The drive-space question
The Reinstall Signal
A practical 0–100 assessment of whether an update gives lapsed players a reason to return.
The Reinstall Signal asks one blunt question: is this update substantial enough to make a lapsed player consider coming back?
The inputs
The score combines new playable content, meaningful system improvements, returning-player accessibility, progression or endgame changes, quality-of-life work, balance significance, and technical improvements. Every published score must show its inputs.
The labels
- 0–19 — Stay Uninstalled: Maintenance, narrow fixes, or changes with little value for lapsed players.
- 20–39 — Worth Noting: Useful movement, but probably not enough to clear drive space.
- 40–59 — Check What Changed: A meaningful update worth investigating for players who already liked the game.
- 60–79 — Worth Another Look: Enough has changed to justify serious consideration.
- 80–100 — Reinstallation Event: A major reason to return, subject to the usual warning that your inventory may now qualify as archaeology.
The number is an editorial framework, not a scientific measurement and never a substitute for disclosed hands-on testing.