Next-Gen Play, Old-School Wonder
- JP de la Rama
- Dec 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
What a PS5, a Child, and Astrobot Taught Me About Art and the Future
“When technology serves emotion instead of ego, art stops chasing the future—and starts connecting again.”
Setting the Stage
I finally pulled the trigger and bought a PS5.
Not because of hype. Not because I needed the latest toy.
I bought it because it was on holiday sale—and because I know what’s coming next.
With AI driving demand for chips, RAM shortages are looming. Consumer electronics prices are expected to skyrocket.
AI didn’t just disrupt jobs; it’s quietly creeping into everyday life. This includes the things we use to relax.
So, I made the call.
What I didn’t expect was how much joy that decision would bring—not just to me, but to my five-year-old daughter.
Where Play Meets Perspective
The first game she jumped into was Astro’s Playroom.
And wow—no wonder Astrobot won Game of the Year 2024.
On the surface, it’s “just” a platformer.
But once you play it, you realize it’s something special.
It features tight controls, vibrant worlds, and expressive character animation. Everything feels deliberate.
What fascinated my daughter most wasn’t just the character—it was how the game felt.
The DualSense controller blew her mind:
Haptic feedback that makes every step feel real.
Motion controls that respond naturally.
Using the controller’s microphone to blow air into the game world.
For her, it was magic.
For me, it was a reminder.
This is what happens when technology serves creativity, not the other way around.
As an artist, I couldn’t help but admire the art direction.
The visuals aren’t hyper-realistic, but they don’t need to be.
The game leans into its animated, cartoon-like identity—and that choice makes it timeless.
Strong silhouettes, clear color theory, readable environments, and expressive characters create intentional design.
In a time where AI floods the world with soulless, hyper-polished noise, this game felt… human.
What Artists Can Learn from Next-Gen Play
Here’s the real takeaway for artists navigating this uncertain era:
Technology will keep evolving. But craft, intention, and emotional connection still matter.
Astro’s Playroom isn’t impressive because it’s technically complex—it’s impressive because:
It understands its audience.
It respects play as an experience.
It prioritizes feeling over flash.
As artists, we don’t need to chase every new tool or trend. We need to ask better questions:
Does this enhance the experience?
Does this serve the story?
Does this make people feel something?
Watching my daughter discover joy through a well-crafted game reminded me why I chose this path in the first place.
Art isn’t about keeping up.
It’s about connecting.
And sometimes, the future of creativity looks less like a machine—and more like a child laughing on the couch, controller in hand, discovering wonder for the first time.
The Future of Art and Technology
As technology continues to advance, we must remain vigilant. The balance between innovation and emotional connection is crucial.
Artists should embrace new tools, but they must also remember their roots. The essence of art lies in its ability to evoke feelings.
In this digital age, we can easily lose sight of that. The noise of technology can drown out the subtle whispers of creativity.
To combat this, artists should focus on storytelling. Every piece of art should tell a story, whether through visuals, music, or interactive experiences.
Embracing Change
Change is inevitable. The world of art is constantly evolving.
Embracing change means being open to new ideas and methods. It means experimenting with different mediums and technologies.
However, it also means staying true to one’s artistic vision.
The Role of Community
Community plays a vital role in the artistic journey. Engaging with fellow artists can provide inspiration and support.
Sharing experiences and insights can lead to growth.
Artists should seek out communities that resonate with their values.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the intersection of technology and art is a fascinating landscape. As we navigate this terrain, we must prioritize emotional connections.
The joy of creativity should always take precedence over the allure of technology.
Let us remember that art is a reflection of our humanity. It is a bridge that connects us to one another.
As we move forward, let’s keep that connection alive.
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