Look, we all cringe when we see that there’s an update or patch for a game we love and have to wait for a bit for it to download just so we can play the title. Then, we have to HOPE that the patch/update works and that it doesn’t make things worse! It’s one of the worst parts of being a gamer in many ways, and that’s why many gamers hate patches and updates, especially for titles that JUST released. However, Masahiro Sakurai wants to point out that there is a purpose behind them when handled properly.
In his latest video on his Creating Games YouTube channel, he pointed out that the main reason behind updates and patches is multi-layered. First, AAA titles today are MUCH bigger than the non-patched up games of the past where they NEEDED to have everything as close to perfect at launch. Second, developers know that gamers are the best testers, especially when it comes to fighting games, which was proven via Super Smash Bros Ultimate on Masahiro Sakurai’s end. Finally, they just don’t have the time during development to playtest everything to find all the bugs!
So, while it’s true that patches and updates can be annoying, they’re often times the best way to fix things that the team missed. That being said, Sakurai did not that developers STILL should try and make the best version of their game at launch so that they don’t need to rely on updates and patches. You get that Sony, Xbox, …Bethesda?
