Server crashes, 40GB patches and DLC: gaming's biggest irritations explained

Video game consumers often deride industry changes as 'money-grubbing' actions - but is that fair? We spoke to developers and publishers to find out

Video games have changed immeasurably since the days of tape loading and cover-mounted floppy discs. Today, we get lifelike 3D virtual worlds where the player can seamlessly connect with companions and opponents from every corner of the globe. An online triple-A title will now offer literally hundreds of hours of fun spread across years of play. Yet, inflation aside, the price we pay at the till remains the same now as it was 25 years ago.

To make this possible, a lot of things have changed about the way the games industry works - but those changes haven't always been well received. When problems arise, frustrated consumers will often blame "money-grubbing" publishers or "lazy" developers. But is that fair? We asked the industry to explain five of the most controversial aspects of modern games buying - and, crucially, why they happen.