PC gamers are seeing shifts in hardware requirements as rising memory prices impact the market in early 2026. Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight recently reduced its recommended PC RAM from 32GB to 16GB, signaling a response to both optimization improvements and the wider AI-driven RAM shortage affecting the industry.
When initial specifications were released in January, the recommendation of 32GB RAM caught players by surprise. Previous LEGO titles, such as Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, recommended just 8GB. The jump prompted discussions about game optimization and whether modern PC releases were demanding excessive resources. At the time, developer TT Games explained that the specifications were provisional and aimed at allowing the Steam page to go live for pre-orders and wishlists.
Adjustments Follow Testing and Optimization
On February 13, TT Games confirmed the recommended RAM reduction to 16GB. The studio emphasized that these specifications are not final, and ongoing testing could lead to further changes before the game launches on May 29. The revision means most players with standard 16GB rigs can now run the game without purchasing additional memory. The update also highlights the impact of rising RAM prices, which have been doubling in the past year due to increased demand from AI applications.
How Rising RAM Prices Are Affecting Gamers
Memory shortages and price spikes are putting pressure on PC gamers. A 16GB Corsair Vengeance LPX kit that previously cost around $80 is now listed at roughly $160, with availability limited. For players who planned to upgrade systems to meet earlier recommendations, this would have been a significant financial burden. The reduction in recommended requirements helps to mitigate these costs while maintaining playable performance.
Industry-Wide Pattern of Specification Changes
Lego Batman is not the only game to revise its hardware requirements. 007: First Light also reduced its recommended RAM from 32GB to 16GB, along with lowering VRAM requirements. Developer IO Interactive cited a miscommunication as the reason for the initial high specifications. These adjustments indicate a trend in 2026 where developers are recalibrating recommendations to match real-world hardware availability and affordability.
Broader Implications for PC Gaming
Hardware pricing pressures extend beyond individual game releases. Valve has pointed to rising RAM costs as a factor delaying the release and pricing of its Steam Machine hardware. Developers are increasingly factoring market conditions into their recommended specifications, ensuring that players with mid-range PCs can access games without costly upgrades.
Overall, the reduction of RAM requirements for Lego Batman demonstrates a shift in the industry’s approach to PC hardware recommendations. By adjusting specs in response to market realities, developers aim to make upcoming games more accessible to a wider audience while continuing optimization efforts.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why did Lego Batman reduce its recommended RAM from 32GB to 16GB?
The developer, TT Games, revised the recommendation after ongoing testing and optimization. The initial 32GB requirement was a conservative placeholder to publish the Steam page for pre-orders.
Does this mean I can run the game on 16GB RAM?
Yes. The updated recommended specifications indicate that 16GB is sufficient to run the game at intended performance levels, though further optimization could still change requirements.
Are other games reducing PC requirements too?
Yes. Games like 007: First Light have also lowered recommended RAM from 32GB to 16GB, reflecting a broader trend in the industry.
Why are RAM prices increasing in 2026?
Prices are rising due to high demand from AI and data center applications, which is impacting availability and cost for consumer-grade memory.
Will RAM shortages affect upcoming PC games?
Potentially. Developers are factoring memory costs and availability into their recommendations, which could lead to further adjustments in specs for games releasing later in 2026.
When does Lego Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight launch?
The game is scheduled for release on May 29, 2026.
