9 Video Games Saved By RIDICULOUSLY Last-Minute Changes

2. Ripping Out The Auction House - Diablo III

Diablo III's launch almost threatened to ruin the entire franchise. Though the game itself was well designed and for the most part lived up to the expectations players had in the years between instalments, an insidious marketplace feature at the heart of the game poisoned the well.

The auction house system was announced before launch, which essentially allowed players to buy and sell in-game items at a premium, purchased either for the in-game gold or with real-world money. Blizzard promised it wouldn't hinder those who didn't want to invest more money after paying for the game, but as soon as the third title launched, it became clear that the entire loot system was built around the auction house idea.

Players revolted, and it looked as though the long-anticipated sequel was going to tank under the weight of one terrible idea.

The developers recognised this (especially when other countries began to say the system violated their anti-gambling laws), but it wasn't just as easy as ripping the Auction House out entirely, as gameplay was built to support it. The game needed an overhaul, which the devs committed to, transforming Diablo III into the title players know and love today, alongside relaunching the Reaper of Souls edition.