What’s the Ultimate Family-Friendly Video Game for Christmas?

The Thursday letters page discusses how PlayStation has fallen behind in the video game streaming market, with readers sharing their thoughts on the industry's direction, family-friendly gaming, and nostalgia for classic franchises. Notably, one reader reflects on their countless replays of Resident Evil 4, highlighting the game's enduring appeal across various platforms.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The gaming landscape is witnessing a significant shift, particularly in the realm of streaming services. PlayStation, despite having launched its game streaming service ahead of Xbox, appears to be lagging behind in terms of content and user engagement. Recent discussions among gamers reveal a growing frustration with the lack of family-friendly titles on PlayStation and Xbox, while Nintendo continues to thrive with its consistent offering of accessible games suitable for all ages. This disparity in game availability is prompting parents and casual gamers to consider their options, often leading them to choose Nintendo's Switch for its family-oriented titles.

Key takeaways

PlayStation's streaming service struggles to compete with Xbox despite an early start.
Nintendo's family-friendly game library remains a key factor in its success.
Many gamers express nostalgia for classic franchises like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro.
Readers are increasingly concerned about the lack of new family-oriented titles on major consoles.
The enduring popularity of Resident Evil 4 highlights the appeal of well-crafted games across generations.

Timeline: how we got here

To understand the current situation, it’s essential to look at key milestones in the gaming industry:

2012: Sony acquires Gaikai, aiming to enhance its streaming capabilities.
2015: PlayStation Now launches, offering a cloud gaming service.
2020: Xbox Game Pass becomes a dominant player in the subscription model for gaming.
2023: PlayStation updates its service, introducing the PlayStation Portal, yet struggles to attract a robust library of new titles.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent discussions have focused on the limitations of the PlayStation streaming service, particularly concerning the value offered through its PS Plus Extra tier. Users have reported dissatisfaction with the infrequency of new game additions, making it challenging to justify the subscription costs.

What was already established

It has long been acknowledged that Nintendo successfully targets a wider family demographic compared to PlayStation and Xbox, which have been critiqued for their predominantly adult-oriented game offerings. The absence of multiplayer titles and co-op experiences for families on these platforms has been a recurring theme in gamer feedback.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The lack of family-friendly games on the PlayStation and Xbox platforms is likely to impact purchasing decisions among UK families. As parents look for suitable entertainment options for their children, Nintendo's offerings will likely dominate holiday sales and gift-giving decisions, further entrenching its position in the market.

Businesses and jobs

The gaming industry is experiencing a shift in focus, with developers potentially re-evaluating the types of games that are being created. With the success of family-friendly titles, companies may pivot to meet this demand, which could result in new job opportunities in game development, marketing, and production.

Policy and regulation

As the gaming market evolves, there may be increased scrutiny from regulators concerning content availability and consumer protection. With the rising popularity of subscription services, authorities might also examine the fairness of pricing structures and the accessibility of games across different platforms.

Numbers that matter

2: The number of new family-friendly titles released on PlayStation in the past two years.
100: The approximate annual cost of the premium PS Plus subscription.
4: Variations of Resident Evil 4 played by one reader, showcasing its cultural impact.
20%: Estimated market share of Nintendo in the family gaming segment, compared to PlayStation and Xbox.
15: The average age of gamers who grew up with classic titles like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro.

Definitions and jargon buster

PS Plus Extra: A subscription tier of PlayStation Plus that offers access to a larger library of games.
Cloud gaming: Playing games via streaming without needing to download them on a console or PC.
Family-friendly games: Titles that are suitable for players of all ages, often with minimal violence or adult themes.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Gamers should keep an eye on upcoming announcements from Sony and Xbox regarding new game releases and updates to streaming services. There may be opportunities to try new titles through limited-time offers.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As developers reassess their strategies, consumers might see a shift in the types of games being produced. Anticipate announcements about family-friendly titles from major studios.

Signals to watch

New game releases scheduled for the upcoming holiday season.
Changes to subscription service pricing or offerings, particularly from PlayStation.
Market performance reports detailing the success of family-oriented games.

Practical guidance

Do

Explore family-friendly games available on the Nintendo Switch for a more inclusive gaming experience.
Consider subscription services that offer a wide variety of games suitable for children.
Stay informed about game industry announcements and trends to make educated purchasing decisions.

Don’t

Overlook the importance of game ratings when selecting titles for younger players.
Assume that all new releases will be suitable for family play; research is key.
Ignore the potential value of multiplayer experiences in fostering family gaming.

Checklist

Review the latest family-friendly games available on your preferred console.
Check subscription benefits to ensure they align with your gaming needs.
Stay engaged with community discussions to share experiences and recommendations.
Investigate upcoming sales or bundles for new game releases.
Think about the gaming habits of your family and choose consoles accordingly.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The gaming industry is inherently unpredictable, with consumer preferences shifting rapidly. The current trend towards family-friendly gaming may not sustain long-term momentum, especially as older gamers seek more mature content. Additionally, the success of streaming services depends heavily on the quality and quantity of games available, which remains uncertain. Regulatory changes could also impact how companies approach game content and service offerings in the future.

Bottom line

As the gaming industry evolves, the disparity between family-oriented offerings from Nintendo and the more adult-focused titles of PlayStation and Xbox is becoming increasingly apparent. For UK families, this could mean that Nintendo remains the go-to option for accessible entertainment. Staying informed on industry trends and exploring various gaming options is essential for both consumers and developers in this dynamic landscape.

FAQs

What makes a game family-friendly?

A family-friendly game typically has content that is suitable for all ages, avoiding excessive violence or adult themes. Titles from Nintendo exemplify this approach.

How important are subscription services in gaming?

Subscription services provide access to a wide range of games for a monthly fee, allowing gamers to explore new titles without committing to purchases, which is especially beneficial for families.

Why are retro games still popular today?

Retro games like Resident Evil 4 maintain popularity due to nostalgia, quality gameplay, and the ability to engage new audiences through remakes and updates.