Worst Updates That Totally Destroyed Your Favorite Games

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Summary

  • Updates are common but can save or ruin games, impacting their reputation.
  • Negative updates can lead to player backlash, necessitating developer response.
  • Examples like Far Cry & Destiny 2 show how updates may drastically alter games.

Gamers understand that updates are a routine part of gaming world. Developers employ them to rectify glitches, enhance gameplay, and introduce fresh content into games already launched. Some updates even rescue games, such as Cyberpunk 2077. Modern gaming has seen significant advancements, so the game you get on day one of launch is frequently transformed based on community input. Games like Assassin’s Creed Unity, which initially had numerous bugs upon release, can be salvaged through patches and updates. Today, Unity stands strong as the game it should have been from the start.

For every triumphant tale about updates, there’s often a risk that some updates might cause more harm than good. Sometimes, updates prompt unfavorable responses from players or even introduce new problems within the game. In numerous instances, developers take heed of feedback and rescind these changes. Yet, a single negative update can leave an indelible mark on a game’s reputation, which may prove hard to erase.

6. Runescape

The Evolution Of Combat Update Was A Bust

In the first part of the 21st century, Runescape, developed by Jagex, gained immense popularity. This game is a massive multiplayer role-playing game (MMORPG) that immerses players in the realm of Gielinor, allowing them to shape their own journey as they finish various quests.

When Runescape rolled out the Evolution of Combat update, it was touted as the next evolution for Runescape players, featuring an entirely new combat system. Despite being viewed as a significant upgrade, not all players were content with this change, having grown fond of the previous combat system. Thankfully, Jagex introduced Old School Runescape, reintroducing the old combat system and allowing players to opt between the newer version and the old school versions. However, following the launch of Old School Runescape, many believe that the Evolution of Combat update tarnished the original game’s charm.

5. Destiny 2

The Update Including “Sunsetting” Led To Community Backlash

Upon launching the Forsaken DLC for Destiny 2, players found themselves immersed in a wealth of fresh content, coupled with an update that drew significant criticism from the gaming community. The source of this disapproval stemmed from Bungie’s “Sunsetting” policy, which limited the upgrading potential of weapons and armor to a specific level. This change left players who aimed to conquer new endgame content in a predicament, as they were forced to acquire or buy new weapons if they wished to face the new content with their familiar gear, causing considerable dissatisfaction among those invested in using their existing weapons.

Thankfully, Bungie took the community’s feedback into account. In the Final Shape expansion, they eliminated the feature known as “Sunsetting,” enabling players to enhance their existing weapons to face fresh challenges instead.

4. Far Cry

The Original Far Cry’s 1.4 Patch Let Enemies Shoot Through Walls

Initially, the captivating game called “Far Cry” was created by Crytek, offering gamers an immersion into the lush Tropical Rain Forest located in the South Pacific. The lead character, Jack Carver, embarks on a mission to rescue a kidnapped journalist at the hands of mercenaries.

The mentioned update is patch 1.4. This particular release unintentionally incorporated a glitch into the game, enabling enemies to perceive players through walls and attack them. Consequently, this flaw made it challenging for players to retaliate before being eliminated. Fortunately, another fix was rolled out promptly to rectify the problem. However, during an update cycle, the chance of being attacked by a foe that is invisible to the player did temporarily spoil the gaming experience.

3. Super Smash Bros. For 3DS And WiiU

The Addition Of Bayonetta Broke The Balancing

The “Super Smash Bros.” series is a multiplayer fighting game set in an open environment, where players can select characters from multiple video game universes and engage in combat against friends or other online gamers. The title offers exciting and fast-paced action with each character boasting unique combo moves to knock out opponents by pushing them off the playing field.

When Bayonetta debuted in the version of Super Smash Bros. for WiiU, she turned out to be excessively potent. Those who opted for the new character enjoyed an unbalanced edge, and with a single combo, even skilled players could vanquish opponents. This sparked debates over banning Bayonetta in Super Smash Bros. tournaments. Thankfully, Bayonetta was tweaked to make her less effective, but for some gamers, this modification tarnished the experience of playing the game.

2. Star Wars Galaxies

The Trials Of Obi-Wan Expansion Led To Players Asking Sony For Refunds

As a devoted fan, I can’t forget my exhilarating journey through the galaxy in Star Wars Galaxies, an MMORPG that seamlessly integrated me into the iconic Star Wars universe. With the freedom to craft my unique character and pursue various jobs reflecting the expansive professions of this galaxy far, far away, I felt like a true space explorer, working tirelessly towards my personal aspirations. It was an absolute dream come true, captivating millions upon its debut. However, the magic faded with the introduction of the Trials of Obi-Wan expansion, which ultimately led to its downfall.

The update brought in extra content for several hours, but a week after launch, it overhauled the character development system. This revised progression system transformed Jedi into the starting profession within the game. This change had dire consequences on the game economy and further exacerbated a player base that was already dwindling. As a result, many players asked for refunds due to the decreasing player count. Eventually, the developers admitted they were sorry for introducing the New Game Enhancements, labeling it as an update that ultimately destroyed the game.

1. Forza Horizon 4

An Update Introduced A Bug That Made The Game Unplayable

In the open-world racing game Forza Horizon 4, you’ll find yourself navigating a virtual landscape modeled after Great Britain. Your objective is to excel in races, uncover hidden treasures, and perform daring stunts. The game initially garnered praise for its breathtaking open world and exceptional driving dynamics. However, one update unfortunately introduced several issues.

Some gamers found themselves unable to play after downloading a 7GB update in May 2021. Instead of launching the game, their Xbox displayed a black screen and shut down. This update not only marred the gaming experience but rendered it completely unplayable until a subsequent fix was issued several days later. Consequently, this is widely recognized as one of the updates that most severely impacted games.

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2025-02-01 16:04