24Igraa magazine about video games in everyday life

An independent magazine about video games in everyday life. Not affiliated with the former website on this domain, with developers or with shops; we do not cover or advertise gambling.

Updates

Game updates

Modern games rarely stay the way they were at launch. They get seasons, fixes, new modes and settings. We explain the typical kinds of changes and how they affect people who play a little at a time and do not follow every piece of news.

An update is no reason to drop everything and start playing right away. The new content will still be there at the weekend.

— From the editors

How this section works: we describe the types of changes found in updates for many games, without titles and without news about specific projects. The entries help you understand what may have changed while you were away.

What changes in updates

Six kinds of changes that games receive most often.

  1. A new season

    A season brings fresh quests, outfits and limited-time events. If you play rarely, do not chase everything at once: pick what genuinely interests you.

  2. Balance changes

    Strong moves get weakened and weak ones get boosted. Your usual tactics may stop working — that is not your mistake, just new rules.

  3. Bug fixes

    Small patches fix crashes, getting stuck and wrong hints. It is worth installing them in advance so that an evening with friends does not start with a download.

  4. New modes

    Developers add co-op, holiday or lighter modes. Sometimes these are exactly what make a game suitable for short sessions or a family evening.

  5. Accessibility settings

    Updates bring larger subtitles, button remapping and modes for different kinds of vision. Take a look at the settings menu after a major patch.

  6. Changes to the store and purchases

    Sometimes an update changes in-game purchases or bundles. Parents should check whether family limits have been reset after installing it.

How to read patch notes

  1. Find the official source

    Patch notes are usually published on the game's website, on its page in your device's store or in the game itself. Retellings on social media can be inaccurate.

  2. Scroll to what matters to you

    Look for sections about the modes you play, saves and settings. You can skip the details of competitive balance if you play to relax.

  3. Pay attention to progress

    Check whether achievements, seasonal quests or saves are being reset. If a reset is planned, players are usually warned in advance.

  4. Check family settings

    After a major update, look at the limits on time, purchases and chat — occasionally they need to be confirmed again.

  5. Do not rush

    If new content feels unfinished, wait for the next fix. A season put off for a week is none the worse for it.

  • Games

    A catalogue of formats and genres: half-hour games, episodic stories, co-op, cosy games and games for the whole family.

  • Mechanics

    Saves, difficulty, in-game purchases, loot boxes, daily quests and online chat, explained in plain words.

  • Reviews

    What to look at to judge whether a game will fit your routine, and how to read other people's reviews.

  • Glossary

    A player's dictionary: genres and formats, game mechanics, online play and chat.

What we rely on

  • Manufacturers' family-settings guides
  • PEGI — about the system

We write about general principles and habits. Menus, modes and family settings work differently in each game and service and change with updates, so check the details in the official help pages.