Why the next-gen is failing to live up to the hype

Since entering this “next generation” of gaming with the release of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, expectations for new games have never been higher. Games like Titanfall, Watch Dogs and Destiny (all of which are also available on last-gen systems) promised new, transformative gaming experiences. Things that were never possible on the Xbox 360 and PS3 were promised to us on the Xbox One and PS4. And so far, it’s just more of the same.

Excitement for these new “next-gen” games has never been higher, as evidenced by the record-breaking pre-order numbers. Before the game even releases — in some cases, before reviews have even been published — millions of copies have been sold. And then, when the game finally does release, it’s met with lukewarm reception as what was promised to be delivered isn’t actually there. It’s the same experiences we had last-generation, the same bland mechanics with maybe slightly better graphics. Even Call of Duty: Ghosts failed to match its predecessors.

So why is it that games aren't living up to the hype? It’s not that those aforementioned games are being hamstrung by the last generation. Heck, even next-gen only games like Killzone: Shadow Fall, Ryse: Son of Rome, and, to some extent, inFAMOUS: Second Son never really capitalized on the opportunity of being the first on next-gen systems — to truly set the stage for something magnificent in gaming. Again, it was more of the same, so it’s not like we can blame the Xbox 360 or PS3 for these games’ shortcomings.

So what is it? Is it a lack of originality by developers? Is it that publishers are too afraid to take chances? In some cases, it definitely could be either of those. But in my opinion, the real reason that new games aren't impressing us anymore is because of some of the best marketing we’ve seen yet. Publishers aren’t sparing a cent when it comes to advertising these blockbuster games, which is kind of funny (and sad) because maybe if they put that money into the development of the game then they could actually offer us something new.

Marketing is making it almost impossible for developers to deliver upon the promises made in the spotlight of a stage at E3. Think about all that was promised to us with Destiny. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the game (in fact, I’m one of the few that defend it), but there’s no denying there are some glaring flaws. A lot of people are disappointed with it. And we’re talking about a game that hit $325 million in sales in just its first five days. People were legitimately excited about this game — maybe too excited? If you recall, there were a number of previews when Activision and Bungie first started allowing people into Destiny that warned it was boring. Blinded by the glitz and glamour of advertising, many consumers ignored those early warnings, only to see those same problems exist in the final product. That, my friends, is damn good marketing. Props to Activision for selling a game long before reviews were published.

It’s not just Destiny, either. Just about every AAA blockbuster releasing between now and December has some major hype behind it. Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, Assassin’s Creed Unity, Sunset Overdrive — these are just a few examples of games that promise to be the next big thing. But really, are you expecting another Call of Duty or Assassin’s Creed going to truly revolutionize gaming? No, these are established franchises that will make subtle tweaks to their respective gameplay, but mostly offer the same type of experience. They’ll sell well due to hype and name alone, and then the complaints will start to roll out.

Is it the developer’s fault? Is it the publisher’s fault? Or is it simply delusions of grandeur set in place by some of the best marketing we’ve seen in decades. By the time these games are released, they will have been so force-fed down our throats that we might actually start believing the hype.

And ya know what? It’s only going to get worse. Even looking ahead to next year, Bloodborne, Evolve, The Order: 1886, Tom Clancy’s The Division (maybe?), all have tremendous hype surrounding them. Is it possible for these games to live up to our expectations when our heads are so up in the clouds?