In a blog post sharing an email sent to employees, boss Jim Ryan called the move “sad news” and said it was “a difficult day at our company”.
Browsing: PlayStation
A reader is unimpressed by the recent performance of Sony and Microsoft and argues they’ve done nothing to make 2023 a good year for games.
Sony staff have been eating biscuits with pictures of Jim Ryan’s head on them, during a party to commemorate his exit from the company.
Black Friday offers some eye-catching discounts on SSDs, micro SDs, and storage expansions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S.
A reader has a theory as to why Sony is suddenly so interested in live service games and suggests they and the PS5 Pro are a perfect combo.
Between the layoffs at Naughty Dog and now Bungie, Sony’s plans for more live service PlayStation games may be in jeopardy.
A reader worries that disagreement within Sony has led to the exit of boss Jim Ryan and a rebellion of disgruntled PlayStation developers.
Sony will likely make another acquisition to match Microsoft, but it may not necessarily be one related to video games.
A reader is worried about Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard and suggests a merger between PlayStation and Sony to counter it.
It doesn’t look like Sony is planning a name change for their next console, as they register trademarks for PS6, PS7, PS8, PS9, and PS10.
The Monday letters page highlights the practical problems of video game streaming, as one reader considers buying a PSVR2.
The Thursday letters page thinks the Microsoft rewards scheme is no longer the bargain it was, as one reader spitballs about Starfield 2.
A reader worries that as someone that can only afford one console, he’s backed the wrong horse with the PS5 and Sony.
The Tuesday letters page tries to create an accurate definition for RPGs, as one reader celebrates the 20th anniversary of Boktai.
Sony’s costing cutting on marker pens has cost it dearly, as it reveals some peculiar Call Of Duty statistics that it meant to keep secret.
The Monday letters page is not surprised to find interest in Final Fantasy 16 might be low, as one reader hopes for a Starfield shadow drop.
A reader reminiscences over the golden era of video game magazines and holds out hope that they may one day get a vinyl style revival.
A new rumour of Sony buying out CD Projekt has been quickly shut down, with the latter saying it isn’t in any such talks with the former.
Another reader is unimpressed by the PlayStation Showcase and thinks Sony’s obsession with live service games is playing into Xbox’s hands.
Part top-down adventure, part 3D platformer, The Plucky Squire may just be the best game from the PlayStation Showcase.
Sony has finally decided to make a new handheld device but it’s only for PS5 remote play… and perhaps cloud gaming in the future.
The Thursday letters page is unimpressed at the latest PS5 preview event, as one reader worries about Sony’s plans for its future games.
The Wednesday letters page thinks Ubisoft needs to ration its use of open world games, as one reader recommends Red Matter 2.
The Tuesday letters page remembers when addictiveness was viewed as a positive, as one reader doesn’t care if Metal Gear Solid 3 is on Xbox.
What’s the big secret? (pic: Sony)
The Monday letters page defends the quality of Zelda: Tears Of The Kingdom’s graphics, as a reader looks forward to the Ark Survival update.
To join in with the discussions yourself email [email protected]
Perfect scenarioI tend to agree with the Reader’s Feature that said this week’s PlayStation Showcase is going to be a pivotal moment for the company. If they reveal nothing of interest then they leave an open goal for Xbox, if they do well then they secure their dominant position with PlayStation 5 and perhaps beyond.
I’m just not sure I believe that’s really going to happen. The rule with these sort of things is to always expect nothing and I really can’t imagine there being five or so games to announce that are all mind-blowing, which is what would be needed for the perfect scenario.
What I don’t understand though is why are Sony being secretive about all this? They never used to be. They used to announce games years in advance, with nothing but a pre-rendered trailer and that worked out great for them. I’m confused as to why they would change. I get they don’t want to announce a release date they might not be able to make but just don’t mention one, they never used to anyway.
For me, Wednesday is exciting not just because of what might be announced but because I have no idea what or how they’ll talk about things. Will this be Sony back to its old-self or will they still try and get away with saying and showing as little as possible? If it’s 45 minutes of Spider-Man 2 and not much else the internet is going to go nuts.Gaston
Off the fenceI was a bit dubious about the new Zelda, as I’m a big fan of traditional dungeons, but I was glad to hear that there were some in the new game.
I decided to take the plunge and glad that I did. In fact, I’m even enjoying the shrines when I wasn’t a huge fan in the first game. I’ve only completed one of the more traditional style dungeons so far, the one in the sky, and found it really enjoyable.
I found that Reader’s Feature talking about the graphics being terrible quite interesting. I completely disagree. The Switch is nowhere near as powerful as a PlayStation 5 or Xbox One. Sure, there’s some framerate issues, mostly when using your abilities to move stuff around, but the draw distance is impressive whether that’s up, down, or all around you. The graphics are quite nice I think. I do think that Link’s running animation is a bit iffy but happy to forgive that.
Anyway, if you’re on the fence like I was then you may want to give it a whirl and could find yourself pleasantly surprised as was I.Steve
Please waitI enjoyed the modern gaming is worse Reader’s Feature. I do sympathise with the view, especially as I haven’t been getting as much gaming time over the last year or so.
It seems like every time I try to have a quick Gran Turismo 7 session I‘m faced with a PlayStation 5 system software update and a Gran Turismo 7 update. I didn’t have that in the old days. Thankfully Nintendo Switch updates tend to be smaller, so I always have something to fall back on.EdCurrently completing: Paper Mario: The Origami King, which has been great fun.
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Evolved eraIn a move that promises to redefine the gaming experience for countless players, the highly acclaimed game Ark Survival Evolved is set to evolve with the upcoming release of Ark Survival Ascended. As the August launch approaches, dedicated survivors find themselves reflecting on the remarkable journey they’ve embarked on in the current version of the game. The imminent transition to Ark Survival Ascended marks the end of an era for these passionate gamers.
With the deletion of servers, bases, and the loss of years’ worth of progress, it’s natural for players to feel a bittersweet sense of farewell. Tamed dinosaurs that have become beloved companions and meticulously crafted bases that served as havens in the untamed world will soon be left behind. However, the developers have ensured that this evolution comes with exciting opportunities for growth and new beginnings.
Ark Survival Ascended promises a truly upgraded gaming experience, boasting enhanced features, mechanics, and untamed worlds to explore. Players can expect a fresh start with renewed excitement, as they embark on a new chapter in their virtual survival saga. One aspect that has eased the transition for many survivors is the option to download their bases and dinosaurs to play in single-player or rented servers. This allows players to hold onto their cherished creations, providing a portal to revisit and relive the incredible memories they’ve forged during their time in Ark Survival Evolved.
The community’s response to this forthcoming transformation has been a mixed bag of emotions. While there is sadness over leaving behind the progress they’ve painstakingly achieved, there is also an undeniable sense of anticipation and eagerness for the adventures that lie ahead. The prospect of taming new creatures, unravelling unexplored territories, and constructing even grander bases has invigorated players, who are ready to embrace the challenges that Ark Survival Ascended will undoubtedly present.
As players bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, it is crucial to acknowledge the immense growth and camaraderie fostered within the Ark Survival Evolved community. The connections formed, friendships forged, and memories created have shaped players into the skilled survivors they are today. These experiences will undoubtedly serve as a solid foundation for their endeavours in the evolved version of the game. So, let’s raise our virtual glasses and toast to the remarkable memories and the exciting future that awaits in Ark Survival Ascended!
As the release draws nearer, survivors are preparing to embark on a fresh and thrilling journey, where they will once again demonstrate their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering spirit. Survive, thrive, and evolve together, as Ark Survival Ascended heralds a new era of adventure, challenges, and triumphs for all dedicated survivors of Ark Survival Evolved.Anon
Not actual footageDo you know if the Mortal Kombat 1 trailer was gameplay or pre-rendered CG footage?
As a fan of the splatter, it has me hopeful for a Dead Rising that can reuse the technology (if it was gameplay) and make the perfect zombie game with big blood explosion and bits everywhere.
I’d love the Resi one to be remade using it too, in first person or VR. Imagine the headshots. Just like the original Dawn Of The Dead. Bright red explosions all over the mansion walls.Bobwallett
GC: It was all pre-rendered.
Size before powerA PS5 Pro released in 2023 seems very unlikely to me. Late 2024 maybe, but I will be surprised if we see it announced next week. That would be a long time to wait and for gamers to be deterred to purchase a PlayStation 5. Not that patience is a common attribute with your average gamer. But it’s the same reason why Nintendo keep their cards close to their chest over Switch 2. They don’t want to hurt sales.
Personally, I think a PS5 Slim is much more a priority than a Pro model. I couldn’t fit mine comfortably, horizontal, in my TV cabinet. Therefore mine is on top of my cabinet stood vertical, which even next to a 65″ screen looks absolutely horrendous. It’s not just the size either. Sony is generally associated with premium looking products, but they really dropped the ball with PlayStation 5.
It’s a minor annoyance to most gamers, especially if you are housed in a darkened bedroom, old school style. It’s kind of ironic that Sony responded to the criticism of PlayStation 4 being loud by ensuring if you can’t hear PlayStation 5, you will damn well see it!
When we game the console tends to disappear into the background. An ungainly reminder of my game time doesn’t go down so well with my missus, however, especially when there’s an Xbox Series X on the other side. At least one of them has to be more discreet. A PS5 Slim can’t come soon enough.Anon
Second chanceJust a quick heads up on this week’s free PC games (for those who like that kind of thing).
Epic are giving away Death Stranding. They have done so before, but if you missed it first time round now’s your chance! Must admit, it turned out not to be my bag, but the Iceland inspired landscape was lovely.
Steam is giving away Metro: Last Light Complete Edition. No idea what it’s like, but I know you scored it a fairly solid 7/10 all those years ago! Mind you, turns out I’ve got the Redux version from a previous Epic giveaway….
Anyway. Free games! Yay!The Dude Abides
Ugly opinionsLike their opinion on Tears Of The Kingdom’s graphics the two Zelda weekend reader’s features were ugly to read.
Not that I don’t agree that the game on a technical level looks the two generations behind the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S consoles. I don’t mind they don’t like the art style, fair enough, that’s a valid personal opinion. I disagree though and find the graphics very appealing with the game’s sense of scale evoking a feeling of fascination only a few games have managed like Shadow Of The Colossus. I agree the game would be an appreciably better experience on better hardware.
The ugly parts were the notion that the Switch struggles with the game. It doesn’t, it runs and looks perfectly fine, if not near the quality/performance settings of a PlayStation 5 game. The bizarre notion Nintendo may have some duty to release hardware that can run it at higher quality settings and the worst take that the game should be less ambitious to make the graphics better.
I mused in a letter that it’s funny the family friendly kids console puts out a game with little hand-holding and can be quite demanding on the player. It occurs to me now that the significantly sized casual audience of that console, who don’t read any gaming media, are more in tune with what’s important abut gaming than some ‘gamers’. Tears Of The kingdom is one of the most inventive and enjoyable games made, that builds significantly on one of the most industry defining games ever in Breath Of The Wild.
We would all like to play games on the most powerful hardware, but the problem is not the Switch or Tears Of The Kingdom’s graphics. The problem is the feature’s writers, Postop and Michael Byron, heightened focus on quality/performance settings and personal ‘minimum standard’ that they can’t appreciate and play a game for the most important things.Simundo
Inbox also-ransA Hat In Time on PlayStation 4 is currently only £7.99 on Amazon. Bargain.Dev
GC: Are you sure? We can’t even see the game listed. Although searching for it does reveal that there is apparently A Hat In Time musical.
RE: Reader’s Feature on Zelda’s graphics. Erm… has your friend tried playing around with the colour saturation and brightness on their TV? Pretty sure that would fix 90% of your complaints.Tom
This week’s Hot TopicThe subject for this weekend’s Inbox was suggested by reader Lamont, who asks where do you usually play your video games?
Do you have a specific room set aside for them or is it just the living room or bedroom? Is your television set-up specially designed for games and what do you in terms of the sound system and storing the consoles and controllers?
If you do have a special room, does it have a lot of games related merchandise and decoration in it? If it doesn’t do you wish it did?
E-mail your comments to: [email protected]
The small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers’ letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.
You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.
You can also leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter.
MORE : Games Inbox: Mortal Kombat 1 violence and gore, Lego 2K Drive concerns, and PS6 next gen predictions
MORE : Games Inbox: PlayStation Summer Showcase predictions, Tears Of The Kingdom difficulty, and Dead Rising
MORE : Games Inbox: Tears Of The Kingdom being too hard, Nintendo remasters, and more Assassin’s Creed
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