April 18th 2024.
I've been thinking a lot about the state of gaming lately, and I have to say, it's not looking good. The recent news of Take-Two laying off employees just to boost their profits for the next year is absolutely appalling. It's a shame to see such a greedy and heartless move from a company that will undoubtedly make millions with the release of GTA 6. But I guess that's the reality of the business world we live in.
It's also disheartening to realize that console gaming, which I always thought was the heart and soul of the gaming world, is actually a small part of it. Mobile games have taken over in popularity, and while I personally have no interest in them, I can see why they appeal to the majority of gamers. And then there are live service titles, which I don't even pay attention to, but apparently, they're the most popular games out there. It's a strange world we live in, where yearly sequels and old games dominate the charts.
But what really angers me is the disregard for the developers and the games they work on. Take-Two's layoffs and the cancellation of unique and experimental games are just examples of the short-sighted and selfish decisions made by the higher-ups. It's always about making quick and easy money, without any consideration for the art and passion that goes into making a game. And I fear it will only get worse in the future, with the possibility of AI replacing game executives.
Despite all the negativity, I do have something positive to look forward to - the release of Shadow Of The Erdtree for Elden Ring. As a fan of the original game, I am eagerly anticipating this expansion and the hours of gameplay it promises. It's a ray of light in the midst of all this gloom surrounding the gaming industry.
Speaking of positivity, I recently played the demo for Stellar Blade and I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. The main character's outfit may be a bit questionable, but the combat mechanics are top-notch. It's clear that the developers were influenced by games like Bayonetta, and they have executed it perfectly. I can't wait to play the full game, but I'll make sure to do it when my girlfriend isn't around.
On a different note, I have a question about the next Call Of Duty game and the possibility of a PS5 Pro version. With Sony's emphasis on platform parity, it's unlikely that Microsoft will allow a better version on PS5 Pro. But no matter how it plays out, there will surely be some disgruntled fans. It's a lose-lose situation, and it's a shame that the business side of gaming often takes precedence over the enjoyment of the players. Only time will tell how this will unfold, but it's definitely something to keep an eye on.
I couldn't agree more with the sentiment that "a game's a game". As a frequent reader of the Thursday letters page, I was appalled to read about the recent layoffs at Take-Two. It's disheartening to see companies prioritize profit over their employees' livelihoods. And to make matters worse, some readers are feeling trolled by the announcement of Hollow Knight: Silksong. It's truly a shame.
But as I've been following the gaming industry over the past few months, I've come to realize that console gaming is just a small piece of the larger gaming landscape. For me, console gaming is everything, but I understand that I'm in the minority. Mobile games have become the most popular form of gaming, and while I personally have never found one that holds my interest for more than a minute or two, I know that many people enjoy them in short bursts. And who am I to say that they aren't "real games"? It's a subjective definition, and labeling one type of game as "not real" is unfair.
And what about live service games? They may not be my cup of tea, but the charts don't lie - they're incredibly popular. In fact, most of the top games being played right now are five years old or more. It seems like the majority of gamers aren't constantly looking for the latest and greatest, but rather they stick with what they know and love. And that's perfectly fine.
But unfortunately, as consumers, we no longer hold the same power that we used to. Publishers are catering to a different audience now, and we have to accept that we're no longer their top priority. It's a tough pill to swallow, but it's the reality of the situation.
Speaking of reality, it's absolutely disgusting to see companies like Take-Two lay off so many people just to make their financial reports look better. And for what? To make even more money off of their highly anticipated upcoming release, GTA 6? It's cruel and unnecessary. And it's even worse when we find out that it's the more unique and experimental games that get axed, while we're left with the same old sequels. I mean, who asked for Mafia 4? It's just a never-ending cycle of greed and short-term thinking.
But it's not all doom and gloom in the gaming world. I, for one, am looking forward to Shadow Of The Erdtree for Elden Ring. The original game was a masterpiece, and I'm proud to say that I completed it almost 100%. Sure, I may have missed a few things, but I got all the bosses and secrets that I could find. And now, with the expansion on the horizon, it seems like we'll have even more hours of FromSoftware bliss to look forward to.
And let's not forget about the recent demo for Stellar Blade. I have to admit, I was a little taken aback by the main character's outfit. It definitely seems like it was designed for the male gaze rather than practicality. But putting that aside, I was pleasantly surprised by the gameplay. It's clear that Bayonetta was a major influence, but they've really nailed the fast-paced, combo-based combat. I'm eagerly awaiting the reviews to come out before I make a decision to purchase, though I'll make sure to play it when my girlfriend isn't around.
And finally, I have a question for all you fellow gamers out there - do you think the next Call of Duty will be enhanced for the PS5 Pro? It's an interesting thought, especially considering Sony's emphasis on platform parity for the franchise. But regardless of what happens, I have a feeling that it'll stir up some discourse. Will Activision support the PS5 Pro, or will they be held back by their relationship with Microsoft? Either way, it's a lose-lose situation, and I have a feeling that this will be a big story later this year. Only time will tell.
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