Games Inbox: Is the High Cost of Console and PC Games Hurting the Industry?
The letters page on Fridays criticizes
Sony
Regarding the downturn of Bungie, as one reader believes they have uncovered the mystery behind it.
Super Mario
on
Switch 2
.
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Top three
I was considering buying
Doom: The Dark Ages
However, I was surprised to discover that the game costs £70 on PC. I am aware it’s priced similarly on consoles as well, though typically PC games tend to be at least £10 less expensive, even though I’m uncertain of the reason behind this pricing strategy. Therefore, we have a game designed for solo play which can be completed within approximately 13 hours, and it isn’t just the highest-priced option available for gaming consoles—it carries the same price tag on PCs too. The question then arises: how many distinct ways does this situation present itself?
Bethesda
What turned you away from purchasing the game?
I’m curious if this might be an effort by
Microsoft
To encourage folks to subscribe to Game Pass, let me clarify that strategy won’t sway my decision. Instead, I plan to purchase the game during Black Friday, confident that it will be discounted by at least 50% — much like
Doom 2016
had reached that same point by then.
While video game prices may not have increased significantly over the years, it’s important to remember that during the SNES era, many of us could afford only two or three titles per year due to their high cost. If companies like Microsoft aim to revert to those times, that’s acceptable, but let me assure you that Doom will definitely not be among my three picks for 2025.
Sonny
GC:
PC games tend to be less expensive primarily due to the absence of publishing fees associated with console platforms.
Expect nothing
So essentially Sony is squandering yet another year?
Possibly no summer showcase
At all, and if it does happen, it will simply be another typical “State of Play.” This is incredibly disappointing at this stage. We’ve experienced three years of their behavior like this, and I am clueless about the reasons behind it or what might persuade them to revert to their former ways. It seems we must assume that they won’t change their stance now.
This year features “Ghost of Yoetei,” followed by the sequel to “Returnal” next year, which suggests that nothing else is on the horizon from their team. If there were additional releases planned between these titles, we likely would have learned about them already. While we may see further publications from others such as “Death Stranding 2,” I’m uncertain whether expecting that qualifies as wishful thinking at present.
Scooby
Emotions from the Mushroom Realm
What did Nintendo do to revitalize the longstanding Zelda series? By introducing an open-world experience with Breath of the Wild. Similarly, how is Nintendo refreshing the enduring Mario Kart franchise? With an open-world twist in Mario Kart World, which will be available for the upcoming Switch 2 console.
Therefore, what do I forecast they’ll implement in the upcoming primary Mario game to refresh the series? No, I won’t make any predictions because attempting to foreseeNintendo’s moves is a futile exercise!
ttfp saylow (gamertag)
Currently streaming: Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom (dug out of my backlog) and Crime Scene Cleaner
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Hands-on management
I’ve been listening to reports about
Bungie having bad management
For many years, even before Sony acquired them, I’m puzzled as to why this issue hasn’t been resolved yet. Clearly, those in leadership positions hold the power, leaving little room for action from the employees. However, Sony had both the capability and responsibility to address the situation more assertively.
It’s difficult not to partly attribute some of the blame to Sony for the predicament Bungie finds itself in. Although they acquired the company, it appears they lacked a clear strategy for how to proceed with Bungie after the acquisition.
This prompts the question of whether these businesses are merely acquired as status symbols without genuine insight into their effective utilization. I recall when Sony purchased Bungie; rumors suggested that preventing Microsoft from obtaining them was equally important, considering Microsoft might have aimed to revitalize Halo with them.
However, what exactly has Microsoft done to alter or enhance Activision? From my perspective, nothing seems different, and they definitely haven’t begun producing new titles or reviving any of their previous series. Most likely, the typical individual isn’t even aware that ownership has shifted.
Whisper
No answer
I’ve been searching for hours to locate a direct link to GAME’s online UK customer service contacts so I can address an issue with a defective controller bought in April of this year.
Even though the GAME site provides details about reaching their customer service, all the links lead to dropdown menus that fail to address my needs.
I inadvertently yet effectively reached out to GAME SA through WhatsApp or email, but I haven’t received any response from GAME UK whatsoever.
Could this be an intentional strategy from GAME Online UK to frustrate their customers so much that they eventually quit?
Lorraine
First impressions
I simply wanted to express my gratitude to GC for their support.
previews of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2
I have just completed reading the feedback from the press event held in Paris. The article provided quite insightful information, which left me moderately reassured upon noticing favorable reactions. It didn’t surprise me at all to find out that the Welcome Tour garnered the least praise; naturally, one would anticipate such an outcome from GC. Indeed, it managed to lull some attendees into slumber during the presentation.
I’m pleased to see that Cyberpunk 2077 has won an award too. Given its problematic release on PlayStation 4, it was crucial that the game received significant improvements through proper porting to avoid similar problems resurfacing. The upcoming Mario Kart World seems like it will provide a fantastic gaming experience, which I appreciate greatly because I purchased the collection. Ensuring that my purchase is worthwhile was essential.
I’m equally intrigued about seeing how the unreleased titles perform on this new platform, particularly “Star Wars Outlaws” and “Borderlands 4.” Additionally, I’ve learned that the forthcoming James Bond game might get ported over; this news was quite surprising to me. It hadn’t crossed my mind before, making it worth keeping tabs on. However, since we haven’t received any details about this Bond project yet, it remains far off in the future for now.
Those are all my thoughts. Therefore, I want to express my gratitude to GC once more, and I feel considerably more optimistic now. As we have only two weeks remaining before the launch date, let’s hope the positive energy keeps growing.
Shahzaib Sadiq
Giving it a chance
I’m pleased that Assassin’s Creed Shadows performed well, even though there were many negative comments leading up to its release. While Ubisoft contributed to this with their actions, the game received positive reviews, so I decided to take a risk—and I ended up being highly impressed. The visuals are among the finest I’ve encountered, and although the gameplay follows a somewhat familiar pattern within the franchise, it remains quite enjoyable.
This has got me interested in trying Star Wars Outlaws as well; it also received mixed reviews prior to release, largely due to being an Ubisoft title. From what I understand, people were skeptical mainly because of the developer involved. Anyway, I plan to grab it the next time it goes on sale. While I’m not particularly fond of this particular studio, I believe it would be unfair to write off a game solely based on its creator.
Arnie
All in good time
I completely concur that Rockstar’s finest title might very well be Red Dead Redemption, without detracting from Grand Theft Auto because of the innovative concepts introduced in this game. Among these novel elements were mechanics such as acquiring a bounty on an individual and having the ability to lasso and bring someone back alive when feasible, capturing the essence of a classic Western movie.
Absolutely. You covered every setting imaginable, from the vast Great Plains to lush forests, along with a range of distinctive frontier towns where the actors delivered outstanding performances, crafting some of the finest drama around. Additionally, the series featured majestic mountain ranges extending into desert regions and crossing over to Mexican villages, each adding its distinct landscape to the mix.
The city is incredible in GTA, and falling in love with the game was easy when you experienced the nightlife or saw the sun rising on the horizon, all while listening to your favorite radio station playing an amazing song. However, Red Dead took this enchantment back over a century earlier.
A potential sequel like Red Dead Redemption 3 would be an immensely thrilling prospect to imagine, offering countless fantastic opportunities courtesy of Rockstar’s ingenious developers. However, let’s look forward to GTA 6 first; that will keep me occupied for now.
Alucard
Inbox also-rans
I’m still quite amazed that Monster Hunter Wilds has become the top-selling game this year. It’s surprising because I personally don’t know anyone in my social circle who knows anything about the series. Still, good for Capcom, I suppose.
Focus
I’m really enthusiastic about the fan initiative for Star Wars Battlefront 3. While I doubt it will succeed due to the expenses, I would be thrilled to see it happen because of all the potential new show-based maps they could include. Playing as K-2SO is definitely something I look forward to!
Gordo
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