Windows 11 24H2 Breaks Assassin's Creed Origins, Steam Reviews Plummet

2025-01-01

Windows 11 24H2 is causing significant problems for gamers, particularly those enjoying Ubisoft titles like Assassin’s Creed Origins. A known bug renders the game unplayable for many users, leading to widespread frustration and a sharp decline in Steam reviews.

The issue stems from incompatibility between the Windows 11 24H2 update and certain Ubisoft games. Users report various problems, including crashes, unresponsiveness, and black screens. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and implemented an upgrade block to prevent affected PCs from installing the update.

However, this safeguard only applies to users who had the game installed before upgrading to Windows 11 24H2. Players who upgraded and then purchased Assassin’s Creed Origins during Steam’s recent 90% discount are now facing significant difficulties. The game simply fails to function correctly, leaving them with no easy solution other than reinstalling the operating system – a time-consuming and inconvenient process.

This situation has sparked outrage among gamers, with many blaming both Ubisoft and Steam. Critics argue that Steam should not have offered a significant discount on a game that is known to be broken for many users.

Ubisoft has also come under fire for its perceived slow response to the issue. While acknowledging the problem and stating that their teams are working on a solution with Microsoft, many gamers feel the company should have taken more proactive steps, such as pausing the Steam sale until the issue is resolved.

The impact on Steam reviews has been significant. Numerous negative reviews now flood the Assassin’s Creed Origins page, with users expressing their frustration and disappointment.

This incident highlights the potential pitfalls of major operating system updates and the importance of thorough testing and compatibility checks before widespread release. It also serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of the gaming ecosystem, where issues with one component can have cascading effects on players, developers, and platforms.

What Undercode Says:

This incident reveals a critical breakdown in the gaming ecosystem.

Communication Failures: The lack of clear communication and proactive measures from both Microsoft and Ubisoft exacerbated the problem. Steam, as the platform, also bears some responsibility for allowing a significantly discounted game to be sold while knowing it was broken for a large portion of its user base.

Trust Erosion: These events erode trust between players, developers, and platforms. Gamers feel betrayed by developers and platforms that prioritize profits over player experience. This can lead to long-term damage to brand reputation and consumer confidence.

The Need for Better Collaboration: The incident underscores the need for better collaboration and communication between hardware manufacturers (like Microsoft), software developers (like Ubisoft), and platform providers (like Steam). A more coordinated approach to testing and resolving compatibility issues is crucial for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for all.

The Importance of User Feedback: The surge in negative Steam reviews serves as a powerful signal of player dissatisfaction. Developers and platforms must actively listen to and respond to user feedback. Ignoring or downplaying player concerns can have serious consequences.

The Evolving Landscape of Gaming: The increasing complexity of the gaming ecosystem, with its intricate web of hardware, software, and platforms, demands a more sophisticated and proactive approach to quality assurance and customer support.

This incident serves as a valuable lesson for the entire gaming industry. By learning from these mistakes and implementing more robust quality control measures, developers, platforms, and hardware manufacturers can work together to create a better and more reliable gaming experience for all.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on the information provided in the article. The actual situation may be more nuanced.