Ubisoft is off to a very strong start with their new game Tom Clancy’s The Division. In an industry where people can be very quick to criticize I think it’s important to praise Ubisoft for taking the time to do the game right instead of rushing it to market. I remember the backlash from some people when the game was not featured at some conventions after being announced, I think many would agree that sometimes delaying the title can be a good thing when it allows for a better product and a smoother launch.
There were those who expected the game in 2015 and when delays occurred they were quick to make comments about trouble productions, graphics being scaled back, and other reports which riled up the masses who were eagerly anticipating the game. Those who know me know that I started in the gaming industry working for two different companies when I was a syndicated writer who is doing a weekly radio show. I saw firsthand games that were shoved out the door in incomplete status simply because it was either over time, budget, or release schedule for the shareholders. One famous one shipped without features that were prominently touted on the box and were not added until almost a year after the game hit shelves. When millions of dollars are on the line not to mention the start of a new franchise; it is important to remember the fact that game development and publishing is a business. Like a filmmaker, most developers always want more time and money to add even more features and polish to again before it ships.
The publishers have to contend with multiple factors such as investment, marketplace competition, their shareholders, expectations, and other projects that are currently in development. Release schedules and production times do change such as the nature when working with complicated computer programming, but there’s also a lot to be said about looking at a program and saying good enough ship it or let’s give this another 6 to 8 months and see what we can fix and improve. Few titles reach the market in their original concept state as when you work with a team of developers as well as factoring in business concessions, things are going to change. Sometimes the scope of the game can contract or expand, features can be dropped or added, platforms can be adjusted, as can system requirements for PC users. While I’m sure many people would absolutely love to have been playing the game last year, patience can be a virtue. In this regard Ubisoft should be praised for making a smart business decision and not rushing the game to market as it is clear that the extra time and attention was well spent
