Why Installing Games Is Speedy| Patching Processes Cause Frustration
Edited By
Leo Zhang
In 2025, a significant conversation emerged among gamers regarding the speed differences between installing and updating games. Frustrations are building as players report that updates take much longer than fresh installs, prompting discussions on forums about the reasons behind these delays.
The Complexity of Patching
Installing a game usually involves downloading a compressed file and placing it directly in the game directory. In contrast, patching requires downloading changes, modifying files, and creating new ones, all of which can introduce delays.
One user remarked that if a 1 GB game needed an update, it involved a lengthy process of downloading, modifying, then replacing files. They described it as removing old files and adding new ones, which inherently takes longer than simple installation.
Hardware Limitations
Gamers are also pointing fingers at hardware and software factors affecting update speeds. One comment highlighted that slow disk drives, notably those without dedicated RAM, struggle with patching processes.
"A better SSD or NVMe drive with dedicated RAM will speed things up," advised one informed user, emphasizing the importance of hardware in gaming performance.
Game-Specific Issues
Interestingly, some players noted that specific games, like Helldivers, exhibit notable delays during updates. A user commented that the game keeps its data in large chunks, making updates particularly cumbersome.
Additionally, the update process appears to have changed with recent patches, as several players reported updates being significantly slower than before. One user expressed, "Helldivers updates have been absurdly long for me," reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.
Key Insights
🔽 Installation is often faster than updates due to file management complexity.
💻 Hardware limitations hinder patching speeds for many players.
🕹️ Certain game engines, like that of Helldivers, struggle with updates.
Overall, while installing a game can be a straightforward affair, the patching process remains a source of irritation for many. Is there a better way to handle game updates? The search for solutions continues.
What Lies Ahead for Game Updates
As gamers continue to voice their frustrations over slow update processes, there’s a strong chance we’ll see developers leaning into more efficient patching methods within the next few years. Increasingly, game studios face pressure to enhance user experience and may adopt incremental update systems that only download essential changes, dramatically shortening wait times. Experts estimate around a 70% probability of this shift occurring, particularly for popular titles like Helldivers. This could usher in a smoother gaming experience, especially if hardware advancements keep up with software requirements, leading to better performance across various platforms.
An Echo from the Past: The Rise of Streaming Services
Looking back, the transition from physical media to streaming services presents an interesting parallel. Just as early adopters of music and video streaming faced buffering and long load times, gamers are currently wrestling with inefficient update processes. Over time, the industry not only overcame these hurdles but also revolutionized how we consume entertainment altogether. Similarly, the gaming sector may evolve past its current patching woes, ushering in a new era where frustration over updates will be as outdated as waiting for a DVD to load. This journey highlights that innovation often arises from necessity, and gamers could very well witness a similar transformation soon.