Why are we still supporting shitty developers? *cough cough Epic Games*

“WHAT? Shitty developers? Epic Games? How could you say that Graeme? They’re like, totally, the developers of the game of the year, you just can’t use the building…” *It was at this point that Graeme stopped listening*

Seriously though, how can I say that when Epic does indeed have not one, but multiple Game of the Year titles under their stable? “It’s a bold move Cotton”.

Well, I’ll explain;

First off, let me say that I in no way, think games like Fortnite are shitty. It was an international craze - *cough cough fad* - for a reason. They took a booming genre of game and brought an interesting twist to the table with the building dynamic. They found a way to bring exciting content to the game on a weekly basis and I mean, freaking Marshmello did an event with them. So, to once again clarify, I don’t think that Fortnite is a shitty game – that pump shotgun on the other hand…

So, why do I think certain developers are shitty?

You see, I don’t just sit writing blog posts and playing video games all day (although, that’s the dream). I am also a small business owner and I consult to other businesses who, like me, must fight for market share on a daily basis. We are constantly fighting to give our clients the best service/ product, ensuring that their interaction with our company is above and beyond what our competitors provide, making sure that our price point is market relevant and the list of things goes on.

But then you get guys like the aforementioned. A company that has made such a large name for itself that it believes it doesn’t need to invest in South African servers for its player base. A company that would happily scrap massive titles like Unreal Tournament (also a GoTY title circa 1999) to focus on their cash cows. A company (and now I’m looking at you Bethesda) that would gladly charge the price of a full game, for one – YES ONE (MOSTLY MONO-COLORED) – cosmetic item! It’s insulting to the consumer and we, as the consumer, just keep on supporting them. We don’t bat an eye when there isn’t so much as a response to our petitions for support.

“Yes Mr. Developer, I’ll happily eat more of the shit you call service and price and additional content because your game is really, really good”.

Again, don’t get me wrong please, this is not a personal attack. I bought 5 seasons worth of battle pass’ for Fortnite and I am supporting EA in playing Apex Legends (which has also caused me endless frustration of late) - so I am, in turn, part of the problem, but what can we expect from developers if we keep on supporting them?

Well, *clears throat* I’m not entirely sure. I’d love to say it’s a clear-cut solution but unfortunately, I don’t think it is. Voting with your wallet is definitely a good start. Not buying in game cosmetics could be one viable option but therein, we’re still playing the game which in effect is still supporting the developer. Boycotting a franchise that you enjoy playing may be a bit of a “cut your nose off to spite your face” situation and would ultimately lessen your overall enjoyment while gaming which again, is just plain counter intuitive.

I think that one thing is clear though and that is that the South African gaming scene is growing and support from developers is essential. We need the same support from them, that we give. I may not have all the answers, but I wanted this to be my first article on FMG, because this is the sort of thing that we want to discuss here. We want to create a platform from which South African gamers can raise issues, become aware of issues and maybe even be the solution to issues. We are not just a blog here at FMG. We are a face for change. We are that “Mzansi magic” everyone talks about. We are Full Metal Gaming and we’re here to make a difference.

If you have a solution for what we just discussed, leave a comment. If one of your mates knows the answer, tag them. We want to get to know you!

Shot a lot,

Gray (Editor)

GT (PS): n2ut14

IG: graybland14