The Tuesday letters page struggles to see a way forward for Microsoft and Xbox, as Kickstarter responds to Sony's new digital-only policy. Readers express deep concerns over the future of Xbox following massive layoffs and studio closures, while the shift to digital-only gaming raises questions about ownership and trade-ins.
Xbox's Shrinking Franchise and Layoffs
Reader Cranston writes: "Absolutely disgusting that Microsoft can just lay off 3,200 people like that. As far as I understand around 200 people is pretty big for a triple-A studio, so just imagine what they could've used all those talent developers for if Xbox wasn't run so badly." He criticizes the management structure, noting "14 layers of management" and questioning why Matt Booty remains in charge of games despite the failures.
Another reader, going by the name Shrinking franchise, adds: "Xbox has done exactly what we all knew they would and sacked even more people and lost five studios in the process. They haven't got any studios left that make anything other than Halo, Gears Of War, and Forza, so are they stuck doing that forever?" He argues that the peak of these franchises was in the mid-2000s, and younger audiences may not care about them.
Bethesda's Lack of Progress
Reader Mark Matthews comments on Bethesda's slow output: "I don't know how Bethesda has got away with doing so little for so long. I can imagine the Xbox boss asking for an Elder Scrolls update and being given various elaborate excuses while nothing gets done." GameCentral responds: "We said exactly as much in our article today."
Digital-Only Gaming and Trade-Ins
Paul C. writes about the move to digital-only: "The choice between physical and digital is being removed, that's a shame. The obvious pro for physical is being able to trade in. What's needed when things do go completely digital is a refund policy that is fair, many more free game demos, and a trade-in system for digital vouchers." GameCentral counters: "Publishers pushed for digital in large part to kill the concept of trade-ins, they're not going to willingly bring them back."
Another reader, David, criticizes digital ownership: "This thing with games on disc isn't Sony's fault, it's the people that bought them digital only from the very start of gaming. Sony showed you the problem of digital years ago, when they were removing digital movies and TV shows you had bought already." He warns that Sony's updated terms and conditions state accounts inactive for 36 months may lose all content.
Kickstarter and Physical Games
Andrew J. notes the impact on Kickstarter campaigns: "With the announcement of Sony ending the production of physical PlayStation discs, this is affecting Kickstarters too. A couple of the Kickstarters I have seen mention what will happen with the PlayStation physicals in the rewards of their campaign." He mentions backing a project called Dark Queen of Samobor, a side-scrolling action combat puzzle game inspired by Disney animation and 80s dark fantasy films.
Gaming Recommendations and Nostalgia
Tom praises Borderlands 4: "I played a lot of Destiny 1 and 2 and Diablo in the time between that and Borderlands 4, and I have to say I've found it great fun. The campaign was OK but some of the side missions were genuinely funny." He notes he is level 60 on UVH5 after 90 hours and recommends it for looter shooter fans.
John Atkinson shares his love for the Goemon series: "The first Super Famicom Ganbare Goemon has always been one of my favourites. The Japan-only Goemon collection is fantastic. Konami smashed it out the park with the graphics and sound on the four main Super Famicom games." He recommends the new collection to those interested in obscure UK games from that era.
Inbox Also-Rans
Johnson speculates on studio acquisitions: "So who do we think has bought Undead Labs and Ninja Theory? I wonder if Sony will buy Ninja Theory and have them make a new Heavenly Sword. I'd be up for that." Breaker adds: "So I guess Psychonauts 3 isn't happening now. Oh well, I've much more faith in Double Fine surviving on their own than if they were still under Microsoft."
Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.uk. New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers' letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.
