Thick as Thieves is making changes, but not the one I think matters most

Thick as Thieves Is Making Changes, But Not the One I Think Matters Most

While the developers of Thick as Thieves, OtherSide Entertainment, are pleased with the game's reception and the players' thieving skills, they also acknowledge that there is room for improvement. Their commitment to delivering updates is clear, as evidenced by the recent first patch that introduced an FOV slider and the ability to disable motion blur. A second update is now expected to roll out "sometime in the middle of next week," and while it brings some welcome features, it misses the mark on what many players consider the most crucial adjustment.

The Missing Feature: Adjustable Timers

One of the most glaring omissions from the upcoming update is the lack of an option to adjust or disable the eight-minute countdown that starts after completing a portion of a mission. This timer, while seemingly a minor detail, has a significant impact on gameplay. Once the countdown begins, players must find the randomly spawned exit door within eight minutes or face failure. If the mission isn't completed in that time, players must start over, losing any progress made on secondary objectives.

The frustration comes from the fact that even a small mistake—like accidentally picking up an extra item—can trigger the countdown. Players are then forced to deal with the pressure of a limited time frame, which can feel overly restrictive, especially when the exit location is inconveniently placed. This mechanic, while adding tension, can also feel punishing and detract from the enjoyment of the game.

A Welcome but Inadequate Change

The upcoming update does bring some much-needed visibility to the mission timer. Previously, the eight-minute countdown was only visible at the top of the screen, and the longer mission timer was only noticeable when it was nearly up. Now, the mission timer will be displayed whenever players press tab to open the map. This change improves transparency and gives players more awareness of their time constraints. However, it does not address the core issue of the timer's inflexibility.

Players have long argued that the eight-minute timer and the need to restart missions for incomplete objectives are unnecessary design choices. These elements should be optional, allowing players to tailor their experience based on their preferences. The ability to adjust FOV and disable motion blur was a welcome addition, but the lack of flexibility with the timer feels like a missed opportunity.

Final Thoughts

While Thick as Thieves continues to receive updates and improvements, the absence of adjustable timers remains a concern for many players. The upcoming changes are a step in the right direction, but they do not address the most pressing issue in the game's design. If the developers are truly committed to enhancing the player experience, they should consider making the eight-minute countdown more flexible. Until then, the game will remain a challenging, but sometimes frustrating, experience for those who want more control over their gameplay.