In a world where nostalgia reigns supreme, one would think that recreating the charm of retro gaming would be embraced by all. But not everyone is on board with this trend. Meet Koji Sugimoto, a veteran programmer known for his work on classics like Chrono Trigger, Xenogears, and Final Fantasy X. This year, he’s openly shared his frustration over indie games that intentionally replicate the visual glitches that plagued the original PlayStation. You might wonder, what’s the big deal?
Sugimoto, who dedicated countless hours trying to fix the notorious affine texture warping of the PS1, expressed his disbelief in a recent tweet. On August 5, 2025, he responded to a tweet from Unity Japan about a new tool allowing developers to easily emulate the PS1’s texture warping effect. He remarked, “Back in the day, we used to put in painstaking work and made many futile efforts to avoid texture warping, only for it to be called ‘charming’ nowadays.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with many who have worked behind the scenes in game development.
For those unfamiliar with the term, affine texture warping refers to the distortion of flat textures when viewed from angles other than directly perpendicular. This visual quirk became synonymous with the limitations of the PS1 hardware. While indie developers have embraced these imperfections as a nostalgic flourish, Sugimoto finds it perplexing. “I just don’t get what’s so interesting about trying to replicate that,” he lamented.
Sugimoto’s frustration isn’t new; he expressed similar sentiments back in 2019. In a harsher critique, he described the deliberate emulation of these glitches as “detestable,” stating, “I spent so many work hours in vain trying to work my way around [warped textures].” His passion for quality and clarity in game design shines through, and it’s hard not to sympathize with his plight. After all, he dedicated his career to overcoming these challenges, only to see them celebrated in a different context today.
But what’s the allure of these retro visual glitches in today’s gaming landscape? It seems that many players are drawn to the aesthetic charm that these imperfections provide. There’s something undeniably appealing about the raw, unpolished look of early 3D games. It evokes a sense of nostalgia that resonates with gamers who grew up in the 90s, longing for the simpler graphics of their childhood.
Brian Eno, the renowned musician and producer, once articulated this phenomenon beautifully in his book, A Year With Swollen Appendices. He wrote, “Whatever you now find weird, ugly, uncomfortable and nasty about a new medium will surely become its signature.” His words ring true as we witness the resurgence of retro aesthetics in modern gaming. CD distortion, the jitteriness of digital video, and even the grainy sound of 8-bit music are now cherished elements that evoke fond memories.
So, where does this leave us in 2025? With a gaming industry that’s constantly evolving, the push and pull between nostalgia and innovation continues to be a hot topic. While some developers strive to recreate the imperfections of the past, others are focused on pushing the boundaries of technology to deliver stunning graphics and immersive experiences. The debate over the value of these retro quirks is unlikely to die down anytime soon. Yet, it’s clear that they spark conversations, like the one initiated by Sugimoto.
As we look ahead to this year’s exciting game releases, it’s worth pondering how much influence nostalgia will have on the games we play. Will developers continue to embrace these quirks, or will they focus on refining their craft to deliver the polished experiences that players expect? Only time will tell.
In the end, whether you love the nostalgic charm of warped textures or prefer the sleek designs of modern games, there’s no denying that the gaming landscape is richer for its diversity. So grab your controller, dive into the world of indie games, and remember: every glitch has a story, even if some of them come from a place of frustration.
