpp_video#t=7m30s you don't just make it easy for everyone you appeal too all audiances make content optional this does not apply just too MMO's but too all games I for one have not came across a "challenge" in Skyrim that has been "brutal" its simple especially when in game mechanics make it even more easy to do everything.

I agree that criticisms should be constructive. But I vehemently disagree that people who make arguments that you don't like to hear ought to be censored.

Quite frankely I'm against those who give vent to their loquacities by extraneous bombastic circumlocution.

Dumb has a negative denotation. Simplify does not. They are not interchangeable in all situations. Also note that the vast majority of people that stoop to the level of the term "dumbing down" are far from capable of composing a valid argument.

Which is not what he's saying at all.

To me, it's a meaningless term used by those who are disappointed about a certain aspect of a game that didn't repeat the way it was done in the previous installment of a series. In other words, they don't really want games to evolve or improve, they want the games to remain the way THEY like them and screw everybody else.

If speaking in proper English has become bombastic, we live in a sad culture. I like that quote though.

How about using "Over simplification of game mechanics to appeal to a wider audience that is unable to appreciate a game with any sort of significant learning curve".

Its a lot longer to type, but I guess that it could work. I myself hate political correctness of any form. Whatever you choose to call something doesn't change what it is.

Once again, I never called for overt censorship. I just am encouraging the forum community to find more articulate methods of expressing itself.

Really? His subject heading clearly indicates he wants to abolish the usage of a certain phrase. I furthermore take issue with his insistence that we "adhere to the rules of grammar." That's just intellectual snobbery. Some players are more eloquent than others, or perhaps English isn't someone's first language. So, that means they shouldn't be allowed to post?

Which is why the catch all term 'dumbing down' is needed. It expresses the same sentiment in fewer words.

If you say you have a cat that barks when you really have a dog that does so, it is still a barking dog but you have confused everyone in the conversation and your statement has no value or veracity.

His original point was that far too many people resort to using "it's dumbed down" as their whole argument. Obviously "abolishing" the word isn't going to happen, and asking for such is silly...but he has a good point. Personally, I don't mind when people say it as long as they explain why. That's what he's saying. Don't get caught up in the semantics of arguing over censorship.