@Flaming_Kaiser huh... maybe you mis-edited somewhere... it's Friday afternoon here (so it could be me), but I don't understand what you wrote.
The Lego game isn't a first party game... it's third party studio licencing Sony IP (edit - ok... you can argue it's second party because technically it's published by Sony). But my point stands... not every game needs a PS5 Pro version.
@riceNpea hmmm... I think I disagree. PS (like any gaming outlet these days) is driven by commercial interests... if you cannot make money, site closes. The making money part is driven to a large extent by ad revenue... which is driven by consumers (the people reading the site). So at the end of the day, websites like PushSquare are likely most responsive to clicks.
As for professionalism... I actually don't know... are any of the PushSquare team professional journalists? Maybe... I actually don't know. If not, I think it's fair that we don't treat them by that standard. Hence my original complaint... someone needs to actually engage in serious journalism. That's not Jason Schrier, who is now part of the commeteriat ...
@riceNpea so... the answer is? I think there's too much...<shrugs> ... what can we do. I think we can expect better, both of our own discourse, but also the people creating content. There's so much divisiness out there now - and to be honest, a lot of that is from just poor journalism, mis-information, ill-informed opinion, or blatant agena pushing (on any side of the arguments... as lame as they all are).
So regarding the horrible state of lay-offs (and the overall state of the industry), all I hear is that it's a result of greedy companies over-staffing up during the pandemic... and now having to shed numbers as sales normalised. This doesn't necessarily equate to the other reality... the sky-rocketting costs. Those costs come from some where, and I don't think it's necessarily all visible on screen.
Still - I suspect this is airing dirty laundry, and won't do anyone's 'corporate' image any good to write about.
@Northern_munkey - maybe not, but there's a crap-tonne of people that now expect 'PS5 Pro goodness' in every game. (regardless of the game).. and to be fair, that's what was sold to them. I just think it's one of those things that tends to warp conversations/expectations.
@Rich33 by the cost of games - I mean the cost of development. The reality is that the big tentpole games aren't that enticing for Sony (especially) because they can't sell enough to make a healthy enough profit over their first party portfolio. Not compared to just raking in the 30% on-the-top markup for MTX they get.
I know a lot of people have said this - but games are just too expensive to make these days, which is why they're getting bloated, and at the same time dumbed down for maximum sales.
Edit - and yes - the flip-side of that coin is that people don't think they should pay for games... because of GP and PS+ Extra/Premium we now have been tought that games are metered out for no extra cost.... I mean, how can that possibly devalue games (he says, sarcastically).
So... I'm going to say something that may rile people up... however... hear me out. I know that many people feel that the gaming industry is just being abused through constant closures. However... and I really implore someone do so some actual journalism somewhere... what is actually going on in the gaming industry?
So my impression (and it's likely completely wrong) is that during the pandemic, a lot of people were able to negotiate really good conditions (pay and remote working).... because a lot of companies thought this was the gravy train.
Turns out...pandemics come ang go... so what I'm really curious to know (even if it dispells my bias) - what is actually driving up the cost of game development now? Because... I'm not sure it's not staff costs/productivity. I know in Australia (maybe not the best example) in my line of work... I've seen an almost stagnant remuneration over perhaps 10 years. And it may be the case that in the games industry there's a correction, but it's also possible that there was an over-correction. I think we all need to have an adult conversation about it, rather than just gnashing our teeth (even though I just had a go at Micro$oft). And that adult conversation should be based on facts... not just headlines, and the feeling that we can support the under-dog developers (meanwhile, the cost of games is going through the literal stratosphere).
@LavenderShroud what don't you understand that Microsoft is the biggest third-party publisher of PlayStation games (or that close to it).
As for Microsoft.... yep... they respect their right to an opinion, as they respect their own right to do a giant windows-shaped <insert own imagination here> on that opinion. What didn't they understand about working for one of the most powerful corporations in America?
@Kienda just a PSA... RDR2 is a BIG game. It's also a slow starter. You can easily go 8-10 hours without getting into the swing of the game. Also - and I might be an outlier - it's a game that has a slighly over-rated main story; but it has a truly AAAA open world to frame it. One of my favourite games, even if it's on rails (for the main story).
@playstation1995 ... said Mr Sony PlayStation. I'm sure Totoki-san will send you a Christmas card. .... after you've subscribed to Extra, and then purchased all those games that are departing.
To be honest however... it's a subscription service... it's not a library. People just need to understand, you're not buying the games, you're renting them at the platform holder's discretion. So... my Extra subscription is coming up for renewal at the start of Jan, and at the moment, I have ZERO intention to renew. My backlog is big enough, and my guilt strong enough... I think I actually want to return to the days when you actually bought games. I did... and still do... have a crap tonne sitting in there because there's only so much time.
@nessisonett Varl had 8000 pubes?... man... he knew how to groom... I kninda always suspected, given his pristine beard... (and yes, that's a - questionable - joke)
@Northern_munkey so there's a fallacy that putting a sticker on something makes it meaningfully better. For example boosting a point and click game from 30 or 60 up to 120 FPS would qualify for a PS5Pro Enhanced sticker. The question is - does it matter? I think we're still too early on in this mid-gen refresh to have mature conversations, because a lot of people invested a lot of money, and they expect return (because Sony implied it was coming).
It's like saying Balatro should have a PS5 Pro enhanced version because Sony mandated... I'm sure they could make it, but it's not what's going to make it a more fun experience. I suspect a PS5 Pro patch/enhancement to this game won't change it's fundamental 'satisfaction'.
@Flaming_Kaiser you know... not every game needs, or should require, PS5 Pro updates. Because, firstly the game is designed to run on a much lower system; secondly, it's not meant to be a power-house demo of power... it's just not. And finally... what would make you feel that this is finally the game it was always meant to be?
My point - we have to stop "consoling ourselves" that a meaningful PS5 Pro Patch is coming... maybe it is... but isn't it better to just say, it's a game that has a limited scope, and likely plays just as well on base PS5. I haven't heard too much (if anything) on the PS5 technical limitations. If there are some, I'm sure someone will comment.
So at some point, even Phil must get tired of listening to the constant double-speak coming out his mouth... it's fine... but can we all agree that XBox is no longer XBox, but just Game Pass?
Having lived through a lot of gaming hype... the constant edging towards a non-XBox reality is getting painful. Then again, we can hope for a happier future. I just don't think it's going to make Sony more consumer friendly for us.
I wouldn't mind to play Forza Horizon, and almost certainly Fable... strange coincidence? And I think Flight Simulator would be fun (on PS+.... it's a chill experience - at least it was on PC - but I don't know I'd get more than casual play out of it). Of course og Halo.
To be fair "Each one is a fairly breezy jaunt through a picturesque environment, interspersed with combat arenas and the occasional boss battle" pretty well sums up the Horizon games. I'm a big fan of the first - and while I can see the on-paper attraction... I actually think this is one of the LEGO games aimed more at adults than kids (as I don't think HZD is that attractive to teens... certainly not in my experience).
@themightyant my youngest is definitely moving on from the Switch/Laptop/tablet gaming... but I think the interest in PS is likely just game-by-game. My eldest used to play Fortnite heavily - but after he got himself a job, and bought his own rig (a decent 4070) he has moved more to co-op shooters. Last game he played on console was Elden Ring a few months ago (some of our best father-son moments), but he just doesn't have the time to spare for long SP games anymore. So he jumps on his own PC when he can (as a high school student).
Edit - as an aside...I find that he's becoming quite nostalgic towards Fortnite - of all things.
I kinda think that's the reality that Sony is facing... time-poor, or option-rich players... who don't need a console. The life-style association with gaming is "limited time"... and social. My youngest is an odd-one-out, as I suspect console gaming is still a "transitional" gaming environment between switch and whatever is next.
@themightyant this is lifestyle marketing.... it's not about the product, it's entirely about brand association as you said (Sony = carefree fun). Perhaps it's my experience with my kids, but I think that console makers have a hard time these days, because I think that we're at that stage where younger audiences want "bring anywhere, play anytime" or "bring me ALL the RTX... in ultrawide".
Perhaps a better question is - what games are actually that appealing to the 18-25 demographic? I dunno these days. I have to admit... I was surprised my 12yo has flipped dramatically from BTOW-TOTK to RDR2... not one I saw coming.
@Titntin @Northern_munkey thanks for the honest responses. As I suggested, it's an easy ad that speaks of "easier times"... I just don't think it's going to hit with it's target demographic... slightly older than my 17 yo son... who's now more or less exclusive on PC.
My issue is (as I said), the music vibe strikes a nostalgic tone, the dream-like kid-fun also is wistful - not tones I think is generally going to hit with (what I think is) the target audience. Edit - then again... reflecting on this, it might well catch some early 20's that remember the simplicity of console gaming when they were "care-free".
Us old-timers are either crusted-on, or out-to-pasture... and not really needing advertisements to change behaviour.
Still, it's interesting to hear other perspectives, so I really appreciate your responses.
@Northern_munkey Same....so I'm even more curious - what did you like? For me, it could have been advertising man-tampons for all it spoke to gaming (it just felt generically nostalgic in a way that teenagers think about 90's music now... reflecting a more wistful, wing-free existence). But, I'm happy to accept that's just me.
Edit - and don't get me wrong... the ad is perfectly 'fine', and it's totally not offensive to anyone's sensibilities. Then again, I also like the latest Grammerly ads...
@get2sammyb... firstly... changing the colour grading is NOT an upgrade. Secondly, changing the 3D model skeletons is NOT a next(current) gen enhancement... Edit - you literally are highlighting that they restored the og haze effects... as such an awesome upgrade.
Sigh... I think we all get it... need more stories to feed the internet monster... but how about actually being a bit critical of what you're being fed (or writing). Otherwise, you're just like every other knob you-tuber/blogger that has an opinion. Including me (of course).
First step... instead of saying you should test it yourself... test it before writing. Or say it's just an advert / rinse-and-repeat paste-and-copy filler.
@Northern_munkey - don't take this the wrong way... but what decade were you born? I actually think this would be an interesting poll for PS... how old are people who read this site? For me... (as a 50+ bracketted person), this ad looked like post-teenager fluff. But that could just be my age. So I'm genuinely curious about the breakdown of liking this ad, based on age.
I think we can understand exactly what this ad was trying to message, based on the demographics... exactly the people who have turned to mobile for gaming (edit: or PC), and actually don't care about consoles anymore. However, the music is completely mis-matched IMO... as it seems aimed at 30-50yo.
The point is that this ad is almost entirely about iconography and youth (I mean 20-30 market). The market I would suggest that Sony has lost (going by the very limited uptake on console ownership).
If I were running their marketing, I would go back-to-basics. Console gaming is when you just want to play genuine great games... and don't want to f..k around with the bs wanna be try-hard stuff. If you just want things to work. (Unfortunately, the PS5 Pro complicates that messaging... as it's looking more and more like a PC... and they clearly also want to reach into the mobile market, but are just doing a really bad job of it)
@Deoxyr1bose yes... stop the press... the console that was originally USD399 is now USD379. My God... what a time to be alive; and I'm so happy that I can share this moment with my children.
Interesting that the physical edition is seemingly not discounted. Maybe because the've literally (from what I see in shops) stopped selling detachable drives alltogether.
Finally @LiamCroft - why would anyone swap their OG PS5 for a slim? Why for the love of God?!?!
@clvr what don't you understand that Sony backed up a huge dump-truck full of cash. I think they do know how the industry works... a lot better than you. They've been working in the games-industry doing CGI for a very long time. Of course Tim Miller's not going to unwind on his customers (Sony)... I'm sure he wants their business in the future. He's not commenting on the game itself... just the concept.
Edit - reading through the comments... people clearly don't understand who Tim Miller is... or what his role was. He makes movies/TV/trailers. He doesn't make games.
And I don't know about anyone else... but I'm actually getting over the hate for Concord. It happened. It's over. We don't need to bring up the same things again, and again, and again.
@PsBoxSwitchOwner so.. reading the other Square Enix story (posted the same time) paints a different picture..."... the HD Games division lost SE some ¥1.2 billion ($24.7 million)." This includes the FF SP games sales; though is not exclusively FF.
@Rich33 from what I understand, SE have had for a long time the expectation based on beating competitive RoI through normal investment means. I genuinely think that it's reasonable if you're an investor and you can get a better (safer) return elsewhere, you kind of should. I think they're trying to be realistic. We tend only to worry about the sales side of things - not the cost side; so it's hard to get an idea of RoI. I can tell you one thing though... FF7Rebirth was very expensive to make.
@Runex2121 so we've got a 17 and 12 yo, and I'd suggest you might have a different experience when your youngest gets to High School. It's completely different now from when our eldest started. Things are changing very quickly. Possibly a covid hold-over, but IMHO it's essentially unavoidable... and hate to say it... parent's have increasingly little to add to teenager's sense of identity these days; it's mostly coming from social-media-lead peer-pressure. We just work at the edges, and hope our core values are strong enough.
But, maybe you will be lucky. No one expects bad things to happen, until they they do. Edit - we used to think most positively about our parental influence (based on our eldest experience with tech/social-media). We now have a much more humbled view based on what's happened with our youngest (and seeing her cohort move into High School).
And no - I don't think governments are the best solution - but I do think the people profiting off social media influence on kids should take on a lot more responsibility too. And government's (and of course consumer power) are generally the only ones that can make that happen.
A different take might be... how badly must FF7 Rebirth have done ? Do we know sales figures for Rebirth? I know it was disappointing for SE... but they're always disappointed!
@Boxmonkey I find it very hard to believe that PS5 Pro has higher pre-orders than PS4 Pro... especially given the 4Pro came out the same price as the PS4, and provided a qualitatively different experience. This kind of sounds like marketting mis-direction... case in point... the quote from Totoki-san was "I'm under the impression that the product is performing slightly stronger than the pre-orders of the PS4 Pro during the same period, so I don’t think it is adversely affecting the product’s sales plan...
Well I had the impression I weighed 10kg less... this is ridiculously meaningless statement. How could the CFO be working of impressions of pre-orders?
@Tecinthebrain just curious - are you a parent? What age kids? It's just my experience that people who go around telling parents to be better parents; either aren't parents or have very different aged kids. My experience is that almost without exception, parenting friends we know are struggling with their kids' social media (and IT time in general). So apparently - it's all 'our' fault?
So here we go with the over-blown rhetoric... it is definitely true (as a parent) that social media is brain cancer for kids these day... and it doesn't matter what sort of parent you think makes a difference. It's just ubiquitous.
So the concept of "reducing" harmful social media influence on kids is laudable. I think however, this is one of those cases that (1) they see it's popular with parents so MORE OF THAT; but also (2) they have no idea about IT - media - gaming - chat - or the various ways around things. When they start making blanket bans on things like YouTube (which is minimally 'social media' in only loose terms, especially if you don't upload), or PSN (unless you're on MP games like Roblox etc), then I don't see how this is a solution to any particular problem. X / TikTok / Snapchat / Instagram / Discord / Whatsapp... I can totally get on board with in terms of restricting access to at least some of this particular brain-rot for kids.
This definitely appears to be an over-reaction by pollies; but I don't think it's some form of nefarious government conspiracy... just poorly thought out vote-bait for parents.
And the L's associated with Destiny continue... I know (or hope) that this isn't going to necessarily further impact Sony's (and Bungie's) mobile plans, but at the same time, it's not the best look either.
The way Sony has been hitting so many L's of late... it would seem to me almost a foregone conclusion that after going all in with the PalWorld brand (edit: and their partnership with PocketPair); it's almost certainly to be banned; and Sony left with all the investment liability and little of the initial success. Not withstanding any love for the PS5 Pro atm... (which let's face it... the situation with disc drives is yet another L)... I think Sony has been making some questionable business judgements. More than normal.
Do many people here actually play PalWorld? I don't, but I also don't hear much about it at all. It seems to me the lack of Game Pass-style vibe has really kept a lid on the hype.
Edit - it came in at #10 on the October download charts for PSN... just ahead of Metaphor Refantazio and Space Marine 2... so it was reasonably popular; but not a mega drop for Sony
@NEStalgia I think to be fair... as was written in the article... the comment was likely made relating to online MP games on PC. I think people should dial back the negativity unless we have actually seen the context in which the comment was made. I haven't...but in general, of course there's no online safety issue for SP games. I think this is just conflating two things, because Sony.... and people wanting to have a free kick.
So - I do think it's hard for console gamers to understand where the PC gamers are coming from... for them, PC gaming is like dreams of the Wild West, where they feel they are free. There's an ingrained suspicion about Sony - not helped by data leaks/hacks. However, they will gladly give all their details to Steam... or EG... or GoG... or EA... or .... any number of other services.
And yes, we all get it... SP games should not require a log-in. But likewise, Sony is a business, and their business is selling games and content. And driving up numbers (which must go up) is what investors want to see. Shock horror!
It IS however truly bizarre for a business to leave money on the table, by not having PSN in all countries. I assume that there's just some commercial protections that they don't feel are provided; or simply that the infrastructure required isn't going to overcome costs?
@8bitOG The funny thing is... just reading more of the comments... are you actually buying a Pro?... You said "it" (the Pro?) is arriving today. If so, congratulations on that - I hope you enjoy it... as a console (even if we disagree with what that is). I'm off now... so no more love-letters from me.
@8bitOG - so.. I don't know if you understand how the internet - or life - works... but when someone gets home from work (if you work) and they jump onto a news-story... they can make comments... because I don't live on PushSquare... I go off and have a life. You seem to suggest me commenting on people's posts is somehow having a go at them... read their posts, and read my comment. I have opinions (we all do).
For example - I do not plan to get a PS Pro because at this time I do not agree with the concept or execution... I think however it's fine for people to buy a beefier PS5 (I just don't think it solves the underlying problems in gaming). You seem however to be trying to hate on the Pro... because PC prices? My point is - if you think this is a hardware price issue, then I don't think you understand the console community. Or is that you can pull-together-a-PC at the same price-performance level? That's fine... then do that.
PC is NOT the same experience as console... and Sony (as do MS) exploit that in many ways... so there are good and bad things about both. It isn't a simple "I can build a better PC"... that argument is so reductive, it's not meaningful. I play console because I actually don't want to sit in front of a computer (more than I do) and I don't want to put up with constant battle for compatibility or settings-hunting. I also want to have something the whole family can play. It's ok if you do want the PC experience... it's also ok if you think a PC is better value.
No one is requiring you to buy a Pro... I haven't... just let it go.
@8bitOG dude... take a walk... chill... and if you come back with the "there's NO DIFFERENCE between a CONOSLE and a PC" vibe... that's ok. We'll chat further. Do you actually play console?.... if so why? If not... why comment on a console website? It's ok to be a PC player (Edit - or questioning the value)- there's many advantages to being a PC gamer - there also definite down-sides. Having done both for many MANY decades... I don't begrudge you wanting to be a PC player. But if you're a console player - thinking it's the same... hmmm.... I can add a few thoughts. Trying to compare the two is like trying to compare to a walk in the park, with doing tread-mill in a gym. They're the same walking motion - and going to a gym may get you burning more calories... but it isn't the same experience. Just chill; and let's talk.
@8bitOG so... let's be real... you jumping into a console forum telling people that consoles aren't the most up-to-date computing power is not making you look good. They are "consoles"... they offer good value for money, and a good lounge-room-experience without (generally) the hassles. People need to stop comparing the two... I left PC gaming because I just decided "fidelity" wasn't as enjoyable as relaxation (for me). PC's will always be better - but MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE - AND A LOT MORE HASSLE. Maybe they will eventually be as care-free... but I suspect not.... because of diverse components.
@LikelySatan you know... in case it hasn't been said before... the name makes a person. Portents of further PS4 ports puts you in a whole new level of Dante's <H##l> ....Look over there... ## = "el" .... consider it a Sony version of Wordle... when your character tells you the solution to the problem before you even had a chance to think about it.
@Northern_munkey .... at least it didn't cost USD700... it was pure unadulterated amateur coal. Coarse and raw... brimming with un-fulfilled promise, and a devil-may-cry (yet un-Pro-uplift) savoir faire.
@Orochilocka ah.... people looooove nostalgia. Think of this as the PS4-jet-engine remaster. Seriously - hope you have some luck getting it replaced. From memory... Sony don't generally consider coil-whine as a replacement trigger.
The BIG THREE.... shame lots of great first party games for PS5 wasn't one of them. That would have been pro enough for me. PS5 hasn't been horrible...but I think we can all agree that third party (and some second party exclusives) have held up this gen so far.
PS5 Pro - isn't the solution to the frustration of gamers... when you've not really showed off even the base PS5's full potential.
@get2sammyb Yes NMS is absolutely insane... why would the company keep updating their game, to the point that people don't actually get anywhere because they keep wanting to restart... Am I the only one that never gets anywhere in the game because of the constant updates. Maybe they DO need to sell an update version as a separate game... this (IMO) is starting to turn from "I can't believe they still do this"... to "WTF... another update... dude, I get it... you're sorry... let's move on with our lives"
@Jay767 so that's a personal value judgement - and you might think that (at the moment, I'd likely agree, but I can see the argument for if you have the funds and optimism). Maybe the comment would be better from the "in my opinion..." perspective - rather than a blanket statement (I know - that's likely assumed... but it might come off less trolly... especially with the "lol")
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Re: LEGO Horizon Adventures Sets Odd Precedent, Lacking PS5 Pro Support
@HonestHick 100% correct. There is absolutely no reason why it's not on the PS4... other than Sony said no.
Re: LEGO Horizon Adventures Sets Odd Precedent, Lacking PS5 Pro Support
@Flaming_Kaiser huh... maybe you mis-edited somewhere... it's Friday afternoon here (so it could be me), but I don't understand what you wrote.
The Lego game isn't a first party game... it's third party studio licencing Sony IP (edit - ok... you can argue it's second party because technically it's published by Sony). But my point stands... not every game needs a PS5 Pro version.
Re: DOOM, Elder Scrolls, Fallout Devs Strike in Protest of Parent Company, Microsoft
@riceNpea hmmm... I think I disagree. PS (like any gaming outlet these days) is driven by commercial interests... if you cannot make money, site closes. The making money part is driven to a large extent by ad revenue... which is driven by consumers (the people reading the site). So at the end of the day, websites like PushSquare are likely most responsive to clicks.
As for professionalism... I actually don't know... are any of the PushSquare team professional journalists? Maybe... I actually don't know. If not, I think it's fair that we don't treat them by that standard. Hence my original complaint... someone needs to actually engage in serious journalism. That's not Jason Schrier, who is now part of the commeteriat ...
Re: DOOM, Elder Scrolls, Fallout Devs Strike in Protest of Parent Company, Microsoft
@riceNpea so... the answer is? I think there's too much...<shrugs> ... what can we do. I think we can expect better, both of our own discourse, but also the people creating content. There's so much divisiness out there now - and to be honest, a lot of that is from just poor journalism, mis-information, ill-informed opinion, or blatant agena pushing (on any side of the arguments... as lame as they all are).
So regarding the horrible state of lay-offs (and the overall state of the industry), all I hear is that it's a result of greedy companies over-staffing up during the pandemic... and now having to shed numbers as sales normalised. This doesn't necessarily equate to the other reality... the sky-rocketting costs. Those costs come from some where, and I don't think it's necessarily all visible on screen.
Still - I suspect this is airing dirty laundry, and won't do anyone's 'corporate' image any good to write about.
Re: LEGO Horizon Adventures Sets Odd Precedent, Lacking PS5 Pro Support
@Northern_munkey - maybe not, but there's a crap-tonne of people that now expect 'PS5 Pro goodness' in every game. (regardless of the game).. and to be fair, that's what was sold to them. I just think it's one of those things that tends to warp conversations/expectations.
Re: DOOM, Elder Scrolls, Fallout Devs Strike in Protest of Parent Company, Microsoft
@Rich33 by the cost of games - I mean the cost of development. The reality is that the big tentpole games aren't that enticing for Sony (especially) because they can't sell enough to make a healthy enough profit over their first party portfolio. Not compared to just raking in the 30% on-the-top markup for MTX they get.
I know a lot of people have said this - but games are just too expensive to make these days, which is why they're getting bloated, and at the same time dumbed down for maximum sales.
Edit - and yes - the flip-side of that coin is that people don't think they should pay for games... because of GP and PS+ Extra/Premium we now have been tought that games are metered out for no extra cost.... I mean, how can that possibly devalue games (he says, sarcastically).
Re: DOOM, Elder Scrolls, Fallout Devs Strike in Protest of Parent Company, Microsoft
So... I'm going to say something that may rile people up... however... hear me out. I know that many people feel that the gaming industry is just being abused through constant closures. However... and I really implore someone do so some actual journalism somewhere... what is actually going on in the gaming industry?
So my impression (and it's likely completely wrong) is that during the pandemic, a lot of people were able to negotiate really good conditions (pay and remote working).... because a lot of companies thought this was the gravy train.
Turns out...pandemics come ang go... so what I'm really curious to know (even if it dispells my bias) - what is actually driving up the cost of game development now? Because... I'm not sure it's not staff costs/productivity. I know in Australia (maybe not the best example) in my line of work... I've seen an almost stagnant remuneration over perhaps 10 years. And it may be the case that in the games industry there's a correction, but it's also possible that there was an over-correction. I think we all need to have an adult conversation about it, rather than just gnashing our teeth (even though I just had a go at Micro$oft). And that adult conversation should be based on facts... not just headlines, and the feeling that we can support the under-dog developers (meanwhile, the cost of games is going through the literal stratosphere).
Re: DOOM, Elder Scrolls, Fallout Devs Strike in Protest of Parent Company, Microsoft
@LavenderShroud what don't you understand that Microsoft is the biggest third-party publisher of PlayStation games (or that close to it).
As for Microsoft.... yep... they respect their right to an opinion, as they respect their own right to do a giant windows-shaped <insert own imagination here> on that opinion. What didn't they understand about working for one of the most powerful corporations in America?
Re: Reminder: PS Plus Extra, Premium to Lose 18 Games in a Week
@Kienda just a PSA... RDR2 is a BIG game. It's also a slow starter. You can easily go 8-10 hours without getting into the swing of the game. Also - and I might be an outlier - it's a game that has a slighly over-rated main story; but it has a truly AAAA open world to frame it. One of my favourite games, even if it's on rails (for the main story).
Re: Reminder: PS Plus Extra, Premium to Lose 18 Games in a Week
@playstation1995 ... said Mr Sony PlayStation. I'm sure Totoki-san will send you a Christmas card. .... after you've subscribed to Extra, and then purchased all those games that are departing.
To be honest however... it's a subscription service... it's not a library. People just need to understand, you're not buying the games, you're renting them at the platform holder's discretion. So... my Extra subscription is coming up for renewal at the start of Jan, and at the moment, I have ZERO intention to renew. My backlog is big enough, and my guilt strong enough... I think I actually want to return to the days when you actually bought games. I did... and still do... have a crap tonne sitting in there because there's only so much time.
Re: LEGO Horizon Adventures Sets Odd Precedent, Lacking PS5 Pro Support
@nessisonett Varl had 8000 pubes?... man... he knew how to groom... I kninda always suspected, given his pristine beard... (and yes, that's a - questionable - joke)
Re: LEGO Horizon Adventures Sets Odd Precedent, Lacking PS5 Pro Support
@Northern_munkey so there's a fallacy that putting a sticker on something makes it meaningfully better. For example boosting a point and click game from 30 or 60 up to 120 FPS would qualify for a PS5Pro Enhanced sticker. The question is - does it matter? I think we're still too early on in this mid-gen refresh to have mature conversations, because a lot of people invested a lot of money, and they expect return (because Sony implied it was coming).
It's like saying Balatro should have a PS5 Pro enhanced version because Sony mandated... I'm sure they could make it, but it's not what's going to make it a more fun experience. I suspect a PS5 Pro patch/enhancement to this game won't change it's fundamental 'satisfaction'.
Re: LEGO Horizon Adventures Sets Odd Precedent, Lacking PS5 Pro Support
@Flaming_Kaiser you know... not every game needs, or should require, PS5 Pro updates. Because, firstly the game is designed to run on a much lower system; secondly, it's not meant to be a power-house demo of power... it's just not. And finally... what would make you feel that this is finally the game it was always meant to be?
My point - we have to stop "consoling ourselves" that a meaningful PS5 Pro Patch is coming... maybe it is... but isn't it better to just say, it's a game that has a limited scope, and likely plays just as well on base PS5. I haven't heard too much (if anything) on the PS5 technical limitations. If there are some, I'm sure someone will comment.
Let's just let games be games.
Re: No Xbox Games Are Off the Table for Release on PlayStation, Says Phil Spencer
So at some point, even Phil must get tired of listening to the constant double-speak coming out his mouth... it's fine... but can we all agree that XBox is no longer XBox, but just Game Pass?
Having lived through a lot of gaming hype... the constant edging towards a non-XBox reality is getting painful. Then again, we can hope for a happier future. I just don't think it's going to make Sony more consumer friendly for us.
I wouldn't mind to play Forza Horizon, and almost certainly Fable... strange coincidence? And I think Flight Simulator would be fun (on PS+.... it's a chill experience - at least it was on PC - but I don't know I'd get more than casual play out of it). Of course og Halo.
Re: LEGO Horizon Adventures (PS5) - Dull Design Lets Down This Gorgeous Spin-Off
To be fair "Each one is a fairly breezy jaunt through a picturesque environment, interspersed with combat arenas and the occasional boss battle" pretty well sums up the Horizon games. I'm a big fan of the first - and while I can see the on-paper attraction... I actually think this is one of the LEGO games aimed more at adults than kids (as I don't think HZD is that attractive to teens... certainly not in my experience).
Re: Play Has No Limits in Sony's Latest Live-Action PS5 Ad
@themightyant my youngest is definitely moving on from the Switch/Laptop/tablet gaming... but I think the interest in PS is likely just game-by-game. My eldest used to play Fortnite heavily - but after he got himself a job, and bought his own rig (a decent 4070) he has moved more to co-op shooters. Last game he played on console was Elden Ring a few months ago (some of our best father-son moments), but he just doesn't have the time to spare for long SP games anymore. So he jumps on his own PC when he can (as a high school student).
Edit - as an aside...I find that he's becoming quite nostalgic towards Fortnite - of all things.
I kinda think that's the reality that Sony is facing... time-poor, or option-rich players... who don't need a console. The life-style association with gaming is "limited time"... and social. My youngest is an odd-one-out, as I suspect console gaming is still a "transitional" gaming environment between switch and whatever is next.
Re: Play Has No Limits in Sony's Latest Live-Action PS5 Ad
@themightyant this is lifestyle marketing.... it's not about the product, it's entirely about brand association as you said (Sony = carefree fun). Perhaps it's my experience with my kids, but I think that console makers have a hard time these days, because I think that we're at that stage where younger audiences want "bring anywhere, play anytime" or "bring me ALL the RTX... in ultrawide".
Perhaps a better question is - what games are actually that appealing to the 18-25 demographic? I dunno these days. I have to admit... I was surprised my 12yo has flipped dramatically from BTOW-TOTK to RDR2... not one I saw coming.
Re: Play Has No Limits in Sony's Latest Live-Action PS5 Ad
@Northern_munkey I knew that would get a laugh... or a sigh... at least a reaction.
Re: Play Has No Limits in Sony's Latest Live-Action PS5 Ad
@Titntin @Northern_munkey thanks for the honest responses. As I suggested, it's an easy ad that speaks of "easier times"... I just don't think it's going to hit with it's target demographic... slightly older than my 17 yo son... who's now more or less exclusive on PC.
My issue is (as I said), the music vibe strikes a nostalgic tone, the dream-like kid-fun also is wistful - not tones I think is generally going to hit with (what I think is) the target audience. Edit - then again... reflecting on this, it might well catch some early 20's that remember the simplicity of console gaming when they were "care-free".
Us old-timers are either crusted-on, or out-to-pasture... and not really needing advertisements to change behaviour.
Still, it's interesting to hear other perspectives, so I really appreciate your responses.
Re: Play Has No Limits in Sony's Latest Live-Action PS5 Ad
@Northern_munkey Same....so I'm even more curious - what did you like? For me, it could have been advertising man-tampons for all it spoke to gaming (it just felt generically nostalgic in a way that teenagers think about 90's music now... reflecting a more wistful, wing-free existence). But, I'm happy to accept that's just me.
Edit - and don't get me wrong... the ad is perfectly 'fine', and it's totally not offensive to anyone's sensibilities. Then again, I also like the latest Grammerly ads...
Re: GTA Trilogy Massively Upgraded on PS5, But No PS4 Patch Yet
@get2sammyb... firstly... changing the colour grading is NOT an upgrade. Secondly, changing the 3D model skeletons is NOT a next(current) gen enhancement... Edit - you literally are highlighting that they restored the og haze effects... as such an awesome upgrade.
Sigh... I think we all get it... need more stories to feed the internet monster... but how about actually being a bit critical of what you're being fed (or writing). Otherwise, you're just like every other knob you-tuber/blogger that has an opinion. Including me (of course).
First step... instead of saying you should test it yourself... test it before writing. Or say it's just an advert / rinse-and-repeat paste-and-copy filler.
Re: Play Has No Limits in Sony's Latest Live-Action PS5 Ad
@PuppetMaster And what was the point? Since you mentioned...
Re: Play Has No Limits in Sony's Latest Live-Action PS5 Ad
@Northern_munkey - don't take this the wrong way... but what decade were you born? I actually think this would be an interesting poll for PS... how old are people who read this site? For me... (as a 50+ bracketted person), this ad looked like post-teenager fluff. But that could just be my age. So I'm genuinely curious about the breakdown of liking this ad, based on age.
Re: Play Has No Limits in Sony's Latest Live-Action PS5 Ad
I think we can understand exactly what this ad was trying to message, based on the demographics... exactly the people who have turned to mobile for gaming (edit: or PC), and actually don't care about consoles anymore. However, the music is completely mis-matched IMO... as it seems aimed at 30-50yo.
The point is that this ad is almost entirely about iconography and youth (I mean 20-30 market). The market I would suggest that Sony has lost (going by the very limited uptake on console ownership).
If I were running their marketing, I would go back-to-basics. Console gaming is when you just want to play genuine great games... and don't want to f..k around with the bs wanna be try-hard stuff. If you just want things to work. (Unfortunately, the PS5 Pro complicates that messaging... as it's looking more and more like a PC... and they clearly also want to reach into the mobile market, but are just doing a really bad job of it)
Re: PS5 Slim Price Drop Confirmed, $380 Until 24th December
@Deoxyr1bose yes... stop the press... the console that was originally USD399 is now USD379. My God... what a time to be alive; and I'm so happy that I can share this moment with my children.
Interesting that the physical edition is seemingly not discounted. Maybe because the've literally (from what I see in shops) stopped selling detachable drives alltogether.
Finally @LiamCroft - why would anyone swap their OG PS5 for a slim? Why for the love of God?!?!
Re: Secret Level Creator Comments on Concord's Awkward Anthology Inclusion
@clvr what don't you understand that Sony backed up a huge dump-truck full of cash. I think they do know how the industry works... a lot better than you. They've been working in the games-industry doing CGI for a very long time. Of course Tim Miller's not going to unwind on his customers (Sony)... I'm sure he wants their business in the future. He's not commenting on the game itself... just the concept.
Edit - reading through the comments... people clearly don't understand who Tim Miller is... or what his role was. He makes movies/TV/trailers. He doesn't make games.
And I don't know about anyone else... but I'm actually getting over the hate for Concord. It happened. It's over. We don't need to bring up the same things again, and again, and again.
Re: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Sales Keep Pace with Dragon's Dogma 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in UK
@PsBoxSwitchOwner so.. reading the other Square Enix story (posted the same time) paints a different picture..."... the HD Games division lost SE some ¥1.2 billion ($24.7 million)." This includes the FF SP games sales; though is not exclusively FF.
Re: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Sales Keep Pace with Dragon's Dogma 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in UK
@Rich33 from what I understand, SE have had for a long time the expectation based on beating competitive RoI through normal investment means. I genuinely think that it's reasonable if you're an investor and you can get a better (safer) return elsewhere, you kind of should. I think they're trying to be realistic. We tend only to worry about the sales side of things - not the cost side; so it's hard to get an idea of RoI. I can tell you one thing though... FF7Rebirth was very expensive to make.
Re: Australia's Planned Social Media Ban to Include PSN
@Runex2121 so we've got a 17 and 12 yo, and I'd suggest you might have a different experience when your youngest gets to High School. It's completely different now from when our eldest started. Things are changing very quickly. Possibly a covid hold-over, but IMHO it's essentially unavoidable... and hate to say it... parent's have increasingly little to add to teenager's sense of identity these days; it's mostly coming from social-media-lead peer-pressure. We just work at the edges, and hope our core values are strong enough.
But, maybe you will be lucky. No one expects bad things to happen, until they they do. Edit - we used to think most positively about our parental influence (based on our eldest experience with tech/social-media). We now have a much more humbled view based on what's happened with our youngest (and seeing her cohort move into High School).
And no - I don't think governments are the best solution - but I do think the people profiting off social media influence on kids should take on a lot more responsibility too. And government's (and of course consumer power) are generally the only ones that can make that happen.
Re: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Sales Keep Pace with Dragon's Dogma 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in UK
A different take might be... how badly must FF7 Rebirth have done ? Do we know sales figures for Rebirth? I know it was disappointing for SE... but they're always disappointed!
Re: Dragon Age: The Veilguard Sales Keep Pace with Dragon's Dogma 2, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth in UK
@breakneck a-a-ah-CONCORD!
Re: PS5 Pro Pre-Orders Are Stronger Than PS4 Pro, But Scalpers Are Losing Money
@Boxmonkey I find it very hard to believe that PS5 Pro has higher pre-orders than PS4 Pro... especially given the 4Pro came out the same price as the PS4, and provided a qualitatively different experience. This kind of sounds like marketting mis-direction... case in point... the quote from Totoki-san was "I'm under the impression that the product is performing slightly stronger than the pre-orders of the PS4 Pro during the same period, so I don’t think it is adversely affecting the product’s sales plan...
Well I had the impression I weighed 10kg less... this is ridiculously meaningless statement. How could the CFO be working of impressions of pre-orders?
Re: Australia's Planned Social Media Ban to Include PSN
@Tecinthebrain just curious - are you a parent? What age kids? It's just my experience that people who go around telling parents to be better parents; either aren't parents or have very different aged kids. My experience is that almost without exception, parenting friends we know are struggling with their kids' social media (and IT time in general). So apparently - it's all 'our' fault?
Re: Australia's Planned Social Media Ban to Include PSN
@NEStalgia you WILL be assimilated!.... praise the Lord Vege MIGHTY!
Re: Australia's Planned Social Media Ban to Include PSN
So here we go with the over-blown rhetoric... it is definitely true (as a parent) that social media is brain cancer for kids these day... and it doesn't matter what sort of parent you think makes a difference. It's just ubiquitous.
So the concept of "reducing" harmful social media influence on kids is laudable. I think however, this is one of those cases that (1) they see it's popular with parents so MORE OF THAT; but also (2) they have no idea about IT - media - gaming - chat - or the various ways around things. When they start making blanket bans on things like YouTube (which is minimally 'social media' in only loose terms, especially if you don't upload), or PSN (unless you're on MP games like Roblox etc), then I don't see how this is a solution to any particular problem. X / TikTok / Snapchat / Instagram / Discord / Whatsapp... I can totally get on board with in terms of restricting access to at least some of this particular brain-rot for kids.
This definitely appears to be an over-reaction by pollies; but I don't think it's some form of nefarious government conspiracy... just poorly thought out vote-bait for parents.
Re: NetEase Execs, Employees Arrested on Alleged Money Laundering and Bribery Charges
And the L's associated with Destiny continue... I know (or hope) that this isn't going to necessarily further impact Sony's (and Bungie's) mobile plans, but at the same time, it's not the best look either.
Re: Nintendo and The Pokémon Company Want to Stop the Sale of Palworld
The way Sony has been hitting so many L's of late... it would seem to me almost a foregone conclusion that after going all in with the PalWorld brand (edit: and their partnership with PocketPair); it's almost certainly to be banned; and Sony left with all the investment liability and little of the initial success. Not withstanding any love for the PS5 Pro atm... (which let's face it... the situation with disc drives is yet another L)... I think Sony has been making some questionable business judgements. More than normal.
Do many people here actually play PalWorld? I don't, but I also don't hear much about it at all. It seems to me the lack of Game Pass-style vibe has really kept a lid on the hype.
Edit - it came in at #10 on the October download charts for PSN... just ahead of Metaphor Refantazio and Space Marine 2... so it was reasonably popular; but not a mega drop for Sony
Re: Sony Boss Says It's 'Learned a Lot' from PC Player Pushback
@NEStalgia I think to be fair... as was written in the article... the comment was likely made relating to online MP games on PC. I think people should dial back the negativity unless we have actually seen the context in which the comment was made. I haven't...but in general, of course there's no online safety issue for SP games. I think this is just conflating two things, because Sony.... and people wanting to have a free kick.
Re: Sony Boss Says It's 'Learned a Lot' from PC Player Pushback
So - I do think it's hard for console gamers to understand where the PC gamers are coming from... for them, PC gaming is like dreams of the Wild West, where they feel they are free. There's an ingrained suspicion about Sony - not helped by data leaks/hacks. However, they will gladly give all their details to Steam... or EG... or GoG... or EA... or .... any number of other services.
And yes, we all get it... SP games should not require a log-in. But likewise, Sony is a business, and their business is selling games and content. And driving up numbers (which must go up) is what investors want to see. Shock horror!
It IS however truly bizarre for a business to leave money on the table, by not having PSN in all countries. I assume that there's just some commercial protections that they don't feel are provided; or simply that the infrastructure required isn't going to overcome costs?
Re: Out Today: PS5 Pro, the Most Powerful Console Ever
@8bitOG The funny thing is... just reading more of the comments... are you actually buying a Pro?... You said "it" (the Pro?) is arriving today. If so, congratulations on that - I hope you enjoy it... as a console (even if we disagree with what that is). I'm off now... so no more love-letters from me.
Re: Out Today: PS5 Pro, the Most Powerful Console Ever
@8bitOG - so.. I don't know if you understand how the internet - or life - works... but when someone gets home from work (if you work) and they jump onto a news-story... they can make comments... because I don't live on PushSquare... I go off and have a life. You seem to suggest me commenting on people's posts is somehow having a go at them... read their posts, and read my comment. I have opinions (we all do).
For example - I do not plan to get a PS Pro because at this time I do not agree with the concept or execution... I think however it's fine for people to buy a beefier PS5 (I just don't think it solves the underlying problems in gaming). You seem however to be trying to hate on the Pro... because PC prices? My point is - if you think this is a hardware price issue, then I don't think you understand the console community. Or is that you can pull-together-a-PC at the same price-performance level? That's fine... then do that.
PC is NOT the same experience as console... and Sony (as do MS) exploit that in many ways... so there are good and bad things about both. It isn't a simple "I can build a better PC"... that argument is so reductive, it's not meaningful. I play console because I actually don't want to sit in front of a computer (more than I do) and I don't want to put up with constant battle for compatibility or settings-hunting. I also want to have something the whole family can play. It's ok if you do want the PC experience... it's also ok if you think a PC is better value.
No one is requiring you to buy a Pro... I haven't... just let it go.
Re: Out Today: PS5 Pro, the Most Powerful Console Ever
@8bitOG dude... take a walk... chill... and if you come back with the "there's NO DIFFERENCE between a CONOSLE and a PC" vibe... that's ok. We'll chat further. Do you actually play console?.... if so why? If not... why comment on a console website? It's ok to be a PC player (Edit - or questioning the value)- there's many advantages to being a PC gamer - there also definite down-sides. Having done both for many MANY decades... I don't begrudge you wanting to be a PC player. But if you're a console player - thinking it's the same... hmmm.... I can add a few thoughts. Trying to compare the two is like trying to compare to a walk in the park, with doing tread-mill in a gym. They're the same walking motion - and going to a gym may get you burning more calories... but it isn't the same experience. Just chill; and let's talk.
Re: Out Today: PS5 Pro, the Most Powerful Console Ever
@8bitOG so... let's be real... you jumping into a console forum telling people that consoles aren't the most up-to-date computing power is not making you look good. They are "consoles"... they offer good value for money, and a good lounge-room-experience without (generally) the hassles. People need to stop comparing the two... I left PC gaming because I just decided "fidelity" wasn't as enjoyable as relaxation (for me). PC's will always be better - but MUCH MORE EXPENSIVE - AND A LOT MORE HASSLE. Maybe they will eventually be as care-free... but I suspect not.... because of diverse components.
Re: Out Today: PS5 Pro, the Most Powerful Console Ever
@LikelySatan you know... in case it hasn't been said before... the name makes a person. Portents of further PS4 ports puts you in a whole new level of Dante's <H##l> ....Look over there... ## = "el" .... consider it a Sony version of Wordle... when your character tells you the solution to the problem before you even had a chance to think about it.
Re: Out Today: PS5 Pro, the Most Powerful Console Ever
@Northern_munkey .... at least it didn't cost USD700... it was pure unadulterated amateur coal. Coarse and raw... brimming with un-fulfilled promise, and a devil-may-cry (yet un-Pro-uplift) savoir faire.
Re: Out Today: PS5 Pro, the Most Powerful Console Ever
@Anguspuss dude... how to bring down the vibe... (for those not celebrating Nov 5 in the States)
Re: Out Today: PS5 Pro, the Most Powerful Console Ever
@Orochilocka ah.... people looooove nostalgia. Think of this as the PS4-jet-engine remaster. Seriously - hope you have some luck getting it replaced. From memory... Sony don't generally consider coil-whine as a replacement trigger.
Re: Out Today: PS5 Pro, the Most Powerful Console Ever
The BIG THREE.... shame lots of great first party games for PS5 wasn't one of them. That would have been pro enough for me. PS5 hasn't been horrible...but I think we can all agree that third party (and some second party exclusives) have held up this gen so far.
PS5 Pro - isn't the solution to the frustration of gamers... when you've not really showed off even the base PS5's full potential.
Re: PS5 Pro Has One of Its First 8K Games in No Man's Sky
@get2sammyb Yes NMS is absolutely insane... why would the company keep updating their game, to the point that people don't actually get anywhere because they keep wanting to restart... Am I the only one that never gets anywhere in the game because of the constant updates. Maybe they DO need to sell an update version as a separate game... this (IMO) is starting to turn from "I can't believe they still do this"... to "WTF... another update... dude, I get it... you're sorry... let's move on with our lives"
Re: Hands On: Serious Pop-In the Only Problem with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's Massive PS5 Pro Boost
@Jay767 so that's a personal value judgement - and you might think that (at the moment, I'd likely agree, but I can see the argument for if you have the funds and optimism). Maybe the comment would be better from the "in my opinion..." perspective - rather than a blanket statement (I know - that's likely assumed... but it might come off less trolly... especially with the "lol")