September 3rd 2025.
I'm sure we can all agree that the cost of gaming is constantly on the rise. Even the Wednesday letters page discusses the never-ending console wars. One reader is particularly excited for the release of Lego Batman: Legacy Of The Dark Knight.
But let's talk about the real issue at hand - the price of hardcore hardware. It was quite a shock to see Capcom openly admit that the PlayStation 5 is too expensive. We all know that everything related to gaming has become increasingly costly, especially when it comes to high-end equipment. But to hear a major publisher say it out loud, and even suggest that the Switch 2 may be a better option because it's more affordable, is like a truth bomb.
What's even more surprising is the rumors surrounding the next generation Xbox - apparently, it's going to be even more expensive. But it seems like Microsoft has already lost the casual crowd, and I fear that Sony may be heading down that same path. While the PlayStation 5 has sold well, it's unlikely to outsell the PlayStation 2, which has held the title of best-selling console for 25 years. This lack of growth in console sales is a major concern for companies like Capcom, but what can be done about it? I highly doubt the solution is as simple as releasing the Switch 2.
As a publisher, I would want the hardware to be as affordable as possible, so that the main concern for gamers is the cost of the games themselves. This brings me to the topic of streaming - I have a feeling it will become a major focus in the next five years. That's probably why these new consoles are so expensive - they're being marketed towards hardcore gamers. And that's also why I don't see the price of the PlayStation 5 dropping anytime soon. In fact, it has already gone up this year. Sadly, the era of affordable consoles may be coming to an end.
Moving on to a lighter topic, let's discuss console wars. While it may seem like a serious matter to some, I don't believe most people take it as seriously as it's made out to be. In the end, people tend to stick with one main console, whether it's due to exclusive games or personal preference. The automatic rivalry between Xbox and PlayStation will always exist, regardless of which games are available on each console.
Personally, I have a strong dislike for Microsoft as a company and I'm not a fan of the Xbox user interface. That's why I've always stuck with PlayStation. Of course, I would be willing to switch for an exclusive game that truly captures my interest, but unfortunately, Xbox has never had one that I cared about. And now, it seems like they never will. While it's possible that the console wars could come to an end if people stop caring about Xbox, I don't think that's the case. People love to argue and they'll use any excuse to do so.
I recently tried playing No Man's Sky again, and even with all the updates, I still can't seem to enjoy it. It's an impressive achievement for such a small team, but there's just something missing - it's not exactly "fun." The combat, exploration, and spaceship piloting all feel lacking to me. I hate to say it, but it seems like the game was made by programmers who excel in graphics and technical aspects, but lack the knowledge of how to make a truly engaging game.
Speaking of games that didn't quite live up to expectations, let's talk about Starfield. I was really looking forward to it, but unfortunately, it seems like it's not going to be the space game we were hoping for. And honestly, I can't think of any upcoming games that have the potential to turn things around in the space game genre.
On a more positive note, I was thrilled to read the interview about Final Fantasy Tactics. I've owned multiple versions of this game over the years and I'm excited to see it being remastered with added voice-acting. It's interesting to hear that the director was inspired by XCOM, as it's not often that we see Japanese developers referencing Western games. I would love to see Square Enix's own take on XCOM, perhaps with a fantasy twist. While some may argue that Midnight Suns was similar, I personally loved that game as well. Hopefully, this time around, it will receive the recognition and sales it deserves.
Lastly, I came across some news about the upcoming Resident Evil movie and I have to say, I'm intrigued. Apparently, it will be set during the events of Resident Evil 2 and 3, but with the tone of Resident Evil 4. I'm not entirely sure what that means, but my interpretation is that it will be more cheesy and comedic, rather than serious and intense. It's quite unexpected, considering the director's past works, but I'm excited to see how it turns out. It's a shame that Leon won't be the main character, as I would have loved to see him portrayed properly in a film. But perhaps this change in tone will bring a fresh take on the franchise.
In conclusion, it's clear that the cost of gaming is a major concern for both publishers and gamers alike. And while console wars may continue to exist, it's important to remember that it's all about personal preference and enjoyment. Let's hope for more affordable consoles and engaging games in the future.
The topic of console wars seems to be a never-ending debate, as highlighted in the recent letters page of a popular gaming publication. One reader expresses their excitement for the upcoming Lego Batman game, while another shares their thoughts on the rising costs of gaming hardware, specifically the PlayStation 5.
It's no surprise that gaming has become an expensive hobby, with even major publishers like Capcom acknowledging the high prices. In fact, they have gone so far as to suggest that the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 may be a better option due to its more affordable price. This statement has caused quite a stir, especially with rumors of the next Xbox being even more expensive. It raises the question of whether Sony and Microsoft are losing touch with the casual gaming crowd.
As a publisher, one would think that the main goal would be to make gaming accessible to as many people as possible. This is where the idea of streaming comes into play. With streaming, the focus shifts from the cost of hardware to the cost of the games themselves. It's a strategy that could potentially attract a wider audience. However, it seems that the current trend is to cater to hardcore gamers, with the prices of consoles continuing to rise.
There is a sense of nostalgia for the days when affordable consoles were the norm, but it seems like those days are long gone. The era of affordable gaming may be over, with no major price cuts in sight for the PlayStation 5. It's a harsh reality that even industry experts are acknowledging.
Moving on to the topic of console loyalty, one reader shares their perspective on the console wars. They believe that most people don't take it as seriously as it may seem. At the end of the day, it's simply a matter of choosing a side between Xbox and PlayStation. Personal preferences and company reputations often play a role in this decision.
The reader also shares their disappointment with No Man's Sky, despite the many updates it has received. It's a visually stunning game, but lacks the fun factor that makes a game truly enjoyable. They also express their hopes for a fantasy version of XCOM, inspired by the recent Final Fantasy Tactics interview.
Speaking of Resident Evil, news of an upcoming movie set during the events of Resident Evil 2 and 3 has caught the attention of another reader. The director's approach to the movie, with a tone similar to Resident Evil 4, suggests a more lighthearted and cheesy approach. While some may be surprised by this choice, the reader is excited to see how it turns out, especially with the involvement of the director who has not delved into comedy before.
The topic of console wars, gaming costs, and upcoming releases are just a few of the many discussions happening within the gaming community. With a variety of opinions and perspectives, it's clear that the love for gaming is alive and well.
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