What is the biggest issue with modern multiplayer games?
As a gamer, I can’t help but notice the glaring issues within the genre. From the lack of dedication to a finished product to the toxicity of other players, there are many areas that could use improvement.
One of the most frustrating things
is how dedicated developers seem to be to pushing cosmetics and optional purchases rather than ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience. It’s impossible to have a decent gaming session without encountering numerous issues – whether that’s a lack of dedicated servers in games that used to have them, or strict skill-based matchmaking in non-ranked modes.
This list highlights the biggest issues facing multiplayer games and explains why they’re so problematic. These are things we all notice, whether we’re playing competitive games like Rainbow Six: Siege or simply on the lookout for the best Fortnite skins.
Here are the biggest issues with modern multiplayer games:
Focusing on seasons and cosmetics has led to more microtransactions and less balance patches. Some games are so saturated with cosmetics that you can’t even tell what character you’re playing, which has a direct impact on the gameplay. Meanwhile, developers are more focused on developing their esports scenes than improving their games.
Toxicity is rampant in online gaming, and the inability to cooperate is hindering gameplay across different genres. Many users are sick and tired of other players who can’t accept defeat, are sore losers, or simply aren’t skilled enough to participate. The rise of pay-to-win mechanics only exacerbates the problem, leaving these players feeling frustrated and discouraged.
This structure, which seems to have been set by Fortnite, has become the norm in modern multiplayer games. However, there are some who say it depends on how much these updates actually change the gameplay. Others simply want developers to focus on developing exciting new gameplay mechanics instead of pushing cosmetics.
The idea of battle passes and live service models is another point of contention. Many users feel that the rewards in battle passes are often useless and that developers abuse them as a marketing ploy. Others appreciate games like Deep Rock Galactic, where the battle pass is free and the rewards are integrated into regular gameplay.
Another issue is the fear of missing out (FOMO). The excessive amount of content locked behind paywalls despite the high cost of games only adds to the discontent. The excessive amount of content is also a concern, as it perpetuates burnout and discourages players from returning if they feel they’ve fallen behind.
The shift towards hero shooters has left some players longing for the days of regular shooters with more customization options. The desire for games like old Titanfall, where you could customize classes, guns, perks, and more, is palpable.
Many players also feel that developers are pushing players to play the most efficient way possible, which often leads to weak mental attitudes. Some players feel that these games have become more like a job than a source of enjoyment.
MMORPGs, in particular, have undergone a significant shift towards being instanced single-player games. Other players have noticed the absence of social interaction in online gaming, which has killed the joy of playing together in person.
The gacha system is another issue that has garnered negative attention. Rigged matchmaking is also a concern, as it prevents players from having fair and competitive games. Unbalanced mechanics are also another point of contention, as they make it impossible to enjoy the game without taking a break to fix them.
In the end, it’s clear that the biggest issues facing multiplayer games are lack of dedication, toxic player behavior, the prevalence of seasons and battle passes, fear of missing out, the overemphasis on hero shooters, and insufficient social interaction. In addition, many players feel that games are less fun compared to previous years and that the genre is oversaturated.
