Player Expectations
Ongoing coverage on Player Expectations.
Latest coverage
"AAA publishers are abusing Early Access," RPG dev says, and Steam games like Subnautica 2 and Path of Exile have warped "the landscape and players' expectations"
Denis Dyack, CEO of Apocalypse Studios, argues that AAA publishers are abusing the Early Access model, leading to skewed player expectations that disadvantage independent developers. He cites Subnautica 2 and Path of Exile as examples of games that have changed the landscape, making it harder for smaller teams like his own with Deadhaus Sonata to gain market impact. While acknowledging Early Access's potential for experimentation, Dyack believes its current use by large publishers undermines its collaborative purpose.
Stardew Valley creator is "struggling" with Haunted Chocolatier thanks to the precedent he accidentally set himself: "It might disappoint millions of people"
Stardew Valley creator Eric Barone is struggling with the development of Haunted Chocolatier due to the immense pressure and expectations set by his previous success. He aims to recapture the original feeling of creating Stardew Valley without an audience, but fears disappointing millions of players with the upcoming title.
The weird experience of liking a game before it's 'fixed'
This opinion piece explores the author's unique experience enjoying games like Battlefield 2042 and the original No Man's Sky at launch, despite widespread criticism. It highlights how initial design choices, even if later 'fixed,' can offer distinct and valuable experiences, with developer Sean Murray expressing fondness for the original No Man's Sky.
Crimson Desert Fans Need to Stop Expecting Every Update to Be Massive
This article discusses player expectations for Crimson Desert's updates, noting that while recent patches have focused on bug fixes rather than massive content additions, this is a common trend in the games industry. It highlights the extensive free content already added and suggests players should manage their expectations regarding future overhauls and DLC, acknowledging the developer's efforts and limitations.
GTA 6 Hype Management for Adults | TAG
This article provides a guide for adult gamers on how to manage the extensive hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6 without burning out or spoiling the experience. It offers strategies for limiting trailer re-watches, proactively muting spoilers on social media, avoiding pre-order psychology, and setting realistic expectations for launch day, especially for those with work and family commitments.
Reddit Reveals Games That Destroyed Player Hype | HappyGamer
A Reddit discussion reveals how games can crush player hype, with many sharing experiences of unmet expectations. Common themes include live service games, repetitive open-world titles, and misleading marketing campaigns. The conversation highlights the impact of social media and developer pressure on creating unrealistic anticipation, and how players are learning to manage expectations.
Game Studios Need to Stop Breaking Our Hearts With Early Announcements
This article discusses the industry practice of announcing games years before their release, leading to prolonged anticipation and eventual disappointment for players. Examples like the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake and Star Wars Eclipse are cited as frustrating instances of this trend. The author suggests studios should wait until games are closer to launch, ideally 12-18 months out, to make announcements, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding player trust through transparency and timely releases.
Peak Devs Call Out Entitled Gamers Who Want Endless Free Updates
Game developers are calling out players who claim to dislike live-service games but then demand continuous free updates. This highlights a disconnect between player sentiment and their expectations for ongoing content without direct payment.