10 Gaming's Biggest Issues Everyone Is Ignoring

Zelda, Diablo and Final Fantasy are stellar, but they don't fix everything.

the last of us pc
Naughty Dog

Whether it's becoming immersed in a fantastical world for hours upon end, being terrified by the latest chilling horror experience, or simply socialising with friends after a long day, gaming really has something for everyone.

Likewise, as technology continues to advance, the games on offer have become bigger, more complex, and more visually arresting than ever before. The stories they tell have also got more ambitious, with developers able to weave epic, character-driven tales over the course of grand cinematic adventures.

While there has been no shortage of gaming highlights in just the past few years alone (with just as many exciting titles on the horizon), the gaming industry is far from perfect.

With controversies appearing in headlines every other week, highly anticipated releases ranging from disappointing to catastrophic, and shady business practices from publishers sullying a game's experience, the gaming industry has become messier than ever.

The highs are certainly present, but if gaming is truly going to get better, it needs to iron out a lot of kinks that are still causing players grief.

10. Trends Over Originality

the last of us pc
Warner Bros. Interactive

As endlessly entertaining as video games can be, it’s important to remember that the industry is still a business. Developers need to impress publishers, often to impress shareholders, all aiming to generate as much revenue as possible to continue funding more projects.

A downside of the industry’s pursuit for profit, however, is that studios are sticking closely to formulas that have proven to reliably sell. Consequently, more AAA games are becoming strikingly similar in terms of gameplay and mechanics, and players are getting tired of seeing the same genres announced over and over.

Upcoming Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League is the best example of this frustrating trend. From its tiered loot system, bland character abilities, and battle pass implementation, this title looks like any other faceless looter-shooter.

In these kinds of games, creativity and originality take a back seat to make way for something that looks like it's been designed in a corporate meeting, with the sole purpose of making as much money as possible.

If the industry can put the focus back on creativity rather than profit, then the games being made could become far more interesting and unique to play. That can only be a good thing.

Contributor
Contributor

Glasgow-based cinephile who earned a Masters degree in film studies to spend their time writing about cinema, video games, and horror.