TRIVIA
Laconic: A Video Game has an update to fix issues with prior versions of the title.
If a Video Game has a physical release, printing will have to begin sometime before the launch date. For systems without an internet connection, that would mean development is final, but if a system can go online, that leaves time between printing and launch for development to finish up — an option that sees regular use. If a Game-Breaking Bug, Cheese Strategy, or other flaw goes unnoticed until physical copies go into production, but the developers manage to correct the error before the game goes public, then for most players, said issue becomes little more than a footnote in the game's image. Even without any big errors to correct, the lead time can still be enough to patch several smaller issues, add small bonuses, or make other quality of life adjustments. That being said, if a publisher chooses to provide review copies, then a reviewer's impression of the game won't account for anything fixed in the patch, because they'll have played the game before said content launches.
This also effects players without an internet connection. Further, a particularly egregious patch can be used as evidence of Troubled Production, the logic being that a game with a good production environment shouldn't need a patch to be functional. In other words, if players feel a publisher was banking on a day one patch to make the game passable, do not expect them to be happy.
Compare Author's Saving Throw. Contrast Downloadable Content.
- The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword had a Game-Breaking Bug where completing the "Song of the Hero" quest will prevent you from completing the game, as you will be locked out of the other objectives. As a result, Nintendo created a channel for download in the Wii Shop Channel to fix the issue. This is especially notable, as the need for an entire channel resulted from the Wii's inability to perform a more traditional patch, as could be seen on its competitors.
- Mario Kart 8 Deluxe had a balance patch alongside the fourth wave of the Booster Course Pass to Balance Buff less-utilized characters and vehicles.
- Sonic Lost World: NVM this wasn't day one, but added 1-Up for 100 rings, gave ten lives instead of five after a Game Over, added analog support for some Power Ups, and fixed some bugs.
