The Quickening: The problem with videogame leaks

Video game leaks are as old as the Internet. There are always a few games a year that mistakenly print an overly descriptive job ad, foolishly trust the Korean age rating board with their secrets, or fail to stop Walmart from letting slip their plans before they were supposed to.

Mistakes happen and usually it’s all part of being a game fan. But things have got totally out of control in the last couple of years, to the point where I don’t think a single major game hasn’t had something important leaked about it long before it’s out – or in many cases even before it’s been announced. Even the super secretive Rockstar had maps and other details for Red Dead Redemption II leak out early. While fellow hermits Nintendo have fallen foul of numerous leaks recently.

Either all the surprises have been spoilt or it’s a massive hoax by people for who’s mental health I would have severe concerns. It’s always Nintendo fans that are the most obsessive and it’s almost scary how much effort they put into them. Leaks, and fake leaks, seem to be caught in some sort of escalating arms race and whatever happens next is bound to be even crazier. The end result though is all very depressing, even if you don’t think about the people behind it.

A game reveal used to be one of the most exciting moments as a gamer but now, instead of a big song and dance light show, we just get dribs and drabs of bland information – a name here, a description there, or a vague bit of artwork or an ambiguous comment from a voice actor.

Can I just ask all publishers to please try and keep your staff under control and make them keep a secret? A lot of it does seem to be accident, with what you’d think would be computer savvy people constantly making basic errors on social media and things like online CVs.

Games are entertainment but the whole razzmatazz around them is, or at least should be, as well. I want to be surprised and excited next time I hear a bit of important games news. I want the first thought that goes through my mind to be, ‘That’s amazing! I never would’ve expected that!’. Not, ‘Oh, the rumour was right’ or ‘I wish I hadn’t known about that already’.

Scott the Woz proposed the games should be spoiler free before launch, but at this point is impossible, and if it is possible, people will always find a way to leak everything all over the place.

But what do you think?