GOG vs. Steam: Are Game Updates Unkeep Up? | Players Want Clarity
A growing group of gamers is raising red flags about update disparities between GOG and Steam. Many are reporting that games on GOG often receive updates much later than those on Steam, sparking concerns about compatibility and gameplay integrity.
Uneven Update Landscape
While some titles, like Baldur's Gate 3, offer similar update frequency across both platforms, many others lag behind. A user pointed out, "Some games have updates on GOG that Steam doesn’t even have." In fact, there are 714 reported cases of differences in game versions between platforms, highlighting the issue's scale. This number might not even capture all instances, indicating that many popular games could still be left out of the loop.
A notable example mentioned was Alpha Protocol, which has received fixes on GOG that Steam hasn't seen yet. This raises questions about the visibility of issues that persist on GOG, suggesting a potential lack of awareness among players.
Certification Delays Continue
The drawn-out certification process remains a critical factor in GOG's update schedule. As one commenter noted, "It’s likely not worth the time for developers if their sales on GOG are minimal." This perception leads to concerns that GOG is not a priority for developers.
"GOG is good for older games, but not for titles needing constant updates," stated one player. This sentiment echoes throughout the community, where many feel stuck waiting for patches that may never come.
Transparency Lacking
Gamers express frustration over developers' communication regarding update status on GOG. It's common for problems to arise on GOG versions that don't occur on Steam, yet feedback often goes unnoticed there. "We hardly hear anything about the update situation on GOG forums, while Steam users voice their concerns openly," shared another player.
It appears GOG's reputation as the "Second Class Citizen" platform may stem from its smaller market share, causing developers to allocate their resources elsewhere.
Community Reactions
The reactions among community members are mixed. Some are hopeful that updates will come, citing a few titles that have maintained parity. Others voice their disappointment, lamenting that ongoing support feels like an afterthought.
Key Insights:
△ 714 games show reported version discrepancies between GOG and Steam.
▽ GOG's certification process is often seen as a hurdle for updates.
※ "For many games, the latest updates often miss GOG entirely" - Player comment.
As discussions heat up, gamers are left wanting answers about update equity between GOG and Steam. The ongoing debate emphasizes the need for improved communication from developers regarding support for GOG.
Future Prospects for GOG Updates
Looking ahead, experts estimate a strong possibility that GOG might revamp its approval process to enhance update accessibility. With dissatisfaction on the rise, could GOG's management finally heed gamer concerns? A shift in focus could be crucial to retaining its player base and ensuring fair treatment compared to Steam. Meanwhile, monitoring trending titles will be vital as the landscape of gaming continues to evolve.