Can we just talk about expectations for a minute?

The Division Beta is out - and I've got about 3-4 hours in on Xbox One, and am planning on putting a bit forth on PC as well - because I can damn it. I'm enjoying the game because I didn't know exactly what I was getting into. I knew it had RPG elements, it had guns, and that I like Tom Clancy stuff (plus Red Storm doing weapons on a game is a huge plus for me). Cut to just a bit ago and a bunch of forums, replies, posts and whatnot about how the game is utterly disappointing, and should be like this or that. I get to thinking about how The Division is missing expectations and what exactly that means to us, we, and me.

Who is to blame for expectations?

everyone is the easy way out - we're all to blame, they're to blame. Fuck us all. In reality, there are three big causes for game expectations to be set a certain way: publisher/developers, friends and colleagues, and ourselves. The former two influencing the latter greatly.

Publishers

Ubisoft set up The Division as a shooter/RPG hybrid set within the evacuated landscape of NY following a viral outbreak on Black Friday (you have my attention Ubi.) Through numerous videos, features, articles, blogs and more they started trickling out more and more details about how the game works - the issue being that at a certain point marketing may step in and say "don't tell them about x because we aren't ready". This leads to speculation and ultimately the other two expectation setters to step in.

Colleagues and Friends

I work in IT full time and write about games part time - game talks are always around me. I don't even go out of my way to scream LOOK AT MY PORTFOLIO JACKASS (I mean you can if you want to) but at some point people figure out I play a lot of games. My opinion matters to some, and none to others and that's the way it should be. If you and I like the same games, things and share dreams then sure, we might like the Division and hate MOBAs. When my friends start to describe a game a certain way I like to check out some play footage or more info, but not everyone will. If my friends are excited for a game there's a good chance I will be to. Destiny, Fallout 4, and every god damned Call of Duty is at least examined and has a little register on the hype meter in my circle.

If you can't find the problem, maybe it's you.

The real point here is that you've done this to yourself. You set the expectation that a game was going to be a thing that it turns out, it isn't. Now I know that the gaming community, at least the vocal portion, usually isn't held as a moderate bunch. That doesn't mean that you need to lap up all the marketing info Ubi throws your way but what it does mean is to remain skeptical even if you're optimistic. I've seen more than a few posts saying the Division is already a disappointment and the thing isn't even out. We have no idea how many hours the campaign holds, how difficult it becomes, hell we can't even craft in the beta so why are we rushing to judgement?

Amazon recently revealed their 20% off games promo for Prime members - with the absolute best part of it being that the discount works up to 14 days after release. This is great news for those that are smart and want to see how things play out. The Division will probably have launch day server problems, let's just be real with each other. The Division will also not be all things to all people - but rein in your expectations and stop trying to make the game something it is not. If you don't know something, you don't know it. The shittiest expression in the business world is "you don't know what you don't know" but it holds some water when talking about things that aren't even retail products yet.

One of the more difficult things I've found when reviewing a game is going in sans expectations - I have to review a product/game for what it is AT.THAT.POINT. Not what it could've been, not what it should be, but what it is. I can be disappointed that Fallout 4 didn't really push anything...anywhere sure, but if I like that it's more of the same - then that's what should come through in my opininon. If the game was marketed as a massively online multiplayer shooter and ends up being an RPG with MOBA influences - I can mention it but can't say I'm surprised that it turned out that way since there probably wasn't a massive shift within the 30 days leading to launch. Sure games need to push things forward, and there are often times some hard observations to make - but expectations are a very tricky thing in games. They're up to you, the player to set, and shouldn't be thought of as disappointments if the developer doesn't deliver on your ideal game, because there are millions of "you".

The bottom line

As I grow older, I learn that moderation is key to literally everything in life; booze, red meat, video games. Getting all jacked up for Brink was the worst mistake I've ever made in my life, and it taught me to temper expectations and be real with myself about what things are and what they could be. Expectations are a tough concept to really examine because mine are completely different from yours. What I caution is to examine and re-examine your expectations for a product you're excited for - and remember this is why beta's are around for us consumers. We get to check the Division out pre-launch and if it's not your bag, move along. I hope to see you all on March whatever while we take back this chitty (bane) and sweet christ let's have some fun.