In the latest Games Inbox, readers share their disappointment with football games during the World Cup, call for a GTA 6 boycott, and question Microsoft's mobile gaming strategy after the Activision Blizzard King acquisition.
World Cup Blues: EA Sports FC Loses Appeal
One reader, signing as 'Too soon', expressed a surprising decline in playing EA Sports FC during the World Cup. "I haven’t found video games to be much of a help in trying to get over it," they wrote, referring to England's elimination. "I’ve found myself playing EA Sports FC a lot less than usual this World Cup. Maybe that’s because I felt like we had a real choice this time or because the game doesn’t have the official World Cup licence – it’s the only thing EA don’t have from ditching the FIFA name." The reader lamented the lack of a true alternative, noting that eFootball has improved but they didn't enjoy it previously. They also mentioned Football Manager's recent missteps, saying "we’re being let down in terms of football games at the moment."
Doom: The Dark Ages DLC and id Software Layoffs
Another reader, 'Booker', appreciated the review of Doom: The Dark Ages DLC but expressed frustration that few will see it because DLC isn't included in Game Pass. "And now those people that made it, and could’ve made a really good Doom 4, are gone. Laid off by a less than 60 second message from a Microsoft corporate drone," they wrote, calling the treatment of id Software "disgusting." They noted that id Software's tech will never be used again, allowing Unreal Engine to dominate further.
PlayStation 6 as a Hybrid Console?
Reader 'Cranston' speculated that Sony might pivot to a hybrid console for the PlayStation 6, similar to the Nintendo Switch. "What if the PlayStation 6 is actually a Switch style hybrid and somewhere below the power of the PlayStation 5 (since it’s portable)?" they asked. They argued that companies can't keep making more powerful and expensive machines, suggesting a step back in technology might be necessary. "It seems to me we should have never left the PlayStation 4 era, in terms of technology," they added, wondering if gamers would accept such a move.
Microsoft's Forgotten Mobile Ambitions
Reader 'Forgotten King' criticized Microsoft for abandoning its mobile gaming plans after the Activision Blizzard King acquisition. "Do you remember when Microsoft was pretending that the reason they bought Activision Blizzard was because of King, the mobile phone developer? No one believed it at the time, but it occurred to me that they have done absolutely nothing with that whole side of things," they wrote. They noted no major mobile games or push from Microsoft, and expressed distrust in Microsoft's statements, especially regarding layoffs at id Software. "They were trying to spin it so it sounded like not so many staff have gone but now the devs themselves are saying that’s not true. I know who I believe."
Call for GTA 6 Boycott and Consumer Action
Reader 'Focus' urged gamers to boycott GTA 6 to force companies to listen. "If everyone wants companies to listen to us, call their bluff. When GTA 6 comes out, don’t buy it. Cancel your pre-order. Buy an indie game and don’t subscribe to GTA+ online. Put your money where your rage is. Buy more discs too. Avoid any console that removes your choice as a consumer," they wrote, emphasizing the need for direct action.
Xbox Games on PlayStation: Mixed Feelings
Reader 'Bobwallett' expressed frustration about the possibility of Halo coming to PlayStation 5, but questioned the point if future games might not follow. "We paid full whack at launch only to see Forza Horizon 6 was just round the corner, meaning we shelled out all that money for a game at the end of its life cycle," they said. They planned to get a month of Game Pass to play Halo and then cancel, noting that "gaming is just too expensive for multiformat these days."
Next-Gen Pricing and Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
Reader 'TWO MACKS' responded to a previous comment about low demand for triple-A games, arguing that expensive next-gen consoles lead to fewer game sales. "The more expensive games get the less people are going to buy them, yes. Whether that’s obvious to Sony and Microsoft execs remains to be seen," GameCentral replied, acknowledging the cycle.
Low-Spec Console as a Solution?
Reader 'Michael Veal' proposed a low-spec, reasonably priced console with a must-have exclusive, inspired by the Game Boy and Tetris. "Development costs would shrink if development houses/publishers made games for a low specification console. If a game cost significantly less to develop there would be less need to appeal to mainstream tastes, so that would lead to more unusual and interesting titles being brought to market," they wrote. GameCentral responded, "It’s a sensible idea and we’re surprised that despite the innumerable PC handheld devices none of them is a low-cost one meant to play only low tech indie games."
Other Reader Comments
Reader 'Dulk' mocked GTA 6 fan theories, saying "Not a single one is ever true and yet they keep coming out with new ones." Reader 'Slott' praised continued pressure on Sony regarding physical media, but noted that if gamers were as keen as they pretend, the issue wouldn't have arisen.
