Glitch in an Online Game

[debodun]

Every now an then I encounter a glitch in a certain online game. I reported it to the administrator. The reply was to install another browser, then download an app and run that while I am playing. This seems to me like I am doing their job of fixing the glitch. Any opinions?

 

[Devi]

Is this a paid online game?

It may be that the cost of fixing the game is more than allowing it to stand as is -- that is, not worth it.

 

[debodun]

Not a paid game.
In their reply, they also mentioned that others have reported it. To me that makes it imperative that it's their responsibility to fix it. Why would they put a defective game online?

 

[Devi]

I see what you mean.

 

[HoneyNut]

Why would they put a defective game online?

All software has bugs, and the more the programmers fix then the more things they can break, a never-ending cycle. Usually software gets a bunch of fixes all at once, so that their company only needs to regression test one time for the whole bunch. A problem has to be extremely severe to make it worth an emergency fix just for it.
If the problem you are running into is browser-specific, it also might be that the majority of the players use different browsers. Where I've worked they only support browsers if the number of users is greater than a certain percentage.

 

[Rosemarie]

You don't mention which game it is, but I play quite a few and if enough players complain about something, the problem is usually fixed.
I used to play Pet Rescue Saga, and one level just wouldn't play out. Eventually, the designers realised there was a genuine problem and sorted it.

 

[MarciKS]

sometimes games have to have bug fixes. it's just something that happens. it's called a patch. in other words it's like they're offering you the missing button from a blouse you bought. you get to sew it on. or go with a missing button. they can't get into your computer and fix it. and they aren't gonna reprogram the entire game when they can make a fix for people to patch it with.