Why are video games so bad nowadays?

The Decline of Originality

It seems like every other game released nowadays is either a sequel, remake, or spin-off of an existing franchise. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this, it does lead to a lack of originality in the industry. The same ideas are often recycled over and over again, making it feel like we're playing the same game with a fresh coat of paint. In the past, developers were more willing to take risks and create entirely new gaming experiences. This allowed for more innovation and unique titles that truly stood out.

In addition to the lack of originality, many of the games being released today are also heavily influenced by the success of other popular titles. This leads to a lot of "copycat" games that are simply trying to cash in on the latest trends. While this can sometimes lead to a few gems, it more often results in a sea of mediocre or even bad games that are quickly forgotten.

Microtransactions and Loot Boxes

Microtransactions have become a staple in many modern games, especially those that are free-to-play or have a heavy multiplayer focus. These involve players spending real money to purchase in-game items, currency, or other benefits. While microtransactions can be a way for developers to earn additional revenue, they often result in games that feel like they're designed around encouraging players to spend money rather than providing a fun and enjoyable experience.

Loot boxes are another controversial feature found in many games today. These are essentially randomized reward systems that can be purchased with either in-game currency or real money. Players might have to spend a significant amount of money on these loot boxes just to have a chance at getting the items they want. This can lead to a feeling of frustration and a sense that the game is more about gambling than skill or strategy.

Day One Patches and Unfinished Games

It's become increasingly common for games to be released with numerous bugs, glitches, and other issues that make them nearly unplayable. Instead of taking the time to polish and perfect their games before release, many developers and publishers seem to be relying on day one patches to fix these issues. This can lead to a frustrating experience for players who have been eagerly awaiting a new game, only to find it's essentially broken upon release.

Similarly, some games are released in an unfinished state, with features or content that was promised during development missing or incomplete. This can leave players feeling like they've purchased an incomplete product, and can lead to a loss of trust in the developers and publishers responsible for the game.

Overemphasis on Graphics Over Gameplay

With the advancements in technology, it's no surprise that video games have come a long way in terms of graphics and visual fidelity. However, it seems like many developers are focusing more on making their games look good rather than ensuring they play well. This can result in beautiful games with shallow gameplay, or games that are so focused on their visual presentation that they sacrifice other important aspects like story or character development.

While stunning graphics can certainly enhance a game, they should never come at the expense of gameplay or other important elements. A game with incredible visuals but poor gameplay will ultimately be a forgettable experience.

Annualized Franchises and Rushed Development

There's no denying that some of the most popular video game franchises release new entries on an almost annual basis. While this can be exciting for fans, it often leads to games that are rushed and lack the polish or innovation of their predecessors. Developers are constantly under pressure to meet tight deadlines for these annual releases, which can result in lower quality games that don't live up to their potential.

Instead of focusing on annual releases, developers and publishers should be willing to take the time necessary to create truly exceptional games. This might mean waiting a few years between entries in a franchise, but the end result will likely be a much better experience for players.

Excessive DLC and Content Paywalls

Downloadable content (DLC) can be a great way to extend the life of a game and provide players with new experiences after the initial release. However, it often feels like developers are holding back content that should have been included in the base game, only to sell it as DLC later on. This can leave players feeling like they're being nickel-and-dimed for content that should have been part of their initial purchase.

Additionally, some games feature content that is locked behind a paywall, requiring players to spend even more money just to access certain aspects of the game. This can lead to a feeling of frustration and a sense that the game is more focused on profiting from players than providing a great experience.

Online-Only and Always-Connected Games

Many modern games require players to be constantly connected to the internet, even if they're just playing single-player content. This can be incredibly frustrating for those with unreliable internet connections or those who simply want to enjoy a game without the need to be online at all times.

While online multiplayer and social features can certainly enhance a gaming experience, they should never be a requirement for enjoying a game's single-player content. Developers need to find a balance between offering online features while still allowing players to enjoy their games offline when desired.