It’s hard to argue that nothing has changed from the last console generation to this one. We have seen many layoffs, the rise of indie games, the saturation of genres and memes a plenty. Even though we are well underway with this console generation I still think that developers and publishers can still learn a thing or two from the mistakes made last gen.
Do:
Kickstart/ Crowd Fund Unpopular Projects
It was Tim Schafer and his company Double Fine that did the impossible; release a point and click adventure game in this modern era. Every publisher turned him down since Point and Click was out and FPS was in for PC. Kickstarting Broken Age was just the start. Fans helped Mega Man creator Keiji Inafune fund Mega Man’s spiritual sequel Mighty No. 9 after the cancelation of Mega Man Legends 3. It has been shown that if gamers want it, they will put their money where their mouth is. So Mother 3 anytime soon Nintendo?
Re-release older titles as download or High Definition
It has been coined by me that this and last generation has been the remake, remastering and run back generation of consoles. Gamers are all about up-resing old games to the latest and greatest aspect ratio or even fully remaking the whole game. Capcom may have gone a bit far with remastering a remake of the original Resident Evil but they are the same company that sold the same game that played a bit faster. Out of anything on this list, this is what developers are currently doing, with Definitive Editions of The Last of Us, Tomb Raider and Sleeping Dogs. Now if we can only get that Final Fantasy 7 remake…
Have Developer Commentary as a Second Playthrough option
This is more of a personal request but an option that is missed in 90% of games. If you are like me you continually beat on the games are art drum. But sometimes, even I’m too stupid to see the symbolism or meaning behind a crate or funny looking texture. This is where a developer commentary comes in. Sure it breaks the illusion but I see a game as a gallery and the developer as it’s curator. After I have experienced everything, they will come down and explain reasons, motifs and funny stories of why they are and must be. Its a small touch but greatly appreciated by gaming aficionado who like to go beyond the call of duty.
Facilitate safe and friendly play environments
Last generation news articles was plagued by feminism, toxic environments, and comments about a sexist industry. Even today Xbox Live is filled with youngsters insulting people based on race, sexuality, and threats of assault that may or may not be based on non-consensual congress. This has to stop! Its surprising the lack of censorship or control developers have enforced causing this environment to become the norm. It just doesn’t seem right. I can understand the backlash companies will get for censoring foul language due to first amendment etc. but how about rewarding exceptional behaviour with free avatar clothes, discounts, or rare items for being a pillar of the community? It may be a lot of work to manage but its a step we need to take if we want to scrub off the stereotype left by that movie Gamer.
Release Half Life 3 and The Last Guardian
Seriously guys, what you even doing with these games? Do we have to wait Forever?
Don’t
Have impossible/ annoying/ achievements that don’t follow this list
I was going to list reasons why multiplayer and leaderboard achievements are stupid but I think Rooster Teeth put it better than me:
Achievements are a way of making single player competitive. And they should never be out of the player’s control.
Exploit DLC/ Free to Play Methods/ Always online DRM/ Microtransactions- Cheap Business Exploits
Each of these pieces were going to be separate but I decided to lump them all into bull shit business practices. As an avid viewer of The Jimquisition and a Sterling-maniac for life I am well aware of the shady side of video game publishing, thanks to his weekly videos. DLC was defined as a way to extend a game’s playability for a small fee but now is seen as a way to break up games into smaller chunks and selling the broken up core experience for full retail price. DRM while protecting the manufacturer from piracy treats consumers as animals causing them to jump through one more set of hoops to play their game. Gamers are sick of not being entitled the full experience day one
Stop Cutscenes when the Guide is open/ Have Unskippable Cutscenes
Ever wanted to replay a game you’ve completed but are tired of watching the extremely long opening cutscene? “I could just open the guide and message a few friends, check my achievements, or downloads… OH! The cutscene has stopped, I guess I’ll have to watch the whole thing again…”
Its surprising the amount of times I’ve had this run through my head. I honestly don’t mind having non-skippable cutscenes as it gives me time to check my messages or trophies. But when it stops the whole game just because I’m not paying attention, it ends up being very frustrating. Sometimes people just want to play the game without sitting through the story.
Have Region Locks
I can harp on and on about how things are unfair in the video game industry; consoles never reaching PC capabilities, region/ store specific pre-order bonuses, inappropriate representation of women in games. The list goes on. But something I have learnt to accept is that sometimes Japanese games should just stay in Japan. It was difficult enough to get Okami to sell when it was released in the west so I highly doubt games like; Zombies vs. Ambulance, The Mini Skirt Police or Dog of Bay would fare any better. So publishers please allow the hardcore to import weird and wonderful japanese games without the need for a foreign machine. The PS3 has shown that it is possible to make it a whole generation by being region lock free (apart from Persona 4: Arena)
Play catch up with Nintendo
Hey remember when Wiis were selling out because everyone wanted to get their waggle on? Then as the fad subsided Sony and Microsoft wanted to get their waggle on too and both peripherals became a laughing stock. Nintendo may be the old boy in the console race but it doesn’t mean competitors should be nipping at their. So what I’m trying to say here is; don’t release a screen tablet thing Microsoft or Sony. It won’t end well.
The Electric Press 
boy no just no