2023: A Year of Gaming Resurgence
The year 2023 was not just another chapter in the gaming industry; it was a testament to the resilience and potential for growth within the realm of video games. It was a year that saw the release of highly anticipated titles like the long-awaited Diablo sequel, a new and engaging Star Wars game, and innovative surprises such as Dave The Diver and Dredge. Critical acclaim was showered upon games like Alan Wake 2 and the remarkable Armored Core 6. Moreover, an RPG emerged that was so exceptional it earned the highest review score in 16 years, a testament to its quality and impact.
However, the true narrative of 2023 was not just about new releases; it was about the concept of the ‘comeback’. This was a year that celebrated the revival of games through significant updates and patches, breathing new life into titles that may have stumbled at their inception. The gaming community witnessed first-hand how dedication and continuous improvement could transform the initial reception of a game into a success story, proving that a rocky start doesn’t always dictate the end of the journey.
Let’s delve into the standout comebacks of the year, where developers took feedback to heart and turned potential failures into gaming sensations that captivated players all over again.
(Image credit: DICE)
Battlefield 2042’s Remarkable Turnaround
At its launch in November 2021, Battlefield 2042 faced a barrage of criticism. Players were disappointed with the game’s class system, which lacked depth and teamwork due to the introduction of “Specialist” abilities. The maps, while visually impressive, were often criticized for being too sparse, leading to unengaging gameplay. However, the developers at DICE took these complaints seriously and embarked on a mission to revitalize the game.
Over the course of a year and a half, DICE released a series of updates that addressed the core issues. They introduced a proper scoreboard, voice chat, and the option for text chat with the enemy team. Map redesigns brought more cover and reduced downtime, while a classic variant of Conquest with a 64-player cap was added to bring back the feel of the traditional Battlefield experience.
The true turning point for Battlefield 2042 came with the rework of the class system, which found a sweet spot between classic class-exclusive abilities and the new Specialist gadgets. This change, along with Seasons 4 and 5, marked a significant comeback for the game, leading to a positive reception that has paved the way for a Season 6.
| Released | November 2021 |
|---|---|
| Launch Complaints | Classes, sparse maps, basic features absent, balancing |
| Comeback Moment | Class system rework and Seasons 4 and 5 updates |
(Image credit: DICE)
Just when you thought it was over, Battlefield 2042 pulls off an incredible comeback. The class system rework is a game-changer! #Battlefield2042Comeback
— Gamer Joe @GamingWithJoe.levelmastertutorials.com (@GamerJoe)
December 17, 2023
Cyberpunk 2077’s Staggering Upgrade
Released in December 2020, Cyberpunk 2077 initially left many players disheartened. The game was plagued with bugs, an underwhelming open world, and skill trees that lacked depth. The launch was a reputational disaster for CD Projekt Red, but the studio was determined to rectify the situation.
The turning point for Cyberpunk 2077 came with the free 2.0 patch in September 2023. This massive update overhauled the skill trees, introducing new abilities that revitalized combat and buildcrafting. A proper police system and car combat were also added, allowing players to fully immerse themselves in the Night City experience. The patch, along with the Phantom Liberty expansion, significantly improved the game’s standing in the community.
- Edgerunners update with new gigs and guns
- Transmog wardrobe system
- 2.0 patch with rewritten skill trees and new abilities
- Improved police system and car combat
- Phantom Liberty expansion
(Image credit: CD Projekt Red)
The 2.0 patch for Cyberpunk 2077 is nothing short of a miracle. It’s like playing a brand new game! #Cyberpunk2077Revival
— CyberFan @CyberpunkUpdate.levelmastertutorials.com (@CyberFan)
December 17, 2023
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide’s Class Overhaul
Upon its release in November 2022, Warhammer 40,000: Darktide was met with mixed reactions. The game suffered from performance issues and a lack of depth in its class system compared to its predecessor, Vermintide. The four playable classes felt limited, especially when contrasted with Vermintide’s five classes and their subclasses.
Developer Fatshark took the community feedback seriously and dedicated 2023 to improving the game. They enhanced performance, added a missing crafting system, and most notably, released a class overhaul patch in October. This update introduced new skill trees that significantly expanded the capabilities of each class, making the game more replayable and engaging.
The class overhaul, along with a free anniversary patch that included a new mission, marked a significant step forward for Darktide, showing the power of post-launch support and community-driven development.
(Image credit: Fatshark)
The class overhaul in Darktide is a game-changer! Fatshark really listened to the players. #DarktideComeback
— Warhammer Fanatic @DarktideUpdates.levelmastertutorials.com (@WarhammerFanatic)
December 17, 2023
Halo Infinite’s Ongoing Recovery
When Halo Infinite launched in November 2021, it was met with a mix of triumph and subsequent disappointment. The initial excitement quickly waned as players expressed dissatisfaction with the game’s monetization and progression systems. The reliance on a challenge system for progression, which many felt was improved only through purchases, was a particular point of contention.
However, the tide began to turn with the updates introduced in Season 5. 343 Industries rolled out new maps, AI enemies for Forge, and the much-requested ability to equip any helmet on any armor core. These changes, along with the introduction of PvE Firefight in early December, have contributed to a renewed sense of optimism for the future of Halo Infinite.
While there is still work to be done, particularly in terms of the in-game store prices, the positive momentum behind Halo Infinite is undeniable. The community is hopeful that 2024 will continue this upward trajectory.
(Image credit: 343 Industries)
Season 5 of Halo Infinite is a blast! Loving the new maps and the Firefight mode. #HaloInfiniteComeback
— Spartan Leader @HaloInfiniteNews.levelmastertutorials.com (@SpartanLeader)
December 17, 2023
