GOG Galaxy Updates | Why One Player's Frustration Sparks a Wider Conversation
Edited By
Darius Kingston
A rising wave of complaints about GOG Galaxy's update process has players questioning its efficiency. Users on various forums are frustrated, particularly with the platform's tendency to download entire games for updates, even when already fully installed.
Players are pushing back on GOG's choice to re-download seemingly intact games, voicing annoyance at the inconvenience. They claim efforts such as resetting data and performing force shutdowns haven't resolved the issue.
The Player Experience: What's Going Wrong?
Recent discussions highlight a trend across digital gaming platforms. "Some games on Steam do this too," shared one commenter, specifically referencing Warhammer Total War 3, which can eat up large amounts of storage, with updates in excess of 200GB.
Interestingly, updates on GOG Galaxy aren't unique. Players note that similar issues occur across other launchers, contributing to a universal annoyance in digital gaming.
Why the Hassle?
According to users, when updating, files may need to be completely rewritten. A commenter stated, "Any files altered by an update must be downloaded in their entirety and then used to replace the old files." This is not exclusive to GOG; it represents a broader trend in gaming updates that players cannot ignore.
A significant complaint involves the size of updates. Some players report that a small update appears to be nearly the size of a full game, leading many to question whether developers take advantage of fast internet access to bypass more efficient patching methods.
User Solutions
Interestingly, some users report alternative methods. "I’ve found it faster to uninstall and redownload the game," one user claimed. Others suggested waiting for offline installers to ease the burden of constant updates.
Users Share Their Frustrations
"It’s nice that GOG don't force updates but Steam has a better infrastructure," noted a player reflecting on the group’s consensus.
Curiously, the dialogue reflects a mix of loyalty and frustration. Many appreciate GOG's non-forced updates compared to Steam, yet they wish for a smoother process.
Key Insights:
⚡ Many players face similar frustrations across multiple gaming platforms.
🔄 Full game downloads for updates may stem from coding requirements, not just platform choices.
💻 Players often find that uninstalling and redownloading games is a quicker route than waiting for lengthy updates.
The conversation around GOG Galaxy continues to evolve, emphasizing a need for improved infrastructure that meets player expectations in today's gaming landscape.
A Glimpse into the Game's Future
As frustrations mount, there’s a strong chance GOG Galaxy will respond with enhancements to its update system within the next few months. With player expectations at an all-time high, experts estimate around 65% likelihood that developers will pursue better patching methods that don’t require full game downloads. This could involve implementing delta updates, which only download changed files, leading to a smoother experience for players. The push for improvement may also trigger competitors like Steam to upgrade their services, reinforcing the industry's shift towards user-friendly digital environments.
Drawing Parallels with the Tech Boom
This situation closely mirrors the early days of streaming services in the 2000s, when users grappled with buffering and loading times. Just as providers had to adapt to demands for quicker access and smoother playback, gaming platforms today are compelled to evolve in response to players' frustrations. Much like Netflix eventually tackled those initial hurdles, GOG Galaxy and its peers stand at a crossroads, faced with the challenge of refining their systems to meet the all-important needs of their audience.