In contemporary gaming, a common frustration arises when a quality-of-life update ironically rectifies a nagging issue just as a game is concluded.
In the world of video gaming, updates and improvements are a common sight, especially for popular titles released in recent years. Here are some examples of games that have undergone significant changes post-launch, enhancing the player experience.
System Shock Remake
Initially, the System Shock remake lacked a waypoint system in its launch version. However, an update was rolled out to include an easy mode waypoint system, making navigation through the game less daunting for players.
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered
Released in 2025, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered received extensive quality-of-life (QoL) changes to modernize the user experience beyond just graphics. Improvements were made to gameplay systems and interface for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, providing a more polished and enjoyable gameplay experience.
Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade
Launched in 2024, Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade offered a next-gen upgrade including two new performance modes for PS5. Additionally, it featured quality-of-life content expansions such as Intermission DLC with new characters, side quests, and minigames, providing a wealth of additional content for players to explore.
Pathfinder: Kingmaker
Pathfinder: Kingmaker was updated to include an optional turn-based combat mode, catering to players who prefer a more strategic approach to combat.
Disco Elysium
An update for Disco Elysium introduced full voice-acting, adding a new layer of immersion to the game.
Blue Prince
Blue Prince's updates allowed certain doors and a safe to remain open once solved, eliminating the need for repetition and streamlining the gameplay experience.
Owlcat Games
Owlcat games, such as Pathfinder: Kingmaker, tend to get significantly better a year after they are finished, with updates addressing bugs, balancing gameplay, and adding new content.
Promise Mascot Agency
An update for Promise Mascot Agency will allow the truck to perform a rail-grind, adding a new and exciting gameplay mechanic to the game.
Jody Macgregor's Writing Career
Jody Macgregor, a renowned writer in the gaming industry, has written for multiple gaming publications, including Rock Paper Shotgun, The Big Issue, GamesRadar, Zam, Glixel, Five Out of Ten Magazine, and Playboy.com. His unique perspective and insightful analysis have made him a respected voice in the gaming community.
In 2017, Macgregor edited PC Gamer Indie, and his first article for the publication was about the audio of Alien Isolation, published in 2015. Prior to his career in gaming journalism, Macgregor was a music journalist who interviewed everyone from Giorgio Moroder to Trent Reznor. He also co-hosted Australia's first radio show about videogames, Zed Games.
Interestingly, Macgregor's cheques from his writing career, including from Playboy.com, made for fun conversations at the bank due to their distinctive design.
Frustrations with Post-Launch Changes
Despite the benefits of post-launch updates, there is a downside to this practice. Some players express frustration when games are updated with significant changes after they have uninstalled them, leaving them unable to experience the improvements.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, it's likely that we'll see more games undergo post-launch updates, aiming to provide the best possible experience for players.
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- The System Shock remake, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, Final Fantasy VII Remake: Intergrade, and Pathfinder: Kingmaker are examples of popular games that have been enhanced post-launch, offering improvements in navigation, gameplay systems, and additional content to provide a more polished and enjoyable player experience.
- An update for Disco Elysium added full voice-acting, while Blue Prince's updates streamlined the gameplay experience by allowing certain doors and a safe to remain open once solved.
- Despite some players expressing frustration when games are updated with significant changes after uninstallation, the gaming industry continues to evolve, with an increasing number of titles undergoing post-launch updates to provide the best possible experience for players. [To add: Jody Macgregor, a renowned writer in the gaming industry, provides insightful analysis on these updates and their impact on the player experience.]
