By the way I made this specifically for this article XD I thought it would be too perfect, especially for the internet.
Delays and extensions to video games has become all too common in recent years, and we have seen a good few games pushed into the threshold of 2015 from their expected 2014 arrival. But is this necessarily bad? Or do we have more to gain? What is it about the driving force of pushed bad games that can sway the minds of gamers alike?
Why a Delay is Awesome!!
Making the Game Better: An extension on the release means the developer has more time to smooth out the kinks of their title. Numerous times when a game is released a handful of disappointed consumers find server issues, crashes, bugs, etc. This time allows for the developer to work a bit more closely and after completing the game, work out any upcoming issues it may have upon release. Of course it is perfect or full proof. Unlike the hundreds upon thousands of copies being shipped out to a variety of systems and owners, the studio itself only has so much to work with so they cant dissect and fix every single problem, namely because they themselves have not come across it. But by having more time they are given a better opportunity to reduce the amount of consumers disappointed when they come home from their midnight release and discover several issues.
--Upgraded--
Rocksteady, the Original minds behind the Arkham franchise, after announcing the delay in release also upgraded their Pre-Order Bonus so that now not only do we play as Harley Quinn during Challenge Missions but as well as in her own story. Possibly similar to that of Catwoman's w/ an intertwined, interchangeable option similar to Arkham City or another Arc altogether like Robins.
More Content: On rare occasions, with it be purely for consolation purposes, gratitude, or just because, some studios will take that extended time and upgrade their original content to feature more. Whether it be more in-game missions, additional story or feature, or upgrade in pre-order bonus, more to do in said game is always well received and much appreciated. It gives us something more to look forward to, and lets us know that good things are happening during the wait period.
Now why taking some extra time to work on a game is great, it can also be detrimental. This depends on the person itself but affects the overall sales of the game. The stir, the buzz, the hype, whatever you want to call it, it affects all of us during game announcements. And while being pushed from one year to the next is like a breathe of fresh air to some, its like someone cracked a bad egg to others.
Why Delayed Games Hurt...
Loss of Hype: The pure dieseled excitement and anticipation of a title!! Numerous brand new and unknown titles are teased during E3, any Con, or just on an average day. And when that happens we all feel that little tingle. The excitement building, the wanting, yearning, and needing of that game even though we know little to nothing about it. That hype is one of the driving factors in selling a game, after all first impressions do count. After its initial tease we will scour the internet for whatever tidbit of information we can dig up, even if its just the same news rehashed on a different site in their words. Over the following weeks things begin to pop up on the internet about said game, whether it be screenshots, trailers, developer diaries. All of this just feeds the fire that is our hype. But then comes the day when a delay is announced. Here is when the feelings and emotions can change, because on one side you can feel relieved and on the other disappointment. One cannot deny a delay can be a good thing but disappointment is the initial feeling. After the delay is announced the developer still wants to keep its audience and fanbase interested so it will continue to push out new featurettes, which could range from trailers with commentary to more screenshots, to official forums for the fans to gather and discuss suggestions, feedback, etc. How this can hurt the game is when the content released becomes to repetitive. Everything show the same scenes as before, no new features are learned, characters and plot are still left up in the air to leave some mystery left to the game. While it remains good because we do not have much spoiled for when it is launched into our hands, it can also leave us weary and question how much we desire the title. It gives us time to think about how much we want it, is it worth the day one purchase, or the time. Knowing practically nothing about something, even who the main protagonist is yet still wanting it is the core of hype. Striking while its their is crucial. Learning more about the game is just icing on the cake. Extended time and a lack of anything new is a detriment.
High Expectations/Raising the Bar: Along with an extended release window, so too do the expectations of the game itself increase. Whatever it be, the community generally hopes for better when it is finally released. If an A-List game comes out later than expected with not much changed about it, it can drop to a B-List game. Why? Because be people began to think more highly of the game. The hype that once clouded our eyes and slightly lifted and through the fog we can see the game a little more clearly. We think too highly and if that game doesnt meet criteria even a little it can prove a disappointment to some, simply because we expected more. One of the key examples of this is with graphics. During E3 or whatever conference the developer heads showcase a game with stunning graphics in means of drawing people in and grabbing their attention. If it takes 1-2+ more years for the game to release because of a delay and the graphics arent on par with what was "presented" people instantly take notice. This is one of the leading factors to a AAA games downfall.
One of the few times I have seen this backlash avoided was when the original visuals of the game were completely overhauled and replaced to fit the new atmosphere of a title. Ex: Borderlands
OriginalBorderlands E3 2008
Helena vs Actual
Original Borderlands Mordecai and
Roland
Competition: One of the most well known facts in gaming is that a big portion of the most anticipated times come out in Q4, which is namely the end of the year, following shortly behind are the VGA's, a grand ceremony honoring all the released titles of that year. A time to sit back and talk with friends about the games that gave us memories, made us laugh, cry, hate, love, etc. During this time of year most of the most anticipated titles are released which can prove troublesome to some. This is one of the main reasons some love delays in games, it gives them time to comb through their backlog and appreciate the titles they already have so they can give their all to the delayed title later, as well the developer doesnt have to worry about consumers purchasing this game over theirs. However, this proves as a great risk as well as a beneficial move. The games pushed to 2015 dont have to compete with the games already designated to compete with them, but now they have some fresh faced competition whose hype is much stronger because they are coming out on time. So unless it is already a well establish series, developer, or the fans are still clamoring for the title it can still prove dangerous.
My Take: Personally, I have a love-hate relationship with delays. It can either be a breathe of fresh air because I know they can make it better or do more to polish it. Or it can make me think more about the title, and whether its really worth purchasing. Im the type of person that if I dont get the game Day 1, I probably wont be getting it at all so the hype is a big factor.
Your Take: What do you think about game delays? Do you love them? Hate them? Have they ever made you think twice about a game? Made you sigh with relief? Share your thoughts and opinions and thanks for reading ^___^