The Monday letters page discusses concerns that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 could be a significant flop, following last year's underperformance, while GTA 6 pre-orders generate excitement.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Flop Concerns
Reader Taylor Moon warns that Modern Warfare 4 may fail, noting that Call of Duty has lacked direction for years and coasted on its name. They argue that a flop would lead to job losses for hundreds or thousands of workers, as the franchise is too big to fail quietly but may face a long, painful decline. Moon emphasises that despite hopes for the series' end, its popularity means it will persist for at least a decade even as a dead man walking.
GTA 6 Pre-Order Excitement
Reader Shahzaib Sadiq expresses immense anticipation for GTA 6's pre-order date on June 25, calling it the highlight of last week. They plan to purchase the collector's edition, despite potential high costs, noting it's their first ever such buy. Sadiq criticises nitpicking over a trailer lacking daylight but hopes for a third trailer and that the game is included in the collector's edition. Another reader, Flint, notes that GTA 6's price and editions will be revealed on Thursday, praising Rockstar's secrecy.
Pre-Ordering for Budgeting Reasons
Reader David explains that pre-ordering helps with budgeting amid rising bills for energy and food. He says pre-ordering guarantees affordability and prevents spending money elsewhere, with £130 set aside in his PSN wallet for GTA 6. He argues that while gaming costs rise, so does the cost of living, making pre-orders a practical choice.
Studio Closures and Nintendo's Record
Reader Anon notes that Sony has closed 14 studios since 2012, Microsoft 12 since 2007, and Nintendo zero. They suggest independent studios should be wary of acquisition by Sony or Microsoft, as many studios are later shut down. Anon prefers Nintendo's approach of not buying studios just to close them, citing the importance of learning from history.
Commodore 64 Documentary Kickstarter
Reader Andrew J. highlights the Kickstarter for the Commodore 64: The Birth of a Cultural Icon documentary, from the makers of The PlayStation Revolution and The Rubber Keyed Wonder. He backed the physical copy and notes the digital option is cheaper, appealing to Commodore fans.
IO Interactive and Mission: Impossible
Reader Diem suggests that if Amazon takes the Bond licence from IO Interactive, the studio could pursue a Mission: Impossible game. They note Tom Cruise's potential interest as the film series ends, but prefer Bond due to its history. Diem praises 007 First Light as their game of the year.
Nintendo N64 Remakes and Future Plans
Reader Vate questions Nintendo's strategy with two N64 remakes this year: Star Fox and Zelda: Ocarina of Time. They see Star Fox as a test for interest in a new game, while Ocarina of Time is universally accepted. Vate wonders if Nintendo will use remakes like Wii U ports for Switch 1, but worries that large teams spending years on remakes could delay new games. They suggest Majora's Mask and F-Zero GX as potential future remakes.
Other Reader Comments
Sanders finds Saros frustrating despite good action, preferring Returnal. Rinda notes a rumour that Gears Of War: E-Day has a $400 million budget, finding it shocking that such a figure isn't instantly dismissed, especially for an Xbox console exclusive.
