Some games get released with years of hype and excitement behind them, only to leave fans feeling let down due to various reasons. Developers often aim high and overpromise, but the final product sometimes falls short.
However, with enough time, dedication, and updates, some games eventually live up to the grand ideas the developers once had in mind originally. No Man’s Sky and Cyberpunk 2077 are two of the best examples, but they aren’t the only ones. Here’s a look at seven more games that took years to finally live up to their promises.
9. No Man’s Sky
When the game was first released, many players felt disappointed by the gap between the game’s promises and the actual experience. The expansive universe that was supposed to be full of endless possibilities ended up feeling extremely empty and repetitive.
But the developers didn’t give up. Over several years, they released numerous updates, gradually adding content and features that were initially promised. Now, the game is much closer to the ambitious universe that was originally promised, and one of the greatest redemption arcs in gaming.
8. Final Fantasy 14
Final Fantasy 14 is another story of redemption in the gaming world. The original release was so poorly received that the developers made the bold decision to completely rebuild the game from scratch.
This led to the creation of A Realm Reborn, a version that won over fans and critics alike. It took time, but the game eventually became one of the most beloved and played MMORPGs out there, with a rich story and engaging gameplay.
7. Star Wars Battlefront 2
Star Wars Battlefront 2’s launch in 2017 was filled with controversy, with players frustrated by the game’s loot box system that seemed to prioritize pay-to-win mechanics over fair play, and was extremely grindy and unfair.
The backlash was so severe that it led to significant changes in the game’s progression system. Over time, continuous updates and the removal of pay-to-win elements helped the game evolve into a more balanced and enjoyable experience.
6. Destiny
Bungie’s first new game after Halo promised players an expansive, sci-fi universe full of adventures. But at launch, many felt that the game didn’t fully deliver on its potential. The world felt somewhat incomplete, and the story was criticized for being thin, and the game overall really lacked content.
However, with each new update and expansion, the game grew closer to the game that fans had hoped for. Over the next three years, the developers added more content, but it was only with Destiny 2 that the game completed its initial promise.
5. Rainbow Six Siege
Rainbow Six Siege had a rocky start with limited content and a somewhat shallow experience, and a lot of jankiness, bugs, and glitches. However, the developers committed to improving the game, releasing regular updates that added new operators, maps, and features.
It then transformed into one of the leading tactical shooters in the industry. The game’s player base grew as more content was added, and the game became known for its intense, strategic gameplay.
4. Fallout 76
Bethesda’s first live service game’s launch was rough, to say the least. Players encountered numerous bugs that made it literally unplayable, and the game was criticized for lacking the depth and polish expected from Bethesda, even at a bare minimum level.
However, the developers didn’t abandon the project. Over time, they introduced significant updates and expansions, including Wastelanders, which brought NPCs and more story-driven content to the game which were highly requested. Fallout 76 has since become a far more enjoyable and stable experience, and even more players have come to the game after Amazon’s Fallout show.
3. The Division
Ubisoft Massive’s MMORPG was another game that faced criticism at launch, primarily for its lack of endgame content. Players found themselves running out of things to do once they hit the level cap.
But the developers listened to the feedback and introduced a series of updates and expansions that added more content and a better endgame experience.
Over time, the game evolved into a more complete and satisfying game, offering a richer experience for players, but yet again, it was only with The Division 2 that the original promise was fulfilled.
2. Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves was initially criticized for its lack of content, with players feeling that the game didn’t offer enough activities to keep them engaged. However, the developers continued to expand the game and listened to community feedback.
With each update, the game became more vibrant and filled with good content, offering players a wide range of activities. What started as a shallow experience eventually became a rich sandbox for pirate game enthusiasts, and this continued with the game’s release on PS5 earlier this year.
1. Cyberpunk 2077
Perhaps the most impressive turnaround on this list, CD Project Red’s highly anticipated game had one of the most infamous launches in recent memory.
The game was riddled with game-ruining bugs and glitches, and sub-720p, sub-20fps gameplay on last-gen consoles, whose gameplay was intentionally never shown until launch.
As for gameplay and depth, many players felt that it didn’t live up to the hype, with plenty of obvious features that just weren’t there. Over time, the developers released dozens of patches and updates that gradually improved the game’s performance and fixed many of the issues.
Today, Cyberpunk 2077 is far closer to the immersive RPG experience that was initially promised, with a great story, complex characters, and a highly detailed open world.
