game companies push software too quickly

[mailman187666]

I think that if all the major videogame companies wouldn't try to push all thier employees too quickly we would be able to see better games with far fewer bugs in them. Games now a days seem rushed just so a company can keep thier end of the bargain to the consumer of when it is supposed to be released. If all companies would take thier time and make everything right (without all the bugs, added little extras and secrets in games) the games industry would create games we've never thought of before. If the companies just told the public "it will be released in 2007/2008.", then they would be giving themsleves the extra time needed to make everything the way it is supposed to be without being afraid of letting the fan base of that title get pissed off. Zelda for Wii seemed to have taken quite a long step into the creation process, and I bet that game will be basically bug free and very deep experience. I as a consumer would be more pissed off buying a game that is full of bugs and seems like a shallow experience than I would be if the release date was pushed back and the game took an extra 6 months to make. Thoughts?

[Oobgarm]

I as a consumer would be more pissed off buying a game that is full of bugs and seems like a shallow experience than I would be if the release date was pushed back and the game took an extra 6 months to make. Thoughts?

Don't forget that the extra 6 months is $$ out of the developer's pocket, and companies are more willing to push and get it done rather than spend the extra resources to go over everything with a fine tooth comb. Plus, they can't guarantee that the extra time spent will translate into higher sales.

(I agree with what you're saying, though)

[PapaStu]

I as a consumer would be more pissed off buying a game that is full of bugs and seems like a shallow experience than I would be if the release date was pushed back and the game took an extra 6 months to make. Thoughts?

Don't forget that the extra 6 months is $$ out of the developer's pocket, and companies are more willing to push and get it done rather than spend the extra resources to go over everything with a fine tooth comb. Plus, they can't guarantee that the extra time spent will translate into higher sales.

(I agree with what you're saying, though)

DING DING DING! Oob is a Winna!

Development time and budget is the winner/killer of games. If they can do it quickly and under budget game developers/publishers are happy. If not, they are liable to loose millions and millions of dollars. Games still tend to have a lead time of 12-18 months, which many argue isn't enough (and it really isn't) but when your tying up as much money as these guys are into the hopefull mega blockbusters they really don't have a ton of choice. Wait too long and they could be trumped by someone doing the same thing slightly better (or even just first) and overshadowing them to no end. Most developers/publishers figure if they actually get a game out and it does well enough, they can just release a sequel and 'fix' or add in the stuff thats gotten left out of the previous instalment.