Is it just me, or are there way too many games these days that seem as if they’re a grind just for the sake of it? Games like Destiny or even Borderlands have been, but that’s their niche. And getting 100% on a game or unlocking every bit of content has always been a grind, but one that feels earned and rewarding.
The grindy games I don’t like these days are the ones that are, for the wrong reasons. To me, I feel as if battle passes are mostly to blame for this. That’s the one trend that seems to be creeping up in most games these days too, even if they really don’t call for one.
Having a battle pass for games like Hood: Outlaws and Legends or Marvel’s Avengers really doesn’t feel justified and they do more harm than good. It really does feel like a part of the game is sitting there behind a paywall.
And not only that, you only have so long to complete said season before what you paid for disappears if you haven’t done enough of a daily grind to earn it. Call me old-fashioned, but I think paying for something means that you are guaranteed to get it.
Don’t get me started on the “get it while it lasts” sales tactics or “buy in bulk” phrases. Things like that really do make you feel as if you’re going to miss out on something if you don’t just get it now. While I get that this is what they want you to do (panic buy), this really has no place in games themselves. Save it for Black Friday sales, please.
Now don’t get me wrong, games like Halo Infinite are doing great work by allowing players to complete the battle pass they pay for when they can. It’s kind of like signing up for an online class and doing it at your own pace. The only hindrance though is that even 343 puts up obstacles that make it a snail’s crawl to even get to the finish line.
And while I knock the idea of battle passes, I’m also part of the problem myself. I love Fortnite’s and even sign up for Warzone’s every so often. But I guess my main gripe here is that I don't think all games should have them. Most are pretty lean on what they offer, only cementing the fact that it’s a lazy cash-grab to trap players.
I think it’s a craze that is just as bad as loot boxes, in all honesty. And it’s just a matter of time until these bigger companies find another way to squeeze our games and us, for more. But I also have hope that maybe battle passes as a whole could be something better, like in Halo’s case. Though hopefully with a lot less grinding.
