10 Video Games So Bad They Apologised
3. XIII (Remake)
Typically, video game remakes aim to either improve upon the original or present alternative experiences that simultaneously appeal to new players and surprise returning ones. (Arguably, recent examples like Final Fantasy VII and Resident Evil 2 accomplished both.)
Unfortunately, 2020’s XIII remake did neither. On the contrary, its negative adjustments to art style and gameplay limitations (alongside myriad technical and audio glitches) resulted in dismal reviews across the board.
According to anonymous employees at developer PlayMagic, the creation of the game was hampered by “poor project management, a lack of staff, and low morale due to a toxic company culture,” among other troubles. Over 25% of the “credited staff who worked on [XIII] left PlayMagic” once it was out, too.
The joint statement released by PlayMagic and publisher Microids on November 13, 2020 tried to set things right. They admitted: “First and foremost, we would like to offer our most sincere apologies for the game’s technical issues. In its present state, XIII does not meet our quality standards and we fully understand players’ frustrations. The pandemic has impacted the game’s production on many levels.”
They did patch the game through at least February 2021, but the damage was already done.