What to Expect in the Next PS5 State of Play?

The ongoing discussions about the future of gaming franchises highlight the concerns of players regarding game longevity, exclusivity, and the evolving landscape of console gaming. With titles like Forza Horizon 6 facing potential discontinuation and the question of whether Xbox will return to making exclusive games, gamers are left speculating about the direction of their favourite franchises. This article delves into these topics, exploring the implications for fans and the industry as a whole.

Last updated: 26 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Concerns about the longevity of Forza Horizon titles due to licensing issues.
• Anticipation for upcoming announcements from Sony, especially regarding new games.
• Activision's Call of Duty series faces competition and declining pre-orders.
• Capcom continues to generate excitement with upcoming titles like Resident Evil Requiem.
• The future of Xbox as a publisher raises questions about console exclusivity.

Forza Horizon 6: The End of an Era?

The Forza Horizon series has garnered a passionate fanbase due to its immersive driving experiences and stunning open-world environments. However, concerns have arisen regarding the sustainability of these titles. One reader expressed worry that Forza Horizon 6 may only be available for a limited time, following the trend of previous games in the series being taken down from sale after a few years due to licensing agreements.

This raises a pertinent question: why do licensed games face such restrictions? The answer lies in the use of real-world vehicles and brands that require licensing agreements, which can expire, leading to the game's removal from digital storefronts. Forza titles set in various locations, like the UK, have already been discontinued, raising fears that the same fate awaits any future instalments, including the much-anticipated Forza Horizon 6, potentially set in Japan.

Many fans are calling for a system that allows developers to replace licensed vehicles with alternative, non-branded cars once licenses expire. This could extend the life of these games and ensure they remain available for fans who wish to revisit them in the future.

Sony's Silence: What Lies Ahead?

Amidst a flurry of speculation surrounding the next Nintendo Direct, Sony's quietness has not gone unnoticed. Fans are eager for a new State of Play presentation, particularly following the recent announcement of Ghost of Yōtei. The community is buzzing with anticipation about potential new game announcements and updates on existing titles.

With several projects reportedly in the pipeline, including Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and a sequel to Returnal named Saros, many players are hopeful that Sony will soon provide updates on these games. The long wait has left fans feeling neglected, reminiscent of the more vibrant communication era of the PlayStation 4.

Additionally, speculation surrounds the development of Wolverine, with players hoping for an update that showcases its progress. As the gaming community grows restless, it seems imperative for Sony to re-engage its audience and restore confidence in its upcoming offerings.

Activision's Dilemma: Call of Duty's Struggles

The gaming landscape is ever-evolving, and Activision's flagship franchise, Call of Duty, is currently facing significant challenges. Reports indicate a troubling trend in pre-orders for the latest title, with concerns that it is being outperformed by competitors like Battlefield 6 and even remakes of beloved classics such as Metal Gear Solid.

With each Call of Duty title typically taking several years to develop, the repercussions of declining pre-orders may not be felt until well into the future. Activision will need to reassess its strategy and consider investing in new franchises to mitigate risks associated with its flagship series. As the gaming market becomes increasingly crowded, adapting to consumer demands will be critical for maintaining relevance.

Nintendo's Future: Anticipation for New Titles

Nintendo is also in the spotlight, with fans eagerly anticipating announcements for new games, particularly as speculation ramps up for a potential Switch 2 edition of popular titles like Xenoblade Chronicles 2. The excitement surrounding the 40th anniversary of Super Mario Bros adds further weight to expectations for a significant Direct presentation.

As the industry moves forward, fans are left wondering what new innovations and remakes Nintendo might unveil. A 2.5D remake of the original Super Mario Bros could be a delightful surprise, and many are hoping that the upcoming announcements will deliver the nostalgia and innovation they crave.

Capcom: A Beacon of Hope

While some companies are facing turbulence, Capcom has emerged as a beacon of excitement in the gaming world. With the Tokyo Game Show on the horizon, anticipation is building for their upcoming title, Resident Evil Requiem. Many fans are expressing a renewed sense of hope for a return to the franchise's survival horror roots, following mixed feelings about the action-heavy direction of previous titles.

In addition to Requiem, Capcom's Pragmata is generating buzz for its fresh approach to action gaming. As more details are revealed, the gaming community is eager to see how these titles will unfold and what Capcom has in store for its loyal fanbase.

Xbox's Position: The Future of Exclusivity

In the midst of all this speculation, one reader raised an interesting point about Xbox's current strategy. Despite having a robust lineup of games in development, including a next-gen console on the horizon, Xbox's console sales remain low. If Xbox were to become the leading third-party publisher, would they reconsider their approach to exclusivity?

While the company has publicly stated a desire to move away from exclusive titles, the potential for dominance in game sales raises questions about whether they might return to their roots and compete directly with Sony for market share. As the gaming landscape continues to shift, the decisions made by these major players will shape the future of console gaming for years to come.

Conclusion: The Evolving Gaming Landscape

The discussions surrounding the future of gaming franchises reveal the complexities of the industry, from licensing issues and the challenges of maintaining player engagement to the potential for innovation and new ideas. As fans await exciting announcements, the ongoing evolution of gaming will undoubtedly continue to spark passionate debates and speculation. What will the future hold for your favourite franchises? Only time will tell.

#GamingNews #ForzaHorizon6 #PlayStationUpdates

FAQs

Will Forza Horizon 6 be discontinued soon?

Concerns have been raised regarding the potential discontinuation of Forza Horizon 6 due to licensing agreements. Historically, games in the series have been removed from sale after a few years, leading to fears of a similar fate for upcoming titles.

What new games are expected from Sony?

Fans are eagerly awaiting announcements regarding new titles from Sony, including updates on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet and a sequel to Returnal. Many hope for a State of Play presentation to reveal these and other projects.

What challenges is Activision facing with Call of Duty?

Activision is experiencing declining pre-orders for the latest Call of Duty title, facing stiff competition from other franchises. The long development cycle for these games may hinder their ability to respond quickly to market changes.

What is Capcom's upcoming title about?

Capcom's upcoming title, Resident Evil Requiem, is generating excitement for its return to survival horror. Fans are also looking forward to Pragmata, which promises a fresh approach to action gaming.

Will Xbox return to making exclusive games?

While Xbox has stated a desire to move away from exclusivity, there are questions about whether they might reconsider if they become the leading third-party publisher. The future strategy remains uncertain.