July 4th 2025.
It's no secret that Destiny 2 has seen a decline in players recently. We even saw it mentioned in the letters page on Friday, with readers discussing whether we'll ever see a new Perfect Dark game. It seems like readers aren't as optimistic as EA about the upcoming Battlefield 6.
If you want to join in on the discussion, feel free to email us. One reader shared their thoughts on the matter, and it's something that many of us can relate to: the cost of video games. It's not surprising that younger people are spending less on video games, especially when you consider how expensive they have become. My own son, who is always strapped for cash, would rather spend his money on other things than a £70 video game.
It seems like his friends are in the same boat. And while my son has played popular games like Minecraft, Destiny, and Fortnite, he sees them more as a way to connect with friends online than to fully immerse himself in the games. It's clear that companies are trying to create a sense of community with live service games, but it's also evident that many players are not truly invested in the games themselves.
This could have long-term consequences for publishers, as they are essentially training young people not to pay for video games or to play them properly. And eventually, they will feel the impact of this in their profits. It's a trend that one reader accurately predicted, as we've seen with the recent job cuts at Activision Blizzard. It's a sad state of affairs, and it's not only limited to big companies like Microsoft.
Romero Games, a company with less than 100 employees, recently let go of all their staff after losing funding. It's hard to understand why companies are so quick to lay off hardworking employees, especially in a creative industry like gaming. It's a shocking reality that many people in the industry face.
But let's not lose hope. As one reader pointed out, we should never say never when it comes to the return of beloved franchises like Perfect Dark. And while the new Mario Kart World may not be exactly what we imagined, it's still a ton of fun to play. Sure, there may be room for improvement, but that doesn't mean it's not a great game. And let's not forget the joy of playing with friends and family, which is what truly matters in the end.
One thing we do wish for is more communication from developers about future plans, especially when it comes to DLC. But for now, let's enjoy the games that we have and look forward to what the future holds. Who knows, maybe we'll see some of our favorite franchises make a comeback in the next 10 years.
It's no surprise that the popularity of video games is decreasing among younger generations. As a parent, I see firsthand how my son and his friends are not as interested in traditional gaming as I was at their age. They may play games like Minecraft and Fortnite, but it's more as a means of socializing with friends rather than truly enjoying the game itself.
It's clear that companies are heavily focused on creating live service games, but it feels like they are more interested in the community aspect rather than the actual game. By training young people to not pay for games and only play them casually, it's only a matter of time before this strategy backfires on publishers.
Speaking of money, the recent layoffs at Activision Blizzard are a cause for concern. It's not just the number of people who lost their jobs, but the fact that Xbox may be impacted as well. With the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Xbox has become heavily reliant on Call of Duty, and it seems like anyone not involved in creating the game will either lose their job or be relegated to a support role.
It's not just the big players in the industry that are disappointing, as demonstrated by Romero Games' sudden firing of their employees after losing funding. It's disheartening to see companies prioritize their own interests over the welfare of their employees. As a consumer, it makes me question where I should be investing my money.
In the midst of all this, I've found solace in playing remasters like Perfect Dark and Halo: Combat Evolved. While Perfect Dark stands the test of time with its level design and gun variety, Halo feels dated and tedious at times. It's unfortunate that the planned sequel for Perfect Dark was cancelled and Halo has struggled to stay relevant in recent years.
But even with its flaws, I still find myself having a blast playing Mario Kart World. Sure, there are areas that could be improved, but it's still a great game. My only complaint is the lack of communication from developers about potential DLC plans. It makes me wonder if we'll ever see characters like Diddy Kong added to the game.
In the end, it's hard to predict the future of the gaming industry. But as a fan, I hope to see a balance between the business side and the well-being of employees, as well as a continued focus on creating enjoyable games for all ages.
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