Punctuality has always been important to me. From the day I was born, I have always been on time for appointments. As a matter a fact, I came out of my mother’s womb a few minutes early just to make sure I wouldn’t miss any of the festivities. I think it’s imperative game publishers release games on announced dates, perhaps, just to keep their customers happy. Isn’t that a thoughtful strategy to keep selling their products?
A gamer since the late 80s, I have seen the gaming industry develop faster than a shape-shifting reptilian transforms into its human form. Amidst all the progressive technology, one common denominator stands the test of time. Many games still get delayed!
I’m not referring to the recent Pandemic woes that have obliterated many independents into the depths of development hell. I’m referring to companies announcing release dates only to delay games repeatedly, the same way one delays a colon irrigation. I can understand variables change the playing field, but a “release date” should be sacred.
One example that never ceases to elude me is of a particular gaming company (with an already successful game on Steam) announcing a recent game release in 2019. Not only was the game not released in 2019, but while they insist the game is still being developed, the 2019 release date remains on their website although we are in 2020. This is laughable and unacceptable!
Another gaming company, this time a small independent outfit from Finland, announced what looked to be a very interesting turn-based strategy game. A polished trailer release showed lots of promise, but when gamers tried to contact the company for more info through social media or email, the developers were more silent than Charlie Chaplin in a scene of The Tramp. “I think delays are good for the industry” says an ID Software employee, the studio behind the highly expected Doom Eternal, delayed last fall and eventually released in March 2020. That’s just not true! Gamers do not appreciate delays because they expect the game for months, let alone years before release. A gamer waiting for a game he’s been having wet dreams about is like a junkie waiting for his fix of crack cocaine, but can’t find his dealer. He just can’t wait!
Gaming companies should announce their games when they are on the verge of being completed. Development schedules should include a detailed contingency plan just in case things go wrong because they always do. However, the customer should not feel repercussions from a company fallout. Fire Axis announces a release date and boom, the game releases on that day. Paradox Interactive sets release dates in stone and releases games as promised. Why can’t all gaming companies implement a more rigorous development protocol so they deliver games on time? I guess this question leaves me baffled. This does not change the fact that I still salivate over game announcements no matter what the delay is and nevertheless buy the game. That's because I'm a sucker! I just figured out why "game delays" are status quo. Gotta run, I don’t want to be late for my anger management class!
