Developers That Rub You The Wrong Way

[Arafiro]

Lionhead for everything Fable related.

In what way? The Fable series is an excellent one.
I actually hope to work for Lionhead in the future because of B&W and Fable.

 

[Ice Car]

Namco Bandai.

Motherfuckers have so many Tales games in Japan.

And localize so few, despite a sizable fanbase.

Indeed. Also hate them for what they did to Symphonia in the sequel.

 

[GonzoGamer]

What developers rub you the wrong way?


....

I have some other major developers I'm not suppose to say anything bad about because they made X and X was a great game so that excuses them from any criticism ever but I'm tired now and don't feel like writing anymore.

So again, what developers do you dislike for one reason or another?

That?s bs. You?re allowed to badmouth any developer you want.
They all kind of rub me the wrong way. Even the ones who made games I really like. I love San Andreas but that doesn?t change the fact that R* has become too pretentious for its own good with this generation. Then they decided to make actual gameplay content ?bonus? pre-order dlc and that really rubbed me the wrong way. I loved Fallout 3 but I also recognize that Bethesda can?t produce a stable game to save their lives. And as excited as everyone is for Skyrim, I can?t help but feel it?s going to be an even bigger mess because of the new engine. Burnout 3 and Revenge were some of the best driving games of all time but since then Criterion has crashed the series into the mountain. Now it?s like any other racing game.
Then there?s studios like capcom who always have dlc on the disc so I don?t even bother with them anymore.
But these are corporations whos intention is to make as much money as they can for the shareholders. What really rubs me the wrong way are the fanboys who pretend that they don?t and refuse to accept a single criticism of these corporations.

 

[Azaraxzealot]

Going to get flamed for this but: Valve.

Not gonna flame, just gonna re-assess your points.

Valve
. take too long: So they should be whipped to work faster?
. DNF wasn't good: So no-one should ever strive again?
. "as a PC developer, they don't have a great relationship with consoles." Really?
. "They're just doing it for the money". Unlike every other company ever.
. 'We want everybody to enjoy our games!' - They probably do, y'know. All game developers want people to enjoy their games.
. the console release of TF2 - Valve attempted to fix that a number of times, but were just held to insane rules.
. pedestal theory - pointing out flaws in emotional, rather than logical arguments, isn't a pedestal. It's just that all of your flaws can be applied to other manufacturers and more. Even if we accept all of your criticisms as true, there are companies far worse.
. shoddy business: Care to give some examples?
. "We're going to release some community maps as DLC for the consoles!" And they might, but it's a little harsh to attack someone before they've had chance to fulfil their promise, isn't it?

Now if you still want to hate Valve because you don't like black and grey artwork, or the bald guy creeps you out or it once looked at your bird funny then fair enough.

But you don't seem to have any solid evidence to hate them, just feelings and misinformation.

My own personal hate figure is pretty obvious, but that's because of dodgy business practices, multiple lawsuits, suit-dodging, jack-booted non-payment and strip-mining IPS. All of which I've got a nice bookmarked link for. I could also hate them for all of your Valve reasons, but they're feelings rather than facts.

my problem with Valve? either all their games are in first person, highly linear (i like free-roaming games the best), or they just bought the right to a somewhat finished product from someone else (L4D and DoTA spring to mind). I have yet to see them break out of their comfort zone and make something completely different.

 

[Nimcha]

Obviously there's a bit of variation here or there, but the narrative is practically the same for each game, and for a studio praised for their storytelling abilities, it's not even a particularly original narrative. When they start using narratives other than "threat from beyond comes to take over the world", and actually start experimenting with storytelling techniques in a way which justifies their hype, I'll start supporting them again. As it is, they're a studio who make games with unremarkable gameplay and overrated, contrived stories.

Have you tried Dragon Age 2?

 

[repeating integers]

Another is the bastards behind Metroid: Other M (my brain refuses to remember them for the massive murder they did to that series). Seriously, you have to be pretty damn incompetent to ruin a series that is already so amazingly good and has the ground work already laid out for you. Its proof that almost all Nintendo protagonists shouldn't talk.

That would be the original creator of the Metroid series, directing Team Ninja.

 

[JohnDoey]

Those people that are making the new Twisted Metal. Jaffe or something is one of them. I hate that guy.

Not trolling just curious but whats your problem with Jaffe.

 

[Hobonicus]

Mostly BioWare because they are constantly praised for good writing and mature themes that their games don't actually have. Often fun games sure, but BioWare writers are clearly trying too hard at something that doesn't come naturally to them. It feels like they just use a simple checklist for every game like it's more of a business model than an artistic experience.

I find the rockstar hate funny, yes pc gamers, you dont get RDR and LA Noire, but lots of console gamers dont get PC games, really its quite petty, you seem to feel entitled.

How is it "entitlement" when nobody ever said consoles shouldn't have those games? People like you who turn it into some superficial competition are the ones who end up sounding entitled, the rest of us just want to play games. I'm kind of upset that I won't be able to play Red Dead Redemption and LA Noire, and that feeling has zero to do with fairness.

What I'm saying is, stop projecting your own entitlement and hiding behind the justification of trendy hate.

 

[OliverTwist72]

Developer-wise I'm not sure but I definately hate Activision.

Bethesda always irks me with their load of bugs.

Square Enix (not as a publisher as a developer, which some people seem to be confused if they see SE on the box) definately is on a downward slope.

 

[Nimcha]

Obviously there's a bit of variation here or there, but the narrative is practically the same for each game, and for a studio praised for their storytelling abilities, it's not even a particularly original narrative. When they start using narratives other than "threat from beyond comes to take over the world", and actually start experimenting with storytelling techniques in a way which justifies their hype, I'll start supporting them again. As it is, they're a studio who make games with unremarkable gameplay and overrated, contrived stories.

Have you tried Dragon Age 2?

No intentions to. The story may be better (or at least, more political and less fantastical), but I can't get enthused about any fantasy RPG which simply takes place in one city (Vagrant Story aside). I've heard plenty of criticisms for the game, and can't really be arsed to play through however many hours of repetitive levels and button mashing combat, just to experience a story that may be alright.

I see. Well, they did try something quite different with the story in that one. And I kind of liked it, even though I think they messed up the ending a bit.

But people don't seem to want that either, so as far as BioWare is concerned they can't win in that regard.

 

[Anaklusmos]

I knew as I said that someone would come up and say "YOUR WRONG AND HAVN"T EVEN PLAY IT!"

Sorry if I have a different opionion from you sir. But Its the same fucking game 12 years ago. The very same. Nothing new at all. Gather min/gas, build/turtle your shit. The campaign is fun, but "RPG" aspect is pretty lame. All thats different is their online. Thats it.

Also Relic, a AWESOME RTS company tries to do things different with each game. And they do it pretty well.

RPG?
Its an RTS.
You are hating an RTS game for being an RTS. Are you even sure that you are playing the right genre?
If you still think your complaint is valid then what do you think about this complaint?
"Dragon age 2 sucked because it did not have gun and was the same level up, collect equipment, hire party member bullshit that bioware releases."

Have you play the SP yet? Please tell me if you did. Cause in the Story, you can make two decision on who to help. Like save a human colony, or destory it due to them being infected by zerg. Why have this choice if it isn't going to play out in the next game? Or use points you get to buy a few different units. So it has a few "RPG" elment in choice making. Next time you try to quote me , do your reseacher.

You can though. If you help Nova then you can research Ghost technology which means you can build Ghosts and if you help Tosh you can build Spectre units. If you help the Colonists (save them) you gain Zerg research, the points of which can be used to research different upgrades and different buildings or units. Or if you get Protoss research same rules apply. The reason it doesn't play out in the next game is because the decisions you make have no influence upon the next game/expansion. Because the next game is about the Zerg, so I don't understand why Jim Raynor helping Spectres would influence how Kerrigan destroys planets.

 

[Outcast107]

I knew as I said that someone would come up and say "YOUR WRONG AND HAVN"T EVEN PLAY IT!"

Sorry if I have a different opionion from you sir. But Its the same fucking game 12 years ago. The very same. Nothing new at all. Gather min/gas, build/turtle your shit. The campaign is fun, but "RPG" aspect is pretty lame. All thats different is their online. Thats it.

Also Relic, a AWESOME RTS company tries to do things different with each game. And they do it pretty well.

RPG?
Its an RTS.
You are hating an RTS game for being an RTS. Are you even sure that you are playing the right genre?
If you still think your complaint is valid then what do you think about this complaint?
"Dragon age 2 sucked because it did not have gun and was the same level up, collect equipment, hire party member bullshit that bioware releases."

Have you play the SP yet? Please tell me if you did. Cause in the Story, you can make two decision on who to help. Like save a human colony, or destory it due to them being infected by zerg. Why have this choice if it isn't going to play out in the next game? Or use points you get to buy a few different units. So it has a few "RPG" elment in choice making. Next time you try to quote me , do your reseacher.

You can though. If you help Nova then you can research Ghost technology which means you can build Ghosts and if you help Tosh you can build Spectre units. If you help the Colonists (save them) you gain Zerg research, the points of which can be used to research different upgrades and different buildings or units. Or if you get Protoss research same rules apply. The reason it doesn't play out in the next game is because the decisions you make have no influence upon the next game/expansion. Because the next game is about the Zerg, so I don't understand why James Raynor helping Spectres would influence how Kerrigan destroys planets.

That's why I said its pointless to try to have RPG elements in the game. If it not going to be something that hurts/helps me later on rather then just "Do this for this unit to use and we will never speak of this again." It just pointless.

 

[Kahunaburger]

Bioware are really starting to rub me up the wrong way. Not because any of their games are bad as such, but because of the constant assertion that 'they're brilliant storytellers',when they're really not.

What Bioware are good at is characterisation. They give their characters a little more life than your average developer. But good characters =/= good story. In fact, they've been recycling the same story for years now- A once forgotten evil appears and ravages the land/galaxy. Your character, a member of an elite unit, has to travel around, assemble a team, and ultimately defeat it, all the while deciding whether to be a nice guy or an arse.

Spoiler

KotOR: The Sith have appeared once again and are taking over the galaxy. You play a Jedi who has to confront Darth Malak, who is leading their takeover attempt, all the while deciding whether to be Light Side or Dark Side.

Jade Empire: The dead have appeared, and are taking over mythical China. You play a warrior monk who has to confront the Jade Emperor, who is responsible for their return, all the while deciding whether to be Open Palm or Closed Fist.

Mass Effect: The Reavers have appeared once again, and are attempting to take over the galaxy. You play a SPECTRE agent who has to confront Sovereign/Harbinger the Reapers responsible for their return, all the while deciding whether to be Paragon or Renegade.

Dragon Age: The Darkspawn have returned once again, and are attempting to take over/slaughter Thedas. You play a Grey Warden who has to confront the archdemon responsible for their return, all the while deciding whether to be a douchebag or not.

Obviously there's a bit of variation here or there, but the narrative is practically the same for each game, and for a studio praised for their storytelling abilities, it's not even a particularly original narrative. When they start using narratives other than "threat from beyond comes to take over the world", and actually start experimenting with storytelling techniques in a way which justifies their hype, I'll start supporting them again. As it is, they're a studio who make games with unremarkable gameplay and overrated, contrived stories.

This is more or less how I feel about Bioware, too. I like the gameplay in Mass Effect 2 and Dragon Age: Origins, and in the rest less so. The big narratives are really nothing to write home about.

I think the characters are good for what they are. They don't feel as independent or credible as, say, the characters in Planescape: Torment, Prince of Persia:SoT, or Witcher games. (Example: we have no idea how the characters in Mass Effect 2 relate to each other because the game never really shows us.) And they aren't as entertaining as the characters in Psychonauts. The aim seems to be to strike a happy medium between the two extremes, and Bioware seems to be pretty good at that.

They are very good at some things, though. Some of the loyalty/recruitment missions in Mass Effect 2 are inspired. And the whole experience is very polished - none of the gameplay, UI or difficulty issues that affect all the other games I mentioned here. So they're pretty good. It's just that they could be so much better haha.

 

[Anaklusmos]

-Snip-

I thought one of your faults with the game was the fact that your choice didn't allow you to build new units?

Or use points you get to buy a few different units.

 

[Kahunaburger]

Another is the bastards behind Metroid: Other M (my brain refuses to remember them for the massive murder they did to that series). Seriously, you have to be pretty damn incompetent to ruin a series that is already so amazingly good and has the ground work already laid out for you. Its proof that almost all Nintendo protagonists shouldn't talk.

That would be the original creator of the Metroid series, directing Team Ninja.

That guy's like the George Lucas of video games haha.

 

[Gorilla Gunk]

and really like their efforts to represent gay characters in games.

This is one of the things I hate about Bioware the most. It's like they got the weird secretary who reads yaoi and writes Twilight slash fiction in her spare time to handle all the gay characters in their games because everybody else was just too damn manly and heterosexual to deal with it. Appreciate the effort Bioware but that's all it is, an effort, a horribly misguided effort and I wish they'd stop or get an actual, real-life flesh-and-bone homosexual on their writing staff because they obviously don't know what they're doing.

 

[Kahunaburger]

and really like their efforts to represent gay characters in games.

This is one of the things I hate about Bioware the most. It's like they got the weird secretary who reads yaoi and writes Twilight slash fiction in her spare time to handle all the gay characters in their games because everybody else was just too damn manly and heterosexual to deal with it. Appreciate the effort Bioware but that's all it is, an effort, a horribly misguided effort and I wish they'd stop or get an actual, real-life flesh-and-bone homosexual on their writing staff because they obviously don't know what they're doing.

I agree with you that most of the gay romances aren't very well handled, but really only because most of the romances aren't well handled. I just give them props for doing it at all given the general state of the representation of gay characters in games.

 

[speakeasysyn]

Bioware: DLC...

My DLC wasn't actually working. I paid money for it and got a piece of shit.

Valve: Buying/Trading items

It's not a BAD idea, but when people are practically stripping for you to trade their shit for you shit, it gets annoying and pulls away from the game.

Square Enix:

When they re-release a game because the profit on the original sucked, THAT annoys me....

Also, their cutscene quality in comparison to their game play quality. They should just make movies instead of video games.

 

[Gorilla Gunk]

. "as a PC developer, they don't have a great relationship with consoles." Really?

They're not a PC developer, they're a game developer. There's a difference.

 

[pixiejedi]

and really like their efforts to represent gay characters in games.

This is one of the things I hate about Bioware the most. It's like they got the weird secretary who reads yaoi and writes Twilight slash fiction in her spare time to handle all the gay characters in their games because everybody else was just too damn manly and heterosexual to deal with it. Appreciate the effort Bioware but that's all it is, an effort, a horribly misguided effort and I wish they'd stop or get an actual, real-life flesh-and-bone homosexual on their writing staff because they obviously don't know what they're doing.

HA! That is funny considering I'm pretty sure Mike Laidlaw, the writer for at least DA2, but could be other, is indeed a homosexual himself.

OT: I have to say Valve, I get sick of the whole high horse thing fans are about them. Several people have mentioned DNF and said that Valve isn't like that. The argument isn't so extreme. There needs to be balance between time and quality. A lot of times things can get better with a deadline. Portal and Portal 2 are good, but when I hear reviewers say things like "I feel honored to have gotten the opportunity to review this game" about it makes me annoyed. I didn't like Half Life, at all.