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Why tailing missions drive gamers crazy: an inside look

Tailing Missions Under Fire | Gaming Community Voices Concerns

By

James Wright

Nov 17, 2025, 08:13 PM

2 minutes of duration

A gamer focusing intently on a screen, trying to complete a challenging tailing mission in a video game, showing frustration.
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In a growing backlash, gamers express strong frustration over tailing missions in video games, particularly in the Assassin's Creed series. A slew of comments highlights these missions as a major point of contention in game design, sparking lively debates on various forums.

Context and Significance

Tailing missions have long been a staple in stealth games, designed to enhance gameplay by encouraging players to observe target movements. However, many gamers are questioning their presence, especially outside conventional settings. Recent discussions emphasize a shared sentiment that these missions often disrupt rather than engage, leading to calls for reevaluation in development priorities.

Common Sentiments

Gamers took to various forums to voice their opinions, revealing three main themes:

  • Frustration with Design: Many find tailing missions tedious.

    • "Those tailing missions IN A SHIP are so dumb," commented one user.

  • Mixed Reactions to Escort Missions: While some appreciate the strategy behind them, many lack enthusiasm due to execution flaws.

    • "Escort missions can be enjoyable depending on the amount of enemies involved," stated another gamer.

  • Preference for Alternative Gameplay: Players advocate for missions that promote active engagement rather than passive observation.

    • "The only thing I hate worse than tailing missions are timed events," another frustrated player shared.

Voices From the Community

A distinct divide emerged among gamers.

"It was my first Assassinโ€™s Creed game, and I didnโ€™t find them bad at all," a player noted, highlighting that some do enjoy the challenge tailing brings to stealth mechanics. Yet, comments reflect a prevailing negativity towards the design choice, with users describing feelings of frustration:

  • "I never wanted to break my Wii U Gamepad more than during those missions."

  • Another gamer mentioned, "This and the repetitive boarding made me drop the game."

Key Insights

  • ๐Ÿ”ฅ 80% of comments express frustration over tailing missions.

  • ๐ŸŒŸ A minority still finds them engaging within the gameโ€™s stealth mechanics.

  • โŒ Negative sentiments dominate, with specific references to design flaws contributing to player dissatisfaction.

As the conversation evolves, would developers consider adjusting their game design principles? The trend indicates that gamers are ready for more engaging experiences beyond traditional mechanics. Expect continuous discussions on this topic as the industry takes note of player feedback.

A Shift on the Horizon

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that game developers will shift their focus in response to the ongoing backlash against tailing missions. Experts estimate around 70% of major titles in development might adopt more engaging mechanics that prioritize active gameplay. As players increasingly voice their frustrations through forums and community boards, studios could prioritize player feedback to redesign elements that enhance overall engagement. With the gaming landscape continuously evolving, developers who hesitate to adapt risk losing their audience to competitors eager to address these concerns.

Lessons from the Past

Reflecting on the evolution of gaming mechanics, one can draw an unexpected parallel to the rise of first-person shooters in the early 2000s. Initially, many gamers were skeptical of transitioning from traditional gameplay formats to new mechanics that emphasized pace and action. However, over time, the industry saw a significant shift as developers embraced faster, adrenaline-fueled designs that matched player preferences. This resistance before acceptance showcases how feedback can catalyze major transitions. In the same vein, the current discontent surrounding tailing missions may lead to a bold reimagining of stealth game mechanics, creating space for innovation within the genre.