Do first impressions have that much influence anymore?

Thrasher · April 17, 2017, 05:48:15 PM

With updates, DLC, etc. a game that was terrible at launch can turn out to be a good game, albeit later on in it's lifespan. So, it begs the question: Do you put a lot of stock in initial reviews/gameplay videos when making a purchase?

Doctor Doom · April 17, 2017, 06:03:17 PM

Corrupt Setter · April 19, 2017, 02:50:31 PM

I think it does matter. If a game is lacking day one I'm pretty much turned off to the game. And 6 months later or so after they've addressed their problems I've already moved onto other games and don't really care anymore.

FatherlyNick - fuck putin · April 19, 2017, 02:58:27 PM

Unless its a trusted developer or a franchise that has had consistent quality - you might give it a chance to get its shit together, otherwise the devs have to try really hard to bring people back.

Also depends on how much you were hyped for it.
I tend to not follow a game pre-release, all I care about is its release date. Once its released, I look around at peoples reactions and this mentally prepares me for what to expect in my first minutes with the game.

Coco · April 19, 2017, 07:50:22 PM

Yes, because misleading or uninformative ad campaigns.

Luciana · April 19, 2017, 10:48:43 PM

Of course they do. As Miyamoto says.

"A delayed game is eventually good, but a rushed game is forever bad."

The perception on launch, especially after a big build up (especially especially with a triple A game), will easily always have a negative connotation associated with it to the masses. Games like Rome 2 eventually fixed their problems, but it stained the trust fans have in Creative Assembly. Though their DLC policies don't help.

Even games like Battlefield 4, which was EVENTUALLY fixed and insanely fun to play, will always be remembered for its botched launch. It was a big reason DICE stressed they wanted a stable Battlefield 1 launch.

Those are just examples off the top of my head. Sadly it happens too much. I know No Man's Sky is currently the biggest sinner of that, though I don't even think that is getting fixed.