But, what can gamers do to change the uninspired slew of games? Here are seven ways that might help.
Gamers vs. Game Developers
First, let’s address the elephant in the room; gamers don’t make games. Game developers do. So, why is it the responsibility of the gamer to change games?
Of course, the onus isn’t completely on gamers. It’s up to game developers and higher-ups to create and deliver a great game. However, gamers are the ones that ultimately decide the fate of game developers, as we consume their products.
This means that if a developer can release essentially the same game every year with minimal changes and yet a ton of people still buy it, then why wouldn’t they? The same goes for practices such as loot boxes, microtransactions, season passes, and so on.
As gamers, we can influence current and future games. Here’s how.
1. Vote With Your Wallet
One of the most important ways we, as gamers, can influence current and future games is to decide what titles we buy and when we buy them.
Obviously, this is a lot easier said than done. As you vote with your wallet, you’ll miss out on select content or even entire games. However, the sacrifice you make in the short-term means that you’ll get to experience less greedy publishers, plus well-made games in the long term. In the same vein, be wary of season passes and DLC, not to mention microtransactions—avoid the latter as much as you can.
Also, you can always wait to buy a game well after its launch or buy it second hand. Either way, you’re still showing game developers and publishers that you don’t support their practices.
2. Look at Video Game Reviews From People You Trust
Effective marketing is a key part of selling any product. With video games, this translates to trailers, demos, and, of course, game reviews.
While the former two build hype, it’s game reviews from reviewers you trust that you need to pay attention to. Reviews from people such as ACG, Skill Up, and The Sphere Hunter showcase detailed breakdowns, expert knowledge, and present a clear argument to support their verdict of a game.
We all love the excitement that comes with playing your most anticipated game blind, or buying a game off the shelf without knowing the first thing about it. But more often than not, look at video game reviews, if only to see whether the game you were about to buy features a ton of bugs and technical issues.
3. Look for Smaller Video Game Releases Alongside Bigger Ones
Sometimes, there’ll be a bunch of games releasing either on the same day, week, or month. Because of this, high-profile games can bury good, if not great, lesser-known titles.
Games such as Mad Max and Titanfall 2 suffered from launching alongside high-profile releases. Titanfall 2 got an especially bad rap, as developers sandwiched it between Battlefield 1 and Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare.
If there’s a well-known title coming up, be sure to look at what other games are going to release alongside it. The best game you’ve never heard of might jump out at you.
4. Take a Chance on New, Original IPs
It’s a delightful feeling to play something you’re familiar with, something comfortable. It’s potentially why video game franchises with yearly releases—and usually minimal change between each yearly release—do so well. However, you’ll never know if the game you decided to skip for Battlefield 2042 or Far Cry 6 is one you’ll love.
That’s why you should take a chance on games that are new to you. That’s not to say you should blindly buy games you know nothing about—still look at video games reviews if you’re unsure. But each time you take a chance on a game you’re unfamiliar with, or an original IP, you’re supporting developers that are at least trying to deliver something fresh.
5. Participate in Pre-Release Testing of Video Games
Pre-release testing of video games is crucial nowadays, whether it’s a beta test, closed network test, or another kind of pre-release test.
It’s your chance to try an upcoming game first-hand and give feedback to the developers on any issues, both major and minor, that come to light. This is really helpful in fixing a game.
Albeit with one caveat. A common complaint with beta testing and the like is that it happens way too close to a game’s launch. Though this can make sense if developers want to test a near-final build of their game, a key issue is that there’s not enough time for the developers to fix major problems before a game’s launch.
In this sense, if you beta test a video game, it’s also your chance to figure out whether it’s one you should buy.
6. Engage With Video Game Developers and Publishers
A great way you can help give your input on a game is by engaging constructively with video game developers and publishers, either on social media, by emailing them, or in community forums.
This is an excellent opportunity to get to know game creators better. They can host Reddit AMA sessions, you can weigh in on their most recent announcement, or you can let creators know what you think of their game (ahem, constructively).
7. Spread the Word About Lesser-Known Video Games
Video games are an incredibly competitive market. So, if there’s a game or developer you think deserves more credit, sing their praises.
Exchange hidden gems you’ve discovered with your friends. And like with the previous point, social media and community forums are a great way to discuss and recommend games you love.
The video games industry isn’t a meritocracy. Well-made, thoughtful, and unique games aren’t always the most popular, through no fault of their own. So, be sure to give these games the attention that they deserve.
Gamers Hold More Power Than They Think
Right now, we’re seeing a worrying amount of games that lack originality, polish, or fail to deliver as a complete experience.
Thankfully, as gamers, we have a bigger say than we think. Whether it’s on games themselves, greedy practices, or toxic work culture in video games, our actions are significant.
