The Wednesday letters page considers whether Sony will reverse its all-digital push for the PlayStation 5, with readers blaming Rockstar Games for the strategy. Others express disappointment over layoffs at id Software and argue that Xbox is regressing to its 'ShooterBox' roots.
Sony's Digital-Only Push Under Fire
Reader 'Thick as thieves' argues that Sony's move to all-digital for the PS5 is unsustainable. 'I know Sony has already changed how its factory works but I really can't see them getting away with this all-digital push without a U-turn,' they write. 'If the PlayStation 6 was digital-only I don't think many people would be surprised... But the PlayStation 5 is in its last couple of years, what's the point of changing anything now?' The reader suspects Rockstar Games is behind the strategy, wanting '100% of the profits from GTA 6.' They believe continued backlash may force a U-turn, 'except I bet there's one exception… for GTA 6.'
Executive Criticism and Layoff Fallout
Reader 'Zeiss Exec Unit 3021-6' praises a Bungie developer who called executives 'stupid detached money grubbing idiots,' adding that Asha Sharma's language mirrors Phil Spencer's. 'They probably both got ChatGPT to print off their scripts... They're all just robots who couldn't give a damn about video games.'
Reader 'Spender Final Doom' expresses disappointment over id Software layoffs, noting 'some suggesting that the bulk of their development team have been let go.' They highlight id's contributions: 'a truly excellent modern Doom trilogy... Doom Eternal, in particular, is a wonderful game.' They also note id's engine work for studios like MachineGames on Indiana Jones And The Great Circle.
Microsoft's Studio Strategy Questioned
Reader 'Magnumstache' suggests that Microsoft's purchases of Double Fine and Compulsion Games have worked out well for the founders. 'They then got the freedom to work on what they wanted for almost a decade... Microsoft has seemingly just handed the studios and all the IP back to them. So essentially they're just back where they were, just a lot richer.' GC notes Double Fine's contract may have planned for this.
Reader 'Rizzo ShooterBox Pro' argues Xbox's remaining studios limit it to 'Halo, Gears Of War, and Forza,' calling it a 'ShooterBox' targeting young American men. 'This was their main problem with the Xbox 360... I think Phil Spencer bought companies like Double Fine... to expand things, do more arty games, but it never really worked out.' They predict a return to the Xbox 360 era 'might see a small increase in Xbox's popularity but it's also admitting they haven't moved a step forward in 15 years.'
Upcoming Game Releases and Exclusivity Concerns
Reader 'Over the top' speculates on the first big game after GTA 6, mentioning Stranger Than Heaven (January 15), the Tomb Raider remake (February), and rumours of God Of War Laufey early next year. They hope Interstellar: The Heretic Prophet gets unveiled at The Game Awards.
Reader 'Cubby' warns that if Microsoft makes The Elder Scrolls 6 an Xbox console exclusive, backlash will be severe. 'I honestly want to see them try because the U-turn will be so swift it's going to take some heads off. Personally I give it a 50/50 chance that they'll try it.'
Hidden Costs of Digital-Only
Reader 'Ciara' outlines benefits of digital-only for companies: cutting out retailers, retaining all profits, eliminating overproduction risks, and reducing manufacturing costs. 'By selling games in digital format only the manufacturing costs incurred in the production of physical games is eliminated.' However, they note that 'none of this resolves the current crisis engulfing the video game industry or lessens the impact of the cost of living crisis.'
Inbox Also-Rans
Reader 'ArmandxUltra' suggests Bungie staff could make 'Destiny 3... but it's Halo.' Reader 'Dougal' notes that Kiln on Game Pass had an all-time peak of 193 players on Steam, saying 'I'm kind of starting to see Microsoft's point here.'
