Wednesday's Games Inbox sees readers react to a US Army initiative granting four days off for GTA 6, speculating on the game's global impact. The discussion also covers the recent influx of Star Wars games, Amiga nostalgia, and Bethesda's development struggles.
GTA 6 Disruption Compared to Pokémon Go
Reader Mortim draws parallels between GTA 6's anticipated release and the early weeks of Pokémon Go, when the game seemed universally played. However, he notes key differences: GTA 6 is "hyper violent" and costs £70, which he expects will lead to extensive media coverage about its potential influence on players. "Rockstar will be absolutely raking it in, but we are going to have non-stop stories about how playing the game turns you into a murderous monster," Mortim wrote. He echoes hopes that GTA 6's success will inspire clones, expressing a desire for games similar to Sleeping Dogs or The Getaway, as The Simpsons Hit & Run "really isn’t good enough."
Mortim's comments come amid reports of the US Army giving personnel time off to play the game, hinting at the scale of disruption expected across the Western world.
Star Wars Games Success Amidst Movie Flop
Reader Cobalt84 comments on 2026 being a year of contrasts for Star Wars, with a major movie flop but two critically acclaimed games. "So what you’re telling me is that 2026 has seen the biggest Star Wars flop ever at the movies and two of the best games?" he wrote. While happy about the games, he worries they might not sell well due to the franchise's diminished reputation. "If these games are hits, I think it will be in spite of the licence, not because of it," he added.
The games in question are a strategy title and a racer, which Cobalt84 notes are different genres but still compete for players' limited time and money.
Amiga Renaissance Celebrated
Commodore Fan highlights the 30th anniversary of Worms, which originally released in late 1995. The Director's Cut followed in 1997 as a final Amiga release, but sold poorly due to market decline. To celebrate, the developer released a free expansion pack with 40 new levels, samples, and teams, requiring the Director's Cut to play. Commodore Fan also praises the year for Amiga nostalgia, mentioning the upcoming A1200 and Metro Siege, a homage to Mega-Lo-Mania. GameCentral noted they were previously unaware of Metro Siege but are now following it.
Star Citizen's Crowdfunding Questioned
Reader Grackle expresses disbelief over Star Citizen's crowdfunding success, which has raised over $1 billion. "$1,000+ for a spaceship? Is this a game that only billionaires play or something?" he wrote, questioning how such funding is possible. He invites readers who have invested to share their thoughts on the latest controversy.
Bethesda Under Pressure
Reader Joost shares concerns about Bethesda's development environment, citing recent Microsoft layoffs and pressure to expedite The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout projects. "They’ve lost a ton of people in the last Microsoft layoffs and they’ve obviously been told to hurry up," Joost wrote. He argues that expecting world-beating games from a "skeleton crew" worried about job security is unrealistic. "You can’t constantly be telling people, through your actions, that they are disposable garbage and expect them to make a good game," he added, calling a successful Elder Scrolls 6 a "minor miracle."
Joost also notes that similar conditions likely exist at other Microsoft studios and companies like EA, following industry-wide layoffs.
Streaming as Marketing for Small Studios
Bobwallett observes six streamers playing Mortal Shell 2 on Twitch simultaneously, wondering if this is a cost-effective marketing strategy for small studios. GameCentral clarifies that such occurrences are "almost always paid-for sponsorship."
This insight comes as the industry explores alternatives to expensive TV and YouTube advertising.
Nintendo Direct Absence Frustrates
Reader Gascoigne expresses frustration over the lack of a Nintendo Direct for the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, noting that August is half over with no announcement. He speculates that Nintendo is waiting until after Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave releases on September 17 to avoid overshadowing it. "I know it’s Nintendo, and this is their thing, but this feels a lot more like trolling than usual," he wrote.
Gascoigne also mentions that the GTA 6 Netflix event and Gamescom next week further complicate potential announcement timing.
Other Reader Letters
Hugo responds to a review of Hell Let Loose: Vietnam, stating it sounds like "everything I hate about Battlefield but even worse," and doubts his ability to contribute in 100-person battles.
Hugo expresses concern about another Ori game from a different developer, feeling the series had a proper ending already.
Readers can continue the discussion by emailing gamecentral@metro.co.uk. New Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with weekend Hot Topics. Submissions for Reader’s Features are welcome via email or the Submit Stuff page.
