Most Hyped Video Games That Completely Flopped on Launch

There’s nothing quite like community excitement for an upcoming video game that promises revolutionizing gameplay, graphics, and the next big open-world experience. From the moment the trailer drops, many gamers get in line for pre-orders and fan theories flood forums. The hype train begins to roll, devs promise more and more and gamers get excited. But then the launch hits and rather than applause these hyped video games were hit with crashes, lackluster content, bugs, and fan outcry.

Hyped Video Games That Flopped

While the majority of these Hyped Video Games raked in millions at launch, they failed to create a lasting impact on the gaming community. Instead of being remembered as groundbreaking titles, they made history for all the wrong reasons. Whether it was due to lack luster content, overpromised features or they were completely an unplayable mess. These Hyped Games have become cautionary tales and a reminder for gamers of what happens when the hype outweighs delivery.

The List also includes a few titles that bombed on launch but were able to bounce back. Thanks to the loyal fanbase and constant efforts of the developers to turn them around in must-play games. These games transformed from disasters to favorites, proving that redemption is possible if delivered with passion.

Cyberpunk 2077

If you aren’t living under a rock, then you have probably heard of CD Projekt Red’s Cyberpunk 2077. One of the most hyped games of all time, Cyberpunk 2077 failed to meet expectations on launch. The game bombed so hard on launch, that the developers had to apologize like Japan after WW2. Cyberpunk 2077 was an unplayable mess on day one and it was missing many features that were promised.

Released in 2020, the game was a buggy mess for all platforms especially last-gen consoles (PS4 & Xbox One). The was pulled from last gen stores and refunds were also initiated, but all was not lost. CD Projekt Red over the years has turned Cyberpunk 2077 into a must-play and once-in-a-lifetime experience for all gamers. The game to date holds a loyal following and a healthy player base. All due to the efforts of the developers and constant support from the Cyberpunk Community.

Fallout 76

Yes, this abomination called “Fallout” had to make the list. The only Fallout game that alienated the entire community in one go stands tall as one of the most disliked Games of all time. Introducing only online play, zero NPC’s, and a buggy launch. On top, the game also received negative criticism from fans for its duffle bag controversy.

The game has been fixed over the years with Bethesda rolling out updates, fixes, and content drops. However long-time fans of the series, despise the abomination that is Fallout 76. If you are looking to explore the Fallout Series, just play Fallout: New Vegas or Fallout 4. Don’t even touch 76.

Anthem

With the Trailers, the gameplay, and over-promised features, Anthem has a special place in gaming history. Marketed as the Divison and Destiny killer, the developers killed their own game. Anthem was praised even before its launch for its unique gameplay and looter shooter mechanics. But on launch, the game dropped faster than soap in your shower.

The game lacked endgame content, a good story and the best features in the trailer were missing in the released product. Anthem stands as one of the most hyped games that flopped so hard it never saw the light of day again.

Battlefield 2042

Marketed as the revival of the Battlefield Series, 2042 nearly put the entire series in the grave on its launch. This stands as a true statement to never trust a game’s trailer before its release. Battlefield 2042 was a true disaster on its launch, the quote “If it ain’t broke don’t fix it” Well, DICE and EA both don’t understand that. EA tried to CODify a series which itself was an alternative to COD and it ended how every EA game turns that’s not FIFA.

Battlefield 2042 launched as a buggy mess, with poor map design, no single player, and a controversial removal of the classic class system in favor of hero-style specialists. The backlash from the Battlefield Community was loud enough that EA eventually reverted many of the changes. But to give where credit is due, DICE has worked hard to turn things around for 2042. Today, the game is in much better condition and honestly is worth a try since Battlefield 6 is on the horizon.

No Man’s Sky (One Man’s Lie)

The Gaming Community had a field day with the launch of No Man’s Sky. Hello Games garnered notoriety for their sci-fi space exploration game No Man’s Sky. What was promised turned into one of the biggest jokes in the gaming community termed One Man’s Lie. No Man’s Sky lacked severe content on its launch with missing features, no multiplayer, no building mechanics, and apparently no rewards for exploration in an exploration game.

Released in 2016, No Man’s Sky truly bombed with negative reception from fans and critics alike. Lacking severe content, Hello Games went on a mission to turn around their faith. Today No Man’s Sky is truly what was initially promised with many free updates, content drops, multiplayer features, and the highly anticipated base-building mechanics.

Assassin’s Creed Unity

Before Assassin’s Creed Shadows, it was Assassin’s Creed Unity stealing all credit for a bad Assassin’s Creed Title. Unity was a pioneer in bad performance, buggy parkour, lighting issues, character models and so much more. There can be a separate blog to break down the entire mess that was Assassin’s Creed Unity on its launch.

Set during the French Revolution, Ubisoft itself needed to be put on the Guiltione for its underdevelopment of the game. Unity while a visually stunning game and its level of world-building left a bad taste in AC Fans and gamers alike.

Marvel’s Avenger

Marvel’s Avengers had everything going for it, a beloved franchise, nostalgic characters, massive fanbase and the power of Marvel Behind it. On launch, it quickly became clear that no amount of Marvel branding or even the Avengers could save it from its own flaws. The game was repetitive, lacked any meaningful content and a poorly handled live-service model. The game despite a few updates, new characters and additions never truly recovered.

The developers Crystal Dynamics announced the end of support for the game due to the lack of players (If there were any to begin with). Marvel’s Avengers was also delisted and removed from stores across all platforms. If nothing else, Marvel’s Avengers now serves as a perfect reminder to developers: slapping a big-name brand on your game won’t save it if the game itself is a half-baked potato.

Summary

These Hyped Video Games were surely worth the talk but never walked the walk, except for a few of them. Whether it was the complete disaster of Anthem or the half-baked Night City of Cyberpunk 2077, these games are still in the history books for the most hyped and underdelivered titles of the decade. Meanwhile, fans can check out games that delivered on their hype through their narrative, gameplay, soundtracks, and ever-supportive community right here on Driffle.