For those who think this is a great thing for gamers, I'd say it isn't. Monopolization isn't great. As a track record, Microsoft have been very bad at stuffing microtransactions and live elements into their games for years. Gears 5 had a Terminator crossover to promote a film. One of their flagship franchises. A Terminator promotion. Now others are equally bad or worse, my point is that when someone controls a large segment of the output, they will control what gets made and that can kill variety. You can't look at it now and state - wow, can't wait for Elder Scrolls to come to gamepass because who knows what the next Elder Scrolls will be with MS in control.
I'd feel the same if Sony did the buying. Or Google. Or Amazon.
I have an Xbox One S and a PC and use gamepass on these however my PS4 is still my most used console of these. This is largely because of the games - I feel that Sony (along with Nintendo) have made software that I want to play and that I don't feel is predatory. Again, personal preference - the last Bethesda game I really enjoyed was Wolfenstein: The Old Blood and er... Skyrim on Switch!
I am worried what this large acquisition and gamepass will do the industry but right now, PS5 has given more more reasons to invest in their eco system.
Hmm can MS afford Bethesda games on gamepass? I mean they won't be cheap to make? Gamepass would have to be pretty huge to make way for it.
Still this is a big move for Microsoft. I would not worry for the next few years - the funding for current or soon to be released games will not be affected by the buy out BUT future games that may not have had their funding such as Elder Scrolls - well yes, they could be moved over.
@Octane @thefourfoldroot That's what I mean - does it work with PSVR (V1) and will there be any benefit?
I have seen that they are saying they will give a free camera adapter to PSVR owners but not sure when that will be.
As for PSVR 2, very good point that it may not use a camera (which would be ace). Though don't forget the PSVR was not bundled with a camera at launch though most packs now have it.
Random question @get2sammyb but will we need the pass through box for PS5 and PSVR? My limited understanding is that this would diminish image quality as it currently does with PS4 Pro and HDR?
Will echo what others have said. I will have to pay for a few launch titles but it would have to be something VERY special to me to pay £70. Games don’t cost £70 anymore they all need more dlc, mtx and other purchases. Neither will I pay for a PS5 upgrade. This is the wrong time to try and squeeze consumers. The world is suffering.
This has clearly gone throug some shuffles in direction. I was turned off as soon as they mentioned online open world experience but mayne with the new 'retirement' of so many of the creative team at Ubisoft this might have changed direction.
I think the Series S is a good idea for Microsoft but it doesn't make sense with Sony's approach. Microsoft want to get people hooked into subscriptions with Gamepass and digital games. They want as many people as possible to get subbed and play games.
Sony's strategy is to promote top end games and push the superiority of their first party output which often pushes their hardware to the extreme. If Santa Monica had to design God Of War with a less powerful machine it would affect that track record.
Whether that is the right or wrong strategy - I mean, no one knows. I think both work. Ultimately, I pre-ordered the PS5 because I am heavily into the ecoysystem and like the type of games Sony produces. That said, I am mighty tempted by the Series S with the monthly pay plan because Gamepass is good value.
@EvilRyu2164 Cheers - I dislike Hermes as have had issues too from other companies including a courier actually going to the rear of our house, forcing open a coal bunker in the garden and leaving something there and not telling us.
Luckily, where I live SEEMS to be couriers from Amazon themselves and not had issues. At least I hope so... it is going to be pretty obvious what the package is!
I think Gamepass is a strong model but I do agree that it doesn't lend itself well to making big first party games. I kinda like event first party games are like the blockbuster movies. They just don't make as much sense on a streaming service. However, the subscription for older, indie and third party games does make sense.
Do I mind that those not adopting the PS5 can play some of the games on PS4? Of course not. Cross gen games are largely the norm - I mean I was expecting most of the launch titles to be pretty much beefed up PS4 games anyway.
But I don't like being misled or mixed messages. I don't expect to have to follow a third party commentator on Twitter to know the exact details of a launch when I have been led to believe otherwise. It hasn't annoyed me enough not to get a pre-order in but I think this is a big fumble.
I just managed to snag one on Amazon UK (I think) but this has been very tough and frustrating. The whole pre-order and PS4 backwards compat does feel disingenous.
@leucocyte In a lot of ways yes, but I would suggest that we are more interested game fans with a knowledge of what we do and do not like. If you are a more casual gamer or a parent, it does represent amazingly good value. You are right that it doesnt contain older games (except day one exclusives) but there are some really top quality older titles, all unlimited for under £10 a month. I'm a movie fan so still buy films but most people are happy with Netflix which has some good stuff but largely fluff really. I know a few people who have gotten an XB1 and gamepass for their kids/teens because they get to play lots of new games far cheaper than buying.
Personally they have two areas where they are potentially weakest. 1) Price (tbc) and 2) Subscription services. Xbox have a great hook with two models, one of which is very cheap and a good value service in Gamepass.
I personally predict there will be something about PS PLus or PS Now including an offer or two. Maybe.
People saying it doesn’t make sense for Bungie don’t know the state of their financials - for all we know they are burning through cash and Destiny isn’t making enough money. Stranger things have happened even though it didn’t happen. Interesting that the articles put forward that Bungie were too expensive.
I am going to keep banging the drum but the clear lack of diversity in Ubisoft's portfolio was down to the fact that a handful of people were calling the creative shots and shooting down anything they didn't like. Oh and those same people were horrific people who have been forced out once the allegations were made public.
Scott Pilgrim is a cheap and very easy attempt to appeal to gamers and make them excited for their very limited portfolio. Same with Prince of Persia. It is going to be several years, if at all, before Ubisoft can get themselves out of this creative (and moral) slump.
They also put out an apology video for their systematic abuse of staff and downright horrendous mobile game trailer but oddly they didn't include it in the Forward so it isn't linked to the games. Weird that.
In the end I bought Ultimate edition on PC this week as have wanted it for the AWE expansion coz I likes me some Alan Wake. The price was far cheaper than the costed Ultimate edition for consoles.
@BleedingDreamer Yeah I have the Xbox one official remote (got cheap second hand) and it is really rugged and the kids haven’t broken it. Though somehow made the Xbox symbol button spin 180
@Octane I have tried but someone sewed their name and address into all their clothes so they keep being returned.
I mean technically I don't need a white new computer box to replace my other computer box that sits next to all my other computer boxes. So if I am in the market for not needing things I totally don't need this.
Wow I cannot WAIT for them to comment on the abuse allegations, loss of their creative team (with full stock and pension options and no penalisations) and how they are going to do better next time. I am sure they certainly WON'T just announce a fan favourite remake or two and show more Watch Dogs footage and ignore it.
@darksoul77 Me too - as a Gamepass Ultimate customer already, if I sold my XB1 S for say a £100, that is something like £4 off the monthly price meaning I am only paying an extra £5 a month. I have a small XB1 physical collection, all of which are now on Gamepass as MS exclusives. I want the PS5 first and foremost but I have already budgeted for that.
@darksoul77 Even better for Microsoft! I mean it is a bargain and I tend to only use my Xbox for digital and Gamepass games anyway which is pretty much what this system seems to be about.
In my mind, the real place that Microsoft has a massive edge is their monthly price plans. Put it this way, I have Gamepass Ultimate. For an extra £9 a month I can continue with this AND get a Series S. It means I may end up double dipping.
it is aggressive and it has made me think well.. .maybe I get the Series S as well as a PS5 at some point given the lower price point. However, I should state that I need to see the internals. Rumour has it that the S is really just a current XB1X which is no slouch but there you go.
Yeah nah - the corporate ethics of Activision is something I don't like. I will always judge a product on its merits but a company that makes multiple people redundant while recording record profits and top level payouts and also does underhand tactics of changing games after review scores deserves scorn. I don't think games should be scored lower or anything but I also, as a consumer, weigh up me feelings before buying a product.
The crazy thing about this GAAS backlash is that if they had released a 20 hour solid campaign and then charged for regular story based DLC with new or existing characters, I'd probably be quite interested in playing more of the same and pay for it.
Really balanced review @LiamCroft. Enjoyed the read and it has led me to believe that I'll wait for price reductions before having as I have zilch interest in the GaaS but the campaign sounds fun.
It isn’t great timing so I would delay Howe er they cannot delay by much because all publishers are developing next gen and would see a hole in their revenue. I think a push of 6 months is likely though
This is disappointing as the retro scene is pretty vibrant. I see people commenting that you can still play on old hardware. Well yes... kinda but not necessarily easily. PS1 and PS2 don't look as good on HD Tv's without doing some smart upscaling. There are companies out there that exclusively make devices to upscale old consoles and these are quite popular among the retro scene.
Most mainstream gamers won't care but as said, check out the Youtube profiles of some larger retro gamer channels and they are significant. Having the ability to play older games in some capacity would have been a selling point to some people.
Personally, I think Sony will be looking to monetize this in some way - possibly as part of PS Now where the emulation can be done on server and doesn't need to take up space on a machine.
My personal feeling is that the concept of games as a service is better than the execution of games as a service and what the idea has become.
I mean, the idea of a game that continues to give you content, remains playable and all that for a long period of time and offers value for money is not a bad concept. This was the original 10 year dream for Destiny after all.
I know a lot of Destiny players and Rainbow Six and other games, including MMO's who have got a lot out of the game. The problem most gamers have though is that this model is often abused to the detriment of gamers.
Take Assassin's Creed Odyssey - I won't complain about the good DLC stories and paid expansions but the game itself is grindy for a single player game with a story and the grind is there purely to offer incentive to microtransactions. As others have said, take other games like the obvious ones such as Anthem and The Divsion etc that launch in state where there is not much content and you have to hope that it is well supported.
The Avengers game is a game that seems cynical. We have had some great superhero properties over the last few years that have done well and been largely self contained. I am not sure that the game has so far shown why it needs to be games as a service except for attempting to sell users additional content. Is a player on xbox getting the same deal as those on PS4 for this game? No - this isn't done for the consumer.
So I think that games as a service has a wide range of meanings but in short hand it has been polluted by cynical cash grabs.
Too early to tell. Concept looks solid, I don’t like games as a service in a type of game that might work better as a solid narrative but waaaay too early for me to get the pitchfork out. I can do that for Avengers.
Wait wait wait... you mean Ubisoft is looking to make a distracting announcement of a game they could have sorted the rights out to at any moment in the last few years?
It is almost like... people are upset with them? What amazing timing.
To be honest this makes sense to me. If I was being critical to the game, it doesn't do much new and has a lot of generic open world stuff to do. If i was reviewing it and being critical (as a critic) I can see why it would have that type of score.
To play though as someone who just wants a fun game, I've really enjoyed it and am still ploughing through for the platinum. Open worlds, despite being a little stale are hugely popular genres so can see why a good one would get better user reviews.
I will wait for the facts. I expect these consoles to be expensive at launch becase a) next gen and b) really are pretty packed with tech. I really don't think native 4k as opposed to upscaled 4k is going to make a huge sales difference. Plus, I have no doubt that devs will struggle at the start of this gen with cross platform games. It remains to be seen if it is as stark as the PS3 from 360.
Anime and the interest in it has really increased in the last few years and Sony do have a stake in it as they are a big investor in japanese orientated gaming etc. so would be well placed to maximise this.
If this was offered as a bundle with Playstation hardware you are really sealing the Sony brand as the place to go to get anime and anime inspired content. I could see it happening.
Comments 3,651
Re: Microsoft Ponders More Video Game Company Acquisitions
@Rob_230 Excellent points.
Re: Microsoft Ponders More Video Game Company Acquisitions
For those who think this is a great thing for gamers, I'd say it isn't. Monopolization isn't great. As a track record, Microsoft have been very bad at stuffing microtransactions and live elements into their games for years. Gears 5 had a Terminator crossover to promote a film. One of their flagship franchises. A Terminator promotion. Now others are equally bad or worse, my point is that when someone controls a large segment of the output, they will control what gets made and that can kill variety. You can't look at it now and state - wow, can't wait for Elder Scrolls to come to gamepass because who knows what the next Elder Scrolls will be with MS in control.
I'd feel the same if Sony did the buying. Or Google. Or Amazon.
Re: Poll: Has Xbox's Bethesda Buyout Made You Reconsider a PS5 Purchase?
I have an Xbox One S and a PC and use gamepass on these however my PS4 is still my most used console of these. This is largely because of the games - I feel that Sony (along with Nintendo) have made software that I want to play and that I don't feel is predatory. Again, personal preference - the last Bethesda game I really enjoyed was Wolfenstein: The Old Blood and er... Skyrim on Switch!
I am worried what this large acquisition and gamepass will do the industry but right now, PS5 has given more more reasons to invest in their eco system.
Re: Will Bethesda's Games Be Exclusive to Xbox From Now On? We Don't Know Yet
Hmm can MS afford Bethesda games on gamepass? I mean they won't be cheap to make? Gamepass would have to be pretty huge to make way for it.
Still this is a big move for Microsoft. I would not worry for the next few years - the funding for current or soon to be released games will not be affected by the buy out BUT future games that may not have had their funding such as Elder Scrolls - well yes, they could be moved over.
Re: PS5 Size Put Into Perspective with Series of Scale Illustrations
Hmm I need to measure up because I have a feeling this will NOT fit on the current shelf without touching the sides. OOer
Re: PS5 HD Camera Details Hint at Create Button Functionality
@Octane @thefourfoldroot That's what I mean - does it work with PSVR (V1) and will there be any benefit?
I have seen that they are saying they will give a free camera adapter to PSVR owners but not sure when that will be.
As for PSVR 2, very good point that it may not use a camera (which would be ace). Though don't forget the PSVR was not bundled with a camera at launch though most packs now have it.
Re: PS5 HD Camera Details Hint at Create Button Functionality
@thefourfoldroot This is what I want to know. Will this be necessary for VR? If so, I may get one at launch but want to wait and see.
Re: Does PSVR Work on PS5?
Random question @get2sammyb but will we need the pass through box for PS5 and PSVR? My limited understanding is that this would diminish image quality as it currently does with PS4 Pro and HDR?
Re: Soapbox: Screw Sony's PS5 Game Pricing, I'll Just Wait for Sales
Will echo what others have said. I will have to pay for a few launch titles but it would have to be something VERY special to me to pay £70. Games don’t cost £70 anymore they all need more dlc, mtx and other purchases. Neither will I pay for a PS5 upgrade. This is the wrong time to try and squeeze consumers. The world is suffering.
Re: Ubisoft: Beyond Good & Evil 2 Development Going Well, Gameplay Coming Next Year
This has clearly gone throug some shuffles in direction. I was turned off as soon as they mentioned online open world experience but mayne with the new 'retirement' of so many of the creative team at Ubisoft this might have changed direction.
Re: Sony Considered Xbox Series S-Style PS5, Doesn't Think Lower Spec Models Have Had Success
I think the Series S is a good idea for Microsoft but it doesn't make sense with Sony's approach. Microsoft want to get people hooked into subscriptions with Gamepass and digital games. They want as many people as possible to get subbed and play games.
Sony's strategy is to promote top end games and push the superiority of their first party output which often pushes their hardware to the extreme. If Santa Monica had to design God Of War with a less powerful machine it would affect that track record.
Whether that is the right or wrong strategy - I mean, no one knows. I think both work. Ultimately, I pre-ordered the PS5 because I am heavily into the ecoysystem and like the type of games Sony produces. That said, I am mighty tempted by the Series S with the monthly pay plan because Gamepass is good value.
Re: Win the PlayStation Revolution on Blu-ray Signed by Mark Cerny
I have entered and I hope I win because I like to win things and very rarely do. Also I do a great impression of Mark Cerny.
Re: PS5 Pre-Order Situation Is a Mess as Sony Sends Unclear Statement and Retailers Open Early
@EvilRyu2164 Cheers - I dislike Hermes as have had issues too from other companies including a courier actually going to the rear of our house, forcing open a coal bunker in the garden and leaving something there and not telling us.
Luckily, where I live SEEMS to be couriers from Amazon themselves and not had issues. At least I hope so... it is going to be pretty obvious what the package is!
Re: Sony Won't Follow Game Pass Model on PS5, Doesn't Believe It's Sustainable
I think Gamepass is a strong model but I do agree that it doesn't lend itself well to making big first party games. I kinda like event first party games are like the blockbuster movies. They just don't make as much sense on a streaming service. However, the subscription for older, indie and third party games does make sense.
Re: Horizon Forbidden West, Spider-Man: Man Miles Morales 'Built from the Ground Up' for PS5, Despite PS4 Versions
Do I mind that those not adopting the PS5 can play some of the games on PS4? Of course not. Cross gen games are largely the norm - I mean I was expecting most of the launch titles to be pretty much beefed up PS4 games anyway.
But I don't like being misled or mixed messages. I don't expect to have to follow a third party commentator on Twitter to know the exact details of a launch when I have been led to believe otherwise. It hasn't annoyed me enough not to get a pre-order in but I think this is a big fumble.
Re: PS5 Pre-Order Situation Is a Mess as Sony Sends Unclear Statement and Retailers Open Early
I just managed to snag one on Amazon UK (I think) but this has been very tough and frustrating. The whole pre-order and PS4 backwards compat does feel disingenous.
Re: PS5 Pre-Orders: Where to Buy PlayStation 5
Yeah so I can see myself not being able to get one. Only Amazon and Argos left so... fab.
Re: Talking Point: What Will Be Announced at PS5 Showcase Event?
@leucocyte In a lot of ways yes, but I would suggest that we are more interested game fans with a knowledge of what we do and do not like. If you are a more casual gamer or a parent, it does represent amazingly good value. You are right that it doesnt contain older games (except day one exclusives) but there are some really top quality older titles, all unlimited for under £10 a month. I'm a movie fan so still buy films but most people are happy with Netflix which has some good stuff but largely fluff really. I know a few people who have gotten an XB1 and gamepass for their kids/teens because they get to play lots of new games far cheaper than buying.
Re: Talking Point: What Will Be Announced at PS5 Showcase Event?
Personally they have two areas where they are potentially weakest. 1) Price (tbc) and 2) Subscription services. Xbox have a great hook with two models, one of which is very cheap and a good value service in Gamepass.
I personally predict there will be something about PS PLus or PS Now including an offer or two. Maybe.
Re: Bungie Outright Denies Microsoft Acquisition Speculation
People saying it doesn’t make sense for Bungie don’t know the state of their financials - for all we know they are burning through cash and Destiny isn’t making enough money. Stranger things have happened even though it didn’t happen. Interesting that the articles put forward that Bungie were too expensive.
Re: Talking Point: Was the Latest Ubisoft Forward Better Than the Last?
I am going to keep banging the drum but the clear lack of diversity in Ubisoft's portfolio was down to the fact that a handful of people were calling the creative shots and shooting down anything they didn't like. Oh and those same people were horrific people who have been forced out once the allegations were made public.
Scott Pilgrim is a cheap and very easy attempt to appeal to gamers and make them excited for their very limited portfolio. Same with Prince of Persia. It is going to be several years, if at all, before Ubisoft can get themselves out of this creative (and moral) slump.
Re: Round Up: What Was Announced at Ubisoft Forward?
@Porco Agreed - By allowing all your games to be planned by a couple of pretty horrendous people for the past 10 years.
Re: Round Up: What Was Announced at Ubisoft Forward?
They also put out an apology video for their systematic abuse of staff and downright horrendous mobile game trailer but oddly they didn't include it in the Forward so it isn't linked to the games. Weird that.
Re: Control PS5 Upgrade Controversy Worsens as Owners Accidentally Get Free Access to Ultimate Edition
In the end I bought Ultimate edition on PC this week as have wanted it for the AWE expansion coz I likes me some Alan Wake. The price was far cheaper than the costed Ultimate edition for consoles.
Re: Annapurna Interactive Announces Physical PS4 Collection, Eight Games Included
Love it but I can afford it. Real shame as I love most of these games!
Re: PS5 Media Remote Includes Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Disney+ Buttons
@BleedingDreamer Yeah I have the Xbox one official remote (got cheap second hand) and it is really rugged and the kids haven’t broken it. Though somehow made the Xbox symbol button spin 180
Re: PS5 Media Remote Includes Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Disney+ Buttons
@Octane I have tried but someone sewed their name and address into all their clothes so they keep being returned.
I mean technically I don't need a white new computer box to replace my other computer box that sits next to all my other computer boxes. So if I am in the market for not needing things I totally don't need this.
Re: PS5 Media Remote Includes Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Disney+ Buttons
@Octane I will. I currently use the XB1 S as a HD blu-ray player and no way am I letting the kids near the controller!
Re: PS5 Media Remote Includes Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, and Disney+ Buttons
Going to get this as well.
Re: When Is Ubisoft Forward?
Wow I cannot WAIT for them to comment on the abuse allegations, loss of their creative team (with full stock and pension options and no penalisations) and how they are going to do better next time. I am sure they certainly WON'T just announce a fan favourite remake or two and show more Watch Dogs footage and ignore it.
Re: Reaction: Why Hasn't PS5's Price and Release Date Been Revealed Yet?
@darksoul77 Me too - as a Gamepass Ultimate customer already, if I sold my XB1 S for say a £100, that is something like £4 off the monthly price meaning I am only paying an extra £5 a month. I have a small XB1 physical collection, all of which are now on Gamepass as MS exclusives. I want the PS5 first and foremost but I have already budgeted for that.
Re: Reaction: Why Hasn't PS5's Price and Release Date Been Revealed Yet?
@darksoul77 Even better for Microsoft! I mean it is a bargain and I tend to only use my Xbox for digital and Gamepass games anyway which is pretty much what this system seems to be about.
Re: Reaction: Why Hasn't PS5's Price and Release Date Been Revealed Yet?
In my mind, the real place that Microsoft has a massive edge is their monthly price plans. Put it this way, I have Gamepass Ultimate. For an extra £9 a month I can continue with this AND get a Series S. It means I may end up double dipping.
Re: Reaction: PS5 Price Under Scrutiny After Disruptive Xbox Series S Reveal
@NotSmartEnough @S1ayeR74 Thanks for the clarification and I have now done my homework.
Interesting tactic by Microsoft and as a second console, I would consider it for gamepass.
Re: Reaction: PS5 Price Under Scrutiny After Disruptive Xbox Series S Reveal
it is aggressive and it has made me think well.. .maybe I get the Series S as well as a PS5 at some point given the lower price point. However, I should state that I need to see the internals. Rumour has it that the S is really just a current XB1X which is no slouch but there you go.
Re: Soapbox: Let's Give Activision a Bit of Credit, Yeah?
Yeah nah - the corporate ethics of Activision is something I don't like. I will always judge a product on its merits but a company that makes multiple people redundant while recording record profits and top level payouts and also does underhand tactics of changing games after review scores deserves scorn. I don't think games should be scored lower or anything but I also, as a consumer, weigh up me feelings before buying a product.
Re: Marvel's Avengers - Crystal Dynamics' Heroic Risk Is a Game of Two Halves
@LiamCroft Yeah think I might.
The crazy thing about this GAAS backlash is that if they had released a 20 hour solid campaign and then charged for regular story based DLC with new or existing characters, I'd probably be quite interested in playing more of the same and pay for it.
Re: Marvel's Avengers - Crystal Dynamics' Heroic Risk Is a Game of Two Halves
Really balanced review @LiamCroft. Enjoyed the read and it has led me to believe that I'll wait for price reductions before having as I have zilch interest in the GaaS but the campaign sounds fun.
Re: Talking Point: Could PS5 Be Delayed?
It isn’t great timing so I would delay Howe er they cannot delay by much because all publishers are developing next gen and would see a hole in their revenue. I think a push of 6 months is likely though
Re: Fans Think Demon's Souls PS5 Is Close to Release
I hope so - I really want to get this one as soon as is possible.
Re: Random: Sony Releases Official PlayStation Backdrops to Use During Video Calls
Ha ha cool - am going to use The Last of Us in my next work call on Teams.
Re: PS5 Won't Play PS3, PS2, or PS1 Games
This is disappointing as the retro scene is pretty vibrant. I see people commenting that you can still play on old hardware. Well yes... kinda but not necessarily easily. PS1 and PS2 don't look as good on HD Tv's without doing some smart upscaling. There are companies out there that exclusively make devices to upscale old consoles and these are quite popular among the retro scene.
Most mainstream gamers won't care but as said, check out the Youtube profiles of some larger retro gamer channels and they are significant. Having the ability to play older games in some capacity would have been a selling point to some people.
Personally, I think Sony will be looking to monetize this in some way - possibly as part of PS Now where the emulation can be done on server and doesn't need to take up space on a machine.
Re: Soapbox: Games As a Service Should Be Embraced, Not Misunderstood
My personal feeling is that the concept of games as a service is better than the execution of games as a service and what the idea has become.
I mean, the idea of a game that continues to give you content, remains playable and all that for a long period of time and offers value for money is not a bad concept. This was the original 10 year dream for Destiny after all.
I know a lot of Destiny players and Rainbow Six and other games, including MMO's who have got a lot out of the game. The problem most gamers have though is that this model is often abused to the detriment of gamers.
Take Assassin's Creed Odyssey - I won't complain about the good DLC stories and paid expansions but the game itself is grindy for a single player game with a story and the grind is there purely to offer incentive to microtransactions. As others have said, take other games like the obvious ones such as Anthem and The Divsion etc that launch in state where there is not much content and you have to hope that it is well supported.
The Avengers game is a game that seems cynical. We have had some great superhero properties over the last few years that have done well and been largely self contained. I am not sure that the game has so far shown why it needs to be games as a service except for attempting to sell users additional content. Is a player on xbox getting the same deal as those on PS4 for this game? No - this isn't done for the consumer.
So I think that games as a service has a wide range of meanings but in short hand it has been polluted by cynical cash grabs.
Re: Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Revealed for PS5, Coming 2022
Too early to tell. Concept looks solid, I don’t like games as a service in a type of game that might work better as a solid narrative but waaaay too early for me to get the pitchfork out. I can do that for Avengers.
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 338
Late to the party but probably Disco Elysium on PC and might start Concrete Genie or something shorter after finishing Ghost of Tsushima.
Re: Solve The Suicide of Rachel Foster on PS4 Next Week
I think I may have solved the suicide. Rachel did it.
Re: The Scott Pilgrim Game Could Be Coming Back from the Dead
Wait wait wait... you mean Ubisoft is looking to make a distracting announcement of a game they could have sorted the rights out to at any moment in the last few years?
It is almost like... people are upset with them? What amazing timing.
Re: Ghost of Tsushima Has the Most Impressive Metacritic User Score of the Console Generation
To be honest this makes sense to me. If I was being critical to the game, it doesn't do much new and has a lot of generic open world stuff to do. If i was reviewing it and being critical (as a critic) I can see why it would have that type of score.
To play though as someone who just wants a fun game, I've really enjoyed it and am still ploughing through for the platinum. Open worlds, despite being a little stale are hugely popular genres so can see why a good one would get better user reviews.
Re: Everyone's Talking About PS5's Price Again
I will wait for the facts. I expect these consoles to be expensive at launch becase a) next gen and b) really are pretty packed with tech. I really don't think native 4k as opposed to upscaled 4k is going to make a huge sales difference. Plus, I have no doubt that devs will struggle at the start of this gen with cross platform games. It remains to be seen if it is as stark as the PS3 from 360.
Re: AT&T Attaches $1 Billion Price Tag to Crunchyroll as Sony Seeks to Complete Anime Empire
Anime and the interest in it has really increased in the last few years and Sony do have a stake in it as they are a big investor in japanese orientated gaming etc. so would be well placed to maximise this.
If this was offered as a bundle with Playstation hardware you are really sealing the Sony brand as the place to go to get anime and anime inspired content. I could see it happening.