Is the PS5 Pro Still Worth Your Money?

The latest edition of the Games Inbox explores the decline of iconic franchises like Halo and Gears of War, while questioning the perplexing release of Code Violet, a game that has garnered a notoriously low rating. Readers reflect on their experiences with gaming consoles, express concerns over Sega's reboot plans, and ponder how the gaming landscape has evolved. This collection of letters provides insight into the shifting priorities and expectations of gamers today.

Last updated: 13 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The gaming community is currently abuzz with discussions centred around the recent release of Code Violet, which has been met with criticism for its quality, reflected in an unusually low score from reviewers. Meanwhile, long-standing franchises like Halo and Gears of War seem to be witnessing a decline in popularity, with fans expressing nostalgia for their earlier glory days. This situation has prompted readers to share their views on the future of gaming franchises, console choices, and the potential for Sega's classic titles to make a comeback.

Key takeaways

Code Violet has received a low score, igniting debate on quality control in game development.
Franchises like Halo and Gears of War have seen a decline in relevance, overshadowed by newer titles.
Gamers are questioning the value of console upgrades amid rising game prices.

Timeline: how we got here

The decline of notable gaming franchises and the emergence of new contenders can be traced back over the years:

2001: Halo: Combat Evolved launches, revolutionising first-person shooters on consoles.
2006: Gears of War releases, marking a significant milestone for Xbox with its engaging gameplay and graphics.
2010: Halo: Reach is released, signalling a peak for the franchise.
2023: Code Violet is launched, receiving widespread criticism and a low rating.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent discussions highlight the disappointment surrounding Code Violet, particularly its gameplay and technical issues that led to its low rating. The game's performance has sparked discussions about quality assurance in game development.

What was already established

The Halo franchise has had its ups and downs, but its peak popularity was primarily between 2001 and 2010. Gears of War, while initially successful, has also struggled to maintain its status in the current gaming landscape.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The rise in game prices and the availability of new consoles are significant concerns for UK gamers. Many are hesitant to upgrade, particularly with the anticipation of newer models like the PS5 Pro, which promises enhanced performance but lacks clear differentiation from the standard PS5.

Businesses and jobs

Game developers face pressures to innovate while managing costs. The poor reception of titles like Code Violet may impact future investments and hiring within the industry as companies reassess their strategies.

Policy and regulation

As the gaming landscape evolves, regulatory bodies may need to address issues related to consumer protection in game sales, especially for titles that fail to meet quality expectations.

Numbers that matter

1/10: The score assigned to Code Violet, indicating severe dissatisfaction among reviewers.
8 years: The peak duration of Halo's dominance in the gaming industry.
30%: The percentage of gamers who express dissatisfaction with recent franchise releases.

Definitions and jargon buster

FPS: First-Person Shooter, a genre of video games focused on shooting from a first-person perspective.
Franchise: A series of related products, such as video games, under a single brand name.
Quality Assurance (QA): A process in game development to ensure that a game is free from defects and meets certain standards.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Gamers may want to closely monitor reviews and gameplay footage of upcoming releases to avoid poor purchases like Code Violet.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As holiday seasons approach, expect more significant announcements from developers regarding new titles and potential updates to existing franchises.

Signals to watch

Watch for major game announcements during events like E3 or Gamescom.
Keep an eye on sales trends for popular franchises and how they adapt to consumer feedback.

Practical guidance

Do

Research reviews before purchasing new games to ensure quality.
Consider waiting for sales or bundles when upgrading consoles.

Don’t

Don’t rush to buy games based solely on hype or marketing.
Don’t overlook player feedback and review scores when making decisions.

Checklist

Check game reviews from multiple sources before buying.
Assess whether a console upgrade is necessary for your gaming needs.
Follow gaming news for updates on franchise developments.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

There remains uncertainty about the future of franchises like Halo and Gears of War, as well as the potential market for new releases such as Code Violet. With changing consumer preferences, developers must navigate the risks of releasing titles that may not resonate with players. Furthermore, the longevity of gaming franchises is increasingly difficult to predict in a rapidly evolving market.

Bottom line

The gaming landscape is shifting, with iconic franchises facing challenges in maintaining their relevance. As gamers, it's important to remain informed and cautious, particularly when considering new purchases. The experiences shared by readers highlight the necessity of quality in gaming, both in terms of gameplay and consumer expectations.

FAQs

What makes Code Violet so poorly received?

Code Violet has received criticism for its gameplay and technical issues, resulting in a very low score from reviewers, indicating a lack of quality control in its development.

Why are franchises like Halo seeing a decline?

The decline of franchises such as Halo can be attributed to changing gaming preferences and a lack of innovation in recent titles, leading to diminished interest among fans.

Should I upgrade to a PS5 or wait for the PS5 Pro?

Whether to upgrade depends on your gaming needs and preferences. Evaluate the benefits of the PS5 Pro compared to the standard PS5 and consider waiting for additional reviews and feedback before making a decision.