The gaming community is buzzing with anticipation as two titans of the role-playing genre appear set for an epic 2028 showdown. According to recent reader discussions in GameCentral's inbox, CD Projekt's The Witcher 4 and Bethesda's The Elder Scrolls 6 are likely to release within the same timeframe, setting the stage for one of gaming's biggest head-to-head battles.
The Coming RPG Showdown
One reader, Johnson Prior, sparked the debate by noting that while there's constant discussion about The Elder Scrolls 6, The Witcher 4 has been flying somewhat under the radar. CD Projekt has confirmed that The Witcher 4 won't release earlier than 2027, which most industry observers interpret as meaning 2028 at the earliest. This aligns perfectly with Bethesda's projected timeline for The Elder Scrolls 6.
What makes this potential clash particularly intriguing is the contrasting recent track records of both developers. CD Projekt has largely recovered from the rocky launch of Cyberpunk 2077 through extensive updates and the well-received Phantom Liberty expansion. Meanwhile, Bethesda has faced criticism for Starfield's performance and what some readers describe as "Sony-itis when making up sales figures."
Sales Figures and Reader Confidence
Both franchises have impressive sales histories, with each title in their main series selling approximately 60 million copies. However, reader sentiment suggests growing confidence in CD Projekt's ability to deliver a quality product compared to Bethesda's recent output.
"Based on their recent track record I have to say I'm much more interested in The Witcher 4, and much more confident that it will be good," Johnson Prior commented in the inbox discussion. The reader also noted that while success and being loved aren't the same thing, The Witcher 4 appears to be the early favourite among gaming enthusiasts.
Other Gaming Concerns
The gaming discussion didn't stop with the RPG giants. Several other topics emerged in the Monday letters page that paint a picture of shifting gaming landscapes and concerns about established franchises.
Tomb Raider's Uncertain Future
One reader expressed serious doubts about the upcoming Tomb Raider reboot, suggesting the franchise may have waited too long for a revival. "The reboot trilogy wasn't that big, so you're talking 20-odd years since Tomb Raider was number one in pop culture," the reader noted, adding that younger gamers might be largely unfamiliar with the series.
Call of Duty's Declining Popularity
Another concerning trend emerged regarding Call of Duty's diminishing appeal. A reader identified as TWO MACKS reported that while checking friends lists during a session of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, they were the only person playing the game among 80 online friends. This represents a dramatic shift from previous years when the title would dominate friend activity lists.
"The golden goose is well and truly cooked for both, too many similar reincarnations every year with nothing new," the reader observed, noting that even younger generations appear to be falling out of love with gaming altogether.
Microsoft's Acquisition Questioned
The discussion also turned to Microsoft's massive $70 billion acquisition of Activision, with readers suggesting the timing may have been disastrous. With Call of Duty showing signs of franchise fatigue, some question whether Microsoft purchased a declining asset at peak valuation.
Smaller Games Making Big Impressions
Not all discussions focused on AAA titles. Several readers praised Astro's Playroom as potentially "the best pack-in game ever" and expressed disappointment that Nintendo's Switch 2 didn't feature a similar quality launch title. The contrast between Sony's thoughtful pack-in experience and what gamers expect from other platforms highlights how small details can significantly impact player satisfaction.
Meanwhile, review credibility emerged as another theme, with one reader praising GameCentral's "detailed and informed analysis" while questioning their outlier review of Kirby Air Riders compared to other publications. This sparked discussion about whether reviewers should revisit games when their assessments differ significantly from the consensus.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, these reader discussions reflect broader trends of franchise fatigue, developer reputation concerns, and the constant tension between established formulas and innovation. The potential 2028 clash between The Witcher 4 and The Elder Scrolls 6 may well define the next generation of RPG gaming, with both developers carrying significant baggage and expectations into what could be gaming's most anticipated head-to-head battle in years.
