The Wednesday letters page considers whether Fate Of The Old Republic will differ significantly from KOTOR, while a reader argues that Valve is indifferent to Steam Machine sales. This edition of Games Inbox compiles reader letters, comments, and opinions. To participate, email gamecentral@metro.co.uk.
Red Flag Over Black Flag Resynced
Ubisoft is ramping up marketing for Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced, but I remain skeptical. I enjoyed the original, but that was long ago, and Assassin's Creed has evolved considerably since then. The remake appears to change a lot yet nothing simultaneously. I hesitate to encourage more remakes; Resident Evil remakes are justified because the originals are nearly unplayable, but that's not the case for Assassin's Creed. Ubisoft even plans to sell the original version alongside the remake. Given the lengthy development times nowadays, wasting five years on an unnecessary remake seems unwise. I would have preferred a Black Flag 2 over a remake. I'll wait for reviews before deciding, but this isn't the no-brainer Ubisoft thinks it is.
GTA 6 Sales Expectations
While everyone knows GTA 6 won't flop, I believe its first-day sales and records will surpass expectations. The pent-up demand is so immense that even a terrible game would sell five times more than GTA 5. Some gamers are lowballing it, but I think it will shock casual observers. GTA 6 will be bigger than any movie, TV show, or musician ever. Millions will purchase it immediately, and the internet may struggle to cope.
Valve's Indifference to Steam Machine Sales
It's clear that Valve doesn't care about Steam Machine or controller sales. Given their enormous profits, their hardware and VR ventures seem like pet projects for Gabe Newell, not profit-driven endeavors. While that attitude is usually commendable, failing to offer pre-orders and ignoring scalpers is a poor way to treat customers. Unlike Nintendo with the Switch 2, which ensured sufficient stock and avoided tariff-driven price hikes, Valve's approach suggests the Steam Machine will face shortages.
Curiosity About This Year's Call of Duty
I'm intrigued by this year's Call of Duty, especially after Activision apologized for the previous installment. I'm eager to see how they attempt to win back fans. Despite not buying Black Ops 7 or playing Call of Duty this generation, I could be tempted back. Many people make grand gestures about boycotting games, but it's easy to step away and return later to see improvements.
GTA 6 Pre-Order Predictions
I could see GTA 6 selling over 25 million units in its first 24 hours. If advertising begins in summer, around June 21 (the summer solstice), with pre-orders opening, that gives two months for people to save. Pre-orders alone could hit 25 million in 24 hours. I already have £150 in my PSN wallet ready.
Return of the Jedi: KOTOR Remake Concerns
I hope the new Knights of the Old Republic game succeeds, but I'm wary. Developers who leave to form their own studios often struggle. Additionally, the game is billed as an action role-player, unlike the original's turn-based style. That's disappointing, as the original's strength was its party system. The teaser suggests controlling a single character, which is a letdown. Twenty-three years is a long time, and what worked then may not work now, making a remake seem doomed from the start.
AI Replacing Artists
Disney laying off 1,000 concept artists and designers to replace them with AI is troubling. This trend in film and gaming will worsen, leading to sterile, homogenized content lacking human imagination.
Future Horror: Sci-Fi Games
The feature on sci-fi horror games is welcome. I find ghosts and vampires hard to take seriously, but reality is catching up with science fiction in dystopian ways—not Star Trek utopias. Robots on battlefields are imminent, making Terminator 2 a documentary. I recommend Soma, which is terrifying and thought-provoking. A spiritual successor called Ontos, set in a moon hotel, is due this year. Described as a psychological thriller, it could be excellent.
Inbox Also-Rans
Every reminder of the PlayStation VR2 depresses me; I sold mine for less than half its price. Watching a friend play World of Warcraft, I'm impressed they've kept the same graphics since 2004. It's like going back to the N64 era.
Email your comments to gamecentral@metro.co.uk. New Inbox updates appear weekday mornings, with weekend Hot Topics. Letters may be edited. Submit 500-600 word Reader's Features anytime. Follow us on Twitter.
