What 2018 videogames trend should be banished in 2019?
Betas are fast becoming yet another way for publishers to eke out more cash from us gamers, and steer games away from genuine criticism. They used to be a way for devs to test servers, spot flaws, and do free QA testing ahead of release, but when you consider Fortnite has been in beta for over a year, and you had to pay to access it, and more publishers have followed suit, the lines are being blurred. Worse still, being in beta can be used as a pass card for criticism. Terrible lootbox levelling? “It’s in beta, it’ll change.” Betas aren’t bad, but they’re open to abuse. It’s not a problem exclusive to Overwatch, but one can’t help but look at the roster of male heroes and marvel at the diversity on offer. But, gosh, it’s almost like looking into a mirror for just under half of the female lineup. I appreciate a strong eyeliner wing but I’ve got plenty of avatars to filter my own power fantasy through… what about absolutely anyone else? Things are better than they were but games still aren’t sure how to depict women, especially if they aren’t white, thin, and youthful. The time of sniper grans, weight-lifting ladies, and black female leads is long past due in our medium. On paper, the proposition seems simple: why try to get players to buy a load of games when you can corral them into one ongoing experience? It’s good for players too, as it means updated content. But devs need to be careful not to make this confusing. Fortnite Season 7 updates the map, but 7 is a big number, and I can’t help but feel put off by that. So too is Destiny 2 only just finding its groove with its seasonal offerings – though newcomers can be confused about what Destiny 2 even is. Ongoing games are a great concept, but people need to know what they’re buying if they’re going to stick around. Online shooters like Battlefield V live and die by their online modes, and the recent trend to grant a head start to people willing to pony up the extra cash for a premier edition gives them an immediate advantage. Early access players are more familiar with maps, have ranked up earlier and possess a better arsenal. My release day BFV experience consisted of: peer over the top or a trench? Pop! My head explodes. Peek around the corner of a panzer? Bang! I’m dead. Time and time again I feel like quitting (and I like to think I’m pretty good at games). All I’m asking for is a level playing field.
OPEN BETAS NEED TO GET BACK TO THEIR ORIGINAL PURPOSE AND STOP BEING ANOTHER WAY TO HIT OUR WALLETS WE’VE ALREADY GOT ASHE, MERCY, AND WIDOWMAKER… ISN’T IT TIME FOR SOMEONE ELSE? ONGOING GAMES NEED TO BE CAREFUL ABOUT HOW THEY SELL THEMSELVES. PAID-FOR EARLY ACCESS TO GAMES PUTS MOST OF US AT AN IMMEDIATE DISADVANTAGE.