The Worst Game Mechanics That Need to Die

Video games have evolved tremendously over the years, delivering immersive worlds, compelling narratives, and innovative gameplay. However, not all mechanics stand the test of time—some persist like stubborn relics, frustrating players and dragging down otherwise great experiences. Here are some of the worst game mechanics that desperately need to be retired.

Unskippable Cutscenes

Few things are more infuriating than being forced to sit through lengthy, unskippable cutscenes—especially on repeat playthroughs. While storytelling is a vital part of gaming, players should have the option to bypass scenes they’ve already seen. Forcing them to endure the same dialogue or exposition multiple times is a surefire way to breed resentment.

Artificial Difficulty Spikes

Difficulty should come from smart design, not cheap tricks. Some games rely on sudden, unfair spikes—enemies with bloated health bars, one-hit kills, or endless waves of foes—to extend playtime. Instead of feeling rewarding, these moments often feel like lazy padding, discouraging players rather than challenging them meaningfully.

Escort Missions with Brainless AI

Escort missions are already divisive, but they become unbearable when the NPC you’re protecting walks into enemy fire, gets stuck on geometry, or moves at a snail’s pace. If developers insist on including them, they should at least ensure the AI isn’t actively working against the player.

Forced Walking Segments

Some games love to slow players down with painfully slow walking sequences, often paired with excessive dialogue. While these moments might aim to build atmosphere, they frequently kill pacing and test players’ patience. A little goes a long way—forcing players to crawl through an entire chapter is just bad design.

Microtransactions in Full-Priced Games

Paying $60 (or more) for a game, only to be bombarded with loot boxes, battle passes, and pay-to-win mechanics, is a slap in the face. Monetization has its place in free-to-play titles, but when a premium game locks content behind additional paywalls, it feels exploitative rather than additive.

Excessive Quick-Time Events (QTEs)

Quick-time events can be exciting when used sparingly, but some games treat them as a crutch, turning dramatic moments into tedious button-mashing sequences. Worse yet, failing a QTE often means instant death, forcing players to replay the same segment repeatedly—a punishment that feels arbitrary rather than earned.

Pointless Crafting Systems

Not every game needs crafting. When mechanics like resource gathering and item assembly add nothing meaningful to gameplay—serving only as busywork—they become a chore rather than an engaging feature. If crafting doesn’t enhance the experience, it shouldn’t be there.

Final Thoughts

While innovation in gaming should always be encouraged, some mechanics overstay their welcome. Whether it’s unskippable cutscenes, lazy difficulty spikes, or predatory monetization, these design choices often detract from the fun rather than enhance it. Here’s hoping future games learn from these missteps and focus on what truly makes gaming enjoyable: player agency, fair challenges, and immersive experiences.