10 Video Game Annoyances That Must Die Next Generation
How about an open-world with things we actually want to do?
As we reach the end of the PS4 and Xbox One's life cycles, it's worth wondering what these consoles will be remembered for.
Sure, each had a host of great experiences that pushed the limits of modern technology, but perhaps more than ever, the two consoles welcomed a whole host of controversial problems.
From frequent microtransactions to unfinished games that somehow made it to storefronts, this generation has been crammed with scandals and issues of all shapes and sizes. However, with the next generation on the horizon, now is a perfect time to wipe the slate clean and eradicate some of the industry's biggest issues.
It's not too hard to imagine a future in which these issues will be solved either. With Microsoft and Sony setting aside their rivalry to form a collaborative streaming partnership - and rumoured hardware seemingly bringing the power of a high-end PC to consoles - it's evident the medium is acknowledging its flaws, and eagerly preparing to patch them up.
There's still a long way to go, but let's hope the next generation turns over a new leaf and leaves its slate of issues in the past where they belong.
8. Releasing Broken Games
Games like Fallout 76 cannot be the future.
Bethesda's now infamous multiplayer title was an absolute car wreck when it dropped last November, and now, six months later, the game is not much better. From numerous crashes and technical bugs to a dev room filled with every item in the game accessible through glitching the map, 76 was clearly an unfinished product that was shipped regardless of its quality.
Yet, it's not the only game to hit shelves in this state.
Mass Effect: Andromeda was a bug-ridden mess, Arkham Knight's PC port was outright unplayable and the ambitious MMO Atlas completely dropped off the map after a catastrophic unveiling. More and more games release without the rough edges sanded off, and it's a habit the next generation needs to kill.
Whether that's through delaying unfinished products more frequently, being more open with the gaming community or announcing release dates closer to an achievable ETA, this generation's biggest technical flops should inspire the approaches of games to come.
CD Projekt Red's brilliant mantra that Cyberpunk will release 'when it's ready' should be the standard, rather than the exception.
Of course, fans will have to wait longer for their most anticipated titles, but the pay off will be finished products that define next-generation power.