Publishers need to stop announcing games that are still years away from launch, gamers agree

Gamers are urging developers to stop the frustrating trend of announcing new games years before they’re scheduled for release.

It’s always a bit irritating when a new game gets announced, only for it to have a release date set for two or three years after it was initially revealed. It’s actually gotten worse recently, with a prime example being the highly-anticipated Elder Scrolls VI, which got a brief teaser all the way back in 2018, and nothing since.

Sure, it’s fun to see what new games are on the horizon, especially if they’re a new entry in a beloved series, but once the hype has died down, all you’re left with is an exceptionally long wait time, and the occasional update on the game’s development.

Gamers have had enough though, and are now calling for developers to stop announcing games years prior to their release.

The call to action came from a Reddit thread that’s amassed nearly 2,000 upvotes, which reads: “Can games companies PLEASE stop releasing trailers/teasers that are several years away?

“I don't understand it. You get everyone hyped up that a long awaited sequel or remake is coming, but then its 5 or even 10 years out …”

While new releases obviously need a lot of time for planning, development and bug fixing, it’s true that the wait times are getting pretty ridiculous. Another great example is Grand Theft Auto VI, which has reportedly been in the works for a while now, but hasn’t even gotten a trailer yet. In fact, some gamers are genuinely scared that they’ll die before it releases.

Several commenters agreed with the post, many of which have less of a problem with the time games take to develop, and more of an issue with the void that’s left between announcement and release.

“I don't mind a short announcement to let people know it is in the works, even if it's early stages. Or as another user said, to attract investors, devs, etc. However, some of it is taken a bit too far. Elder Scrolls 6 announcement was over 5 years ago... That's just ridiculous lol”

“As others said, it's not only about player hype. My problem with game industry is that they announce a game and then go complete radio silent for years. In this time everyone set their own expectations and only very close to release do they actually show what the game is, which leads to a lot of disappointment.”

“‘Beyond Good and Evil 2’ is now at 15 years since its initial trailer with no signs it is coming anytime soon if at all. Someone born when that trailer was shown will likely be an adult before it happens (if it happens).”

As frustrating as it is, it’s a trend that’s unlikely to change in the gaming industry. As many of the commenters pointed out, reveal trailers also aim to draw in investors as well as new developers, not just be a marketing tool for consumers.