orcishgamer: Now we're getting off topic, but I have no problem with achievements being part of a common framework. Hell, I'd have no problem with Steam if it weren't for the DRM. All the parts people crow about being so great (friends list, achievements, etc.) really are a good idea as a common framework, just like using graphics libraries and physics engines is a good idea.

The DRM, that's what kills it. Few have anything good to say about the DRM specifically.

Anyway, the only thing I'd say about achievements is that individuals should be able to turn them off (or at least hide the pop ups) if they're genuinely annoyed by them.

Steam's version of achievements is actually pretty bad, the global stats view is a pretty good idea, but the whole implementation manages to be inferior to XBox Live which is baffling given that I think Steam achievements came way after... If you go to third party achievement platform websites, they do a really bang up job with achievements. I fully expect many elements of TrueAchievements to appear in the next XBox lifecycle.

keeveek: Achievements, as anything, are not good or bad by it's core. It's the execution that decides about it. Good achievements make good game even better.

keeveek: I prefer achievements that are usually like this "complete the mission without shooting your gun once". They usually encourage gameplay diversification , they help discovering new playstyle to the player, find alternate routs, etc. Very fun.

Nirth: I agree. I recently played Mark of the Ninja and there are a few of those in that, actually got me to play through the game twice.

SimonG: Dude, didn't you get the memo, Achievements are for kids. Real gamers look down on them.

orcishgamer: Those are the better kind, giving you a carrot to play a certain way without beating you about the head and making it 100% optional (because in the end the reward is more of a trophy than an in game play advantage). The bad kind are the more like Dishonored with the whole "don't slit any throats unless you want everyone you have ever protected to die of plague, and this will have all have been for nothing", which kind of kills the fucking mood for a revenge game, doesn't it?

SimonG: You forget the ones you can brag to others about to make them angry and green. Now, what to pick....

Btw, If I can get my gamertag on my Windows ID somehow, there will be a lot more bragging, as I no longer need to find you in GFWL ;-P

orcishgamer: Look, I got 100% completion on Lollipop Chainsaw, I'm quiet certain there is no higher honor!:)

SimonG: I swear, one of these I need get a Xbox...

And when did you catch up on X-Com !?! Damn!

timppu: I prefer games having ingame achievements that are somehow rewarded inside the game, like giving me a kickass weapon because I went through a trouble of doing some extra tasks. External achievements that just add tags to my "gamer profile" for irrelevant tasks are juvenile and meh, IMHO.

keeveek: I prefer achievements that are usually like this "complete the mission without shooting your gun once". They usually encourage gameplay diversification , they help discovering new playstyle to the player, find alternate routs, etc. Very fun.

henriquejr: ...
Can I register at Steam the games I bought via GOG? How about the Steam achievements? Will they also work for GOG games? ...

bevinator: This I also like. Encouraging self-imposed limitations not only helps you approach a game in a different way, but it can also add replay value. Of course, you can simply do those sorts of things yourself... but humans have a primal love for external validation, which is part of why achievements have become such a big thing in the first place.