Viewing the images directly sounds to me like a different context. Browsing the images is more akin to end user activity, i.e. using the server for its intended purpose. Managing the server is more like making sure it’s running, that there is enough space allocated, security holes are plugged, software is up-to-date, etc. Administrative tasks. When wearing the admin hat, there wouldn’t usually be much of a need to actually look at the photos - you’d be more concerned with file names and metadata, not contents. In that context, the GUI becomes less important. And if you ever do need to see them, you can always fire up the GUI software for that occasional situation.

I agree in general, but search feels like an odd example. That space has been dominated by ad companies since even before the internet (e.g., Yellow Pages).

That’s a good way of putting it. Reminds me of how the technology behind gorilla glass had been around for decades, but its use suddenly exploded when smartphones came along and needed something like it. Wouldn’t surprise me if Blockchain ends up existing as a niche thing for a long time until a killer app for it comes along.

If they’re truly trying to be old school, I agree. Many such games actually come with adjustable filters to simulate that kind of distortion, and even arcade-like screen curvature (e.g., Hammerwatch).

That said, modern pixel art is evolving its own aesthetic that is valid and enjoyable in its own right. I don’t think everyone making modern pixel art games is necessarily trying to be old school.

If you’re talking about tracking cookies, I’m sure Reddit has plenty of them.