I haven't played any of Bloober/Konami's recent games because of various performance / visual issues.
I kept them on my 'maybe' buy list, but dropped them off recently when I saw how stacked the end of this year, and my back catalogue had become, so, their loss.
Why bother buying the first Halo, if Xbox might make other remasters / Halo games exclusive again with their flip flopping...
Or lay off the team / part of the team, so no more are made...
Xbox seem to be in a right mess right now.
@themightyant "I've said before if Sony came out and gave solid reasons for giving up discs early - they do exist - if they made the point that games could be slower to increase in price, that consoles could be further subsidised then many people would feel placated." (And your next paragraph RE disc drive for PS6)
On this I personally fully agree with you.
I have said for years now that in my opinion, Sony's marketing / communication are appalling. My previous best example was how they tried to sell the Pro, without real specs, teardown etc - love the console, but the marketing was just BAD. This is just another similar example - the only bit of real info they gave was that retailers would sell digital codes instead of discs (though some don't seem to have read this part). I do think that there are good reasons for ending discs, but the way they messed up not explaining this has been a terrible failure. And, as I have said before, I do think an optional drive for PS6 is a real possibility, is the right thing for Sony to do, and yes, they easily should have communicated about this already.
I think the only way forwards for Sony is to release the PS6 in 2027 or 2028 (whichever makes more sense from a cost point of view), stop selling the Pro, but keep the PS5 available / supported as a low cost option.
Of course the ideal would be to stop the base PS5, and retain the Pro, whilst reducing its price, but I'm not sure they could reduce the price enough, and subsidising PS6 has got to be their primary concern in terms of hardware.
They should raise the max retail price of games to £75 (devs can still price lower) BEFORE PS6 is announced, but try to avoid £80.
Hopefully this means they could spread the cost reduction benefit from ending discs, across PS6 subsidising and game prices.
Sony's main concern has got to be the ecosystem and to that end, maybe they shouldn't be attempting to phase out the PS5, and need to commit to at least a 5 year cross gen period. The option of the PS6 needs to be there for those who want to upgrade and can afford it, in order to prevent them looking elsewhere. On the other hand, the PS5 needs to stay until they can lower the cost of the PS6.
Most importantly, I think Sony need to clearly define what is expected by cross gen.
Feature parity between PS5 and PS6 sounds like a good idea, but it isn't that practical. Missing features on PS5 versions will help gently push people towards upgrading to PS6. However, I have many times suggested that Sony should have a mandated framerate standard (including a tight minimum average) for games released on their consoles, and this would become more important. 60fps has been such a massive part of the existence of PS5 - would it be fair to say "well PS6 is here so PS5 owners can now only expect 30fps"? Not really, considering the likely price of PS6 will be the main barrier to ownership. So I think Sony have to think very hard here. I will add that this has nothing to do with my personal requirements - I will upgrade as soon as PS6 is released.
As to PS6 exclusives, I'm not sure. They could 'test the waters", but I wonder if a 3rd party company would oblige first - particularly if they have to ensure 60fps modes if they release on PS5.
This is all personal opinion of course, but a PS5/6 gen, followed by PS6/7 etc, feels a far more realistic idea.
@zebric21
I believe PSSR2 is basically a version of whatever the latest version of FSR4 is, but using a different AI type, due to hardware differences.
Everything I have seen / read suggests PSSR2 compares very favourably with FSR4, as you would expect given that Sony / Mark Cerny have been involved in both.
@Nalim And I would be very surprised if Sony don't have data showing how many physical buyers make 'exceptions' already (maybe for games like GTA6 which is all digital whichever way you look at it).
@LogicStrikesAgain Some excellent points. I hadn't really thought much about the aim of thiis being subsidising PS6 more - my thoughts were that they were trying to delay the inevitable rise to £80 for games (as a result of high inflation / dev cost rises in the last few years). Increased subsidising of PS6 might make more sense though, as its price is probably the bigger risk to them at the moment.
@ilyn As soon as most Youtubers get a sniff of PS6 they will post numerous videos about it and how amazing it is - this whole disc issue will get relegated to a casual "I wonder if they will have an optional disc drive", if they mention it at all.
Most of these videos will get called something like "YOU ARE NOT READY FOR PS6"
And for what its worth I have been a gamer for approx 40yrs, and I don't see Sony as a toxic brand, quite the opposite! I see Xbox, and PC as toxic, but not Playstation.
I don't think you have this quite right.
This functionality already exists to upgrade to PSSR2 any game running old versions of PSSR.
What the update appears to do is to turn the toggle on by default - previously, for some unknown reason, I think the toggle was off by default and needed enabling.
I always have this on, as it tends to offer an excellent upgrade in visual quality.
@ShadowRJ "It's an interesting thing to think about. Most people here probably first got into gaming via console...."
Maybe that is why I am not as interested in the loss of discs as others - I am only really interested from a personal viewpoint about Sony's plans for digital / PS6 after (but I would like them to do an optional drive for PS6).
In terms of game media, I grew up first with cassette tapes (awful), then moved to cartridges, then to discs, then to discs with installation to hard drive, and now buy digital. That is 4/5 types of media, with 2 already in the history books (tapes / cartridges).
I'm not so sure the term "disc diddlers" is quite so innocent lol. (I hadn't heard this phrase until I read it here, but then I'm not on Social media)
I remember the term "diddler" from the film 'Carry on Dick', as a location for a birthmark that forms part of a comedy sequence around mid film. But I understand there are other connotations now.
My guess is that that it refers to physical supporters 'using' discs in a way I can't mention here lol.
I will not buy any game that doesn't run at near locked 60fps (anything less is literally unplayable to me). If it isn't in that state at launch, I don't buy.
But herein lies another problem of the behaviour you are describing (which is all to common). By the time the game has been fixed: 1) I may have a full schedule of games I want more. 2) I may not hear / read about the improvements, so it will stay on my 'wait until fixed' list. 3) Even if I do buy it, by this stage I will invariably be waiting for a sale, so the devs end up with less.
The only games I pre order now are Sony 1st party, and games I have played demos of (though I may add RE games as Capcom have been doing well).
@get2sammyb Its going back a while now, but I remember a good time after AC Valhalla came out, and after a lot of patches/updates the devs basically rolled out a patch that replaced nearly the entire code, which had ballooned in size. By the time it was done, the file size had drastically dropped.
It just goes to show what can be done on this front - something which I suspect will be all the more important next gen with bigger file sizes, and maybe, due to cost, not much bigger SSD's.
I bought the game along with the year 1 DLC in the first sale after the final YR1 character was released (if I remember correctly). I have also bought each of the subsequent Year DLC's (albeit on sale).
However, with no World Tour inclusion, I won't be buying Year 4, or any further.
@Boxmonkey "this has been the worst PlayStation generation by a long way. You know it and so does everyone else."
As far as I'm concerned, this has been the best PlayStation generation! I have owned every (launch model) PS console, and both Pro consoles, with the exception of handhelds and PS3, where I moved to Xbox360 (before returning for PS4).
Well deserved, and its good to see the peak in interest.
SM1, 2, and MM, are all excellent titles, and among the best games available on PS5. Each game has their special moments, but SM2 is my favourite for just being an all round better designed game.
@electrolite77 You wouldn't think PC was that easy if you knew what I know, but hopefully you can steer clear of compatibility issues (between major supplier parts), or issues that need a full wipe and re-install of everything on the PC (twice), or update issues that lose you hours at a time on a frequent basis.
The rest of my previous reply still stands. All Sony are doing is removing physical discs sold at retail, and replacing with digital codes sold at retail - their choice of alternative, that they have to make available due to anti monopoly laws. The only real casualty of this is the second hand disc market, but as developers don't benefit from this, I don't see it as a major loss to the industry.
I was very much 'on the fence' when Sony first announced them stopping support for discs - and I still am to an extent - mostly for purely non self serving reasons as I haven't bought a disc in years now. All of these anti-consumer type (or scare story) arguments don't hold any weight with me - literally none until I hear more of Sony's plans regarding digital. I am far more interested in hearing Sony's plans regarding the PS6 and digital, than the loss of a physical media which has long been in decline both in terms of sales and relevance.
I don't think Xbox want to increase the cost of Helix any more than it has to - it is already likely to exceed PS6's price.
Why add the cost of a disc drive to a console, raising the price for 100% of purchasers, when only a small minority buy physical games.
Maybe they could offer an optional drive for back catalogue - something I still expect Sony will do for PS6 - but they don't even do this for Series S, so I think this is unlikely.
A well argued / written article though (No condescending tone intended).
@Rodimusprime13 I'm pretty sure that if Sony were to prevent the sales of all 3rd party PS games, except exclusively via their own store, it would be viewed as a monopoly situation. So, they will continue to offer an alternative method of purchase - and they have already said this! However, please continue to believe what you want.
@Rodimusprime13 None of that is applicable to what I am saying.
It is anti monopoly laws that require (at least) a secondary source for purchase. The secondary source needs to be like for like or better, and simply prevents Sony from having a monopoly on selling games on the system.
There is no stipulation on Sony as to how they need to comply - they could comply via for example physical discs, OR digital codes, OR allowing another storefront. Or to put it another way, they are not specifically required to support any particular alternative to their store, but they have to support AN alternative. At present they comply via physical discs sold by retailers, and they are changing that to digital codes sold by retailers as per their announcement.
@Rodimusprime13 I think you are listening to too many youtube videos / scare stories. I'm not going to spend the time going through everything- I can see @Vertere has also answered you.
However, you say "Sony isn't like to continue to offer game cards and they aren't legally obliged to"
I don't know where you get your info from, but they are legally obliged to make available an alternative source of purchase (apart from for their own titles). This is covered in the various anti monopoly laws. As I have said before, discs were this alternative, but if they stop supporting discs they are obliged to make available a different method. They could for instance have allowed a different storefront, but they have chosen (ref the same announcement) to make digital codes the legal alternative source of purchase. They have yet to confirm full details of this but they have a year and a half to do so.
The main gainers out of this will likely be developers/ publishers as they currently do not benefit at all from the second hand market - only the second hand market benefits. I also don't get why you think that game prices are not naturally due to go up. Game prices, which historically haven't kept up with inflation, haven't risen since 2020, despite very high inflation in this period. Development costs have risen at above inflation as well. Developers hopefully gaining from this move, combined with the removal of the costs associated with the manufacture and distribution of discs from the system, could well lead to the delay or full/partial ofsetting of game price rises in the immediate future. Sadly, you won't see logic like this from internet / youtube scare stories / reactions.
Sony have already shown that they think like this eg their forward planning of buying RAM, and their reduction in the SSD size for the base PS5 in order to delay/reduce necessary price rises due to massive increases in part costs.
@Rodimusprime13 The reason why court cases have failed is that Sony only have to offer 1 alternative- at the moment this is discs.
I would think that this is what causes them issue at the moment. Discs are more expensive to produce (particularly in smaller numbers) and distribute, but they cannot increase their price over digital as they are the legal alternative. They are effectively subsidising the manufacturing of discs.
If they stop supporting discs, then they legally have to offer a different alternative. They have already, as part of their announcement, set out that they plan this to be digital codes sold by retailers. GTA6 will just effectively be a trial run for this future.
They have likely announced their planned alternative so early, just to show how they will be complying with anti monopoly laws.
Just as an aside, the timing of their announcement with GTA6 pre orders does not surprise me, as I would be very much surprised if they weren't doing a final test to see if people would accept all digital, and whether physical buyers would make exceptions. To be clear - it could be R* who wanted GTA6 to be all digital, but Sony will have the Pre-order pattern data.
The only exception to them having to offer an alternative is their own games. They are probably completely free to sell their own games via their store alone. I don't actually know how they have managed indie games for so long - maybe it's because the devs / publishers choose not to use the alternative of discs.
@Leinad7 If I remember correctly, the last time Sony managed to stockpile RAM it significantly delayed a price increase until well after Xbox had put their prices up (and PC RAM prices too I think). Even if they were to put their prices up, my comment stands - they have tried to keep prices down by good forward planning. Blame those who are the reason why RAM and other component prices are rising.
@electrolite77 "As I previously said most of the advantages have gone"
Your opinion; And one which I totally disagree with - in fact, I think the advantages of console, specifically PlayStation, have only grown over the last few years. The loss of discs barely makes a difference to this in my opinion.
"The only vendor for PS games will be Sony."
This is complete rubbish. Sony have clearly said (in the same announcement no less) that games will continue to be sold by retailers, just in digital format via a code. The various anti monopoly laws would not let them do what you are suggesting.
All Sony are doing is stopping the support of physical discs, which like it or not, are only bought in the minority.
You are quite entitled to your opinion, and any personal anger / disappointment over them stopping discs, but the day was always going to come when discs became unsustainable. However, whilst you might have strong opinions on this, others don't, including myself. I am far more interested in other plans they have eg around digital, and for PS6 in general. That said, I would prefer them to have an optional disc drive for PS6, for people to play their back catalogues using.
@electrolite77 "Consoles used to have the advantage of cost, ease of use, convenience, physical games and exclusive games."
And they still do, except physical games from 2028, which personally I don't see as a major loss.
A lot people I know (in the real world) who used to game on PC have moved in the last year, mostly buying PS5 Pro's. The main reason given being that they were fed up with all the set up, updating, and compatability issues - 1 had to wipe his system twice and still had minor issues. The other reason given a few times was the prolific online cheating on PC.
"on PC you have a multitude of storefronts to buy from"
And even after 2028, you will still have multiple storefronts to buy PS games from as retailers will sell digital codes.
Also, not long ago, after being fed up with keep hearing "how cheap PC is", a user here compared prices on steam (as the most popular storefront) to the PS Storefront of a large number of well known games. There was some back and forth but the total price ended up cheaper on the PS storefront.
I have seriously looked into moving to PC in the past, and certainly saw far more issues than gains, and that was after a massive outlay.
@Dogbreath More than a couple times now we have seen the Pro achieve better than base PS5 Quality mode visuals, at better than base PS5 Performance mode Performance. A good sign for PS6 in my opinion.
@Dogbreath I have no earthly clue how some people, angry at Sony's decision to stop supporting discs, come up with the idea to move to an all digital ecosystem!
If anything, these people should be angriest with PC - that is where all digital started, and had PC not gone all digital years ago, Sony probably wouldn't be doing so now lol.
@Mintie Whilst I agree that their communication has been pretty appalling in general over the last few years, in this case they did state how they were not going to monopolise the selling of digital games in their original announcement. I wouldn't expect further details on this specifically until much nearer the time.
Probably will skip the game if gen-AI is being used. The first game was good, but not special in my opinion, and the sequel will suffer if it uses gen-AI to any extent.
@Mintie
(And anyone else who thinks when this goes ahead that there will only be the option of the PS Store)
Sony have already stated, in the original announcement that digital codes will be available to purchase from retailers. So this idea that you will be locked to the PS Store for purchases is just not true.
In answer to the fact that Sony provide the digital codes - yes, but from what I understand they manufacture all the discs now.
This will all be governed by anti monopoly anyway, and Sony's legal team seem on the ball.
@ButteredCrumpet I agree, but I'm not necessarily saying dev studios are lazy. Some clearly are at times - though I imagine it is often 'forced' ie lack of time / resources from studio heads.
The bigger problem I see - and I add purely as a consumer - is that some just get far too ambitious (probably during the planning stages, but I could easily see it happens during development too).
There are over 100 million consoles in circulation that all have very similar CPU's, with the Pro's just being a bit faster. So to find a game struggling to keep locked to 60fps (which has to be considered a standard), and the reason to be attributed to the CPU not being powerful enough seems ludicrous to me. It just seems that some studio become far too ambitious in terms of what they are planning, with their ability, with the hardware that is out there, and with the time they have. Unfortunately this gets worse or more common as we go through the latter stages of a generation.
I do agree though that it is important to keep the technology moving, and the above only makes that more necessary in my opinion. I can't imagine going back to a console without a decent SSD! I do think adoption of PS6 will be slower because of the price, but in the meantime the PS5 / Pro will still be there. But, as you say, that doesn't mean it shouldn't launch.
I listened to Mark Cerny (it might have been an interview or a discussion) explain about a new method they were coming up with to move data through the hardware in a more efficient way. I think he said it would mean a 3x improvement in data throughput, but without a 3x improvement in data throughput speed which is increasingly a bottleneck. This sounded very intriguing and I know it was planned for PS6.
@J2theEzzo I think the problem is, (with development complete) can Sony afford not to release a PS6 - the PS5, particularly the base model, will be increasingly becoming more out of date, and if no upgrade option exists, people who want and can upgrade, may start looking at alternatives. The option to upgrade will be there once the individual believes it's time.
Meanwhile, whilst you wont get games exclusive to PS6 for a long time, you may get features in games that are.
Just the existence of a PS6 also means that (full feature) Switch 2 ports become less likely - ie as devs take aim slightly higher up the tech ladder. Even if that is a halfway point between PS5 Pro and PS6, that is still bad news for a low powered handheld, particularly if Sony launch a more capable handheld that is for example capable of playing that level of game at 30fps.
But I do agree that the days of a new generation starting with mass adoption are probably over.
@J2theEzzo @ButteredCrumpet I will likely buy a PS6 on day of launch.
From a necessity point of view, much less than locked 60fps is (literally) unplayable to me, and I do not think PS5/Pro will be maintaining this long after PS6 launches. I'm sorry, but some dev teams don't seem to be able to 'reign in' their ambitions enough to fit the current hardware now - particularly on the CPU side of things (which I think is quite ridiculous given the number of units in use which use effectively the same CPU). I think as soon as PS6 is available things will start to be pushed more, and PS5 & Pro will start to suffer regardless of PS6 sales - the same argument will be used as is used for Pro/base - those who care will have bought the higher spec machine.
For me cross gen is the best period. That is when you get the highest framerates, and the cleanest graphics, both of which very much enhance my enjoyment.
I, probably like yourselves, have also seen just how much 'heavy lifting' can be done with PSSR2. The Pro now frequently manages games with better than PS5 quality mode visuals, at better than PS5 performance mode performance. I think that Sony, and specifically Mark Cerny know exactly what they are doing in this regard, and the PS6 will hopefully offer some excellent advances here.
I play a fair amount of games, so I will easily get my moneys worth, and to me life is too short to not buy something I will enjoy, providing I can comfortably afford it.
Just to answer the question - would PC be an alternative? Maybe, but its not ideal at all. The costs for PC parts are also very high, and I have seen a lot of people I know abandon PC recently for PS5 Pro. The main reason cited being the inherent set up problems with PC eg compatibility issues (one had to wipe theirs twice and still had minor issues), with prolific online cheating also noted. I just don't want to be bothered by all that imo unnecessary rubbish. I also really like Sony 1st party games, which will probably not be seen on PC.
From a cost point of view, will the PS6 price reduce that fast, I'm not so sure. I think Sony, with their new financial outlook, will subsidise very heavily to begin with (where early adopters likely spend the most), and will then look to reduce subsidising as we move through the first few years, even if this means that the PS6 maintains a high price.
The only thing that will likely stop me is if the PS6 hardware isn't a big enough uplift in raw power, then I will need to take a second look. But otherwise, PS6 at launch makes perfect sense to me.
Unless you have fond memories of this series, why bother when Xbox might change their minds and not release future remakes / installments on PS. Its just not worth it.
If they had guaranteed all future games on PS, then I think a lot more would have taken interest.
@nyr2k2 And certainly not with some on this site. I frequent this site (you can check my comments history) and Sony's reputation with me is far, far from the gutter. (Though I might make an exception in regards their communications Department!)
Insomniac have really come up with a definitive version of Spiderman in terms of movement etc imo. Of course, they will have had their influences, and I have no doubt they have in turn taken some influences from the recent films (for the more recent games of course).
@RoomWithaMoose I think thats a very good point. My suspicion is that the outlay / production and distribution costs of discs are much higher than most people give credit for, and may be on the rise.
However, you are quite correct, we just do not know.
Its common sense that as sales numbers reduce, these costs when worked out on a per unit basis, increase.
I also think its fair to say that game development costs have increased significantly since the last price rise in 2020. Inflation alone has been very high, with game prices not reflecting this, and most just don't consider facts of this sort, or their impact.
That said, I don't understand why the decision has been made to just end discs, without first raising physical copy prices. Maybe it has to do with a perceived backlash against a price rise. Maybe it is because it causes a legal complication - we know that physical discs are currently the legally required (anti monopoly) alternative to Sony's own store. Putting the price up could be an issue (legally), and when the legal alternative only needs to be like for like (digital code), that may make a lot of sense as to why this decision has been made - though you would think they could offer digital codes and price increased discs out to retail at the same time to negate this.
There could also be other factors we just don't know about - maybe for example the production facility they use is becoming more expensive to run, for some reason we are not aware of.
It would be nice to know some real answers, but I wonder how complex this whole situation is behind what we see.
@FreasurePlanten
I agree with most of your points - the exception being the combat which I found excellent, but I have wondered if style/class alters your mileage (as I said in a previous post I chose Spellblade).
I think its very fair to call some of the writing forced, unsubtle, ham fisted, cringeworthy etc, particularly (but not always) around Taash.
But that isn't unique to DAV. I think some writers just don't appreciate the value of inclusion / representation, without stereotyping, labels, or 'bright neon flashing lights'. They completely undervalue the feeling of normalcy.
Although I did appreciate the ability to romance every character (in the most part without labels) - is that real to life, no, but neither are games and their small choice pools etc, and games like Cyberpunk did this terribly in my opinion (full of stereotypes and bad options).
DAV in no way deserved the hate it got from some small minded people - there is, as you know, a big difference between hate, and genuine criticism (which at times it did deserve).
Like you, I had no problem with the art style.
I will just add in case anyone reads this and thinks otherwise, or thinks that I am saying something I am not, that I believe the other user I discussed this game with was being genuine, and had genuine criticisms.
Comments 3,883
Re: Silent Hill 2 Patch Finally Fixes Remake on PS5 Pro - Or Does It?
I haven't played any of Bloober/Konami's recent games because of various performance / visual issues.
I kept them on my 'maybe' buy list, but dropped them off recently when I saw how stacked the end of this year, and my back catalogue had become, so, their loss.
Re: Halo Made Its PS5 Debut, So Now It's Time for Xbox to Lay Off the Team That Made It
Why bother buying the first Halo, if Xbox might make other remasters / Halo games exclusive again with their flip flopping...
Or lay off the team / part of the team, so no more are made...
Xbox seem to be in a right mess right now.
Re: With Digital Game Sales at 90%, Capcom Appears Unfazed By Sony's Disc-Free Future
@themightyant
"I've said before if Sony came out and gave solid reasons for giving up discs early - they do exist - if they made the point that games could be slower to increase in price, that consoles could be further subsidised then many people would feel placated."
(And your next paragraph RE disc drive for PS6)
On this I personally fully agree with you.
I have said for years now that in my opinion, Sony's marketing / communication are appalling.
My previous best example was how they tried to sell the Pro, without real specs, teardown etc - love the console, but the marketing was just BAD.
This is just another similar example - the only bit of real info they gave was that retailers would sell digital codes instead of discs (though some don't seem to have read this part).
I do think that there are good reasons for ending discs, but the way they messed up not explaining this has been a terrible failure.
And, as I have said before, I do think an optional drive for PS6 is a real possibility, is the right thing for Sony to do, and yes, they easily should have communicated about this already.
Re: With Digital Game Sales at 90%, Capcom Appears Unfazed By Sony's Disc-Free Future
@LogicStrikesAgain
I think the only way forwards for Sony is to release the PS6 in 2027 or 2028 (whichever makes more sense from a cost point of view), stop selling the Pro, but keep the PS5 available / supported as a low cost option.
Of course the ideal would be to stop the base PS5, and retain the Pro, whilst reducing its price, but I'm not sure they could reduce the price enough, and subsidising PS6 has got to be their primary concern in terms of hardware.
They should raise the max retail price of games to £75 (devs can still price lower) BEFORE PS6 is announced, but try to avoid £80.
Hopefully this means they could spread the cost reduction benefit from ending discs, across PS6 subsidising and game prices.
Sony's main concern has got to be the ecosystem and to that end, maybe they shouldn't be attempting to phase out the PS5, and need to commit to at least a 5 year cross gen period.
The option of the PS6 needs to be there for those who want to upgrade and can afford it, in order to prevent them looking elsewhere. On the other hand, the PS5 needs to stay until they can lower the cost of the PS6.
Most importantly, I think Sony need to clearly define what is expected by cross gen.
Feature parity between PS5 and PS6 sounds like a good idea, but it isn't that practical. Missing features on PS5 versions will help gently push people towards upgrading to PS6.
However, I have many times suggested that Sony should have a mandated framerate standard (including a tight minimum average) for games released on their consoles, and this would become more important.
60fps has been such a massive part of the existence of PS5 - would it be fair to say "well PS6 is here so PS5 owners can now only expect 30fps"? Not really, considering the likely price of PS6 will be the main barrier to ownership. So I think Sony have to think very hard here. I will add that this has nothing to do with my personal requirements - I will upgrade as soon as PS6 is released.
As to PS6 exclusives, I'm not sure. They could 'test the waters", but I wonder if a 3rd party company would oblige first - particularly if they have to ensure 60fps modes if they release on PS5.
This is all personal opinion of course, but a PS5/6 gen, followed by PS6/7 etc, feels a far more realistic idea.
Re: New PS5 Beta Firmware Is Available Now, Here Are All the Patch Notes
@zebric21
I believe PSSR2 is basically a version of whatever the latest version of FSR4 is, but using a different AI type, due to hardware differences.
Everything I have seen / read suggests PSSR2 compares very favourably with FSR4, as you would expect given that Sony / Mark Cerny have been involved in both.
Re: With Digital Game Sales at 90%, Capcom Appears Unfazed By Sony's Disc-Free Future
@Nalim
And I would be very surprised if Sony don't have data showing how many physical buyers make 'exceptions' already (maybe for games like GTA6 which is all digital whichever way you look at it).
Re: With Digital Game Sales at 90%, Capcom Appears Unfazed By Sony's Disc-Free Future
@LogicStrikesAgain
Some excellent points.
I hadn't really thought much about the aim of thiis being subsidising PS6 more - my thoughts were that they were trying to delay the inevitable rise to £80 for games (as a result of high inflation / dev cost rises in the last few years).
Increased subsidising of PS6 might make more sense though, as its price is probably the bigger risk to them at the moment.
Re: With Digital Game Sales at 90%, Capcom Appears Unfazed By Sony's Disc-Free Future
@ilyn
As soon as most Youtubers get a sniff of PS6 they will post numerous videos about it and how amazing it is - this whole disc issue will get relegated to a casual "I wonder if they will have an optional disc drive", if they mention it at all.
Most of these videos will get called something like "YOU ARE NOT READY FOR PS6"
And for what its worth I have been a gamer for approx 40yrs, and I don't see Sony as a toxic brand, quite the opposite! I see Xbox, and PC as toxic, but not Playstation.
Re: New PS5 Beta Firmware Is Available Now, and PSSR Is Getting Even Better
RE PSSR2
I don't think you have this quite right.
This functionality already exists to upgrade to PSSR2 any game running old versions of PSSR.
What the update appears to do is to turn the toggle on by default - previously, for some unknown reason, I think the toggle was off by default and needed enabling.
I always have this on, as it tends to offer an excellent upgrade in visual quality.
Re: Disc-Based PS5s Now Warn Buyers About the Impending Death of Physical Games
@ShadowRJ
"It's an interesting thing to think about.
Most people here probably first got into gaming via console...."
Maybe that is why I am not as interested in the loss of discs as others - I am only really interested from a personal viewpoint about Sony's plans for digital / PS6 after (but I would like them to do an optional drive for PS6).
In terms of game media, I grew up first with cassette tapes (awful), then moved to cartridges, then to discs, then to discs with installation to hard drive, and now buy digital.
That is 4/5 types of media, with 2 already in the history books (tapes / cartridges).
Re: Disc-Based PS5s Now Warn Buyers About the Impending Death of Physical Games
@darylb24 @ButteredCrumpet
(@Northern_munkey)
I'm not so sure the term "disc diddlers" is quite so innocent lol.
(I hadn't heard this phrase until I read it here, but then I'm not on Social media)
I remember the term "diddler" from the film 'Carry on Dick', as a location for a birthmark that forms part of a comedy sequence around mid film.
But I understand there are other connotations now.
My guess is that that it refers to physical supporters 'using' discs in a way I can't mention here lol.
Re: Video: What Are Your Favourite Video Game Worlds?
Hogwarts Legacy
Spiderman (2 in particular as I really like the new parts of the map)
And for an unusual choice Metro City from SF6 World Tour mode.
Re: Disc-Based PS5s Now Warn Buyers About the Impending Death of Physical Games
Forewarned is forearmed.
Re: Game Freak Pledges 'Continuous Updates' for Beast of Reincarnation After Mixed Reception
@Futureshark
It makes perfect sense.
I will not buy any game that doesn't run at near locked 60fps (anything less is literally unplayable to me).
If it isn't in that state at launch, I don't buy.
But herein lies another problem of the behaviour you are describing (which is all to common).
By the time the game has been fixed:
1) I may have a full schedule of games I want more.
2) I may not hear / read about the improvements, so it will stay on my 'wait until fixed' list.
3) Even if I do buy it, by this stage I will invariably be waiting for a sale, so the devs end up with less.
The only games I pre order now are Sony 1st party, and games I have played demos of (though I may add RE games as Capcom have been doing well).
Re: Marvel Rivals Is About to Seriously Shrink Its File Size on PS5
@get2sammyb
Its going back a while now, but I remember a good time after AC Valhalla came out, and after a lot of patches/updates the devs basically rolled out a patch that replaced nearly the entire code, which had ballooned in size.
By the time it was done, the file size had drastically dropped.
It just goes to show what can be done on this front - something which I suspect will be all the more important next gen with bigger file sizes, and maybe, due to cost, not much bigger SSD's.
Re: 'We're Entering This Next Chapter from a Position of Strength': EA Completes $55 Billion Buyout
@dskatter
"In fairness, its hard to fall off the floor."
But, if you go lower, under the ground it is very dark, and beneath that is hell.
Re: Beast of Reincarnation (PS5) - Pokémon Dev's Flower Power Action RPG Is Nearly in Full Bloom
Will wait to see what DF make of the Pro version before making a decision, but my back catalogue is very busy.
Re: 'Evie Was Created by Our Talented Artists': Stellar Blade Dev Responds to 'AI Slop' Accusations
"We would truly appreciate it if you could view the work with that understanding in mind."
My understanding is still gen-AI slop though.
Re: Street Fighter 6's New Season Is Underway on PS5 Now, Even if It All Feels a Bit Low-Key
I bought the game along with the year 1 DLC in the first sale after the final YR1 character was released (if I remember correctly). I have also bought each of the subsequent Year DLC's (albeit on sale).
However, with no World Tour inclusion, I won't be buying Year 4, or any further.
Re: These New Xbox Prices Are Truly Terrifying for PS6
@Boxmonkey
"this has been the worst PlayStation generation by a long way. You know it and so does everyone else."
As far as I'm concerned, this has been the best PlayStation generation!
I have owned every (launch model) PS console, and both Pro consoles, with the exception of handhelds and PS3, where I moved to Xbox360 (before returning for PS4).
Re: Sony's Spider-Man Games Enjoy Player Boost on Back of Brand New Day's Box Office Success
@TrollOfWar
"Well one can dream of being able to play Marvel's Spide-Man on a portable (offline) device."
Hopefully you will get your wish with the rumoured PS6 portable!
Re: Sony's Spider-Man Games Enjoy Player Boost on Back of Brand New Day's Box Office Success
Well deserved, and its good to see the peak in interest.
SM1, 2, and MM, are all excellent titles, and among the best games available on PS5.
Each game has their special moments, but SM2 is my favourite for just being an all round better designed game.
Re: Sony Knows How You Feel About No More Discs, But It's Not Going to Reverse Course
@electrolite77
You wouldn't think PC was that easy if you knew what I know, but hopefully you can steer clear of compatibility issues (between major supplier parts), or issues that need a full wipe and re-install of everything on the PC (twice), or update issues that lose you hours at a time on a frequent basis.
The rest of my previous reply still stands. All Sony are doing is removing physical discs sold at retail, and replacing with digital codes sold at retail - their choice of alternative, that they have to make available due to anti monopoly laws.
The only real casualty of this is the second hand disc market, but as developers don't benefit from this, I don't see it as a major loss to the industry.
I was very much 'on the fence' when Sony first announced them stopping support for discs - and I still am to an extent - mostly for purely non self serving reasons as I haven't bought a disc in years now.
All of these anti-consumer type (or scare story) arguments don't hold any weight with me - literally none until I hear more of Sony's plans regarding digital. I am far more interested in hearing Sony's plans regarding the PS6 and digital, than the loss of a physical media which has long been in decline both in terms of sales and relevance.
Re: Could Xbox Get Its Revenge on PS6 by Supporting Physical Games?
I don't think Xbox want to increase the cost of Helix any more than it has to - it is already likely to exceed PS6's price.
Why add the cost of a disc drive to a console, raising the price for 100% of purchasers, when only a small minority buy physical games.
Maybe they could offer an optional drive for back catalogue - something I still expect Sony will do for PS6 - but they don't even do this for Series S, so I think this is unlikely.
A well argued / written article though (No condescending tone intended).
Re: Sony Knows How You Feel About No More Discs, But It's Not Going to Reverse Course
@Rodimusprime13
I'm pretty sure that if Sony were to prevent the sales of all 3rd party PS games, except exclusively via their own store, it would be viewed as a monopoly situation.
So, they will continue to offer an alternative method of purchase - and they have already said this!
However, please continue to believe what you want.
Re: Sony Knows How You Feel About No More Discs, But It's Not Going to Reverse Course
@Rodimusprime13
None of that is applicable to what I am saying.
It is anti monopoly laws that require (at least) a secondary source for purchase.
The secondary source needs to be like for like or better, and simply prevents Sony from having a monopoly on selling games on the system.
There is no stipulation on Sony as to how they need to comply - they could comply via for example physical discs, OR digital codes, OR allowing another storefront.
Or to put it another way, they are not specifically required to support any particular alternative to their store, but they have to support AN alternative.
At present they comply via physical discs sold by retailers, and they are changing that to digital codes sold by retailers as per their announcement.
Re: Sony Knows How You Feel About No More Discs, But It's Not Going to Reverse Course
@Rodimusprime13
I think you are listening to too many youtube videos / scare stories.
I'm not going to spend the time going through everything- I can see @Vertere has also answered you.
However, you say "Sony isn't like to continue to offer game cards and they aren't legally obliged to"
I don't know where you get your info from, but they are legally obliged to make available an alternative source of purchase (apart from for their own titles). This is covered in the various anti monopoly laws.
As I have said before, discs were this alternative, but if they stop supporting discs they are obliged to make available a different method.
They could for instance have allowed a different storefront, but they have chosen (ref the same announcement) to make digital codes the legal alternative source of purchase. They have yet to confirm full details of this but they have a year and a half to do so.
The main gainers out of this will likely be developers/ publishers as they currently do not benefit at all from the second hand market - only the second hand market benefits.
I also don't get why you think that game prices are not naturally due to go up. Game prices, which historically haven't kept up with inflation, haven't risen since 2020, despite very high inflation in this period. Development costs have risen at above inflation as well.
Developers hopefully gaining from this move, combined with the removal of the costs associated with the manufacture and distribution of discs from the system, could well lead to the delay or full/partial ofsetting of game price rises in the immediate future.
Sadly, you won't see logic like this from internet / youtube scare stories / reactions.
Sony have already shown that they think like this eg their forward planning of buying RAM, and their reduction in the SSD size for the base PS5 in order to delay/reduce necessary price rises due to massive increases in part costs.
Re: Sony Knows How You Feel About No More Discs, But It's Not Going to Reverse Course
@Rodimusprime13
The reason why court cases have failed is that Sony only have to offer 1 alternative- at the moment this is discs.
I would think that this is what causes them issue at the moment. Discs are more expensive to produce (particularly in smaller numbers) and distribute, but they cannot increase their price over digital as they are the legal alternative. They are effectively subsidising the manufacturing of discs.
If they stop supporting discs, then they legally have to offer a different alternative. They have already, as part of their announcement, set out that they plan this to be digital codes sold by retailers. GTA6 will just effectively be a trial run for this future.
They have likely announced their planned alternative so early, just to show how they will be complying with anti monopoly laws.
Just as an aside, the timing of their announcement with GTA6 pre orders does not surprise me, as I would be very much surprised if they weren't doing a final test to see if people would accept all digital, and whether physical buyers would make exceptions. To be clear - it could be R* who wanted GTA6 to be all digital, but Sony will have the Pre-order pattern data.
The only exception to them having to offer an alternative is their own games. They are probably completely free to sell their own games via their store alone.
I don't actually know how they have managed indie games for so long - maybe it's because the devs / publishers choose not to use the alternative of discs.
Re: Sony Has Secured Enough Memory to Meet PS5's Projected Sales Through March 2027
@Leinad7
If I remember correctly, the last time Sony managed to stockpile RAM it significantly delayed a price increase until well after Xbox had put their prices up (and PC RAM prices too I think).
Even if they were to put their prices up, my comment stands - they have tried to keep prices down by good forward planning. Blame those who are the reason why RAM and other component prices are rising.
Re: Sony Knows How You Feel About No More Discs, But It's Not Going to Reverse Course
@electrolite77
"As I previously said most of the advantages have gone"
Your opinion; And one which I totally disagree with - in fact, I think the advantages of console, specifically PlayStation, have only grown over the last few years. The loss of discs barely makes a difference to this in my opinion.
"The only vendor for PS games will be Sony."
This is complete rubbish.
Sony have clearly said (in the same announcement no less) that games will continue to be sold by retailers, just in digital format via a code. The various anti monopoly laws would not let them do what you are suggesting.
All Sony are doing is stopping the support of physical discs, which like it or not, are only bought in the minority.
You are quite entitled to your opinion, and any personal anger / disappointment over them stopping discs, but the day was always going to come when discs became unsustainable.
However, whilst you might have strong opinions on this, others don't, including myself. I am far more interested in other plans they have eg around digital, and for PS6 in general.
That said, I would prefer them to have an optional disc drive for PS6, for people to play their back catalogues using.
Re: 'We Are Not Seeing Any Impact on Our Business': Sony Says Physical Disc Backlash Is Having Zero Effect
"Personally, I think it’s a profound waste of plastic, so I hope it makes adjustments accordingly."
Completely agree with this. Cards, as per wallet top ups are sufficient.
Re: Sony Knows How You Feel About No More Discs, But It's Not Going to Reverse Course
@electrolite77
"Consoles used to have the advantage of cost, ease of use, convenience, physical games and exclusive games."
And they still do, except physical games from 2028, which personally I don't see as a major loss.
A lot people I know (in the real world) who used to game on PC have moved in the last year, mostly buying PS5 Pro's. The main reason given being that they were fed up with all the set up, updating, and compatability issues - 1 had to wipe his system twice and still had minor issues.
The other reason given a few times was the prolific online cheating on PC.
"on PC you have a multitude of storefronts to buy from"
And even after 2028, you will still have multiple storefronts to buy PS games from as retailers will sell digital codes.
Also, not long ago, after being fed up with keep hearing "how cheap PC is", a user here compared prices on steam (as the most popular storefront) to the PS Storefront of a large number of well known games. There was some back and forth but the total price ended up cheaper on the PS storefront.
I have seriously looked into moving to PC in the past, and certainly saw far more issues than gains, and that was after a massive outlay.
Re: Sony Has Secured Enough Memory to Meet PS5's Projected Sales Through March 2027
Sony trying their best to keep consumer prices down, via excellent forward planning.
Re: Sony Has Secured Enough Memory to Meet PS5's Projected Sales Through March 2027
@Dogbreath
More than a couple times now we have seen the Pro achieve better than base PS5 Quality mode visuals, at better than base PS5 Performance mode Performance.
A good sign for PS6 in my opinion.
Re: Sony Knows How You Feel About No More Discs, But It's Not Going to Reverse Course
@Dogbreath
I have no earthly clue how some people, angry at Sony's decision to stop supporting discs, come up with the idea to move to an all digital ecosystem!
If anything, these people should be angriest with PC - that is where all digital started, and had PC not gone all digital years ago, Sony probably wouldn't be doing so now lol.
Re: Sony Knows How You Feel About No More Discs, But It's Not Going to Reverse Course
@Mintie
Whilst I agree that their communication has been pretty appalling in general over the last few years, in this case they did state how they were not going to monopolise the selling of digital games in their original announcement. I wouldn't expect further details on this specifically until much nearer the time.
Re: 'I Feel Profoundly Disappointed': Stellar Blade Dev Destroyed for 'AI Slop' Music Video
Probably will skip the game if gen-AI is being used.
The first game was good, but not special in my opinion, and the sequel will suffer if it uses gen-AI to any extent.
Re: Sony Knows How You Feel About No More Discs, But It's Not Going to Reverse Course
@Mintie
(And anyone else who thinks when this goes ahead that there will only be the option of the PS Store)
Sony have already stated, in the original announcement that digital codes will be available to purchase from retailers. So this idea that you will be locked to the PS Store for purchases is just not true.
In answer to the fact that Sony provide the digital codes - yes, but from what I understand they manufacture all the discs now.
This will all be governed by anti monopoly anyway, and Sony's legal team seem on the ball.
(Edited for clarity)
Re: Sony Knows How You Feel About No More Discs, But It's Not Going to Reverse Course
"I'm curious what that final sentence really means"
Easy - the PS6 start up screen will be a very brief video of a disc being inserted into a PS1 - for nostalgia.
Re: EA's Controversial $55 Billion Buyout to Close Next Week
I don't see any good coming from this at all, quite the opposite. I won't be supporting them.
Re: This Revelation Should Terrify All Console Fans, Particularly Those Looking Forward to PS6
@ButteredCrumpet
I agree, but I'm not necessarily saying dev studios are lazy.
Some clearly are at times - though I imagine it is often 'forced' ie lack of time / resources from studio heads.
The bigger problem I see - and I add purely as a consumer - is that some just get far too ambitious (probably during the planning stages, but I could easily see it happens during development too).
There are over 100 million consoles in circulation that all have very similar CPU's, with the Pro's just being a bit faster. So to find a game struggling to keep locked to 60fps (which has to be considered a standard), and the reason to be attributed to the CPU not being powerful enough seems ludicrous to me.
It just seems that some studio become far too ambitious in terms of what they are planning, with their ability, with the hardware that is out there, and with the time they have.
Unfortunately this gets worse or more common as we go through the latter stages of a generation.
I do agree though that it is important to keep the technology moving, and the above only makes that more necessary in my opinion.
I can't imagine going back to a console without a decent SSD!
I do think adoption of PS6 will be slower because of the price, but in the meantime the PS5 / Pro will still be there. But, as you say, that doesn't mean it shouldn't launch.
I listened to Mark Cerny (it might have been an interview or a discussion) explain about a new method they were coming up with to move data through the hardware in a more efficient way. I think he said it would mean a 3x improvement in data throughput, but without a 3x improvement in data throughput speed which is increasingly a bottleneck. This sounded very intriguing and I know it was planned for PS6.
Re: This Revelation Should Terrify All Console Fans, Particularly Those Looking Forward to PS6
@J2theEzzo
Oh, and I should add, I have always thought 2028 is the more likely release year, as opposed to next year.
Re: This Revelation Should Terrify All Console Fans, Particularly Those Looking Forward to PS6
@J2theEzzo
I think the problem is, (with development complete) can Sony afford not to release a PS6 - the PS5, particularly the base model, will be increasingly becoming more out of date, and if no upgrade option exists, people who want and can upgrade, may start looking at alternatives.
The option to upgrade will be there once the individual believes it's time.
Meanwhile, whilst you wont get games exclusive to PS6 for a long time, you may get features in games that are.
Just the existence of a PS6 also means that (full feature) Switch 2 ports become less likely - ie as devs take aim slightly higher up the tech ladder. Even if that is a halfway point between PS5 Pro and PS6, that is still bad news for a low powered handheld, particularly if Sony launch a more capable handheld that is for example capable of playing that level of game at 30fps.
But I do agree that the days of a new generation starting with mass adoption are probably over.
Re: This Revelation Should Terrify All Console Fans, Particularly Those Looking Forward to PS6
@arto
How do you know the PS6 won't have an optional disc drive for backwards compatibility? Nothing has been confirmed in this regard yet.
Re: This Revelation Should Terrify All Console Fans, Particularly Those Looking Forward to PS6
@J2theEzzo @ButteredCrumpet
I will likely buy a PS6 on day of launch.
From a necessity point of view, much less than locked 60fps is (literally) unplayable to me, and I do not think PS5/Pro will be maintaining this long after PS6 launches. I'm sorry, but some dev teams don't seem to be able to 'reign in' their ambitions enough to fit the current hardware now - particularly on the CPU side of things (which I think is quite ridiculous given the number of units in use which use effectively the same CPU).
I think as soon as PS6 is available things will start to be pushed more, and PS5 & Pro will start to suffer regardless of PS6 sales - the same argument will be used as is used for Pro/base - those who care will have bought the higher spec machine.
For me cross gen is the best period. That is when you get the highest framerates, and the cleanest graphics, both of which very much enhance my enjoyment.
I, probably like yourselves, have also seen just how much 'heavy lifting' can be done with PSSR2. The Pro now frequently manages games with better than PS5 quality mode visuals, at better than PS5 performance mode performance. I think that Sony, and specifically Mark Cerny know exactly what they are doing in this regard, and the PS6 will hopefully offer some excellent advances here.
I play a fair amount of games, so I will easily get my moneys worth, and to me life is too short to not buy something I will enjoy, providing I can comfortably afford it.
Just to answer the question - would PC be an alternative? Maybe, but its not ideal at all. The costs for PC parts are also very high, and I have seen a lot of people I know abandon PC recently for PS5 Pro. The main reason cited being the inherent set up problems with PC eg compatibility issues (one had to wipe theirs twice and still had minor issues), with prolific online cheating also noted. I just don't want to be bothered by all that imo unnecessary rubbish. I also really like Sony 1st party games, which will probably not be seen on PC.
From a cost point of view, will the PS6 price reduce that fast, I'm not so sure. I think Sony, with their new financial outlook, will subsidise very heavily to begin with (where early adopters likely spend the most), and will then look to reduce subsidising as we move through the first few years, even if this means that the PS6 maintains a high price.
The only thing that will likely stop me is if the PS6 hardware isn't a big enough uplift in raw power, then I will need to take a second look. But otherwise, PS6 at launch makes perfect sense to me.
Re: Early Data Suggests Unspectacular Start for Halo on PS5
Unless you have fond memories of this series, why bother when Xbox might change their minds and not release future remakes / installments on PS. Its just not worth it.
If they had guaranteed all future games on PS, then I think a lot more would have taken interest.
Re: This Revelation Should Terrify All Console Fans, Particularly Those Looking Forward to PS6
@nyr2k2
And certainly not with some on this site.
I frequent this site (you can check my comments history) and Sony's reputation with me is far, far from the gutter.
(Though I might make an exception in regards their communications Department!)
Re: Insomniac's Spider-Man Finishing Moves Influenced Brand New Day, Says Tom Holland
Insomniac have really come up with a definitive version of Spiderman in terms of movement etc imo. Of course, they will have had their influences, and I have no doubt they have in turn taken some influences from the recent films (for the more recent games of course).
Re: Amidst Sony's Disc Debacle, Capcom Sales Data Is a Brutal Reality Check for Fans of Physical Media
@RoomWithaMoose
I think thats a very good point.
My suspicion is that the outlay / production and distribution costs of discs are much higher than most people give credit for, and may be on the rise.
However, you are quite correct, we just do not know.
Its common sense that as sales numbers reduce, these costs when worked out on a per unit basis, increase.
I also think its fair to say that game development costs have increased significantly since the last price rise in 2020. Inflation alone has been very high, with game prices not reflecting this, and most just don't consider facts of this sort, or their impact.
That said, I don't understand why the decision has been made to just end discs, without first raising physical copy prices.
Maybe it has to do with a perceived backlash against a price rise.
Maybe it is because it causes a legal complication - we know that physical discs are currently the legally required (anti monopoly) alternative to Sony's own store.
Putting the price up could be an issue (legally), and when the legal alternative only needs to be like for like (digital code), that may make a lot of sense as to why this decision has been made - though you would think they could offer digital codes and price increased discs out to retail at the same time to negate this.
There could also be other factors we just don't know about - maybe for example the production facility they use is becoming more expensive to run, for some reason we are not aware of.
It would be nice to know some real answers, but I wonder how complex this whole situation is behind what we see.
Re: Dragon Age Can't Get the Mass Effect Remaster Treatment Because of Dev Difficulties
@FreasurePlanten
I agree with most of your points - the exception being the combat which I found excellent, but I have wondered if style/class alters your mileage (as I said in a previous post I chose Spellblade).
I think its very fair to call some of the writing forced, unsubtle, ham fisted, cringeworthy etc, particularly (but not always) around Taash.
But that isn't unique to DAV. I think some writers just don't appreciate the value of inclusion / representation, without stereotyping, labels, or 'bright neon flashing lights'. They completely undervalue the feeling of normalcy.
Although I did appreciate the ability to romance every character (in the most part without labels) - is that real to life, no, but neither are games and their small choice pools etc, and games like Cyberpunk did this terribly in my opinion (full of stereotypes and bad options).
DAV in no way deserved the hate it got from some small minded people - there is, as you know, a big difference between hate, and genuine criticism (which at times it did deserve).
Like you, I had no problem with the art style.
I will just add in case anyone reads this and thinks otherwise, or thinks that I am saying something I am not, that I believe the other user I discussed this game with was being genuine, and had genuine criticisms.