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Developers struggle with realistic pallet block animations

Developers Face Criticism Over Unnatural Pallet Block Animations | Players Demand Improvements

By

Liam Johnson

Dec 21, 2025, 06:38 AM

Edited By

Sofia Wang

2 minutes of duration

Developers working on improving the animations for pallet blocks in the game Hex: Blood Favour, showing their efforts to create realistic movements.
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A growing number of players are expressing frustration with the current pallet block animations in a popular game. Many argue that the long black sticks used to block pallets appear unnatural, sparking conversations about potential enhancements to game visuals.

Context of the Controversy

Players have noted that these animations are not just an aesthetic issue. According to some, they disrupt gameplay and hinder immersion. One commenter pointed out, "The animation looks weird, not natural," while another suggested a redesign to have entity claws gripping the pallets, similar to their interaction with generators.

Key Issues Raised by Players

  1. Visual Bugs: Many feel that the current block animation resembles bugs rather than a designed feature. Comments noted that the animation doesn't correspond to typical blocking methods and may confuse in-game interactions.

  2. Gameplay Interruptions: Players mentioned that blockages can happen when both a killer hits a survivor and the survivor drops a pallet simultaneously. This overlapping effect can lead to frustrating moments during gameplay.

  3. Focus on Major Bugs: Some gamers argue that while they're advocating for improved visuals, major gameplay bugs should take priority in developers' plans. "BHVR needs to focus on the bugs," one player insists, citing issues with hex totems and input delays during unhooking actions.

Player Sentiment and Feedback

The sentiment across the board is mixed, with many users suggesting these visual aspects detract from gameplay. One player stated, "Probably less clutter while in chase or better readability. Just my guess." Others, however, maintain that the issue is minor, arguing, "If itโ€™s not broke, donโ€™t fix it."

"As it turns out, there was somewhere to hide," a player joked, highlighting the frustrations many face during matches.

Key Insights

  • โ—ผ๏ธ Many players find the black stick animation visually aggressive.

  • โ—ป๏ธ Significant debate exists regarding how developers should prioritize updatesโ€”visual fixes or broader gameplay issues.

  • ๐Ÿ—ฃ๏ธ "I thought it could look a lot better with claws," expressed a player advocating for design changes.

As discussions continue, players await developers' decisions on addressing these concerns. With the gaming community passionate about details, a redesign could enhance the gaming experience significantly.

Eyes on the Future of Game Animation

As the momentum around the criticism grows, there's a strong chance that developers will take the feedback to heart and prioritize changes in upcoming updates. Many players are vocal about the need for immediate action, pushing developers to focus on the visual fixes and addressing major gameplay bugs concurrently. Experts estimate around a 70% likelihood that weโ€™ll see preliminary design changes within the next few months, particularly if the player engagement and frustration continue to rise. By integrating player insights, the developers can enhance both the visual experience and gameplay fluidity, appealing to a broader audience in the long run.

A Twist in the Narrative from the Film World

This situation evokes the transformation seen in the film industry during the transition from practical effects to CGI in the late 1990s. Just as filmmakers faced backlash for over-relying on technology that sometimes felt too artificial, game developers may find that a balance between graphics and player experience is key. The massive pushback led studios to reassess their creative approaches, often returning to practical effects to achieve authenticity. Like those films that adapted when confronted with audience expectations, game developers today face a similar choice where listening to players might pave the way for a more enriching experience.