Audience’s Rights Reform #11: Recall glitchy, incomplete, or rushed video games
Far too often, video games are released without being fully developed or while still plagued with glitches. This is mainly due to the pressure imposed by release deadlines. It is unfortunate that post-release mass recalls do not occur as frequently as they should.
By conducting these recalls, game developers would have the opportunity to address and rectify the issues that gamers encounter. This would greatly contribute to improving the overall quality and functionality of the games in question. It is essential to prioritize debugging and ensure access to fully polished, enjoyable gaming experiences.
Example A: Pokémon Sword, Shield, Scarlet, and Violet
Before the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield, there was already a lot of controversy surrounding the exclusion of hundreds of Pokémon species from previous games. There are many petitions to add back the missing Pokémon. Although a few copies have been modified by hackers to include the absent Pokémon, true justice would require adding them to all existing copies.
This should be done through a complete replacement of the games, rather than creating an alternate version. Even if it has to be done by convincing one country at a time to force these edits. Key point: it’s not simply “what the people want”. It’s what’s right. There’s a difference.
These games’ existing add-ons, which add some but not all missing Pokémon, were an insult to fans. Acknowledging the problem, and then solving it only partially, is the ultimate middle finger to audiences. Justice means all the way, not just partway.
Besides Sword and Shield, this edit should also be applied to the subsequent games, and possibly even Let’s Go. Millions of people have already boycotted these games due to the removal of some Pokémon. The world needs to know: it’s never too late to mass-recall and patch! Unless we (as a global society) someday lose the technology to edit existing video games, there is no time limit.
Example B: Spyro 4: Enter the Dragonfly
Some video games are known for their numerous glitches due to their rushed release. One such game that I have played is Spyro 4: Enter the Dragonfly on GameCube. In one part of the second level, Crop Circle Country, the terrain occasionally vanishes without explanation.