7 Biggest Red Flags for Game Reveals That Guarantee It’s Going to Suck

Summary

In this video, the speaker highlights key red flags to watch for in video game announcements and reveals. They discuss the downsides of overly large open-world maps, heavy reliance on celebrity endorsements, live service games with uncertain post-launch content, and microtransactions. The speaker also critiques vague release dates and deceptive gameplay demos, emphasizing that these factors can dampen excitement for upcoming titles. Ultimately, the video serves as a cautionary guide to help gamers navigate industry trends and avoid falling into hype traps.

Takeaways

• 😀 Publishers often emphasize the size of open-world maps, but the actual content and quality of the world matter more than just sheer size.
• 😀 The inclusion of big-name Hollywood stars in promotional events doesn’t guarantee a good game, as shown by the example of *Ghost Recon Breakpoint* and *Cyberpunk 2077*.
• 😀 The trend of 'live service games' and post-launch content updates can be concerning, as many games fail to live up to promises, leaving players disappointed.
• 😀 Microtransactions in full-priced games can undermine the experience, especially when they involve pay-to-win mechanics or costly cosmetic items that should be unlocked in-game.
• 😀 A game’s gameplay reveal should ideally showcase actual, unpolished gameplay rather than overproduced scripted demos that hide flaws or provide a misleading representation of how the game functions.
• 😀 Large, vague release windows for upcoming games often indicate delays and a lack of clarity, leading to frustrated fans and exhausted anticipation.
• 😀 Reveals that focus only on cinematic trailers and don't show gameplay can leave players unsure of what to expect, especially when the game ends up not matching the cinematic quality.
• 😀 Gameplay reveals should provide insight into how a game will actually feel to play, not just how it looks or sounds in a highly-scripted demonstration.
• 😀 The growing trend of games being released incomplete or with promises of post-launch content is frustrating to players, who expect a fully finished product when they purchase a game.
• 😀 Developers should avoid promising future content or boasting about post-launch roadmaps before the game is even released, as it can signal a lack of focus on the base game experience.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme of the video script focuses on the red flags and warning signs that raise doubts when it comes to video game announcements, reveals, and marketing tactics. The script emphasizes the importance of game quality over superficial aspects like the size of the world or big Hollywood actor appearances.

How does the speaker feel about open-world games?

The speaker expresses a nostalgic love for open-world games, recalling fond memories of exploring virtual spaces. However, they are skeptical of games that focus too much on the size of the open world without ensuring it is populated with meaningful content. They prefer concise, well-designed worlds with engaging activities over large, barren maps.

What is the speaker's opinion on large open-world maps in modern games?

The speaker is critical of large open-world maps in modern games that are either empty or filled with repetitive and boring content. They emphasize that the size of a map is not enough; what matters is the quality of the content within it, such as interesting quests, characters, and locations.

How does the speaker view the use of big Hollywood actors in video game marketing?

The speaker is skeptical of games that rely heavily on big Hollywood actors to promote their titles. While these actors may create a buzz, the speaker argues that star power does not guarantee a good game, pointing to examples like 'Ghost Recon Breakpoint' and 'Cyberpunk 2077' where the games failed to meet expectations despite having high-profile actors.

What does the speaker think about post-launch content and live service games?

The speaker is cautious about games that promise extensive post-launch content, especially when this is announced before the game's release. They argue that live service games often fail to live up to expectations, and that publishers may be overpromising content that they cannot guarantee will be delivered. They prefer complete games at launch, rather than games that are essentially unfinished or depend on ongoing updates.

How does the speaker feel about microtransactions in full-priced games?

The speaker is strongly opposed to microtransactions in full-priced games, particularly those that affect gameplay, such as pay-to-win mechanics, time-saving boosts, or randomized loot boxes. They express frustration with publishers that advertise 'no microtransactions' only to later introduce them post-launch, often in the form of additional DLC or in-game purchases.

What does the speaker think about cinematic trailers that don't show gameplay?

The speaker is critical of cinematic trailers that don't include actual gameplay. While they appreciate a well-made cinematic to introduce the game's world and characters, they argue that a proper reveal should showcase how the game will be played. They prefer trailers that offer gameplay footage or at least provide insight into the interactive experience.

What is the issue with scripted multiplayer gameplay reveals?

The speaker points out that scripted multiplayer gameplay demos, often accompanied by overly polished commentary, can be misleading. These demos hide the real gameplay experience by portraying a flawless, rehearsed session. The speaker prefers raw, unscripted gameplay that showcases the actual dynamics of playing with friends, as seen in the 'Sea of Thieves' reveal.

How does the speaker feel about vague release dates?

The speaker is frustrated with vague release dates, such as 'coming soon' or simply a broad year. They argue that such ambiguity gives game developers room to delay the game endlessly, potentially resulting in poor working conditions for developers. The speaker prefers specific release dates and is wary of pre-ordering games with uncertain launch windows.

What is the speaker’s general advice regarding game reveals and marketing tactics?

The speaker advises viewers to be cautious and critical of game reveals that emphasize superficial aspects like large maps, big-name actors, or post-launch roadmaps. They emphasize that the true quality of a game lies in its content and gameplay experience, not just its marketing hype. They recommend waiting for solid gameplay footage and clear release dates before getting too excited about a game.