Comments 954

Re: Reminder: PS Plus Extra, Premium to Lose 18 Games in a Week

Kienda

That’s a bit of a brutal list for me.

I’m part way through both Chorus and Kingdom Hearts. Won’t finish beforehand so will likely buy them.

I’m going to try out RDR2 and see if it my cup of tea.

Also, I’ve been meaning to play What Remains of Edith Finch for ages. So I will start and finish that over the weekend as I know it is short.

Re: Hypnotic PS5 Pro Boot Screen, Background Worth the Upgrade

Kienda

This is like a Babylon Bee or Onion headline.

They did this for clicks and views right? To troll the community. To incite violence in the comments. All publicity is good publicity etc. Right?

They’re not becoming the tabloids of the gaming world are they?

I have so many questions.

And I think I fell for their trap…

Re: 'Mind Boggling' Horizon Forbidden West Has the Best Console Image Quality Ever on PS5 Pro

Kienda

It looks great on the base PS5 so it will be interesting to see the improvements.

The FPS boost on games like FF7R and FF16 are more of a draw to me though than fancy graphics.

A stable 60fps is all I ask for. Shame I have to spend more to get that because developers won’t fix their games on the base PS5 and I’m assuming new releases will be capped at 30 on the base moving forward. 😢

Re: Tales of Kenzera: ZAU Dev Surgent Studios Puts Game Team on Hiatus

Kienda

@GeeEssEff I think it’s important to remember that people online are a subsection of society as a whole, so try not to be too discouraged.

PushSquare regulars, for example, buy and play far more games than most gamers. So when we see a poll about if we bought the latest Sony release it is skewed massively compared to the average market of PlayStation players who’d have a lower purchase rate on new games.

The same happens online. There are echo chambers. Communities geared for certain topics. And even if you’re in a community that supports your views, you likely will be talking about the community that’s anti your views and putting your arguments forward. And it can become draining.

The majority of people though are good people. And the industry needs to try to focus on them and not the extremes.

Re: Tales of Kenzera: ZAU Dev Surgent Studios Puts Game Team on Hiatus

Kienda

@ShadowofSparta I agree.

This is the problem I was trying to highlight. It seems that if a game is perceived to have an agenda there is an aversion to it by certain crowds.

And often times when there is political toxicity, the neutrals also stay clear to not get involved.

I don’t think this game had a big campaign against it (although clearly some very racist folks as you pointed out). I think it was likely more a lack of experience from the creator in marketing and the game failing to capture people.

But I do think that since it was promoted quite well, and yet failed commercially, there are lessons to learn there.

Re: Tales of Kenzera: ZAU Dev Surgent Studios Puts Game Team on Hiatus

Kienda

As a marketer I’ve had an interest in this game. Its struggling sales didn’t come as a surprise.

Unfortunately the game was just ‘average’ in a Metroidvania market whose hardcore fans require ‘good’ as the minimum.

But I don’t think that was all its problems. No game is marketed simply to those who like a certain genre (most gamers don’t even know the word Metroidvania and cross pollinate with lots of genres). It had a wider appeal, but failed to grab the audience.

For many neutrals. It wasn’t being marketed for its gameplay or story. But it cropped up a lot due to an apparent DEI agenda (which we know puts some people off).

This game had a lot of help in marketing. It was given a big platform by the industry. It was announced at the Game Awards and regularly pushed by Sony/Xbox in their stores and in their email marketing etc. I saw it pop up regularly and it was particularly highlighted at various points of the year for Indigenous People’s events and so forth.

It really had every opportunity to succeed but it wasn’t enough. And DEI doesn’t sell games, in fact, it can hinder them - a portion of gamers avoid them entirely.

I think if the game had a bit more polish and if it was marketed more for the game than its representation, then it could have done better.

Countering my own point somewhat, I think the angle that drew me in was the game being an homage to his father and the creators love for games. I wanted the game to succeed for those reasons alone.

But it also felt the presenting of the game was a bit more about the main guy (who played Bayek, from my favourite AC game, Origins) and clearly he’s an actor so enjoys the spotlight. It was his first game. He’s new to this marketing stuff. So I felt it could struggle even though I wanted the guy to do well. I felt for him.

Headlines often though have been more about him and his comments than the game. And we know there is a political war (or 20) going on and the last thing you want is for people to associate your game with that. Especially when it hasn’t had a chance to gain a fanbase.

Anyways, I know I’m gonna get hate just for mentioning DEI, but I’m just hypothesising as a marketer based on my observations.

Re: With Timing Being Everything, French Union Calls on Ubisoft Workers to Strike

Kienda

@Carck yeah, I get that for the individuals it can be hard.

However, the company is struggling and needs all hands on deck. These people have well paying jobs in a market that has lots of layoffs.

They have to adapt to that. Commute to the office three times a week, help the company recover, or jump into a job market that has lots of competition.

It sucks, but I’ve personally been hit in the same way and for the company it was the best choice, even if for me it was less favourable.

It’s just the way it is unfortunately. Until we become our own bosses we can’t dictate our way. And ultimately what is best for us as individuals isn’t always best for the company.

Re: Ubisoft Backs Out of Tokyo Game Show at Eleventh Hour, Cancels Livestream

Kienda

@torquex the number of staff doesn’t change my point.

They choose as a company to release lots of games. Many of those games could be improved with more time in development.

Their huge number of staff might point to the bad management at the company. They’ve over bloated their teams and have quantity over quality, just like their games.

They are paying the price now because people don’t want to spend their money on half baked games and investors don’t want to invest in mismanaged companies.

Re: Ubisoft Backs Out of Tokyo Game Show at Eleventh Hour, Cancels Livestream

Kienda

@Korgon I wasn’t offended by your comment so no worries. You can tell me off. I can be wrong sometimes. 😅

Yeah, there are lots of political arguments going on and a lot of it is silly (Although their Nendoroid thing using a Nagasaki bombing symbol is insane). But for me I’m more concerned about the polish.

My general view is Ubi needs to slow down a bit and just keep things in the oven longer. 4 years sounds like a long time, but these AC games are huge. Massive games that have so many parts. It takes a long time to get things right.

My friend loves Star Wars Outlaws, his game of the year so far. So not everyone is unhappy.

Re: Ubisoft Backs Out of Tokyo Game Show at Eleventh Hour, Cancels Livestream

Kienda

@Korgon

AC: Origins, AC: Odyssey, and AC:Valhalla are great games.

But this year Ubisoft has dropped the ball. Good games that could have been great with more time in the oven.

I wasn’t talking about any controversy. Just the fact that with more time they can make better games. Give the developers a chance to shine and create beautiful things.

Instead games from Ubisoft seem rushed, lately. And with it comes flaws, glitches etc.

Even the owner of Ubisoft said they need to slow down their release schedule to give more time for development. And he’s right. But he’s also the person in charge of releasing too much too quick. And he’s done it because of money, not for us the players.

I’m hoping AC: Shadows is good. But it needs more time.

Re: God of War Ragnarok PC Mod Removes PSN Login Requirement

Kienda

@sammybarkersdad I think you make one good point (without realising it).

People might be more protective of Sony, because they feel this move to PC could damage their console experience. So maybe they are more protective.

However, you’ve not actually made that point and likely came to argue (unless you really are Sammy’s Dad who abandoned him for PC gaming and made him find PlayStation to replace the father figure in his life… maybe that’s why Sammy seemed to love Jim Ryan so much…).

What you probably don’t see is that Sony’s not a protected brand that is free from criticism. This website, and many people here, often criticise Sony. Most of us aren’t Sony gamers exclusively.

PC games often require logins. I don’t always like that fact, but it’s there. It just seems that Sony is the big dog to make an example of in all this.

Feel free to protest and revolt. But don’t expect everyone to care.

And the fact you just made an account to argue with Sony gamers shows that maybe you should take your own advice: ‘deal with it and move on.’

Re: God of War Ragnarok PC Mod Removes PSN Login Requirement

Kienda

@PrettyPawsome @naruball

When I was speaking of ‘middle ground’ I wasn’t speaking of most people. I was meaning that the two sides who are arguing their causes are not willing to give an inch.

Most of us are in the middle, and I would argue the middle view is that we think this is a lot of complaining over nothing much.

The problem is the middle can look extreme to people on the fringes.

Re: God of War Ragnarok PC Mod Removes PSN Login Requirement

Kienda

@naruball

Too be fair, most of the vitriol I have seen is towards PC gamers so I geared my original list that way, but you are right, it goes both ways. But I would still argue there isn’t a great deal of middle ground on this.

Either way, I made another list:

  • Defending Sony does not make you a ‘Sony Pony’.
  • Some of the PC gamers being outraged really are just whining crybabies.
  • Being okay with signing up with personal data doesn’t make you a fool
  • Defending Sony’s position doesn’t make you a ‘corporate shill’.
  • Don’t expect to win over the majority on a comment section that is largely positive to PlayStation.

(I added this to my above list)

Re: God of War Ragnarok PC Mod Removes PSN Login Requirement

Kienda

There is a lot of vitriol about this. Not much middle ground as usual for internet discussions. People either hate PC gamers or hate Sony.

Things to consider.

  • This game has a very limited audience on PC so branding “all” PC gamers as bad doesn’t help.
  • Not every bad review is a ‘review bomb’
  • Not every person who reviewed it low will get a refund to stick it to Sony. Many will enjoy the game but stick to their principles (whether you agree with them or not) to prove a point.
  • Not everything Sony does is a good decision.
  • Not everything Sony does is a bad decision.

Edit: Updated list:

  • Defending Sony does not make you a ‘Sony Pony’.
  • Some of the PC gamers being outraged really are just whining crybabies
  • Being okay with signing up with personal data doesn’t make you a fool
  • Defending Sony’s position doesn’t make you a ‘corporate shill’.
  • Don’t expect to win over the majority on a comment section that is largely positive to PlayStation.

Re: A Massive 75% of UK Game Sales Were Digital Last Month

Kienda

It would be interesting to see other countries figures but I think in the UK we are creating a more insular society.

People don’t interact with their neighbours. They keep to themselves. They don’t want the hassle of going out to a shop (or waiting for a delivery). We are living in smaller spaces. It’s a sign of the state of the nation to be honest.

I think every county would favour convenience. But my limited experience of America is that there would be a greater number still buying physical.

Re: Concord Dev Could Close After Director of PS5, PC Disaster Steps Down

Kienda

@naruball

The Last of Us and Horizon Zero Dawn were both two of my favourite experiences on PS4. I platinumed HZD that’s how much I loved it.

I haven’t played their sequels though, so maybe I don’t see the full picture to what you’re saying, so in what way do you think they took risks and didn’t cater to everyone?

No spoilers please. 😅

Re: Concord Dev Could Close After Director of PS5, PC Disaster Steps Down

Kienda

@naruball thanks. It’s nice to have reasoned discussion on here where we can agree to disagree but at least try to understand each other.

I think we might have different views on what exactly caused the controversy. (And by the way, I don’t think the backlash was fully justified).

All I’m really saying is that because there seemed to be this political battle going on, a lot of people just didn’t want to touch it and got turned off.

And we all know that AAA games always need to appeal to the masses in order to have commercial success. That’s why most of the popular games are not the ‘best’ games and they rarely push boundaries.

Re: Concord Dev Could Close After Director of PS5, PC Disaster Steps Down

Kienda

@tobsesta99 I’m sorry, but I’m not the one who needs to get a grip.

No one who has any understanding of the industry will look at 25,000 sales and placing 300th in the charts from one of the biggest first party launches for Sony this year and say ‘oh yes, that’s from an oversaturated market.’

This game was actively avoided and Sony need to work out what caused that. And I believe it was because of the controversy surrounding it, because all things point to that.

Re: Concord Dev Could Close After Director of PS5, PC Disaster Steps Down

Kienda

@naruball

First off, when I mentioned them pushing an agenda too hard I wasn’t meaning that they are part of a bigger agenda (I’m guessing that’s why you asked because of the conspiracy theories). I was meaning it in the usual sense of the word.

Every person/company has an agenda. In other words, an underlying motive or purpose for what they are doing. It could be to make money. It could be to push social boundaries. It could be anything.

You can put agendas forward in many different ways and to many different degrees. However, if you want to appeal to the masses you have to do it subtly and Concord didn’t do that.

As to what the agenda was in the case of Concord, well, I think it was ‘woke ideology’. That means different things to different people. But I think they pushed too hard to try and show ‘inclusion’ (or at least their perception of that) to promote the LGBTQ+ community (they had that tag on steam before removing it to try increase sales, so clearly it didn’t mean as much to them as money) and to break what they perceived as outdated beauty standards, which in the end just made for mediocre, bland or ugly characters. (That’s my perception of it anyway.)

So they were open with their agendas and way they went about it was not subtle so they got a strong backlash to it. They could have had the same agenda but tweaked things slightly, been less obvious, etc. But they chose to do it this way as their believed it was the right thing to do.

All companies have an agenda. But they do need to know their audience. And regardless of the agenda, no one likes overly politicised things. That was the perception many neutrals got from it.

Re: Dev Behind PS5, PC Flop Concord Could Close as Director Steps Down

Kienda

@jrt87 I think you’re partly right.

If we compare it to Overwatch then Concord is just mediocre/average in every area. Not just the character designs, but level designs, game modes, hero abilities. Etc. Good gunplay will not overcome those things.

However, I think it’s terribly naive to think politics didn’t play a role in its downfall. And not because everyone is ‘anti-woke’ as some suggest.

(By the way, I’m not some ‘anti-woke’ acolyte. I’m centrist in my politics.)

However, even from a more neutral perspective, what I heard about this game and saw online was little about its gameplay and much more about its politics.

The designers clearly went that way. The largely left leaning gaming media pushed it and praised it. Then the far right reacted to it. But the end result is the majority of people, the centrists, also reacted to it with most people not wanting to touch it with a barge poll.

Like I said, this wasn’t because everyone is anti-woke, but because political controversy and pushing an agenda too hard always makes the majority uncomfortable.

This was a AAA game. It had to appeal to the masses in order to succeed, but they chose to appeal to one audience over another and ended up losing the majority.

It’s a lesson to learn. But people want to bury their heads in the sand and not try and analyse how this happened. It’s just best to keep politics more subtle.

Re: Dev Behind PS5, PC Flop Concord Could Close as Director Steps Down

Kienda

People don't want to admit it had something to do with politics, but it absolutely did. They tried to push an agenda too hard and it backfired.

25,000 sales is not because people didn’t want a bland shooter, it’s because they chose to boycott the game. And it seemed to happen very organically, which is even more interesting.

Those sales sent a message to Sony (and particularly Herman Hulst) and it’s important that they get the message loud and clear or they (and we) are in for more problems.

They not only tried to push an agenda but they also created very bland and ugly characters. An artist redesigned all of them just with subtle changes and it added so much depth and variety to the roster.

Overwatch is arguably ‘woke,’ but they don’t force it down your necks and its characters are not bland at all. Therefore it had success.

Re: Sony Finally Pulling Bungie's 'Heads Out of Their Asses' Was a Good Thing, Says Ex-Lawyer

Kienda

I’m a creative guy. I work in marketing. My team creates beautiful things, but we aren’t the most disciplined. My boss on the other hand has no creative gene in his body. He understands deadlines and how to clip wings.

It took me a long time to realise it, but it helps to have a boss like that. He lets us be creative, but he keeps us productive. And as a result all of us keep our jobs.

Bungie needs boss Sony to sort them out. And hopefully they will learn the lesson and not run away thinking they know best.

Re: Test Your PlayStation General Knowledge - Issue 27

Kienda

8/10 - My best score yet?

I didn’t know the Space Marine date or the PacMan game title.

Funnily enough, I lucky guessed two and miss clicked the Max Payne one and got it right (went for CIA and accidentally clicked DEA).

I’ll take it.