Saying, 'do you prefer gameplay over graphics?' is like saying of painting 'do you prefer colour over line'? So do you prefer abstract colour patterns or watercolour street scenes with sharp lines drawn in lead?

Colour defines both the abstract painting and the figurative painting (likewise, interaction defines games, of all types), but the latter relies a lot more on line to define its forms and create a narrative with representations of people and places, while the former's abstract colours may rely a lot more on creating a raw emotion and interior mood with pure colour and less reliance on line and demarcation. they both use colour in varying degrees and for different purposes.

Tetris relies on pure, immediate reactions and quick button presses with a simple objective. While Final Fantasy XII creates immersion (through graphics) and a sense of place in its bustling cities and towns. You enjoy spending time in that world. You enjoy the detail and interaction with characters. Yes, the detail in the visuals doesn't match the detail in the physical interactions, but these kinds of worlds are clearly very interactive if you can spend 30-80 hours engulfed and absorbed in travelling, battling and augmenting your characters. And what about the numerous character interactions and dialogue interactions? Interaction is still there, it's just changed its form.

I don't like using the term 'gameplay' as it doesn't make much sense. I prefer to use the terms 'interaction' as it's much broader, and the term 'play', without the prefix 'game'.

Next time a gamer friend says to you 'do you prefer gameplay over graphics?' ask them if they prefer Rothko or William Blake. See what response you get…hehe.

There's no gameplay without graphics. so the argument 'gameplay vs. graphics' is pointless. it's a matter of degrees of interaction and visual detail.