In the latest Games Inbox, readers express skepticism about the hype surrounding Grand Theft Auto 6, criticize Microsoft's decision to raise Xbox console prices, and debate the ongoing shift toward digital-only gaming. The letters also touch on speculation about the upcoming Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and the recent layoffs at Bungie.
Readers Question GTA 6 Hype
Reader Bobwallett asks, "Can I ask why everyone is so excited for GTA 6?" While acknowledging he has played every game in the series, he criticizes the on-foot controls and derivative storylines. "All the stories are derived from old crime films and the on-foot controls are awful," he writes. He hopes the game lives up to expectations but admits his "cynical side has dominance at this time." GameCentral notes that so far, Rockstar has shown "very little of the game, and no raw gameplay at all."
Xbox Price Hike Stuns Readers
The news of Xbox raising console prices again draws sharp criticism. Doshin writes, "The Xbox Series S used to be like an impulse buy, often available at £199, and now it’s going to cost just shy of £400!" He questions Microsoft's strategy, suggesting a fire sale would be more logical. Mark Matthews adds, "I would have thought Microsoft would have a fire sale just to clear all the consoles they have in stock, not price themselves completely out of hope of a resurgence in sales." The price increase is seen as particularly disruptive amid the anticipation for GTA 6, which could drive console sales.
Bungie Layoffs Coincide with GTA 6 Pre-Orders
Reader Kimba suggests that Sony may have deliberately announced layoffs at Bungie on the same day GTA 6 pre-orders opened to bury the news. "You can’t prove it, but it definitely turned out to be a useful coincidence for them," he writes. He laments the decline of Bungie, noting that the studio no longer has the staff to develop Destiny 3. GameCentral does not confirm the theory but acknowledges the timing.
Digital-Only Debate Heats Up
Reader David argues that the digital-only release of GTA 6 is not about profit margins but a tight timeframe. GameCentral counters, "There is no indication that GTA 6 is on a tight time frame," explaining that digital versions are more profitable because they avoid retailer cuts and manufacturing costs. Paul C. reflects on the physical collection experience, noting that a box with a download code "will never feel quite right" on a shelf, but he personally has no regrets after downsizing his collection.
Gantz predicts physical games will be obsolete within a decade, pointing out that PC gaming has been digital-only for at least 20 years. "I miss collecting actual boxes and owning stuff but as another reader pointed the boxes don’t have manuals or any cool stuff anymore anyway," he writes.
Ocarina of Time Remake Speculation
Reader freeway 77, after purchasing a Switch 2 and the Star Fox remake, wonders whether the upcoming Zelda: Ocarina of Time remaster is being handled by Nintendo or a third party. GameCentral responds that Velan Studios, a third party, previously worked with Nintendo on Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit, and they "wouldn’t be surprised if Ocarina Of Time was also third party." However, Nintendo has not officially revealed the developer.
Other Reader Comments
Ratso praises the Star Fox remake for not including the character Krystal, calling Katt "much better." Meanwhile, a reader known as Ratso criticizes the $400 million budget for Gears Of War: E-Day, calling it a potential flop given poor Steam wishlist numbers and limited Xbox availability.
