Gamers are playing the waiting game when it comes to enjoying an annual avalanche of new titles traditionally on the shelves and available from online retailers in November.
Although some may be disappointed, many players in Bahrain are happy to hang fire until the New Year if it means the developers are able to perfect their offerings.
“A rushed game is a public relations disaster nobody wants to see,’ said Mohammed Zubari, 26, from Riffa.
“A delay can be a good thing so the game can be a more refined package instead of being a waste of money. Take your time developers, we still have other games to play!”
Historically, November has been a jam-packed month for video game connoisseurs, serving as a prelude to the holiday season as major labels cash in on Christmas sales around the world with perfect stocking fillers.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic has plagued industries and supply chains all over the world and pandemic restrictions also put a halt to the development of many high-profile games.
One much-awaited release thwarted by circumstances beyond its control is Elden Ring, an action role-playing game.
The unlikely collaborative effort between beloved game director Hidetaka Miyazaki and acclaimed Game of Thrones author George R R Martin has now been delayed from this week to February 25.
Normally, the January to March window is considered uneventful in the video gaming world with many major game developers taking a step back for brain-storming sessions.
Indie game developers usually take advantage of this gap in the market to make their mark in the sector and this year may miss out of crucial sales, according to industry insiders.
Elden Ring is not the only big time game set for an ‘uneventful season’ release.
It will be joined in the blockbuster ranks by Pokémon Legends: Arceus, WWE 2K22, Rainbow Six Extraction, God of War, Saints Row Remastered and Grand Theft Auto.
According to video game industry research analyst Michael Pachter, there has been an unparalleled incentive for publishers to delay development in order to refine gameplay and perfect graphics after last year’s highly-anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 was released.
The game had a cult following until its disastrous launch which led to its developer Projekt Reds’ stock value to drop dramatically.
The game was riddled with harrowing glitches. Critics and fans alike considered the game ‘unplayable’ and blamed a rushed launch. The experience served as a warning to other developers.
“I think the debacle of Cyberpunk taught people better to keep a game until it’s ready rather than to rush it out for the holidays,” Mr Pachter added.
Student Saud Al Salem, 21, from Nabih Saleh, said: “I don’t mind the wait, rushing makes it ‘laggy’ – it’s better if they take their time.”
For the uninitiated ‘laggy’ is a term used by computer nerds referring to video games, or Internet connections that are slow to respond – and also, in foreign movies, where the audio is not in sync.
Enthusiast Ahmed Abukabeer, 22, from Zinj, said: “To me, as a Bahraini gamer, the change in release date does not affect me that much because I’ll still buy the games regardless of when they are released.
“Although I would have preferred a summer release date because there’s more free-time!”
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