There’s a pretty big problem with modern game design – and no, I’m not talking about the unfortunate proliferation of DLC and micro-transactions. While those are indeed a scourge, the biggest issue I have with modern games is that thanks to the internet and the ability to deploy patches very nearly at will, games re frequently being shipped in sates that are a far cry from what you’d call “working.” You could say that most of last year’s major releases was broken in some way or another – but that’s fine, because developer can just release patches to fix things. Only, it seems that they’re can’t even do that. Halo: The Master Chief collection was released in November last year. It’s still broken.
343 industries came under quite a bit of fire recently when they announced that they were beta testing the latest patch to fix the collection’s appalling matchmaking. They’ve now opened themselves up to even more ridicule and vitriol. The patch has been delayed – because the beta to test the patch of a game that’s been on shelves for months has been put on hold.
“As this update contains the biggest changes to the Matchmaking system yet, we’ve identified that additional time and testing is required,” 343 wrote on Halo Waypoint.
“We are currently evaluating both timing and need for a CU beta with the Xbox One Preview program, as well as the final public release date in February.”
Were I one of the people who rushed out to get a slice of The MasterChief Collection’s multiplayer, I’d be beyond angry. The game’s multiplayer kinda, sorta, sometimes works for those close to the servers, but those in much of the rest of the world find themselves wholly locked out of the feature – and from the looks of things, it’s not going to be fixed any time soon.
As an apology, Microsoft has issued extra time to Gold Subscriptions, and 343 has offered up extra maps and game modes – but at this point, I’d be shouting for a full refund, to be honest.
It’s funny. In the last generation of consoles, it cost developers an exorbitant amount of money to issue patches – in the region of $40 000 for certification and deployment. Those have been relaxed in this generation, much to the joy of developers – but it seems it’s come at the detriment of quality assurance.
Last Updated: February 2, 2015
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 2, 2015 at 10:09
Because they know it doesn’t matter if they release a buggy game, they’ve already got their money from preorders & day one. And in a couple of years when they release another game the goldfish will rush out to buy it again. They can’t live without the latest shiny-shiny for some reason.
oVg elfroot slayer
February 2, 2015 at 10:20
I heard that Master Chief has more facial animations than Ellie.
Tosh MA
February 2, 2015 at 10:21
Because she only needed one. Amirite? 😛
oVg elfroot slayer
February 2, 2015 at 10:22
ClapTrap has a bigger emotional range than that dumb spartan.
Tosh MA
February 2, 2015 at 10:23
Never played a Halo game, and don’t intend to. 🙂
oVg elfroot slayer
February 2, 2015 at 10:25
I only played it to watch those lovely polygon counts in Cortanas ass slowly evolve over the years. Dammmm
Tosh MA
February 2, 2015 at 10:42
Mass Effect. Miranda.
Need I say more?
oVg elfroot slayer
February 2, 2015 at 10:44
WINNER
Admiral Chief
February 2, 2015 at 11:18
Talk about “software” upgrade!
oVg elfroot slayer
February 2, 2015 at 11:23
Master Chief LOVES his Firmware updates 😛
Pieter Kruger
February 2, 2015 at 11:15
Playing through them all now, really got pulled into the lore again and having bought the MCC, it’s like having the complete series on DVD! ????.
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 2, 2015 at 10:32
Me too. I heard that’s why they covered his head with the helmet, so people wouldn’t get any kind of emotional connection when accidentally seeing his face.
oVg elfroot slayer
February 2, 2015 at 11:03
One day the helmet will come off acting as Microsofts trump card when sales are low. Like Half Life 3 and the re-make of FF7 are being used as a get out of jail free card.
Tosh MA
February 2, 2015 at 10:20
This year I probably won’t be buying a single AAA title. This trend looks to continue, and I want complete, working games.
I don’t buy a kettle without the heating element. If my kettle didn’t have one, I’d return it for a full refund. Simple as that. Fuck broken games. Fuck patches. And fuck this trend.
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 2, 2015 at 10:31
AAA used to mean quality. Now it just refers to how much money is spent making a broken mess. I’m happy to wait & buy later, once it’s reviewed and fixed. Day one is for suckers (except for you, Witcher 3).
oVg elfroot slayer
February 2, 2015 at 11:10
AAA now stands for 50% production costs used for marketing. Drop a name or two like Kevin Spacey or Paul Mcartney, mixed with a little sauce from Mountain Dew with some Mc Donalds toys and HAY PRESTO You have a household brand.
To think that 4X the full production costs for RED DEAD REDEMPTION come to the total cost of Destiny’s marketing budget.
Raptor Rants A Lot:Original #7
February 2, 2015 at 10:09
The game is meant to be played multiplayer. Since you can’t, they should be giving a full refund. End of story. Make it hurt where it counts. In the wallet
oVg elfroot slayer
February 2, 2015 at 10:18
ERROR 343
Blood Emperor Trevor
February 2, 2015 at 10:26
Win!
Hammersteyn
February 2, 2015 at 10:28
EGGS BAWKS
https://eatuntillyouwillexplode.files.wordpress.com/2014/02/superstock_1647r-32603.jpg
Tosh MA
February 2, 2015 at 10:43
Yellow ring of death? That’s new.
Pieter Kruger
February 2, 2015 at 11:00
Huh? I thought we’re getting some Halo game for free on top of the free Xbox Live month?! Haven’t even played through all the campaigns yet and still need to finish Nightfall! Hopefully when I’m ready for multiplayer, multiplayer will be ready for me?!
Hammersteyn
February 2, 2015 at 12:44
No Halo yet
http://www.lazygamer.net/xbox-360/another-underwhelming-month-of-games-for-gold/
Martin du preez (D4RKL1NGza)
February 2, 2015 at 12:13
*Takes drag of cigarette*
More like The Disaster Chief collection amiright”
*Looks off into the sunset*
Hammersteyn
February 2, 2015 at 12:43
Win!