Over the past year, next-gen gaming has become one of the most visually and narratively impressive forms of media ever. However, with each new step, new problems have arisen. With these massive titles being forced to release earlier than they should, games are getting bugs now more than ever. Gamers have found clever solutions, but the larger situation still exists. Video games are taking even longer to develop.
The biggest offender of many bugs and a rushed release has been CD Projekt Red's Cyberpunk 2077. The issues that have come from the game's release have led the developers into huge legal issues and thousands of disappointed fans. It has even gone on record that developers focused more on the still unreleased next-gen version than the one that hit shelves. Issues like an incomplete game were also found in the September release of Marvel's Avengers.
As a response to a lot of the backlash for games that were rushed upon release, many upcoming titles have become much more proactive in announcing their delays. One of the most recent surprises came from the upcoming Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake. According to developers, the game has been delayed indefinitely to deliver the best possible version for the fans. This transparency has done well for the creators and helps ease fans into the idea that video games will be taking a lot longer to be developed.
The Lord of the Rings: Gollum is another title that has faced a delay. However, the reasoning is a bit more different as it also came with a new publisher's partnership. While fans weren't too keen on the idea of a delay, a new publisher means that there is an opportunity for greater improvements before the title hits shelves. Delays don't always mean something bad will happen, but they can mean that even better things are on the way.
Next-gen gaming has allowed for video games to become more than they ever were. Now, titles can be much more cinematic and put in the same effort that filmmakers do on the next blockbuster. Horizon Forbidden West is one of the PlayStation's most anticipated releases but has been pushed back to later this year. However, with such a massive amount of time being put into the story and gameplay, a delay is simply another glaring example of why video games need more time to be developed than ever before.
Many upcoming games could potentially be forced to delay as the developers adapt to the new normal. There are no hints as to what the title could be. However, with God of War Ragnarok set to release sometime this year and no recent updates, it's possible that it could be the next delay to be announced. Until then, fans will have to wait and see.
Next-gen gaming is clearly the future of the medium. Its graphics, storytelling and gameplay are second to none. However, as long as publishers continue to put the same standards on it as last-gen gaming, these titles will continue to suffer from crunch and delays. The ones that have been released are getting better with time, but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. The future is hard to tell with how video game development will proceed. But one thing is certain. These titles are taking a lot longer to make than they ever have.