What's Happening?
Dean Hall, the creator of DayZ and CEO of RocketWerkz, has publicly advocated for the normalization of game delays to enhance the quality of video games. During a recent AMA session, Hall discussed the pressures developers face to meet release deadlines, which often lead to 'crunch culture' and can compromise the quality of the final product. He emphasized that while financial pressures are a factor, much of the urgency is driven by perception and the fear of disappointing players. Hall highlighted that delays are often necessary to achieve the desired quality, citing RocketWerkz's own experiences with delayed releases, such as the Dangerous Horizons expansion for Icarus. He urged consumers to support delays and communicate to major platforms
like Xbox and PlayStation that such delays are acceptable.
Why It's Important?
The call to normalize game delays is significant as it addresses the broader issue of 'crunch culture' in the gaming industry, where developers work excessive hours to meet deadlines. This culture can lead to burnout and negatively impact the quality of games. By advocating for delays, Hall is pushing for a shift in industry standards that prioritize quality over rushed releases. This could lead to better working conditions for developers and higher quality games for consumers. The support of consumers in accepting delays could influence major gaming platforms to be more flexible with release schedules, potentially leading to a healthier industry overall.
What's Next?
If Hall's advocacy gains traction, it could lead to a cultural shift within the gaming industry where delays are more widely accepted and even expected. This might encourage other developers to prioritize quality without fear of backlash from consumers or platform holders. Additionally, if major platforms like Xbox and PlayStation respond positively to this movement, it could set a precedent for more flexible release schedules across the industry. However, it remains to be seen whether consumers and platform holders will embrace this change, as the current market dynamics heavily favor timely releases.
