Top 8 Epic Game Fails That Will Make You Cringe

1. Fallout 76's Broken Launch

In the landscape of video games, few launches have been as tumultuous as that of Fallout 76. When Bethesda Game Studios announced the latest installment in the beloved Fallout franchise, anticipation soared among fans eager to explore a new, expansive world set in post-apocalyptic West Virginia. However, what followed was a series of blunders that not only disappointed loyal players but also became a cautionary tale in the annals of gaming history. The launch of Fallout 76 is a classic example of how even the most revered developers can stumble, leading to cringe-worthy moments that gamers will not soon forget.

The initial excitement surrounding Fallout 76 quickly turned into disillusionment as players encountered a myriad of technical issues upon release. Bugs and glitches plagued the game, ranging from minor visual errors to game-breaking crashes that rendered it nearly unplayable for many. Characters would inexplicably disappear, quests would fail to trigger, and players often found themselves unable to interact with the world around them. The experience was so riddled with problems that many players felt they were not participating in a fully realized game but rather an unfinished beta test. The dissonance between Bethesda's polished marketing and the raw reality of the launch left many feeling betrayed.

Adding to the cringe factor was Bethesda's response to the outcry. Instead of promptly addressing the multitude of issues, the company seemed to be caught off guard by the negative reception. As players vented their frustrations online, Bethesda's attempts to reassure the community often fell flat. The lack of clear communication and transparency regarding fixes only fueled the fire of discontent, leading to an environment where frustration festered. Players began to share their horror stories on social media, showcasing everything from absurd glitches—like enemies floating in mid-air or the infamous "invisible walls" that trapped players in certain areas—to downright bizarre scenarios, such as players spawning in walls or falling through the map. Each new story added another layer to the growing tapestry of failure surrounding the launch.

The situation escalated further with the introduction of a controversial in-game microtransaction system. Players were dismayed to discover that the game, which had already launched in a rough state, was monetizing aspects that many felt should have been included in the base experience. The decision to charge real money for cosmetic items in a game that was already riddled with issues left a sour taste in the mouths of players who believed they were being asked to pay even more for a product that had failed to meet basic expectations. The backlash was palpable, with many calling out Bethesda for prioritizing profit over player experience.

As if the launch couldn't get any worse, Bethesda found itself embroiled in a scandal surrounding the promotion of Fallout 76’s “Power Armor Edition.” Players who paid a premium price for this special edition were disappointed to find that the promised canvas bag was instead replaced with a cheap nylon version. The uproar led to an official apology from the company, which then offered players a paltry amount of in-game currency as compensation. This incident epitomized the disconnect between Bethesda’s promises and the reality players experienced, further eroding trust in the brand.

In the aftermath of Fallout 76's disastrous launch, Bethesda has made significant efforts to right the wrongs, rolling out numerous updates and expansions to improve the game. However, the initial experience remains a cautionary tale for both developers and gamers alike. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of quality assurance, player communication, and the potential pitfalls of rushing a product to market in the hopes of capitalizing on a franchise's legacy. Fallout 76’s launch may have been a cringe-worthy spectacle, but it also ignited conversations about accountability in the gaming industry, urging developers to prioritize player experience over profits in the ever-evolving landscape of interactive entertainment.

2. Cyberpunk 2077's Glitchy Debut

In the realm of video games, few launches have been as tumultuous and cringe-inducing as that of Cyberpunk 2077. Developed by CD Projekt Red, the game was highly anticipated, with years of hype building around its futuristic open world and deep narrative. However, when it finally hit the shelves in December 2020, the reality was far from what players had envisioned. Instead of an immersive experience in the neon-lit streets of Night City, players were met with a barrage of glitches and bugs that rendered the game nearly unplayable for many, particularly on last-generation consoles.

From characters floating in mid-air to bizarre visual distortions, the game’s launch was a showcase of errors that seemed to multiply with every update. Players encountered game-breaking glitches that could crash the entire experience, while others found themselves trapped in walls or watching their characters contort into unrecognizable shapes. The sheer absurdity of these malfunctions turned what was meant to be a thrilling dive into a dystopian future into a series of cringe-worthy moments that would be shared and ridiculed across social media platforms.

The backlash was swift and severe. Players took to forums and social media to express their frustration, sharing videos of the most outrageous glitches. Some users hilariously dubbed the game "Cyberpunk 2077: The Comedy Edition," as they showcased clips of characters behaving in ways that were more suitable for a slapstick film than a serious RPG. The community's response was a mix of laughter and disbelief, as fans grappled with the disconnect between the game’s ambitious marketing and the reality of its launch.

Adding to the cringe was the decision by CD Projekt Red to offer refunds to unhappy players, a move that highlighted the severity of the situation. The company’s reputation took a significant hit, as many felt betrayed after years of anticipation. The fallout was not limited to just the player base; it also impacted the company’s stock prices and led to investigations by consumer protection agencies in several countries. The once-revered studio found itself embroiled in controversy, with many questioning how such a high-profile game could be released in such a broken state.

Cyberpunk 2077’s launch is a cautionary tale within the gaming industry, illustrating the pitfalls of excessive hype and the dangers of releasing a product that isn’t ready. It joins a list of epic game fails that make players cringe, reminding everyone that even the biggest names in gaming can falter. The lessons learned from this debacle are invaluable, emphasizing the importance of testing and quality assurance in the development process.

As time passed, CD Projekt Red made efforts to rectify the situation, releasing numerous patches and updates aimed at fixing the myriad of bugs and glitches. While the game has improved significantly since its launch, the initial experience remains a stark reminder of how high expectations can collide with reality in the world of gaming. For many, the cringe-worthy moments of Cyberpunk 2077’s debut will forever linger in the annals of gaming history, serving as a testament to the unpredictable nature of game development and the enduring strength of community resilience in the face of disappointment.

3. Assassin's Creed Unity's Character Models

Assassin's Creed Unity, released in 2014, was a highly anticipated entry in the long-standing Assassin's Creed franchise, boasting a richly detailed recreation of Paris during the French Revolution. However, upon its launch, the game became infamous not just for its ambitious design and gameplay mechanics but also for some glaring technical issues that left players scratching their heads. Among these, the character models stood out as a prime example of what can go wrong in game development, leading to a series of cringe-inducing moments that have since become the stuff of legend in gaming circles.

One of the most notable fails involved the character models, which were intended to showcase the cutting-edge technology of the time. Instead, players were treated to a bizarre array of glitches that transformed what should have been a visually stunning experience into a showcase of unintentional hilarity. Imagine walking through the beautifully rendered streets of Paris, only to be met with a character model that has inexplicably lost its entire face or one that appears to be floating several feet above the ground. These instances not only broke immersion but also sparked a wave of memes and videos that highlighted the absurdity of the situations players found themselves in.

The game's crowds were also a focal point for these cringe-worthy moments. Unity aimed to create a living, breathing world filled with NPCs that would react to the player’s actions, but it often missed the mark spectacularly. Players found themselves surrounded by lifeless figures with half-rendered bodies, or worse, characters with arms and legs contorted in unnatural ways, as if they had just emerged from a bizarre yoga class gone wrong. These visual fails contributed to a sense of chaos that didn’t feel intentional, leading to a stark juxtaposition between the game’s ambitious vision and its execution.

Moreover, the facial animations, which were designed to add depth and emotion to the characters, often led to unintentionally comedic moments. Characters would engage in serious dialogue while their faces displayed expressions that were completely at odds with the situation. This disconnect created a surreal experience, where players couldn't help but cringe at the absurdity of a character discussing the gravitas of revolution while sporting a wide-eyed grin or an expression of confusion. Such moments became a hallmark of Unity's launch, often overshadowing the rich narrative and gameplay that the developers had worked hard to create.

The technical issues surrounding character models in Assassin's Creed Unity didn’t just affect players’ experiences; they also sparked conversations about the state of game development at the time. Many began to question how a game with such a large budget and a well-known franchise could suffer from such obvious problems. Was there too much emphasis on graphics at the expense of functionality? Were the developers under pressure to release the game before the holiday season, leading to an unfinished product? These questions lingered in the community, further fueling the narrative of cringe-worthy fails in gaming history.

In the years since Unity's release, the game has received numerous patches and updates, addressing many of the initial issues. Yet, the legacy of its character model fails remains a cautionary tale in the gaming industry. The cringe moments have become a part of gaming lore, reminding both developers and players of the potential pitfalls that come with pushing the boundaries of technology. While Assassin's Creed Unity ultimately offers a rich narrative and gameplay experience, it will forever be remembered for the epic fails that made players laugh, groan, and cringe. The lessons learned from Unity's launch continue to resonate, serving as a reminder that in the world of game development, ambition must always be balanced with execution.

4. No Man's Sky's Overhyped Release

In the landscape of video games, few releases have generated as much anticipation and excitement as No Man's Sky. Developed by Hello Games, this ambitious space exploration title promised players a universe teeming with diverse planets, limitless exploration, and a seemingly infinite number of possibilities. The hype surrounding the game reached astronomical levels, fueled by an aggressive marketing campaign and the developers' enthusiastic promises of groundbreaking features. However, when No Man's Sky finally launched in August 2016, it quickly became a case study in disappointment, leaving players feeling misled and frustrated.

The game's release was marred by the stark contrast between what was promised and what was delivered. Players were met with a visually stunning but ultimately shallow experience that lacked many of the features that had been heavily touted prior to launch. The multiplayer aspect that had been hinted at was virtually nonexistent, and the procedural generation that was supposed to create a unique universe instead led to a repetitive and barren gameplay experience. The sense of wonder that had been cultivated during the pre-release period quickly dissipated, replaced by a wave of disillusionment. This stark disconnect between expectation and reality became emblematic of the game's overhyped release.

As the dust settled, the backlash from the gaming community was swift and unforgiving. Players took to forums and social media to express their outrage, and the game's Metacritic score plummeted as reviews poured in, criticizing it for its lack of content and failure to deliver on key promises. The situation was exacerbated by the fact that Hello Games' founder, Sean Murray, had been a prominent figure in the lead-up to the launch, making bold claims that ultimately proved unfounded. This led to accusations of deception, as players felt that they had been sold a dream that simply did not exist.

In the wake of No Man's Sky's launch, many gamers began to view it as a cautionary tale within the broader context of epic game fails. It served as a stark reminder of the dangers of overhyping a product and the potential fallout when developers fail to meet the expectations they set. The gaming community, already wary of marketing tactics, became even more skeptical of future announcements and promises from developers. The fallout also sparked discussions about the ethics of game marketing, pushing for greater transparency and accountability in an industry often driven by hype.

However, it's important to note that No Man's Sky's story did not end with its disastrous launch. Over the years, Hello Games has made a concerted effort to rebuild the game and regain the trust of its player base. Through a series of updates and expansions, they have introduced many of the features that were originally promised, such as multiplayer gameplay, base-building mechanics, and a plethora of new content. While the game has since transformed into a much more robust and enjoyable experience, the initial launch serves as a reminder of how quickly hype can turn into disappointment.

In retrospect, No Man's Sky's overhyped release remains one of the most cringe-inducing moments in gaming history. It highlights the potential pitfalls of overpromising and underdelivering, serving as a lesson for both developers and consumers alike. As the industry continues to evolve, the echoes of No Man's Sky linger, urging players to approach future releases with a healthy dose of skepticism and reminding developers of the importance of managing expectations. Ultimately, while the game's redemption arc is commendable, its launch will forever be etched in the annals of gaming as a prime example of what can happen when hype overshadows reality.

5. WWE 2K20's Unintended Comedy

WWE 2K20, released in late 2019, was eagerly anticipated by fans of the franchise, but it quickly became notorious for its multitude of glitches and bugs. What was meant to be a polished wrestling simulation turned into a source of unintended comedy, showcasing a series of epic game fails that would make anyone cringe. The game’s launch was marred by issues that ranged from graphical anomalies to bizarre character animations, which inadvertently transformed it into a spectacle of hilarity.

Players soon discovered that the game had a penchant for creating moments that were neither intentional nor desirable. Wrestlers would often morph into grotesque forms, their bodies contorting in ways that defied the laws of physics. One moment could see a character performing a wrestling move, only for their limbs to stretch unnaturally, resulting in an awkward and laughable spectacle. Such glitches became viral sensations, with players sharing videos of their most outrageous encounters online. These clips showcased wrestlers floating off the ground, limbs twisting in impossible directions, and even characters disappearing mid-match, leaving viewers in stitches.

The AI also contributed to the comedic chaos, often behaving in ways that were less than intelligent. Wrestlers would engage in what appeared to be dance-offs instead of wrestling matches, with over-the-top animations that looked more like a bad flash mob than a competitive bout. The absurdity of these interactions brought a new layer of enjoyment to the game, as players found themselves laughing uncontrollably at the sheer ridiculousness of it all. The glitches provided a fresh perspective on the wrestling genre, allowing players to embrace the chaos and revel in the entertainment value of the unintended comedy.

Moreover, the game's story mode, which was intended to deliver a gripping narrative, fell victim to the same fate. Players encountered scenarios that were riddled with bugs, leading to awkward dialogue exchanges and nonsensical plot developments. Characters would sometimes freeze mid-sentence, leaving players to wonder if they had accidentally stumbled into a surreal comedy rather than a serious wrestling storyline. These moments, while frustrating for some, became a source of amusement for others, as they highlighted the absurdity of the situation.

As the community rallied around these glitches, WWE 2K20 developed a reputation that transcended its original intent. Instead of just being a wrestling game, it morphed into a shared experience of laughter and disbelief. Fans began to embrace the flaws, creating memes and compilations that celebrated the game’s unintentional humor. It became a cultural phenomenon, with players bonding over their shared experiences of the game’s mishaps and the hilarious outcomes that ensued.

Ultimately, WWE 2K20 serves as a reminder of how sometimes, the most memorable gaming experiences come not from the intended gameplay but from the unexpected moments that arise from technical failures. While the game may have missed the mark in delivering a polished wrestling simulation, it succeeded in crafting a legacy of laughter and camaraderie among its players. The cringe-worthy moments and epic fails may have frustrated some gamers, but they also provided a unique form of entertainment that will not soon be forgotten, proving that sometimes, the best comedy comes from the most unexpected places.

6. Anthem's Lackluster Gameplay

In the realm of gaming, few experiences can evoke as much disappointment as the release of Anthem, a title that promised to deliver an exhilarating blend of action, exploration, and cooperative gameplay. Instead, it became emblematic of a broader trend in the gaming industry: the phenomenon of hyped releases that fail to live up to expectations. Anthem's lackluster gameplay serves as a cautionary tale, a stark reminder of how even the most talented developers can falter in delivering a cohesive and enjoyable experience.

When Anthem was first unveiled, players were captivated by its stunning visuals and ambitious premise. The promise of a shared world where players could team up to battle formidable foes while piloting customizable exosuits generated a buzz that few games could rival. However, once the dust settled and players dove into the actual gameplay, it became evident that the title was riddled with issues that would mar its reputation for years to come. The core mechanics felt clunky and unrefined, with repetitive missions that quickly wore thin. The thrill of soaring through the skies in a Javelin suit was overshadowed by the realization that the environments were largely static and uninspired, offering little incentive to explore beyond the initial excitement.

The combat system, which should have been a highlight of the experience, fell flat. Players encountered a frustrating cycle of grinding for loot that rarely felt rewarding. Instead of the dynamic engagements that had been promised, many found themselves stuck in a loop of monotonous tasks that lacked variety and depth. This lack of engaging gameplay made it difficult for players to form lasting connections with the game or each other, undermining the cooperative experience that was meant to be Anthem's centerpiece. In the grand tapestry of gaming disappointments, Anthem stands out as a prime example of how high expectations can lead to crushing letdowns, and its gameplay issues serve as a painful reminder of what could have been.

The irony of Anthem's fate is further amplified when placed alongside other notable epic game fails that have left players cringing. Titles like No Man's Sky and Fallout 76 also suffered from similar pitfalls, where marketing hype clashed violently with the reality of their gameplay experiences. These games, much like Anthem, promised expansive worlds and innovative mechanics but ultimately delivered lackluster experiences that left players feeling betrayed. The shared sentiment among gamers became one of frustration, as they grappled with the dissonance between what was advertised and what was delivered.

As Anthem faded into the background, overshadowed by its peers' redemption arcs, it became clear that the gaming community had grown weary of empty promises. The industry began to shift towards greater transparency, with developers now more cautious about the expectations they set for their titles. Despite its failures, Anthem served as a turning point, illustrating the importance of delivering a polished product that respects the investment of time and money from players.

In retrospect, Anthem's lackluster gameplay encapsulates a broader narrative about the gaming industry, one that highlights the pitfalls of overreach and the necessity for genuine innovation. While it may not have achieved the success that many had hoped for, its legacy lives on as a reminder of the precarious balance between ambition and execution. As the industry continues to evolve, the lessons learned from Anthem and its fellow epic fails will hopefully guide developers towards creating more fulfilling and engaging experiences that resonate with players on a deeper level.

7. Spore's Disappointing Evolution

Released in 2008, Spore promised players an unprecedented experience in gaming—an opportunity to create and evolve life from a single-cell organism to a sprawling intergalactic civilization. With the vision of Will Wright, the genius behind the Sims franchise, the hype surrounding Spore was palpable. Yet, as players dove into this ambitious project, they were met with a mixture of wonder and disappointment, marking it as one of the more notable entries in the pantheon of epic game fails that make you cringe.

At its core, Spore was a groundbreaking concept, blending elements of simulation, strategy, and creativity. Players could design their creatures, craft their ecosystems, and guide their civilizations through various stages of evolution. However, as soon as players began to explore the game, they quickly realized that the depth promised in the marketing campaign was largely superficial. The ambitious evolution mechanic, which was supposed to offer a rich and intricate gameplay experience, turned out to be disappointingly simplistic. Each stage of evolution felt like a linear path, with limited choices that detracted from the sense of true growth and complexity.

One of the most glaring issues was the disparity between the game's vast potential and its execution. The creature creator was a highlight, allowing for incredible customization, yet many players found that the charm wore off as they progressed through the game. The creature designs, while initially exciting, often led to repetitive gameplay that lacked the depth necessary for sustained engagement. The excitement of evolving from a microbe to a space-faring civilization quickly faded as players experienced the same mechanics over and over again, leading to a sense of monotony that contradicted the game's lofty ambitions.

The disappointment extended into the highly anticipated space stage, where players were promised a vast universe to explore and conquer. Instead, they were met with a dull and often tedious experience. The vastness of space became a backdrop for repetitive missions that felt like chores rather than adventures. The freedom to explore was overshadowed by the lack of engaging content, making the once-thrilling prospect of intergalactic travel feel like a tedious grind. Players were left wondering where the rich narrative and dynamic interactions had gone, leading to a collective cringe as they realized that Spore had fallen short of its promise.

Moreover, the game’s online features, which were intended to foster a community of creativity and sharing, also left much to be desired. While players could upload and share their creations, the interface was clunky and often frustrating. The excitement of seeing unique creatures and worlds created by others quickly turned into a chore, as the platform struggled with performance issues and bugs. Instead of a vibrant community, many players found themselves isolated, leading to further disappointment in a game that was supposed to celebrate creativity and collaboration.

In retrospect, Spore serves as a cautionary tale in the gaming industry, illustrating how high expectations can lead to crushing disappointment. The combination of an ambitious vision, shallow gameplay mechanics, and technical shortcomings resulted in a product that felt incomplete. The initial excitement surrounding its release transformed into a collective sigh as players grappled with the reality of what Spore had become. As part of the broader narrative of epic game fails, Spore stands out not just for its shortcomings but for the promise it held, a promise that ultimately went unfulfilled. In the end, Spore became a symbol of what could have been, leaving players with a mix of nostalgia and regret, forever etched in the annals of gaming history as a title that made many cringe at its unrealized potential.

8. The Elder Scrolls: Blades' Mobile Missteps

In the realm of mobile gaming, few franchises hold as much prestige as The Elder Scrolls. Bethesda’s iconic series has captivated players with its expansive worlds, intricate lore, and immersive gameplay. However, when it came to translating this beloved universe into a mobile format, The Elder Scrolls: Blades stumbled in ways that left fans and critics alike cringing at the missteps. Released amidst great anticipation, the game aimed to bring the epic scale of the series to handheld devices, but it quickly became a cautionary tale of what happens when ambition outpaces execution.

Upon its release, Blades was met with a wave of excitement, primarily due to the legacy of The Elder Scrolls brand. Players were eager to dive into a mobile experience that promised dungeon crawling, town-building, and real-time combat. Unfortunately, the initial gameplay experience fell short of expectations, plagued by repetitive mechanics that stripped away the depth and complexity players had come to love. Instead of the rich storytelling and nuanced character development that define the franchise, players found themselves grinding through monotonous quests and uninspired combat scenarios. This lack of engaging content left many feeling as though they were merely going through the motions rather than embarking on a grand adventure.

The monetization strategy further exacerbated the situation. While free-to-play models have become commonplace in mobile gaming, Blades took this to an uncomfortable extreme. Players quickly discovered that significant portions of the game were locked behind paywalls, leading to accusations that Bethesda had prioritized profit over player experience. The frustration grew as gamers realized that basic features such as stamina, which limited gameplay sessions, were designed to encourage in-game purchases. This reliance on microtransactions felt disingenuous to a community that had long embraced the series for its immersive and expansive content. Instead of feeling like a rewarding journey, many found Blades had turned into a frustrating grind for resources and currency, prompting waves of backlash from a fanbase that expected more respect for their time and investment.

Technical issues further marred the experience. Players reported bugs, crashes, and performance problems that detracted from the gameplay experience. In a genre where immersion is key, these technical misfires pulled players out of the experience, making it difficult to appreciate the game’s visuals or its attempts at world-building. The promise of a seamless and engaging adventure was undermined by a lack of polish, leaving many wondering if the game had been rushed to market without sufficient testing. Such oversights not only contributed to a sense of disappointment but also fueled the narrative that the game was more of a cash grab than a labor of love.

As the months progressed, it became clear that Bethesda struggled to address these issues effectively. Regular updates were met with mixed results, often introducing more problems than solutions. The community's patience wore thin as players voiced their concerns, feeling as though their feedback was falling on deaf ears. The disconnect between developer intentions and player expectations became increasingly evident, leading to a growing sentiment that Blades was a missed opportunity—one that could have brought the beloved Elder Scrolls universe to a new generation of gamers if handled with more care and attention.

In the broader context of gaming, The Elder Scrolls: Blades serves as a stark reminder of the pitfalls that can arise when developers prioritize monetization over genuine player engagement. It highlights the importance of understanding the core values of a franchise and the expectations of its community. While mobile gaming presents unique challenges, it also offers opportunities for innovation and creativity that can lead to enriching experiences. Unfortunately, Blades fell into the trap of following trends rather than forging its own path, ultimately leaving a legacy of disappointment amidst the glimmers of what could have been.

In the annals of gaming history, The Elder Scrolls: Blades stands out not just as a misstep for Bethesda but as a cautionary tale for developers across the industry. It reminds us that even the most beloved franchises can falter when they stray too far from their roots, highlighting the delicate balance between ambition and execution. As players reflect on their experiences, they are left with a bittersweet reminder that sometimes, the journey to create something great can lead to cringe-worthy missteps that haunt both developers and fans alike.