Recently, a multitude of new video games are experiencing bugs and various other issues, including the necessity of patches for video games. At the risk of sounding antiquated, I remember a time when there were no video game patches. A game was released, and for the most part, that was it. Maybe the game was re-issued later on as a best-seller release with some additional content, but there were no patches or updates to fix concerns with the games. Somehow, the game industry was able to survive without patches. Some games were good, and some were bad. The patch situation is getting out of control.
I do not mind the idea of tweaking a game. If developers or publishers want to release additional content with an update, great. Some developers now even offer free content with updates. Warner Bros. Interactive has offered a good deal of free content updates for Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. All of the DLC maps for the upcoming shooter, Evolve, will be released in free updates. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt will have a free DLC program. So, it is fine if developers want to update games with free content. I am on board with that. However, the patches for game fixes have become over-saturated.
The patching of games after launch gives developers and publishers a safety net that is not necessarily deserved. Ubisoft has had to enact whole programs regarding the patching and fixing of Assasin’s Creed: Unity after the game has already launched. At this point, patches are starting to be an excuse for developers to release broken or flawed games. With the patch, developers can now “fix” the game. Well, not test and prepare the game properly before launch? If a publicly owned company is raking in the money from other huge releases, there is a budget to compensate for checking out how the game would play with online components after its launch?
With Destiny, elements that have been patched did not really need fixing. Players looked for short cuts to receive better rewards or quicker ways to beat bosses. There is really nothing wrong with this. Even after those elements are fixed, players still found other short cuts to beat the Raid or faster ways to collect Engrams. At this point, patches have become an outlet to fix games released with massive flaws.
It has gotten to a point where I want a moratorium on video game patches for major upcoming releases. Developers will just have to deal with their release dates. Either delay the games to give the titles the required level of polish, or let the game sink or swim at launch–warts and all. There were no patches for the original Super Mario Bros. There were no patches for Resident Evil. Developers and publishers should not constantly be allowed to make quick fixes that are not always deserved.
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