Looking back on 2014, it was a bit of a disappointment in gaming. Yes, there were some real gems – Nintendo had some excellent releases and I was made insanely happy by Shadow of Mordor and Dragon Age: Inquisition. However, on the whole it was a real downer, and it might damage this year’s awesome games.
Many of you agreed that 2014 was disappointing for games unless you went with the indies. Plagued by broken games, enormous patches, exclusive pre-order content and remastered old games at full price, 2014 wasn’t the best that gaming has seen. While many blame the hype for games, there were also far too many problems to ignore. I had a few good gaming experiences in 2014, but not as many as I’m expecting in 2015.
Darryn took us through the exclusives on show this year. With games like The Order, Bloodborne, No Man’s Sky, Uncharted 4, Halo 5: Guardians and Quantum Break coming this year, the consoles will be doing great. Not to mention the cross platform games like The Witcher 3, Batman: Arkham Knight, Evolve, Metal gear Solid V, The Division and Mortal Kombat X. Oh, and must I remind you of Nintendo’s incredible Splatoon? There will undoubtably be a new COD and that Victorian era Assassin’s Creed also looks quite cool.
But as soon as I said Assassin’s Creed I’ll bet a bunch of you turned off. Assassin’s Creed is now equated to broken games thanks to Unity – even if the new one is excellent, people will be wary of it. And this is why I’m worried about 2015.
Many of the games that we were psyched for in 2014 got delayed into 2015. That should mean that it’s a year filled with incredible game releases to keep us happy. However, I’m hearing lots of people talking about how tired they are of these boring games, that they’re losing their lust for gaming. This implies that they won’t be as excited for some of the excellent games on their way, and nothing ruins a game more than a lack of interest.
It happens to the best of us – we get amped for a game, only to be disappointed when it doesn’t live up to our expectations. It makes us question our judgement, or gaming abilities, or maybe why we play games in general. I fear that this is how people are feeling at the moment, and that it will lead to apathy and frustration towards gaming in 2015, even if all the cool sounding games live up to expectations.
So, what should we do about it? Well, I think the cure is simple, and probably something that Gavin will shout at me about for writing. But we need a break. I know, we just had the holiday break, but I mean people need to take a break from gaming for a week, or two or three. Stop worrying about having enough time to complete a mission or grinding to the best gear. Just stop playing and do something else with your time – watch series, or spend time with friends and family, or pursue another hobby. Then, when you miss gaming (don’t worry, it will happen), pick up something guaranteed to make you smile. Geoff recommends the new Super Mario Bros games, but it could also be something as simple as Thomas Was Alone, or Skyrim for fans of the game. Remember what it’s like to sit in front of a screen with a giddy smile on your face and relax – there are more good games to come this year. At least, as long as they live up to expectations and don’t get delayed into 2016.
Are the issues of 2014 still worrying you for 2015? Is it preventing you from getting excited about upcoming games? Or are you as excitable as ever for all the cool things coming our way?
Last Updated: January 14, 2015
hairyknees
January 14, 2015 at 15:32
I find taking a gap from gaming even for a handful of days can really make a difference 🙂
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 15:38
That’s like saying you’ll be a vegetarian for a few days to make your meat taste better. Madness!
WhiteRock
January 15, 2015 at 08:10
We’ll – instead of getting extreme, rather equate it as switching from steak to chicken / Fish for a week, just so that you can re-savour steak 🙂
Captain JJ Saga
January 15, 2015 at 08:22
So I should switch to a Wii or an Xbone for a week ;P
WhiteRock
January 15, 2015 at 14:43
That could help – I just switched to a laptop for two of my thee week holiday and played just one game – Wasteland 2…I think it helped 🙂
Captain JJ Saga
January 16, 2015 at 08:39
I’ve been played A LOT of prison architect. Really fun game that.
ToshZA
January 14, 2015 at 15:39
I do this often with DOTA. I come back loving the game more every time. 😀
hairyknees
January 14, 2015 at 15:50
No no don’t lie… Dota is more like F@%@% THIS GAME I AM NEVER PLAYING IT AGAIN!
*3 days later*
Hmmm I wonder what hero I should play?
ToshZA
January 14, 2015 at 15:52
Hahaha, nah. I usually play another game after a rage, it’s the best way to do it I think.
I usually just need the break before I carry on playing. Or as Sargon keeps reminding me: Farming in the jungle for 45 minutes before coming out and pwning everything.
Raptor Rants A Lot
January 14, 2015 at 15:53
Really? Never experienced that
Blood Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2015 at 15:53
That’s what it’s like for those people. Unlike us who never lose. 😀
ToshZA
January 14, 2015 at 15:54
Never playing isn’t quite the same as never losing. 😉
Blood Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2015 at 15:55
😀
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 15:55
LOL
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 15:55
I once lost watching a video sequence.
Matthew Holliday
January 14, 2015 at 15:54
you can last 3 days?
impressive.
hairyknees
January 14, 2015 at 16:05
I’ve done a week or two 😛
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2015 at 15:41
Yeah, that’s why I go to the pub.
Fnuik
January 14, 2015 at 15:54
You go to the pub for a few days? Respect!
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2015 at 15:57
XD it’s where I crush candies
CypherGate
January 15, 2015 at 09:41
I took a gap for the past year now. lol
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 15:37
2014 was a great year for gaming. For me at least.
All I’m worried about is overhyping The Witcher 3. But then I remember it’s CD Projekt Red and calm down again.
ToshZA
January 14, 2015 at 15:40
Even though it’s CDPR, I still think TW3 is over hyped.
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 15:41
I’m really trying not to get too excited about it. I’m mostly just looking forward to a new open world fantasy game (haven’t had one in so long), so I’m not putting too much pressure on my gameplay expectations.
ToshZA
January 14, 2015 at 15:42
Honestly, I’m waiting until I finish DA:I before I think of TW3. And I’m not yet ready to buy another game with so many still to play (that are installed and in progress)
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 15:44
Well it’s still a long time until TW3 arrives. I have a few brilliant indie games to still work through.
ToshZA
January 14, 2015 at 15:45
Lol, I should specify I haven’t yet bought DA:I. And I have AC:Black Flag, Shadow of Mordor, Transistor, Bioshock Infinite and Child of Light still to finish.
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 15:46
My number 1 game in line is Transistor now. But as far as games went in 2014 there were some great games on pc. Strangely Shadow of Mordor is one of them that I didn’t enjoy as much as I thought I would.
ToshZA
January 14, 2015 at 15:49
I am preferring AC:Black Flag more, but there’s a lot of fun in toying with the ranks of Orcs and Uruks before going on a slaughter rampage.
Still, I’m really enjoying all of those games, I just need to sit down and focus on one at a time.
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 15:50
The most fun I had in SoM was hunting down orcs or sneaking into camps. Gameplay was a bit generic, but the kill moves made it exciting.
ToshZA
January 14, 2015 at 15:51
Yeah combat is good, and I do like the way you can toy with the ranks of Captains and Warchiefs. But it doesn’t inspire you to explore – I find I just pick something, fast travel, repeat. Black Flag makes me want to sail everywhere, and explore everything. XD
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 15:52
I need to get Black Flag. I miss a nice exploration game with a decently sized map.
Viking Of Science
January 14, 2015 at 16:46
I Bought This to keep me satiated until release….
http://static1.gamespot.com/uploads/ignore_jpg_scale_super/114/1143671/2560236-the_witcher_adventure_game_packshot.png
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 16:57
!!!
I love that game! Sadly I only have the pc version, which isn’t NEARLY as much fun.
Viking Of Science
January 14, 2015 at 16:59
Yeah, Was at Outer Limits in JHB over the holidays…. Impulse took over….
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 17:13
I would’ve done the same
Viking Of Science
January 14, 2015 at 17:54
Going there made me realise how lacking Reader’s Den and Wizards actually are…. It’s a bit sad, really.
(Disclaimer: I Still Love both Readers Den and Wizards, and what they do)
Raptor Rants A Lot
January 14, 2015 at 15:37
I’m in that situation. In fact last year was so bad I bought 1 new release title only. The only games I bought were older games on special.
I’m now already in the middle of taking a break from gaming as my daughter has arrived. So perhaps when things calm down and I have time to sit behind a PC properly again who knows. Maybe, just maybe my enjoyment of gaming may return
hairyknees
January 14, 2015 at 15:51
Remember… start her young and you could have the next SC/Dota/LoL/CS champion 😛
Raptor Rants A Lot
January 14, 2015 at 15:52
ugh. No child of mine may play MOBA’s
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 15:52
hear hear
hairyknees
January 14, 2015 at 15:58
SC isn’t a MOBA :(nor is CS
Raptor Rants A Lot
January 14, 2015 at 16:00
I know. Just like CS isn’t either. But you put the Dota and LoL words in there *shudders*
hairyknees
January 14, 2015 at 16:05
CAN’T WE ALL JUST BE FRIENDS??!?!
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 16:09
I’m friends with a DOTA player, but I never see him. Because DOTA. Hehe.
Raptor Rants A Lot
January 15, 2015 at 10:38
I’ll consider it. Maybe
Ceyber, The Metal Rabbit
January 14, 2015 at 15:54
It’s good to take the time and give gaming a break, I’d take a bundle of joy over a humble bundle any day!
I think the hype and the want make us forget that it’s a conscious effort to immerse oneself in a game. Any effort like that will be exhausted in excess.
Mathias
January 14, 2015 at 16:00
I’m going through a similar situation, at least regarding to the time I have to spend gaming… That gaming spark is still there, but the free time I have I’d rather use it to do other stuff… But, for a couple of hours on the weekends, I go and play the game I like the most, instead of just playing all the new releases just because I “have” to.
Get interest in one game and try to play that one. If you’re able to finish it without starting to play a different game, you still got it.
Fnuik
January 14, 2015 at 16:01
My boy is now 3 years old, and a new one on the way, so still a lot of years left before I can start gaming when I want to. The biggest problem these days are the swearing in games, I don’t mind it, but I don’t want my kid to hear people screaming “O Fack” when I shoot them in the face…
Brady miaau
January 15, 2015 at 13:24
I game at night mostly, so I have not been massively effected. I do miss some Saturday afternoons when the misus would make a dress or something I would game, with the volume way down. Sort of fun, together, but not.
Brady miaau
January 15, 2015 at 13:26
I hear you. Mine is 14 months now (holy crap, where did that happen). Great to have, but I still need and want me time. It is important. My wife sometimes forgets that (her own me time), is difficult.
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2015 at 15:39
Amped:
Uncharted 4, Arkham Knight, Dying Light, MK X, Witcher 3.
Lack of interest:
Ass Creed, Evolve (and the new eveolution of DLC), Hardlines, COD, All spert games.
Sageville
January 14, 2015 at 16:14
Same here, though I put Uncharted 4 in the Lack of interest column.
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2015 at 16:23
Well it’s not like we’re getting Tomb Raider
*Sadder face
Nikola
January 15, 2015 at 10:21
You just had to go and reminds of that now hmmmm??
Marcus
January 14, 2015 at 16:17
Dying Light is the game I feel I will be missing out on. Game looks brilliant!
Jonah Cash
January 14, 2015 at 16:32
I don’t think I will get Dying Light (I am a pansy), Witcher 3… I will obviously pick up Fifa 16 later in the year!! And I am still very much on the fence about Evolve!! I still don’t think we are meant to get the game here in SA!!
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2015 at 17:22
I’m getting Dying Light for the co-op as well. Should be fun.
Jonah Cash
January 15, 2015 at 07:34
I have no doubt that it will be a great game!! I am just way too much of a scaredy cat to play it….
Hammersteyn
January 15, 2015 at 07:45
Don’t be scared. I’ll hold your hand while we parkour of zombies heads.
Blood Emperor Trevor
January 14, 2015 at 15:41
Poor decisions from publishers in 2014 ruined their games. It wasn’t just one or two poor launches, but just a continual under delivery after ridiculously over promising. It’s not surprising that some of the magic is gone after that.
That said there’s still plenty of fun to be had, I’m having a blast with my year old fully patched & content enabled games. But if you’re playing new games and you’re not enjoying them then you might need to consider taking a break.
Mathias
January 14, 2015 at 15:42
A year when Dark Souls’s mastermind makes another game can’t be a bad year… Yet, I’ve learned to not get too hyped about games. Every game can end up being utter shit, or at least being utter shit to me, and no developer’s streak will last forever. But, more importantly, I’ve learned to not get angry with childish views like “downgrade”. Sometimes the masochist in me goes to the NeoGaf forums and feels sad about how not even CD Projekt Red gets away without an angry nerd saying “wow, what a bad developer” just because this trailer doesn’t look like that trailer used to look and shit like that and because my clearly subpar PC will not be able to run it… Grow the fuck up. Add to that the console people that repeat like idiots the “1080p/60 fps” bullshit and not three years ago they didn’t even give a damn about it…
Now, regarding games? Arkham Knight, The Witcher 3, Bloodborne, Uncharted 4 (even when I hated 3), Metal Gear Solid V… I mean, for AAA games, it looks like a hell of a year. But yet, I try to not get on the hype train anymore…
When the games arrive, I’ll play them.
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2015 at 15:50
Some days it just feels like I’ve played it all and done it all. I’ve had every flavor there is on offer with shooters for instance. Wolfenstein was refreshing because there hasn’t been a FPS like it for decades. Duke Nukem is as fun as I remember and I can’t wait for Doom.
Publishers that runs out of ideas should go back to the past and see what worked well back then. Ducktales was a fantastic remake.So was Strider. The world has called how long for a Mega Man game. A proper Dungeon Keeper will sell millions I believe if EA doesn’t Simcity it. Grim Fandango is on it’s way back and everybody is excited for it.
And where the hell is System Shock 3!
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 15:51
System Shock is in the same place Half Life 3 is.
Hammersteyn
January 14, 2015 at 15:53
Publisher Limbo
Sageville
January 14, 2015 at 16:14
Now you making me sadface.
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 16:16
Don’t worry, his upvote madness brings only happiness. ;P
Sageville
January 14, 2015 at 16:19
Sure, but now I have expectation to get 1 x upvote for every post I make, if not then I’m like “WTF @hammersteyn:disqus – Y U hate me naw?”
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 16:28
LOL
Raptor Rants A Lot
January 14, 2015 at 15:51
You know what the real problem is? It’s when one gets too involved in gaming. When you read news and hear about all the bad stuff. It puts a damper on your mood.
It’s the same thing as growing up. In school you are far happier because you don’t read the news and see how bad the world is. In gaming, those who don’t read about all the underhanded and bad releases of games are blissfully enjoying their games
Milesh Bhana
January 14, 2015 at 15:53
i think publishers and developers were under alot of pressure to deliver games that felt next-gen, and many missed the mark because they were still getting to know the new hardware. Many were splitting resources to develop on old and new gen. case in point: the two “gems” you pointed out were both available on 360/PS3.
Dedicated teams seemed to have had better results. Killzone and Infamous were both launch titles (or close enough) and were both excellent and didn’t need a uber patch.
That said, Ubisoft were bragging about having this massive team working exclusively on their next-gen only AC game and still screwed the pooch on that one.
Let’s hope that 2015 has the developers comfortable with their new hardware.
and agreed about the break. Have taken many (though usually not by choice)
Lardus-Resident Perve
January 14, 2015 at 15:58
Taking a break from gaming does help quite a bit. I am even chomping at the bits to play WoW again, but I SHALL RESIST!
In general, I think it is more the trends in gaming bothering me.
– The big movement to Online. Seriously if I want to be social I will go out. Game time is alone time, especially in SP games!
– Games released an in incomplete state. Even Warhammer 40K has started this.
– Purely broken games.
– Patches regularly changing the game. Ticked me off with WoW especially, and even Diablows.
– Massive day one patches
– Verifying DLC every friggen time I want to play a game! Seriously just let me play offline!
Some games have disappointed me personally over the last few years, especially everything Blizzard since SC 2 first came out without LAN.
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 16:01
You said it. SC2 without LAN.
ToshZA
January 14, 2015 at 16:02
10/10 would read again.
Sageville
January 14, 2015 at 16:12
Well, as far as I see, 2015 will be delivering all those delayed games promised in 2014.
In theory… maybe…. we hope.
Dutch Matrix
January 14, 2015 at 16:12
Gaming has become like the ION posts on Lagz lately: Something you look forward to getting to at the end of the day, only to find luggage.
No really.
2014 has been a year of zero good things happening gaming wise. The one game I had been looking forward to, The Sims 4 turned out to feel shallow. Like I found an egg, but only the shell. So chances of making a tasty omelette just went poof.
Dragon Age Inquisition is so far so meh.
Why did I have to go to a game as old as Half Life 2 to experience a bit of fun again?
Or why do I have to replay Mass Effect for what feels like the 23 time? Or start Skyrim from scracth again?
Because games got boring. Predictable. Played one you played them all type of thing.
2015 seems to be, from where I am standing, the year of the day one patch. The year when broken games would be okay to be released, because we, as gamers, are too daft to vote with our wallets.
What would be my wet dream?
Gamers, with the next broken AAA release to just take their money, not spend it on said game and head to the publishers page and all say “No thank you. Take your broken turd of a game. I’ll hand over my HARD WORKED FOR money when you give me a fixed game.
Have a nice day.
Lardus-Resident Perve
January 14, 2015 at 16:15
Fixed and COMPLETE games in exchange for cash! Viva!!! Still playing ME trilogy and NBA2K14. Only got small games in 2014 (no AAA) and mostly playing the older stuff…
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 16:18
All those smaller games made my 2014 great. I only bothered with one “AAA” game last year and I couldn’t be happier about it.
2014 is probably the year I completed most games since all the ones I played were just so rich in story.
Dutch Matrix
January 14, 2015 at 16:20
Exactly. Most of my purchases were games on the cheap from Steam. Stuff like Fallout New Vegas and MK 9. And to be honest, I’ve got zero games I am looking forward to this year.
konfab aka derp
January 14, 2015 at 16:22
How far are you in DA:I
For me that game got significantly better as it progressed.
I still need a Talimancer playthough on ME trilogy so I have got that to look forward to.
Marcus
January 14, 2015 at 16:15
The only thing that will change for me is the amount of games I will buy. As it stands now, The Division and BF Hard Line. If those games can’t keep me busy then a break will be forced.
Buy every new title is a rich-man’s game. Finding time to play them all is simply impossible. Stick with what you like and you won’t be buying a game you hate.
MAC
January 14, 2015 at 16:16
Last year made me alot more cautious around shiny next gen titles, broken and no real innovation apart from looking good. This year I’ll bide my time a bit before I buy… apart from The Witcher 3 (massively overrated I also believe) and Uncharted 4 that will still be day one buys and Fallout 4 …. hahahaha I can dream.
Anon A Mouse
January 14, 2015 at 16:18
I’ve stopped being happy and giddy about games about 5 years back. I only buy second hand now and only games that stood the test of times. Heck I can’t even remember when last I got a “new” game. My priorities have shifted more to photography at the moment. I still play games, but not from Friday night to Monday mornings as I used to.
Wayne Bossenger
January 14, 2015 at 16:27
Love the header image “dont look back in anger” hehe
MKX looks cool, although I’m still high over DAI and must still finish Shadow of Mordor, plus backlog of note… I’ll be cautiously optimistic for this year’s titles
Ryanza
January 14, 2015 at 16:28
Did Ryanza ruin the comments section with, Don’t Support DRM. The Witcher 3 is coming, in 2014?
Captain JJ Saga
January 14, 2015 at 16:30
No. I trust in Ryanza. Don’t Support DRM. ;P (You can start an army at this rate)
CAE9872
January 14, 2015 at 16:46
I have solved my “2015 is going to be shit because of 2014” syndrome by deciding not to overly worry about what is coming. I have more than enough games to still play and it is time I did just that.
Although I do agree that when I get busy I tend to switch off the playing (still visit here though) and then come back with renewed interest.
Viking Of Science
January 14, 2015 at 16:47
PLAY MOAR BOARDGAMES!
oVg elfroot slayer
January 14, 2015 at 16:49
ZOE is right. The Honeymoon for the 8th gen is over. Time to take a break and wait for the crazy prices to lower or production standards to increase.
I am taking a year away from buying any more games. The library from last year is fine and hopefully the games from this year will be cheaper next year (AND COMPLETE WITH ALL UPDATES AND PATCHES).
I am happy picking Elfroot for the rest of the year and doing another 30 plays of TLOU.
Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)
January 14, 2015 at 18:39
For me, 2014 put the nail into the “pre-order” coffin. I refuse to pre-order.
MakeItLegal
January 14, 2015 at 19:15
To answer the question , yes I be deleted steam orgin uplay , and all the games , if big publishers think I am Gana spend hard earned money on broken games , I wont , not this year I don’t plan to buy a single game will re acotivate my account next year , by then all this years games will be fixed
F U unity kak game and bf and fucking uplay , kak stories I don’t have time for anymore
Might pick up a 2nd Xbox to play working games
house_hero
January 14, 2015 at 19:26
That header image… i see what you did there…
Axon1988
January 15, 2015 at 08:01
I seem to be enjoying some older titles more. By older I meant released a couple of years ago. Deadlight is one, Shadow Warrior is another. Then there is killing floor, really enjoying that game. So I think this year I am not going to buy any newly released games. I’ll stick to games that have already been patched and updated to perfection.
WhiteRock
January 15, 2015 at 08:11
2014 wasn’t that bad for me as a gaming year – a lot less awesome titles, but at least some came through such as Wasteland 2 and Wolfenstein, however, it also helped me attack my backlog from pre-2014 🙂
Francois Knoetze
January 15, 2015 at 08:53
After getting married my gamer time is really not a lot. still on far cry 4 and about 17hours in(after getting it on launch day)…damn that game is huge! got a massive backlog at the moment and already there are a ton of games this year. Waiting for the Order 1886(just curious to see the final reviews), project cars, witcher 3, batman, uncharted 4, the new tomb raider, quantum break, halo 5 (on halo 2 now with MCC), bloodborn and any news on the next mass effect,evolve is on my list too. going to start the beta tonight
Rygers81
January 15, 2015 at 11:03
Have a baby. 6 weeks so far without even glancing in the direction of my console. One day when the blighter sleeps for more than a few hours at a time I’m going to return to my first love and it’ll be magical.
Brady miaau
January 15, 2015 at 12:04
Good luck. Hang in there. It does get ok. I played Heart of the Swarm when my little one was 4 weeks old, just out of hospital with a serious bladder infection. When she and Mommy slept, I played for a while and then slept too.
z1n
January 15, 2015 at 12:21
Project CARS 2014 (actually all of 2014’s driving titles) was a big downer for me. Project CARS 2015!!! I’m so excited. Finally a decent racing sim.
mojowblowjoe
February 21, 2015 at 02:56
I have the feeling 2015 could very well be the start of a new gaming crash, too many people this time around feel like they waisted money getting a next gen console(i mean its been long enough that one AAA title should have been a big winner though to some da:i would be that I question if its only because 2014 was so bad), Also I think more and more hardcore gamers are sick of feeling like console/pc games are more like mobile games then classic’s that you’ll remember for years……like so many people being ok with 2014 because of indie games, yeah thats all great but thats not what most people got a ps4 or xbone for!