2020 was a wild year that featured some of gaming's best and worst shake-ups. From sheer masterpieces like Ghost of Tsushima to mishandled releases like Cyberpunk 2077, it is clear that gaming companies need to become much more transparent with their players. While most blame gets put on developers, it's important to note that publishers are also responsible. Newer titles are more complex and often take more time to make, but companies need to stop rushing and starting being forthcoming.
One of the largest issues plaguing game companies has been crunch. While consumers wait for their favorite title to hit shelves, developers are forced to work incredibly long hours to get the game out on time. More often than not, this results in incomplete releases like Cyberpunk 2077, which are bad for everyone.
CD Projekt Red were forced to put out a video apologizing for its lack of communication regarding the state of Cyberpunk 2077 before release. Another game that has suffered similarly is Marvel's Avengers. While the publishers rushed this game out before completion, the developers were forced to take most of the backlash as they struggled to fix the issues present in the title.
Marvel's Avengers has largely improved since release and Square Enix has been more communicative, but fans are still being left in the dark about delays and other issues until they become apparent in-game. This lack of transparency from major gaming companies about huge titles is an issue that needs to be resolved -- and some companies have proven that a little communication goes a long way.
The first Nintendo Direct of 2021 announced new titles and updated fans on highly sought-after games, like the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Fans have been hoping for updates for months. Even some news is better than no news, which Nintendo seems to have realized. As frustrated as small news briefs can make players, they at least know something is happening with their favorite titles, which ultimately gives them a reason to keep engaging.
Publishers and developers need to work together to be as transparent as possible. Publishers should also take more responsibility and not let their developers take the fall for a group mistake when a game is highly criticized, especially if it's incomplete.
Most fans will not be mad if there is a delay to improve a title, much like with Ubisoft's delay of Prince of Persia. However, falsely indicating a title is ready when it isn't, or failing to update fans on major setbacks, damages gaming companies' relationships with players. Gamers want total fun and immersion in their games and usually don't mind waiting, if it means they get a complete experience.