Talking Points

2K is Certainly Taking Aim, It's a Big Year Ahead

2K is Certainly Taking Aim, It’s a Big Year Ahead

On By In Talking Points

GTA VI is going to be a massive game releasing possibly in November or December of this year. If in fact, it doesn’t get delayed which is always a possibility. However, the movement of certain games in the coming months is going to be a big indicator of where we are at.

This year is going to be absolutely massive for 2K. I cannot remember a time when they had Mafia, Borderlands and possibly GTA all in the same year. In fact, I do not think it has happened. Of course, having this many good releases just indicates just how great a year it’s going to be for the publisher.

The only thing that causes me skepticism on a delay of GTA is if 2K themselves think that having this many big releases all in one year’s window is a good thing. I guess fortune’s favor the brave. No matter what they decide to do. I see all three games doing extremely well as usual.

We’ve just seen Borderlands 4 at the State of Play and how perfect was that? It’s everything I’d liked to have seen improved, well, basically improved and on another level. I feel that the Mafia showcase is going to bring some fresh ideas as well.

I think from game-play perspectives as well as the renown that these games have with their fans. We’re going to really see 2K quite possibly have its biggest year ever. Even if GTA doesn’t quite make it.

However it goes, I am looking forward to seeing more from all three when the opportunity arises. It’s never been bigger for 2K. That’s for sure. Another interesting thing as well that caught me off guard is a developer saying how great GTA VI will run on a Series X. There has to be something more to that, right, based on everything going on?

Adapting To The Times

Adapting To The Times

On By In Talking Points

If you think back generationally, to your parents and their parents. You know that times were very different back then. The wheel always turns and generationally speaking it’s about what you do in ‘the’ moment of your ‘own’ life. We can get inspired or celebrate what’s come before, but it’s also important that we approach life from the point of the here and now and what the reality is now.

Whether that’s through who we are or the kind of work we do. We all have our say in our own way and sometimes we can blink and miss what’s truly important to make our own impact. But also, adapting with the times is something we need to do. AI is going to have a massive impact on the future of economic activity around the world. In a way, we have to find ways to protect that, but also, we also have to look at alternative ways in which people can actually impact the lives of others. The internet is going to be a big part of our futures and even more so for the next generations.

It’s also about how we limit that damage and how we stabilize those affected by AI. There is a reality here, and that reality is that we need to strike a balance that allows human creativity to flourish in this digital age. There is untapped potential. Instead of looking at something like YouTube with envy, we need to look at it as an opportunity just how they have done. Our sense of self and our own creative prowess. Because ‘we’re the originals’, so to speak, and if there is one thing that life has shown me we’re all good at something.

Our need to utilise that and adapt hasn’t been more important. But also, protecting the rights of our own humanity. That’s something that right now might sound kind of out there. However, in the future, there might actually be a point to it. Because we never truly know how deep the rabbit hole goes.

Everyday, we’re seeing the benefits of AI, but it’s also important to realize the risks in which we’re putting ourselves in. It’s important that we protect the generations of today but also the generations of tommorow. That we are forward thinking in our approach to the effects that it will have on us all. That politically, we do everything in our power to protect ourselves and businesses from any impact it may have.

Nobody can predict the future, however we can be forward thinking on our approach to it. That’s our duty, to assess, and to perceive, the dangers we may face. If that also means putting protective legislation in place that might be a stab in the back to corporate entities that do not understand that. It’s the risk and balancing act we have to enact.

This is simply not something we endure now and worry about later. It’s far more important than that and attitudes need to align to take all into consideration of that.

Is The Bioware We Knew Dead?

Is The Bioware We Knew Dead?

On By In Talking Points

There has been a lack of quality coming out of Bioware. After the failure of the recent new Dragons Age. The fact it had an identity issue and didn’t resonate with the majority of it’s core fandom. It’s back to the drawing board for Bioware, and I personally believe that EA going forward is going to be playing it safe with the majority of its franchises.

You only have to look at the sneek peak of the new Battlefield, seemingly replicating the look of Battlefield 3. That’s never necessarily a bad sign. However, it seemingly does shed light on how they’ll move forward. The next Mass Effect is going to be something that they just have to get right. If they get it wrong, that could spell the end to how we know Bioware.

Ultimately, the next Mass Effect and it’s performance might decide that fate. It has to not only be up to the standards of the trilogy. It also has to hit the right note with fans. If you look at how long Dragon Age was in development. It took what ten years? Even that was involved in turmoil, and many have really lost faith in games that have been a huge part of their lives.

Mass Effect is going to be a PS6 title, probably towards the halfway point of that generational cycle. There is a huge amount more pressure on Bioware to get this right for the fans than most possibly there ever has been. I hope they do, as do many who love their games. However, if we look at the bigger picture here as well. There has been a distinct lack of creativity and stability at EA for some time with most of it’s titles. That’s not good for the optics of the publisher overall.

EA is going to certainly have to reflect on this and make sure that the next games coming are up to the standards of fans. Otherwise, they’ll be more hated than they are now by a proportion of fans that have ever cared for those games.

Nintendo Switch 2 Software Possibilities

Nintendo Switch 2 Software Possibilities

On By In Talking Points

The Nintendo Switch 2 hardware reveal is rumoured to be sometime this week. That’s the word coming from numerous sources. What we know is that it’s becoming more apparent that something is happening at Nintendo HQ; they’re getting ready to reveal the hardware. We know the software part is going to be something entirely separate, which leads me to believe it’s going to be something substantial.

If your a Nintendo fan, then, like me, your going to be excited by the fact we could be getting a new Mario Kart. Not only that, but a new 3D Mario is on the agenda as well, potentially. Ubisoft will be supporting the new hardware in the way they know how. I am expecting a lot of third-party support from numerous publishers to welcome in this new generation for Nintendo and the capabilities of the new hardware.

I think we’re going to see Metroid 4. That’ll be a big thing for them. I expect to see an RPG from someone as well. I think we’re going to see a well-rounded list of games for people to be able to play. The interesting thing will be how far Nintendo go on the software front themselves. It’s going to need to be strong over the course of the year. I remember the original Nintendo Switch had a pretty strong year. This time, even with the release schedule, it looks like Nintendo is marching to the beat of the same drum.

Personally, I would love to see Astral Chain 2 show up. I’d be incredibly excited to see that after enjoying the first game so much. It’s also going to be interesting how Nintendo’s software looks on the new hardware and how it differs in terms of scale and power in games. Of course, most will care about the performance.

However, the future of Splatoon could be bigger and better, and just how games differ in general in terms of their scale. How far they go with other games as well is going to be very interesting indeed. Especially since Nintendo has joined hardware that will be substantially more powerful to run these games now. It puts them in a great position. We already know that the Series S will now have a big say in the ports.

I am hoping that the software reveal really showcases the strengths of the hardware once that is announced. Maybe that’s the reason why Nintendo wants to do this the same way they did originally. Because it strikes that familiar tune. That’s at least what it’s looking like.

 

Make Or Break For Ubisoft?

Make Or Break For Ubisoft?

On By In Talking Points

Ubisoft is a publisher pretty close to my heart. I’ve always loved their games. Especially Assassin’s Creed. With the rumours swirling that Ubisoft could be bought out sometime down the line. Is the next Assassin’s Creed the one game they need to do incredibly well? I think it is.

I am sick of all the buyouts as much as the next person. However, they’re going to continue because the industry is in a state of transition. I am hoping that the next Assassin’s Creed does really well for Ubisoft. After all, they’ve lost their way a little bit. The awesome thing about the next Assassin’s Creed is that it’s going to be bringing back the modern story.

Back in the days of early Assassin’s Creed. We all know that Desmond was the main focus point and that will be coming back. Not Desmond himself, of course, not. A new protagonist for that modern story. For me personally, I am excited to see where they go with it, and I am going to be even more intrigued by how it does for Ubisoft based on all the well-documented issues they’ve been having lately.

Onto The Game Awards, Our Bodies Are Ready

Onto The Game Awards, Our Bodies Are Ready

On By In Talking Points

The battle of handhelds has commenced. Can Nintendo Switch retain it’s crown as the best handheld in the industry and continue to resonate with it’s audience?

Look, I really think they will. There will be a lot of competition going into the future but this is Nintendo we’re talking about. However, even if they just came out and showed us modernisation of their whole platform to be suitable for the modern ways of gaming online, while also, using their store. In my opinion, then they’ve won half of the battle already because that certainly has to be their focus with Microsoft and Sony being more in tune with the consumer in that way.

The Game Awards is coming around very quickly and we’ve already heard that there is going to be some big stuff coming out of it from the usual insiders. I am wondering if Nintendo could be ready to show something. After all, they were at Gamescom behind the scenes in some way showing off the Nintendo Switch 2 to publishers. There actually might be ‘a lot’ to actually show based on what is coming out with new games that they’ll likely show. Whatever we do get it’s going to be something that I’ll be following very closely this time. There has been no leaks whatsoever with this one either. The fact we’re also on the ten year anniversary of The Game Awards. That in itself should be a tell tale sign of what’s to come with this show.

I always acknowledge when things are going to get interesting in this industry. Because when they come out with ripples in the water in the industry like this it really sets the agenda of what is to possibly come in the future. I’ll be watching this one closely.

The Battle For The Best Content

The Battle For The Best Content

On By In Talking Points

Days after Microsoft said it was open to more acquisitions in the gaming industry. Sony has made steps towards purchasing one of the most successful studios known for creating the videogame Elden Ring. It’s a game that’s a huge favourite out there. Everyone is looking closely at what Microsoft are doing with Xbox. However, Sony still has the ability to make moves itself. You could consider this one a very smart play.

Sony might not have the huge pockets of Microsoft. They did however say that they will still be active in looking to make acquisitions if it makes sense. It can be of no surprise then that they’ve gone to potentially secure a studio that has the ability to support them on their path for a Bloodborne sequel. It’s not only about securing IP. It’s securing a highly acclaimed developer with great credentials in a genre that is absolutely thriving right now. There are more soul-likes than ever before, and this developer is the cream of the crop.

If Sony does acquire this studio. It will help them immensely. Not only in terms of that genre of games but other areas in which they have set their sights on also. You could consider this a more Japanese suit kind of move. The great thing about Sony’s leadership is that’s not just one person it’s two and each have a focus on both sides of Western and Japanese sides of the business you could say.

Of course, Microsoft are also going to be on the lookout for more Japanese studios of their own. It’s going to be interesting to see if those bigger pockets can entice them to the discussion table. Especially after the wrong handling of Tango GameWorks and everything that happened there. Of course, it’s not only happening on Microsoft’s side. Sony is no angel in this either when it comes to closures of significance.

I do think that this is a mega move if it does go through. These companies are now fighting on all fronts for the best content. I think content is going to be king moving forward. Both Sony and Microsoft have different ways in which they’re going to utilize that. That’s going to be the most interesting thing to see. I think if anything, we already know Sony sometimes does a lot better with how they manage their studios. If Microsoft and Xbox can manage to change their own perception. Then I believe there could be quite the content war going on. Each company will choose to utilize this to maximise the best possible outcome for themselves and those that choose their platform.

 

 

 

Into The Unknown

Into The Unknown

On By In Talking Points

I have just started writing my first book which I intend to release in the future. I have a title and it’s hopefully going to uplift people and give them a sense of being heard. It’s going to be a self-help book but will have all sorts of stories involving my own experiences. The actual intended purpose will be to try and put a message out there that benefits you in the right way.

This will be my first book. I do intend to try and publish another one in the future if everything goes well with the first. I am doing self-help genre as a way of dipping my feet into the ocean and not doing a full body dive into it until ready. But hey, fantasy has always been a favourite of mine, but we shall see nearer the time.

With that being said, the work has begun to put that first book together. I am committed to continue writing on this website as well. I will update everyone interested in the progress as I mean to go on. It’s going to take time, I am a slow writer, but I do so with the intention of bringing something good to the world of writing in my own way.

We’ll explore other ideas I have embedded in my mind of more fiction-like extravaganzas when I get there. You know what they say, the first step into anything is the most important. Just like the first step of man on the moon. You never know where things will go until you take that leap into the unknown.

The Generation of 'Enhancing' PS4 Games

The Generation of ‘Enhancing’ PS4 Games

On By In Talking Points

There is no doubt that this generation has been nothing short of a shortfall in innovation and new ideas. You have a new console coming out in the PS5 Pro which is evidence of this. It’s most important trick? Enhancing your PS4 games. That’s all well and good, but for a generation that has focused on constant remaster after remaster and hasn’t had any bite to it for the majority of gamers out there.

It’s safe to say, the potential of PS5 Pro is based on the reinvention of old software only. That means, apart from a solid line-up ahead that ‘will get better’. It has to be said that there is little to no reason for the average gamer to be all in on PS5 Pro. Your PS5 is well and good until the PS6 comes along even if the software line-up is going to get better.

The interesting thing will be how much ‘it gets better’ seeing as we’ve learned that Sony does wish to continue to beat the same drum. That’s in regard to their hopes of new revenue streams in live service. There is a fine balance needed here. One that makes sure that you’re still making great games for those that enjoyed the PS4 era. If anything, it’s a really telling indication that the PS5 has elevated on that point of games that there hasn’t been much of this generation.

We can talk about Sony trying to find its feet in how it produces it’s software going forward. We can also talk about the lack of ideas and originality which even Shawn Laden would agree on. There is a fundamental argument out there to be had about which direction PS6 goes in. A lot of PlayStation fans will be looking on to how and what direction they go with.

In fact, it does setup something of a reset. The need for it, the need for fresh game concepts and new franchises. It’s going to be interesting how it’s balanced because personally, I feel like Nintendo with Nintendo Switch 2 might be in a better situation. At least Nintendo fans know what is happening with their games. The output at least will be the same. Whereas PlayStation is having to find that balance so not to make the same mistakes in live service that it has done in the past.

That’s the defining picture for you right there. Of course, we’ve talked about Microsoft, but they have the financial clout to really go in any direction they want. As well as the infrastructure to support it for the future of gaming and the direction that many game developers want to go in.

Many might think that it’s a two-horse race between PlayStation and Nintendo. I actually think, we’re going to see a lot more competition than we ever have in the way each company does different things. That will elevate the way and give consumers at the end of the day a decision to make. A decision on who they trust. I mentioned in the last article, the Xbox handheld is a big step for Microsoft. It is, but so is what everyone else is doing going into the next generation. It’s going to be important for most consumers to know what exactly they’re signing up to next generation. Especially since, this generation has been all over the place with disappointment to some.

So where does it all go from here in what is a generation that hasn’t been the most impressive? That’s the question and the answer people will be looking for next time around. There are companies in the big three that have a clearer picture than others. That means next generation with all the build-up it’s having will clearly have to deliver. We know after all; they’re all working on the next thing.

The Next Step

The Next Step

On By In Talking Points

Everyone is dismissing Microsoft from the console space. The simple fact is there will always be dedicated hardware-based consoles until cloud gaming really takes off and can become a streamlined option for the vast proportion of players out there. Whether that includes Xbox remains to be seen, but the platform in itself out of hardware is going nowhere! Microsoft has partnered with leading cloud platforms that give you the option of playing your Xbox games without the need for any hardware.

The next step is going to be how cloud gaming can really accelerate and actually be something that people care enough about. NVidia’s GeForce Now could be the partnership that actually accelerates that process. I haven’t tried yet as I am awaiting a 900MB broadband connection to be installed. Everything though is pointing to it being a game-changing experience that offers you the opportunity to have the PC experience beamed to any device that you have ‘potentially’ rendering the console needless. I say that loosely because there are a lot of asterisks to the user case situation that cannot be ignored until it’s absolutely the perfect scenario. Your router being one of them. Until WiFi 7 can offer a standard of low latency and our devices catch up to that standard organically, it’s going to be tricky. Unless, of course, you go the Ethernet route, which is preferred anyway.

As Microsoft leads the charge on it’s next Xbox console. They’re aiming to go all-in on cloud gaming and are already leaving their mark on this industry. We’re getting to the point where players can really take advantage of that kind of cloud streaming service. ‘Almost’ the technology is there.

However, there are a few things that make cloud gaming an obstacle to being perfect. The drawback is no longer the broadband speeds. Nor is it latency because that’s improving all the time server-side and client-side. The drawback is how these services are streamlined for the user experience. Until they get to a point where Boosterioid is this experience that ‘just works’. One that connects to all your relevant gaming accounts seamlessly It’s going to be a hard take from the majority that this service is aimed at.

What I will say, though, is the gaming library’s are another factor in this as well. You cannot have a situation where Boosteriod has more games to play than NVidia’s GeForce Now. Nor can there be a situation where people are having to do guesswork on what game they can or cannot play.

That’s the pros and cons of cloud gaming at this point. Xbox has the edge in user experience with xCloud and it’s baked into their eco-system. However, it doesn’t on the 4K gaming situation (as of yet) until they implement that potentially for the next generation. We all know they’re going big on cloud gaming.

The point of all of this? Well, as you can see. Microsoft is laying the groundwork to go big in cloud gaming. They’re partnering with key cloud services like NVidia’s GeForce Now and Boosteriod. In a world where console hardware is getting expensive. Where games on closed-eco systems like PlayStation can set their own prices at £70 per game. This is all pushing people towards other options. PC and Cloud Gaming. I think both will get a big push and improve a lot going into the next few years. People are just done with being ripped off. That’s their reasoning to switch it up. The only gaming company that’s keeping it ‘original’. Well, Nintendo, and we all know everyone is excited about their next console. Because exclusives matter, but they’ve also stuck to their origins.

Xbox hardware might be dying in essence of consumer interest, but the platform itself couldn’t have a brighter or greener future. If all of this comes together in the right way, Microsoft might be returning to theirs. The potential is there for a vastly better entry into the world of gaming than ever before. Who is leading that charge? Well, Microsoft with Xbox, of course.

 

 

PlayStation Going Multi-Genre is Inevitable

PlayStation Going Multi-Genre is Inevitable

On By In Talking Points

A lot of discussion this week has been pretty negative, right? Focussing on the PS5 Pro pricing—we’re all sick of that, and clearly the focus should be on the games, right? I’m hearing you, and I agree with you. That’s why I think the recent reveal of the new Ghost of Yotei could bring a lot of opportunities to improve in game-play terms.

We all know the struggles of Ubisoft, heck, they just cancelled their Assassins Creed broadcast for TGS and then decided that the game was not ready either. That’s like unprecedented. But it’s the state of gaming for sequel franchises that is rightfully getting a little stale. So along comes something fresh, a new protagonist in the new Ghost of Yotei and new game-play opportunities because of how far in the future it is set. That’s being handled by the team at Sucker Punch, and everyone is super hyped about it.

Also, though, there have been whispers around the gaming industry. Whispers that are stating that in the future PlayStation could very well be exploring and being more creative in the genres of it’s games. With Astro Bot, PlayStation delivered a game that was akin to that of Nintendo quality. Don’t scoff at that, you Nintendo fanboy, sit down and get a controller in your hand and go play it. That’s at least what everyone is telling us, right.

But anyway, back to the point at hand. There are games in development at Sony that might push the envelope and explore genres of games that branch out and include more things in them. Of course, Bethesda being an Xbox Studio has pretty much accelerated the need for games on the PlayStation side that explore game mechanics that match. I think though, we’re going to see Sony do it their way, and I think we’ll potentially see that with the next Naughty Dog Sci-Fi project.

Of course, I could be totally wrong; the internet could be or both. But if this week has told us anything, people are getting fed up with the same formulaic games. If Sony can go and do games of Bethesda’s ilk or follow through with games in genres that have long been buried. Then, I think we might see PS6 really succeed because, apart from power, what is it that will set the next generation apart?

I think we’re going to see a lot more genres of various games next generation. A lot more innovation. Along with your big budget games, I think you’ll also get your Stellar Blade’s and Black Myth: Wukong sequels. After all, these games have done incredibly well. I think PlayStation will lead the charge on exclusivity of them or other new IP’s that are in the works.

But yes, I also think PlayStation will explore different genres. A game for practically everything you can think of. It’d be wise of them to really explore that avenue, and I think they will.

 

Battle of The Third-Party Exclusives?

Battle of The Third-Party Exclusives?

On By In Talking Points

Sony are the market leader, with that, they have the ability to pay to gain access to exclusive games for PlayStation fans. They’ve done this with pretty great success as well. Stellar Blade and just recently, Black Myth: Wukong. It’s understandable why they do this. Especially this year when it’s been relatively slow for PlayStation content. I mean, we do have the excellent looking Astro Bot coming soon but in terms of what fans love which is those single-player cinematic story driven games there hasn’t been much of that recently.

But it’s not all bad news, because this is something Sony will continue to do. The huge success of both games means it’s likely we’re going to see more partnerships such as this one. Partnerships that showcase new IP. Could there be a bit of a battle going on in the gaming industry? Between Sony and Game Pass next-generation. You know, Xbox say they don’t like to do it, but if it’s something that entices players then they’ve more than shown they’re willing to do it for Game Pass.

If Xbox aim is the get traction in the Asian market and with a handheld on the way as well. It would make sense for them.