Summary
Minecraftis one of, if not the biggest and longest-running survival sandbox games out there, so it naturally serves as a benchmark for many other younger games in the genre likeValheim. There’s a lot thatValheimcould learn fromMinecraft, especially regarding the latter game’s endless supply of post-launch updates, years after its initial release.
However, there are both pros and cons to turningValheiminto a game with never-ending updates. WhileValheimcould benefit from expanding itself beyond the game’s current roadmap for future updates, there’s more to this situation than meets the eye, and there are some concerns to be had either way should the game come to an end soon or attempt to follow inMinecraft’s footsteps with endless post-launch updates.
Arguments For Endless Post-Launch Updates in Valheim
Valheimis already a satisfying experience, but it still has a wealth of untapped potential that future updates could address, like adding new biomes, enemies, weapons, andbiome bosses inValheim. While continuing the game’s existing format of content updates could be a natural progression for the game, ultimately, the sky is the limit for future updates forValheimand where the game could go if it were to continue receiving updates for the foreseeable future.
It’s also worth mentioning thatValheimwould likely need to rely on a new way to fund itself beyond its initial price tag if it were to receive perpetual updates going forward, assuming thatfuture updates forValheimremain free to all players who own the game. Consequently, this could lead to a microtransaction shop coming to the game.
On the one hand, this could give players fun ways to support the game’s future updates while also getting some in-game items in return, like transmogs for thearmor and weapons inValheim, or maybe even texture packs that completely change the game’s style. On the other hand, expanding microtransactions beyond cosmetic items could lead to some backlash depending on the impact that any premium items could have on the game’s original experience. Introducing a microtransaction store toValheimtherefore fits as both an argument for and against perpetual game updates, depending on how it affects the game.
Arguments Against Endless Post-Launch Updates in Valheim
Again,Valheimis already a robust game, but at the same time, there is currently no explicit ending. This is common forsurvival games likeValheim, especially considering that the game is still in early access, but this can still be frustrating despite being a normalized element of the genre. If the game were to receive endless future updates, this could very well be a persistent problem for the game.
Another important thing to note is thatValheimis Iron Gate’s debut game, and if the studio commits to endlessly releasing future updates forValheim, this would likely delay or prevent the studio from moving on to future projects. Given the reviews forValheimso far, expectations for the studio’s next game are naturally high already, but if the timing isn’t right, this hype could lose some momentum before the studio’s next game ever sees the light of day.Valheimmight deserve a proper ending sooner rather than later so that the studio can move on to its next game.
Valheim
WHERE TO PLAY
Valheimis a brutal exploration and survival game for 1-10 players set in a procedurally-generated world inspired by Norse mythology. Craft powerful weapons, construct longhouses, and slay mighty foes to prove yourself to Odin!EXPLORE THE TENTH WORLDExplore a world shrouded in mystery. Discover distinct environments with unique enemies to battle, resources to gather and secrets to uncover! Be a viking, sail the open seas in search of lands unknown, and fight bloodthirsty monsters.BUILD MIGHTY HALLSRaise viking longhouses and build bases that offer reprieve from the dangers ahead. Customise buildings, both inside and out, with a detailed building system. Progress through building tiers to upgrade, expand and defend your base.GATHER, CRAFT AND SURVIVEStruggle to survive as you gather materials and craft weapons, armor, tools, ships, and defenses. Decorate your hearths and sharpen your blades, grow crops and vegetables, prepare food, brew meads and potions, and progress as you defeat more difficult bosses and discover new recipes and blueprints.
