The next few months are packed with major video game releases, and one reader has ranked their chances of being a smash hit or an unfortunate flop. From GTA 6 to Control Resonant, the upcoming slate is stacked, but the crowded release schedule may lead to some commercial disappointments.
Star Wars Zero Company: Critical Darling, Commercial Doubt
Turn-based strategy games have been a tough sell recently, and it's uncertain if the Star Wars branding will change that. However, previews for Zero Company have been complimentary, suggesting it will earn good review scores. Releasing in late August might give it enough distance before the September/October pile-up, though launching the same day as the Netflix GTA 6 preview could hurt its visibility.
The prediction is an outside shot for a Game of the Year nomination and a certain nod in sub-categories like best sim game. It's also expected to be half price by the new year. Verdict: Critical hit, commercial flop.
Control Resonant and Silent Hill: Townfall: A Risky Same-Day Release
Control Resonant, from Remedy, comes out nine days after Marvel's Wolverine on PlayStation 5, the same day as Silent Hill: Townfall, and one day before EA Sports FC 27. This risky timing could see it overlooked, despite its more mainstream action-oriented appeal compared to Alan Wake 2, which recently passed 2 million units sold and is now profitable.
The reader believes Control Resonant will get very good reviews and earn a Game of the Year nomination, but it might start slow and recoup its budget over time. Silent Hill: Townfall, releasing just before Halloween, is seen as a more well-known franchise with a better chance of turning a profit quickly. Verdict: Control Resonant – critical hit, commercial hit in time; Silent Hill: Townfall – commercial and critical hit.
Marvel's Wolverine and Star Wars: Galactic Racer: High Expectations
Marvel's Wolverine is expected to be a commercial and critical hit, but perhaps not at the level of Insomniac's Spider-Man, given the gore and violence. The reader predicts a Metacritic score in the low to mid 80s. Star Wars: Galactic Racer is harder to predict, releasing in a busy window near Call of Duty and EA Sports FC, but big-budget racing games are rare, and it could draw a dedicated audience. The reader expects a solid 88 Metacritic score.
Grand Theft Auto 6: The Unstoppable Force
GTA 6 is set to be the biggest commercial and critical hit of the year, but the reader questions if it can live up to the hype. Potential review bombing could occur due to unpopular decisions like the Netflix deal and digital-only release, yet it's still predicted to earn a 94 on Metacritic and sweep awards season. The reader concludes that while some predictions may be off, the games are set to define the coming months.
