In 2024, the video game industry boasted an impressive revenue of $282 billion. However, this success is tempered by an increasingly common practice among game developers—releasing unfinished games that rely heavily on post-launch patches to meet even the most basic expectations. This strategy, fueled by the pressure of corporate deadlines and the demands of live-service models, has not only shaken player confidence but also redirected development priorities.
Troubled Launches and Their Costs
Take for instance the missteps seen with major releases such as Cyberpunk 2077 in 2020 and Battlefield 2042 in 2021. Cyberpunk came with a hefty 43 GB patch on launch day, yet still faced significant backlash including lawsuits and removal from the PlayStation Store due to numerous bugs, particularly on console versions. Similarly, Battlefield 2042 hit the shelves missing essential features like voice chat, which contributed to a dramatic 75% drop in its Steam player base within a mere three months.
The push to meet strict financial deadlines often results in these unfinished releases. Look at Ubisoft’s XDefiant, which was discontinued in June 2025 after failing to maintain a player base, leading to 277 layoffs. Such failures are costly not only financially but also in terms of reputation, as illustrated by a 2022 PCMag survey revealing that 68% of gamers now prefer to wait months after a release before making a purchase.
The Update-Centric World of iGaming
The iGaming industry, while also dependent on constant updates, uses them for engagement rather than damage control. For instance, online casinos like SIA Casinos sprinkle in new offers and premium slot experiences to keep players intrigued.
These platforms employ AI to personalize bonuses, game variants, and tournaments on the fly. Unlike traditional video games, such updates in iGaming seek to enhance the player experience rather than remedy issues.
Adapting to the Games-as-a-Service Model
The acceptance of games-as-a-service (GaaS) has further embedded the culture of continuous updates into the gaming landscape. Games like Fortnite and Apex Legends dedicate a hefty 60–70% of their content budget to post-launch seasons, prioritizing long-term income streams over initial polish. This approach works well for big names, such as Capcom’s Monster Hunter World, which extended its audience by 72% with free expansions like Iceborne. However, it’s less forgiving for smaller studios. Although a title like Genshin Impact raked in $3.7 billion in 2023 through steady updates, many live-service games face closure within a year due to untenable development expenses.
Restoring Player Confidence
The pattern of relying on post-launch fixes has taken a toll on player trust. According to a 2022 survey by PCMag, a significant 68% of gamers are now cautious, opting to wait for reviews or major updates before buying new games, up from 45% in 2018. This caution is largely due to repeated frustrations with botched game launches, coupled with the increasingly large day-one patches, which often exceed 50 GB, posing a challenge for players with limited internet or storage.
The "release now, patch later" approach is frequently rooted in the corporate scramble to hit financial goals. Yet, companies like Nintendo are showcasing an alternative by choosing to delay releases—such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in 2023—to prioritize quality from day one. Developers looking to regain player trust and enhance game quality must focus on offering polished games at launch, utilizing updates for improvements rather than necessary fixes.
As the gaming market is anticipated to grow from $262 billion in 2023 to $312 billion by 2027, studios have a chance to align their strategies with player expectations, a move that will be pivotal for future success.
