Gaming in 2023 saw significant ups and downs. While there were notable improvements and successes, there were also concerning trends that emerged throughout the year. The video game industry is bigger than ever, but it still has plenty of growing pains. Here are some current trends that really grind our gears.
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1. Bad Game UIs: Despite improvements in many areas, bad user interfaces (UIs) continued to plague some games. While overall UI design has seen progress, there’s still a noticeable trend of cluttered and confusing interfaces in some titles, like Rocksteady’s Suicide Squad.
2. Terrible License Games: The resurgence of poorly made licensed games was unexpected. Titles like Kong Skull Island and Lord of the Rings Gollum were criticized for their low quality despite being sold at high prices.
3. Developers Responding to Steam Reviews: While the ability for developers to respond to Steam reviews can be beneficial for addressing issues and engaging with players, it’s become a platform for some larger developers to argue against negative feedback, which comes off as petty and unprofessional.
4. The War Against Mods: Some game companies, like Capcom, have taken measures to block mods in their games, despite mods often being what keeps games alive and engaging long after release. This move has received backlash from players and can harm the longevity of games.
5. Soft Aim Hacks in Online Multiplayer Games: A growing issue in online multiplayer shooters is the use of soft aim hacks, which subtly modify gameplay mechanics to give players an unfair advantage. This undermines the integrity of online gaming and poses challenges for developers in detecting and addressing these cheats.
6. Terrible PC Ports: With the increasing popularity of gaming on PC, the quality of ports should be improving, but in 2023, many ports were released in rough shape, leading to issues like crashing, missing textures, and poor optimization.
7. Poor Switch Ports: Switch ports faced similar issues, with some high-profile games like Mortal Kombat and Batman: Arkham Knight receiving subpar treatment, leading to unplayable experiences for some players.
8. Mass Layoffs and Studio Closures: Perhaps the most concerning trend of 2023 was the significant number of layoffs and studio closures in the gaming industry, with over 9,000 jobs lost throughout the year. This not only affects the livelihoods of those involved but also represents a loss of talent and potential in the industry.
Conclusion: While 2023 brought many advancements and successes in gaming, it also highlighted some concerning trends that need to be addressed moving forward. From poor UI design to layoffs and studio closures, the industry faces challenges that require attention and solutions to ensure its continued growth and success.
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