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Why many gamers are disillusioned with modern gaming

Modern Gaming Sparks Frustration | Users Face Long Install Times and Online Requirements

By

Elena Russo

Jan 8, 2026, 02:03 PM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer looking upset while holding a video game console, surrounded by game discs and a computer with a loading screen, representing frustrations with modern gaming.
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Gamers are increasingly frustrated with modern gaming practices, raising alarms about lengthy install times, mandatory online accounts, and the challenges posed by hardware upgrades. This growing dissatisfaction highlights significant concerns about player autonomy and overall gaming experience.

Install Woes and Connectivity Issues

Many gamers express discontent with the time-consuming process of setup and updates. One source shared, "You buy a game, go home, and put your disc in, but then wait 30 minutes for the game to copy and deal with a 20 GB update." This sentiment recurs among people forced to juggle installation and online access before playing.

Account Creation Frustrations

Account creation is another sticking point. A commenter noted, "Dunno what games you play since I didnโ€™t need to create an account in the past years for any game." However, others argue that titles like Diablo 4 now require accounts to play, which some find unnecessary and cumbersome.

Hardware Upgrades: A Double-Edged Sword

Upgrading to the PS5 Pro doesn't always guarantee a better experience. Complaints about game performance on the new console arise, with several people noting games often run worse than on the base model. A user pointed out, "Many games are either broken on PS5 Pro or worse than the base PS5." This leaves players questioning whether the investment in new hardware is worth it.

The comments illustrate a clear divide in opinions: "Love it! Been gaming since the 90s!" said one user, while another replied, "Ah, another 20-year-old complaint."

Key Themes Emerging from User Feedback

  • โœ–๏ธ Long Install Times and Updates: Many players are unhappy about lengthy installation processes and mandatory updates.

  • ๐Ÿ”’ Mandatory Account Requirements: Increased need for online accounts frustrates players who miss the simpler past.

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Performance Issues on New Hardware: New consoles like PS5 Pro often disappoint regarding performance compared to predecessors.

As the gaming community grapples with these modern challenges, the question remains: Are these changes improving the gaming experience, or are they driving players away?

Trends to Watch in Gaming's Future

There's a strong chance that the gaming industry will pivot towards solutions addressing player concerns. With the growing backlash against long install times and mandatory account creations, we could see developers implementing more user-friendly features. Experts estimate around a 60% likelihood that publishers will work on streamlining the setup process, particularly with the rise of platforms emphasizing instant access to gameplay. Additionally, there's a push for more transparency regarding hardware performance, as players demand better experiences from newer consoles like the PS5 Pro, creating a competitive pressure on manufacturers to enhance quality over quantity in their releases.

Historical Echoes in Gaming

As we examine current frustrations within the gaming community, a striking similarity can be drawn to the advent of VHS tapes in the 1980s. Initially, consumers rejoiced at the ability to watch films at home, but were later annoyed by the lengthy rewinding process and compatibility issues with different players. Just like todayโ€™s gamers struggling with convoluted systems, VHS enthusiasts experienced a mix of excitement and dissatisfaction. Both situations reveal the persistent struggle between technological innovation and user-friendly design, suggesting that as the gaming industry evolves, it may also need to revisit the fundamentals of simplicity and accessibility.