February 21st 2025.
Is the PlayStation Portal a glimpse into the future of gaming? The letters page on Fridays has been buzzing with suggestions for new characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DX, while one reader has been raving about Warframe. Join in on the discussion by emailing us at email.
Handheld limitations are a hot topic these days, with talks of a Nintendo Switch 2 and next-gen Xbox consoles. But what about the PlayStation 6? It seems like there haven't been any rumors or leaks about it. Sony did confirm that they are working on a new console, and there were hints that it might be a portable, but that's all we know. As a gamer, I am eager to find out what they have in store and when it will be released. I know I'm not alone in this, but I must admit, the idea of all consoles becoming portables worries me. I don't want that.
I recently read a comment from a reader who said they would love a Switch 2 without a screen. It seems like they share my concerns. However, I don't want to sacrifice graphics for portability. Let's face it, it's impossible to fit the power of a PlayStation 5, let alone something even more powerful, into a portable device. So what's the point? Sure, portables may be trendy right now, and the Steam Deck looks impressive, but I would still prefer to play on a PC when I'm at home. If the PlayStation 6 is only available as a portable, everything will be limited by its portability, and that doesn't sound appealing to me.
So, the big "leap" in the next-gen Xbox is supposedly related to AI. But what exactly does that mean? Are we going to be able to create games based on a few keywords we tell our Xbox 5? I don't know about you, but I quickly lost interest in playing around with AI after a couple of hours. It never seemed to listen to me, and the games it created were terrible. Even if it works better in the future, who would choose to play an AI-generated game over a proper one? I understand that AI is a buzzword right now, but I can't help but think of the Kinect and how Microsoft mishandled it, ultimately ruining the technology.
I find it amusing when people call others Luddites for not being on board with Microsoft's AI plans, but then turn around and criticize game developers for the same thing. Personally, I would trust the opinion of a game developer over some random person commenting on a website. And let's be real, Microsoft's AI push is most likely just a ploy to impress investors and shareholders. I can't imagine what a $3 trillion company needs to prove, but it seems like a lot of executives just like to appear busy, regardless of how ridiculous the idea may be. The reason I dislike this AI trend the most is that it's unreliable. Has anyone actually used AI before? It's rubbish. Whether it's Google or ChatGPT, it just makes up things and mixes up facts like a politician on election night. I wouldn't trust anything AI tells me, let alone let it create games and potentially put real game developers out of a job.
I'm starting to believe that being bought out by a giant company may not be as great as it seems. Just look at the chaos caused by NetEase's acquisition, and there will likely be more to come. Bungie didn't last long before Sony started interfering, and the first Japanese developer Microsoft shut down was the one they needed the most, with a critical hit already under their belt. While buyouts can work, it seems to only benefit smaller developers who can utilize the company's expertise, like Insomniac for Sony and Monolith Soft for Nintendo. The "shopping spree" approach seems to be poisonous, and I wouldn't be surprised if it backfires on Microsoft soon enough.
I must admit, the idea of AI being used in games is dreadful, especially for game developers. However, I do find the concept of Assassin's Creed Shadows, a parody created by AI, intriguing. It may not have been made entirely by AI, but the graphics and elements seem like they could have been. If AI could be used to create games quickly, it could allow for topical games, which is something we rarely see in the gaming world due to long development times. Of course, I don't want AI anywhere near games that I have to pay £70 for, but if it can be used for a new genre of quick and dirty games, clearly labeled as such, then I'm okay with it.
It's worth mentioning that the Steam listing for Assassin's Creed Shadows claims it was made with AI, according to GC. It's always a bummer when you show up late to a party. That's how I feel about Warframe not being mentioned in the article on beat-free shooters.
Is the PlayStation Portal a sign of things to come? The Friday letters page is buzzing with discussions about upcoming consoles and games. One reader even recommends playing Warframe. With all the talk of new consoles like the Nintendo Switch 2 and next gen Xbox, it's surprising that there's been no news or rumors about the PlayStation 6. Sony has confirmed they are working on a new console, and there have been hints that it may be a portable device. As a gamer, I'm eager to know more about their plans and when the console will be released. It's a natural curiosity, but I'm also concerned about the trend of all consoles becoming portables. Personally, I don't want that to happen.
I find it interesting that a reader recently suggested a Switch 2 without a screen, which seems to suggest that they share my concerns. However, I don't want to see a regression in terms of graphics. It's simply not feasible to fit the power of a PlayStation 5, let alone a more powerful console, into a portable device. So why bother? While portability may be trendy right now, I would rather play on an actual PC if I'm at home. If the PlayStation 6 is only available as a portable, it will be limited by its size and capabilities, which doesn't sound appealing to me.
Moving on to the Xbox, there have been speculations that their next big leap will involve AI. But what exactly does that mean? Are we talking about creating games based on a few keywords that we tell our Xbox 5? As someone who experimented with AI for a couple of hours and quickly got bored, I don't see the appeal of playing a game generated by AI. And even if it does improve in the future, would anyone really want to play that instead of a well-crafted game? I can't help but think of the Kinect and how Microsoft's early release and subsequent abandonment of the technology ruined its potential.
I find it amusing that some people are quick to label others as Luddites for being skeptical of Microsoft's AI plans, while also dismissing the concerns of game developers. Personally, I trust the opinions of those who actually work in the gaming industry over random comments on a website. It's possible that Microsoft is just trying to impress investors and shareholders with their AI push, but I can't help but feel that it's all just a facade. As someone who has used AI before, I can confidently say that it's unreliable and I wouldn't want it making my games and putting talented developers out of a job.
On a different note, I've recently come to the realization that being bought out by a giant company may not be as beneficial as it seems. The recent buyouts by NetEase have caused concern among gamers, and it's likely that there will be more to come. Just look at Bungie, who barely lasted five minutes before Sony started meddling, or the unfortunate fate of Microsoft's Japanese developer. While buyouts can be successful for smaller developers who can benefit from the parent company's expertise, it seems like a shopping spree approach can be toxic. I wouldn't be surprised if it eventually backfires on Microsoft.
In a more lighthearted topic, I'm intrigued by the idea of a parody game made with AI like Assassin's Creed Shadows. While I doubt it was actually made with AI, the low-quality graphics give the impression that it could have been. This opens up the possibility for more topical games that would usually take too long to develop. Of course, I don't want to see AI near games that cost £70, but for a new genre of quick and simple games that are clearly labeled, I'm open to the idea.
Lastly, I was surprised to read an article about beat-free shooters and not see anyone recommend Warframe. It's a great game that deserves more recognition.
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[Generative AI is experimental.]
