A reader expresses frustration over the long wait for The Elder Scrolls 6, noting a recent story suggesting two to three years as the earliest release, making it more likely four to five years, potentially nearing 20 years after Skyrim. The reader criticizes Bethesda's output in the interim, calling Fallout 4 and Starfield their worst games, and questions why Todd Howard retains his job while developers are laid off. They doubt The Elder Scrolls 6 will innovate given Starfield's dated gameplay, dialogue, and characters, and predict The Witcher 4 will be superior.
Bethesda's Development Pace Criticized
Another reader draws an analogy to their own work at Tesco, where they would pretend to be busy with a screwdriver to avoid actual work, suggesting Bethesda's prolonged development mirrors this. They imply the company has not been productive despite the long wait.
Digital-Only Future: Competition and Consumer Concerns
Matt (he_who_runs_away – PSN ID) comments that while PC has been digital-only for ages, the main issue on consoles is lack of competition on storefronts like PSN. He worries about Microsoft's reduced competition and suggests Sony could ease the transition by mimicking Steam's refunds, shared libraries, and allowing third-party purchases of PSN games. He notes that buying discounted PSN credit is not a full solution.
GG praises Digital Foundry's John Linemman for a speech against Sony's anti-consumer 'PayStation' agenda, echoing the publication's own editorials.
FoximusPrime jests that Microsoft executives would use Copilot rather than ChatGPT for scripts, then criticizes the push for digital-only given high memory costs, calling it irrational capitalism.
Digital Variety vs. Ownership
Michael Veal highlights the variety of digital stores like PSN, citing games like Hydroneer, PowerWash Simulator, and Construction Simulator – Spaceport Expansion. He acknowledges the lack of ownership and inability to resell, but argues the wide selection makes digital dominance less negative. GC responds that the inability to recoup costs is a bigger issue for random purchases.
Xbox Layoffs and Leadership
A reader condemns Xbox's layoffs without meaningful changes, calling for Todd Howard's removal from Bethesda. They note the 17-year gap between Skyrim and The Elder Scrolls 6, with only Starfield as a major release, and suggest shutting down Game Pass given declining subscribers and Call of Duty's absence from day one. They criticize new leadership for trivial changes like capitalizing the Xbox name, predicting ineffectiveness.
Infrastructure and Accessibility of Digital-Only
Alucard argues that with widespread fibre broadband, digital-only consoles are inevitable and acceptable. He predicts VR headsets and smart glasses won't be mainstream soon, while smartphones remain convenient. However, he stresses the need for comprehensive libraries akin to Kindle or Spotify, and preservation of past games, hoping cloud saving and innovations will allow purchases with Blu-Ray quality and retained access. He concludes that consumers must accept corporate methods and majority preferences.
Reader Short Comments
Roost admits Mario Kart Tour is not the worst but still likes it. Garth notes Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced looks good but will wait for a discount, surprised by its low price for a remake.
