It must be a misunderstanding on my part of what some folks are trying to say here, but I don't agree that anything (including "immersion") should ever be a higher priority than good ol' "fun" in any game. Immersive mechanics like item durability (and every gameplay aspect) should somehow contribute to making a game more interesting and fun to play - not serve as an end in itself. I could design a game about my day in the office where the player would be really immersed in the experience of sitting in my cubicle. They'd feel like they're really using up office supplies, and really managing my Microsoft Outlook email box, and really avoiding my boss. And nobody would play that game. Sure, silly example, but the general idea is there. But maybe I'm old-fashioned.
Funny post Mikus. I can't believe this had to be said. Video games are absolutely primarily for fun. There's no utility, it's not a training simulation, it's fun or I'll play stop playing and go buy a fun game.
