A few days ago I attempted to download the MAG beta. It went by quick as it was only a 300mb download. I started the game and saw a 30mb patch and thought, no big deal. Then I get prompted for a 2.6gb patch and my mouth just dropped. How can you have a 2.6gb patch? I quickly realized that I cannot background download this patch and if I download it, my PS3 would be rendered useless. So I ask, why can’t I background download my patch and why can’t you (Sony) automatically patch my games?

I use Google web browser and one of the things that I love is that it automatically updates without me ever knowing. The only time I know there is a new version is if I see my RSS notification from Google about a chrome beta release. I don’t have too much experience with Steam but from what I do understand, it automatically patches your games. Why is this simple yet important feature not on consoles?

It’s not a big deal you say? I do agree but it is something that would be very nice and convenient to have. Trying to play LBP online at a friends house was a nightmare. Launching the game to be met with 5-6 patches all having to download and then going through the beginning stages. My friends almost wrote the game off. So how can we take care of this?

• If online, prompt user that patch is available but give option to download or pass.
• If online, give user option to background download the patches, while they play the game in “offline” mode. Install patches on game restart.
• Allow user to opt into silent patching, uses low powered connection or system inactivity to download the patch onto the hdd, prompting for patch install on next game start.

Those are just a few ideas off the top of my head. What do you think about game patches? Do you get tired of sitting through several patches when you decide to play a backlogged game?

Disclaimer: I don’t complain about Microsoft’s game patching title updates because Microsoft requires a max of 4mb for updates over the life of a game.