LogicStrikesAgain

@somnambulance

With the current leadership team at Sony, I could see them not valuing the historical context of Sony’s partnership with Square.

Yeah, i can totally see that something like this might have happened behind the scenes. Around the start of this gen SIE has been moving towards a more western direction by closing Japan Studio, having less Japanese ceo’s at Playstation (Ryan/Hulst era), and i believe someone even saying that the Japanese market is not a real focus to them anymore. This might have rubbed some Japanese partner companies the wrong way.

Maybe, and this is purely hypothetical, but seeing as Square Enix hasn’t been in a good spot for quite a while, there might’ve even been a time where they were looking to be acquired by Sony.

And maybe Sony, not really being interested in the Japanese market back then, might have flat out refused acquiring them, in favour of acquiring western studios like Haven Studios and Bungie. And that might have been seen as a very disrespectful move by Square Enix.

Probably bull**** though, but i feel like something big like that might have happened for SE to have such a different attitude towards Sony

It seems like SE and Sony might not be on very good terms right now. However i doubt this is just about the lower than expected sales for Final Fantasy 16 and Remake, because publishers know full well that there’s a risk of fewer sales when they make these exclusivity deals, that’s why they get compensated for it.

Something else must’ve happend that strained the Sony/SE relationship, because intentionally skipping the largest console market is weird, especially for a publisher thats always complaining about sales numbers.

Squate Enix is of course free to do whatever they want, but it is a bit weird to see this shift in their relationship, when they have always been very close in the past

Good job, Sucker Punch! 👍🏼

I’m excited to see what Sony will bring again to the handheld space

Frankly, i’m a bit dumbfounded by this article and people’s reaction tbh.

So if adding 4K streaming, a catalogue of 450+ PS1-PS3/PSP games and 1(or more) retro games/month isnt worth $2 dollars, i would genuinely like to know, how much is it worth? $1? 0.50c?

The $2 extra per month for Premium just for streaming alone makes it worthwhile for me.

• 4K Streaming
• A catalogue of 450+ PS1, PS2, PS3 and PSP games
• Sony Core movie catalogue
• 1 and sometimes more retro games per month

Honestly, for $2 more each month? That’s about the maximum they can offer for that price. Insisting they should offer more for that price is ridiculous, and frankly a bit delusional and out of touch with how much things cost

Let’s go Sucker Punch!! 💪🏼👏🏼

These Saros gameplay shorts look fkng cool. One better than the other. I’m hyped for this!

@RoomWithaMoose I think because for many people it’s still much more convenient using a dedicated handheld, instead of playing on something like a phone or ipad where you either have to use onscreen controls or have to prop your phone up somewhere while you use a dualsense

OK Sony, time to step it up!

@Drago201 those other pitches weren’t greenlit because they were even worse pitches. One of those pitches was a remake/update to Shadow of the Colossus, which is already a remake. Who knows maybe the Atreus game was in fact a good pitch. However according to reports they were flailing for years with development as well. Maybe after all these years they still didnt have anything to show for

@cragis0001

I don't think the cheaper console model will disappear. But for it to continue it will have to be like the current Xbox Series S or Switch 2

well that still sounds like a sad thing to me. That’ll leave true next gen gaming only in the hands of the more affluent

@cragis0001 i understand, and that’s a fair point. Im not saying either of these business models are better. But i think it will be a loss if one of those options isnt available anymore. Especially the option that can provide cheaper ways into gaming. Consoles have always been a more affordable way to start gaming, it would be sad if that didnt exist anymore

@Theamazing1 well the downside for us could be that there wont be any subsidized consoles anymore if they all have to allow third party storefronts on their closed hardware systems. One of the reasons Project Helix from Microsoft will come in at a very high price point is because its not a closed console system. Therefore they can’t reliably make their money back and subsidize the hardware upfront.

This is not just bad for sony, it’s the end of the whole console business model, which was there to provide cheap hardware vs higher software cost. The only business model that that will be left for us will be high hardware cost vs lower software costs.

Problem is, software sales on PC arent actually that much different than in the PS Store, sometimes they tend to be slightly cheaper and sometimes they’re just the same. But the increase in hardware costs would be so much more, especially with all these components prices soaring.

Imagine a world where gaming, like buying a cheap console, just isnt affordable anymore for the masses. Sure a loss for sony, but also a loss for gaming in general

@Theamazing1 I actually think that if Sony allows multiple ways of distribution, that that would satisfy any monopolistic software distribution laws. But yeah, dont really know for sure. Interesting for sure though, because the outcome of cases like these might have an important effect on Sony’s future and their business model

@Theamazing1 I meant that Sony doesnt control other publishers in regards to them offering a physical version of their games.

It seems weird to blame Sony for monopolistic software distribution when its other publishers that aren’t offering a physical version of their game.

But again, regarding monopolistic laws in these cases, i’m no expert. Curious to see how this case ends though

@HRdepartment Fair enough 👍🏼 however, it might be a trash system to you, but to others it might not be. Many of these live service games dont actually require you to buy anything, you can play the game perfectly fine without ever paying extra.

But it’s just your insistence on games failing that seems a bit weird to me. People seem to be enjoying it, so why care that much? Certainly it can’t be incomprehensible that others might like it, even if you don’t. There are many non live service titles to enjoy as well, if thats more your thing.

To be clear, i’m not a fan of live service myself, i just really don't get the excessive hate. And certainly i cant deny the fact that some people might just be hating because its a Sony product

@Theamazing1 Yes, but Sony doesnt control other publishers. Seems weird if Sony is going to be blamed for monopolistic software distribution, when its other publishers that dont offer physical versions of their games. Again, i’m not gonna pretend i’m an expert in these things, so you might be right, but it seems like a weak case

@HRdepartment

why is it puzzling rooting for highly monetized GaaS to fail? It’s pretty clear imo why people want these games gone

The way you post at almost every Marathon article, doesnt really come across to me like you’re anti-live service in general, but rather just anti-Marathon.

There are so many live service games out there, and many that get announced every day. Do you also complain at every one of them when there’s an article published?

For some reason, every article, theres you and some others that need to say how much of a slop this game is and that it needs to fail. All that attention and effort for a game you guys dont even like or intend to play.

Honestly, i don’t understand this behaviour. There are so many games im not interesed in, i mostly just ignore them. I might react to one article saying its not for me. But i certainly wouldn’t post on each article saying that the game needs to fail or its a piece of garbage. Genuinely dont know why one would go to all those lengths for a game they’re not interested in

I mean, as long as they offer physical there’s no monopoly over sales distribution, right? People choose digital over physical, that doesn't mean physical isn’t offered. If physical is cheaper than buying from the PS store, people are free to buy physical.

Seems like Sony is in the clear here, unless they go fully digital, which they probably won’t for this reason. But i’m no expert here, so i’m going to mind my own business from here on out

@Oram77 I understand and assumed it was, but i’m sure many here actually do feel like this might indeed be a case where workers feel pressured to say good things about there employer though, especially after they closed Bluepoint. So i still thought i’d point it out

@Czar_Khastik Maybe studios do better if their best pitch isn’t an Atreus spin off, and apparently were flailing for years with development, especially seeing as Sony pays them well

@Oram77 These things are often taken anonymously though, at least where i work it is. Kind of defeats the purpose of it if it wasn’t

I wish Sony hired company strategists without any credentials whatsoever, i would apply immediately 😅

@eduscxbox Maybe because “PS players” aren’t a monolith. Many people with many different opinions, many of which you’ll never hear about as they don’t roam around these online gaming communities

I’m actually curious to see how Valve prices its Steam Machine, we’ll hear that much sooner than any Helix pricing. It might give an indication how much these unsubsidized PC/consoles will go for

Yeah, it doesnt look like they are targeting the mass audience with this at all. And from some angles it can even look like Xbox might be trying to sunset their console hardware, to become a full third party publisher, by intentionally making this a very niche PC system. I kinda hope they make a cheaper system as well. But we’ll hear more at GDC

Why is this labeled news though? Arent these rumours.

Anyhow, you guys are breaking the back s of all these poor people having to move those goalposts back and forth. I guess exclusives are now bad again to some

@GirlVersusGame I was actually watching Game of thrones with a scene of khaleesi Targaryen exactly when i saw this lol. Great builds btw, that does indeed look like an amazing character creator

I’m tempted to buy one as well. Especially as next gen will have a long cross gen period, and this machine will probably do very well. The base PS5 will be a bit too weak to really get along i feel. PSSR2 really is that much of a gamechanger

@TrollOfWar

Those who are PlayStation fans here, will go to "other sites" and call people fanboys, xbots, PC master race gang or shills. They aren't any better than the ones coming here calling PlayStation fans "ponies".

Yes, you’re absolutely right. And those communities should also push back against those people.

You're indeed one of the more reasonable people to have a respectful conversation, I think the community is better for having you here.

That’s very nice man, i appreciate that! You also have a good presence here and seem to be very knowledgeable and reasonable, which is surprising given your username lol jk 😄

If these next console come in at $1000+, i’ll be sticking to current gen for a while. The PS5 Pro is looking mighty attractive to me right now

@Godmasterwizard

Also, it's pretty funny that people keep talking trash on Microsoft because PlayStation is more successful. Umm, let's look at Microsoft vs Sony. That's embarrassing. Microsoft makes 10x the money of Sony if not more. I guess Sony failed.

People obviously mean Playstation vs. Xbox. Not their parent companies.

Sony stopping PC ports wasnt just flagging sales, but also brand damage. Imagine how much more it would weaken the brand if they released their games day 1 on PC. The incentive for people to buy their hardware would drop.

End of the day, they’re a platform holder. And releasing day 1 on other platforms will always be at the detriment of their own platform

The more they improve and listen to their fanbase the better they wil do, so its good if they can keep that up.

As for the Steam numbers, they’re just one piece of the puzzle, but i think they’re pretty solid. Nothing spectacular or anything, but just good numbers to build from. Much better than some here thought it was gonna be, i’m sure

@Godmasterwizard

Also, it's pretty funny that people keep talking trash on Microsoft because PlayStation is more successful. Umm, let's look at Microsoft vs Sony. That's embarrassing. Microsoft makes 10x the money of Sony if not more. I guess Sony failed.

The irony in talking about people trashing Microsoft, while immediately proceeding to trash Sony

Whatever Sony does, there will always be people that like and dislike those decisions. Lets get back to a time where everyone just lets each other enjoy whatever they want

At this point i feel like we’re having the same discussions over and over again…

@TrollOfWar To be fair, i can see his point. I’m not saying those 22% are all bad actors, but some here in the comment sections just seem here to mostly spread negativity. Some act like an impartial third party, but with how hostile they express themselves towards others, it’s clear that theyre not.

Opinions are definitely tolerated here. But it’s also worth remembering that this is a Playstation centric website, geared towards fans of Playstation. That makes it confusing if you’re only here to call people fanboys, ponies or shills?

I always try to reason fairly, and listen to what people are saying, but the amount of times people assume bad intent, and label others shills or fanbohs is tiring.

So I can understand why some people here push back. If people want to offer constructive criticism or wanna engage in good faith discussion that’s totally fine. But if you’re just here to hate on Sony fans and anything Sony related, i dont see the point of that.

Just to be clear, this isnt directed towards you

Its not that big a deal people. The vast majority of games are multiplat. But as a platformholder you just want to create a few exclusive experiences to promote your own hardware. We’re talking about just a few games here guys. Honestly, i never use this expression, but people really need to touch some grass

@TrollOfWar Yeah, but going day 1 PC or shortening the time it releases would weaken their brand and lowers incentive to buy their hardware. I think this has been mentioned a dozes times or so already in this comment section alone

95% of games are multiplat. People complain that platformholders want to make a few exclusive games for their own platform to entice costumers. I dont get all this drama. If anyone wants one of those games, and therefore needs to buy their console, doesnt that platformholder just deserve that sale? People say they like competition, but they really don’t

I have no problems with exclusives. The vast majority of games are already multiplat. Who cares if platform holders make a small percentage of exclusive games to entice customers.

And even if i’m a PS enthousiast, I also don’t care if Nintendo and Xbox have exclusives. Again, 95% of the games out there are playable on multiple platforms.

I say, if these platform holders make a game enticing enough for people to buy their platform, then they deserved that sale.
Exclusives are one of the main things that sets these consoles apart.

My prediction/hopium:

2027 > Sony handheld and Helix release (maybe delayed to 2028)
2028 > PS6 release

Next gen Xbox - $1099-1599
PS6 - $799-$999, perhaps with a cheaper base model going for $599-799

Ram crisis messed things up so bad its almost impossible to even guess these prices

Solid numbers. Maybe not spectacular, but a good start to build from. Definitely not doa as some here suggested (some people need their armchair analist license revoked😂)

Remember people, Sony releasing a new console doesnt make your current console obsolete, there will be a long cross gen period so you’ll still enjoy all the same games. Just an fyi

I remember people complaining at launch that the PS5 was already underpowered, but now they want more out of a system that is the equivalent of an RTX2070 lol

I feel like Sony probably wanted to push its release back to 2028, but now that Xbox might be releasing their next gen console, they can’t afford giving the competition a year headstart. Oh well, nothings definite. For all we know both might still release in 2028

@edgar14 I was reacting to what you said:

this should not happen. Many games got low scores because they ran bad while in the review period even before the day 1 patch that fixed many of those problems

Thats why i mentioned that it was open to play for everyone. They are not hiding that the game is running bad. They literally opened it up for everyone to see.

Most outlets already have articles out on the game so far. Many influencers also sharing their thoughts on youtube. Even Push Square has an article on the game so far.

Just not the full thing, cause its not available yet. But don’t get me wrong, i get your frustration, and i dont completely disagree with you either. To me personally however, they are transparant about it and explained their reasoning, so i’m fine with it

@Blaze215 @edgar14

this should not happen. Many games got low scores because they ran bad while in the review period even before the day 1 patch that fixed many of those problems

if they wanted the product to include this content they should have released the game with it.

this is a bit different though. It’s not like Bungie or media outlets are hiding anything like the game running bad. The game could literally be played for free for a whole weekend by everyone. Most outlets and youtubers already posted a preview or hands on. There’s nothing technical or game breaking they are hiding. It’s just because of the nature of the extraction genre, an important part of this game is unavailable at the start due to people needing to upgrade and collect loot first.

So if you want a review for the full things you’ll have to wait, and in the meantime there are dozens of preview articles covering the game so far. Even Push Square is refering to their hands on article