March 4th 2024.
Is the specification of the Switch 2 really that important? According to the Monday letters page, some publishers believe that the budgets for new video games need to be reduced. One reader disagrees with the term "boomer shooter". If you want to join in on the discussion, you can email us at email.
The Switch 2's performance is incomparable, but there seems to be a lot of debate about its power output. This may be because, like the current Switch, it is based on a different architecture than the current home consoles and PCs. This means that a direct comparison may not be possible. After all, the Switch 2 uses Nvidia's mobile ARM platform, while Sony and Microsoft use AMD x86 hardware. This could result in some games looking and running similar to the Xbox Series S, while others may only reach PlayStation 4 levels. However, I hope that developers will have the necessary tools to easily port games to this different architecture. And if the Switch 2 is successful, it may help slow down the current trend of prioritizing graphics over gameplay.
Personally, I imagine the Switch 2 to be like a portable Steam Deck and a docked PlayStation 4 Pro, with modern features that allow it to run current generation games. This is quite an impressive feat, especially considering the Switch 2 will most likely have a more ergonomic design than the Steam Deck and be much smaller than the home consoles. It's similar to how the current Switch relates to the Xbox 360 generation. All in all, I have high hopes for the Switch 2.
Moving on to games, I recently spent the weekend playing Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed. While there are a few flaws, such as graphical glitches and a particularly terrible mission, overall it is a success. The game pays homage to the original while also adding new elements. I was initially worried about how the characters would be portrayed, but they are all likeable and their development is noteworthy. In fact, I can't think of a better ensemble of video game companions.
This game has been a pleasant surprise for me. It could have easily been a disaster, but instead it is fun, serious, goofy, and bizarre. Most importantly, it feels like a true video game and doesn't take itself too seriously. I highly recommend it.
On a more serious note, it is concerning to hear about job cuts in the gaming industry. This could be a sign of major changes to come. Perhaps it's time for companies to focus on reducing development costs and not rely solely on high-end graphics and celebrity endorsements. Indie companies have proven that great games can be made without these expensive elements. If the industry wants to attract young talent, it needs to offer job stability and not be constantly changing direction.
Moving on to reader comments, I agree with the recent Reader's Feature, except for Lewis' opinion on Game Pass and subscription services. While Game Pass has been successful, it seems to have reached a plateau in terms of numbers. And as for the gaming crash, it may have already started. I recently checked the PlayStation Store and the pre-order list was quite disappointing. Hopefully, more games will be announced, but for now, it's not looking good.
Speaking of gaming, I've noticed that esports events have become increasingly popular, with millions of viewers and large cash prizes for the winners. However, outside of the gaming industry, are esports taken seriously? Or is there still a stigma attached to them? Perhaps using real names instead of gamer names could help improve their image, similar to how professional boxers use nicknames. This may resonate more with the general public.
Lastly, I stumbled upon a great game on the Nintendo Switch eShop called Arise: A Simple Story. It's a 3D platformer with unique game mechanics and stunning puzzles. Plus, the soundtrack is amazing and could easily be mistaken for a track from Ori. The best part? It's only £2.69 for the next few days and there's even a free demo available. So, you can try it out for yourself without spending a penny.
On a lighter note, I couldn't help but wonder, where did the term "boomer shooter" come from? I had never heard of it until reading the review for Dark Forces. But after doing some research, it seems to be a popular phrase. However, it doesn't quite make sense to me. These games, like Doom and Quake, were mainly played by Gen Xers, not baby boomers. Even the creators, such as John Romero, fall into the Gen X category. Maybe it's time for a petition to change the term? As a fellow Gen Xer, I may have to start one myself!
Does the power and specs of the rumored Switch 2 really matter? The latest reader letters seem to have mixed opinions. Some argue that game developers need to focus on reducing budgets for new video games, while others object to the term "boomer shooter." Join in on the discussion by emailing us!
One possible reason for the ongoing debate about the Switch 2's potential power is that, like the current Switch, it may be based on a different architecture compared to other home consoles and PCs. This means that a direct comparison may not be accurate. The mobile ARM platform from Nvidia is quite different from the AMD x86 hardware used by Sony and Microsoft. This could result in some games looking and running similar to the Xbox Series S, while others may be limited to PlayStation 4 level graphics. It is important that the necessary tools are available for developers to easily port games to this new architecture. Additionally, if the Switch 2 is successful, it could potentially put a halt to the never-ending graphical arms race in the industry.
As for expectations, some readers have compared the Switch 2 to the portable Steam Deck and the PlayStation 4 Pro when docked. It is impressive to think that such a small and ergonomic design could potentially run current-gen games. This is similar to how the current Switch relates to the Xbox 360 generation. Overall, the Switch 2's power and capabilities will depend on its actual performance, not just its specifications.
On a different topic, one reader shares their thoughts on the recently released Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. They are pleased with the game's success, with some minor flaws, and feel that it captures the essence of a true video game. They appreciate the likeable and well-developed characters, and are excited to continue playing.
Another reader expresses their concerns about job cuts in the gaming industry and the need for companies to reduce development costs. They argue that focusing on high-end graphics and big-name actors is not necessary for a game's success. Instead, indie companies serve as a great example by prioritizing gameplay and artwork over graphics. It is important for the industry to make changes and attract new graduates who are interested in game development.
Switching gears, a reader brings up the topic of esports and the stigma still attached to it outside of the gaming industry. They suggest that using real names in tournaments, similar to how pro boxers use nicknames, could potentially improve its credibility and appeal to a wider audience.
Finally, a reader shares their discovery of a great game on the Nintendo Switch eShop called Arise: A Simple Story. They highly recommend trying out the free demo before purchasing, as it offers an interesting game mechanic, puzzles, and an amazing soundtrack reminiscent of Ori games.
And lastly, a reader questions the origin of the term "boomer shooter" and its accuracy in describing games from the 90s, such as Doom and Quake. They argue that these games were popular among Generation X gamers, rather than baby boomers, and may not be an accurate term. As a fellow Gen Xer, they jokingly suggest starting a petition to change it.
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