Games Inbox: What’s Next in the Next State of Play?

The letters section on Tuesday expresses concern that Forza Horizon 6 might be discontinued within a few years, with one reader questioning whether Xbox will ever return to developing exclusive titles.

To participate in the conversations yourself, emailgamecentral@Muara Digital Team.co.uk

Speak up

There has been much discussion aboutthe next Nintendo Directbut what about Sony, which also typically holds a State of Play in September? They’ve already held one forGhost Of Yōtei, so I believe a new overall one could be quite beneficial.

They have remained so silent for such an extended period that they must understand people are growing tired of them, and this is the moment to attempt to regain fan support. More importantly, they likely have a collection of projects nearly complete, allowing for some genuine updates to be shared.

We know Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophetis progressing, and they mentioned a Returnal sequelSarosis coming out next year. Who knows what’s happening withWolverinebut certainly it must be far enough by now that they can display it?

Sony has been so quiet for such a long time that it’s difficult to recall what they were like during the PlayStation 4 era, but it definitely wasn’t always this way. I’ve stopped hoping they can return to their previous state, but surely we can at least find some middle ground and, you know… reveal some new games.

Rendel

Reaction time

The is quite excited aboutCall of Duty: Black Ops 7 pre-orders are performing very poorly. Being defeated by Battlefield 6 is one thing, but a Metal Gear Solid remake, a basketball game, and Borderlands 4? And just a few days after pre-orders were announced. The alarm bells at Activision must be ringing loudly right now, but what can they do?

If a game currently requires at least five years to develop, then next year’s Call Of Duty is already four-fifths complete, and the 2027 version is more than half finished. It will take years before Activision can respond to this, and by that time, it’s uncertain what the circumstances will be.

Some of the rumors suggesting that Activision was foolish for not supporting other franchises could be more accurate than they realize.

Korbie

Direct remake

Of all the updates I’m anticipating from Nintendo right now, I think aSwitch 2 Version of Xenoblade Chronicles 2must be among the best, alongside another 1-2-Switch. But if you enjoy it, that’s fine; I’m pretty sure we won’t get an entire Direct dedicated to it.

Considering the dates, I’d say a Super Mario Bros 40th anniversary theme is likely the focus, and through that, we’ll get the legendary secret Christmas Switch 2 game. I expect it to be a collection or perhaps a remaster, but you can’t really dispute such a significant anniversary.

If Nintendo is open to taking risks, I would really enjoy a 2.5D version of the original game, but I’m not certain they’d put in that much effort. I would purchase that, but I’m not sure about another straightforward re-release.

Tony T.

Email your comments to: gamecentral@Muara Digital Team.co.uk

Like buses

You wait for years, only for two of your most anticipated games with unclear release dates to come out just two days apart.

Hollow Knight: Silksong, which has a somewhat shadowy release date set for September 4th, was followed a few days later by the game I purchased my VR headset for, Aces Of Thunder, which is scheduled for a September 2nd launch (as listed on its PSN page) for PlayStation VR2 and SteamVR.

Both hopefully coinciding with the weather becoming cooler and my desire for extended gaming sessions coming back. Anything above 25 and I’m generally done.

I have a comfortable pair of sweatpants prepared and am excited to get into this amazing hobby known as gaming.

Simundo

Expiry date

I’m fully in favor of aForza Horizon 6 set in Japan. Even though I’m unsure about its authenticity since the developer is from Britain. Forza Horizon is an excellent series, but the issue is that due to licensed cars, the games are only available for three or four years before being removed from sale.

It’s no longer possible to purchase that particular set in the UK, and that’s ridiculous. I hope they come up with alternative, fake vehicles that can be used once the licensed ones are no longer available. Or maybe they could do the opposite and bring the maps into the next game. Leaving everything to be erased after just a few hours feels like a big waste.

I’m not sure what a complete set of Forza Horizon games on disc costs right now, but it’s probably quite expensive. Here’s hoping Forza Horizon 6 won’t exist in a few years.

Tuner

Excitement times three

Capcom fully deserves all the acclaim and consistent praise they are receiving. They are achieving remarkable things, and with the Tokyo Game Show approaching, I am very excited to see what they will unveil. I’ll admit that I’m extremely thrilled about Resident Evil Requiem. More than I’ve ever been for any Resident Evil game.

The village, in my opinion, was underwhelming. Even the most praised part loses its appeal at first, leaving action scenes to dominate. This one appears magically new and genuinely trying to move towards a survival horror direction. I have a feeling we haven’t seen everything yet, and I’m very excited about it. My pre-order is already confirmed.

Pragmata is truly captivating. It will also be showcased at the event, naturally. I have been tracking this action game and it’s safe to say it’s invigorating. Dragon’s Dogma 2 let many down, and I would argue that Monster Hunter Wilds is already in trouble, but that’s an understatement. Therefore, saying that Pragmata is unique, bold, and generates significant interest is indeed a reflection of Capcom’s promotional efforts.

Onimusha is a series I have never played even a single moment of. I had never heard of it until Capcom announced a remake. Therefore, I am completely unfamiliar with the entire franchise. I’ll be honest, it seems to me that it’s quite similar to the Nioh series. However, since I haven’t played it, I don’t have enough knowledge to make a judgment. I’m confident it will be enjoyable to experience.

I’ll say that I’m more excited about Requiem than any other release. However, it seems everyone feels the same way, to some extent. It really looks amazing, and seeing a ruined Raccoon City, along with a potential return for Leon Kennedy (my favorite character), makes it even more appealing. I just hope Capcom opens pre-orders for Pragmata and Requiem soon. They might come out in 2026, but I can’t wait too long. I’m too eager.

Shahzaib Sadiq

GC: Onimusha is not a re-release, but an entirely new title. It also does not fall into the Soulslike category.

Marathon vs. Snickers

Will you be evaluating the newest Teenage Mutant Hero-Ninja Turtles game titled Tactical Takedown?

Apparently, it was released in May this year (digital-only so far) but I’ve only just heard about it.

LeighDappa

GC:It was scheduled to launch on Switch earlier this month, when we planned to review it, but it was pushed back at the last moment. It finally released yesterday, but I’ll need to wait in line again, following Gamescom. Also… it’s been over four decades since it was called Hero Turtles, so you should move on.

Comeback plan

As people speculate about what Nintendo has planned for next year, I believe we must acknowledge that among the three console manufacturers, Xbox currently has the strongest lineup of games, both now and in the coming years.

The irony is that its console sales are practically nonexistent, but my question is, if Xbox becomes the most popular third-party publisher, which it already somewhat is with titles like Call Of Duty and Bethesda, would they ever think about returning to creating consoles and exclusive games?

I’m aware that they’re launching a next-generation console, but I don’t think it will be anything more than a costly treat for dedicated fans.

But if they control game sales for a few years, as it appears they might, will they attempt to revert to plan A and challenge Sony directly? It would seem quite unusual to me if they become the leading game publisher and still rely on the PlayStation brand to sell their products.

I’m aware that they claim they want to eliminate game exclusives, but I’m certain that’s just their way of speaking since they’re currently in a disadvantaged position. I’d like to see them make a strong return and try again.

Cribbins

Inbox also-rans

Whatever it is Sony is attempting to convey (or avoid conveying) in thatdiscussion about Concord, it doesn’t seem to me that they’ve learned anything. How were they not conducting ‘group testing’ before? It’s an online shooter, it’s practically impossible not to.

Baggy

If Lego create a Mega DriveOr Dreamcast console, I’ll be there on day one. By that, I mean I’ll ask for it for Christmas and hope my wife is in a generous mood.

Hexus

Email your comments to: gamecentral@Muara Digital Team.co.uk

The small print

New messages arrive in the inbox each weekday morning, while unique Hot Topic Inboxes are available on weekends. Letters from readers are selected based on their quality and may be shortened or altered for content.

You may also send your own 500 to 600-word Reader’s Feature anytime through email or our website.Submit Stuff page, which if utilized will appear in the next available weekend time slot.

You can also share your thoughts in the comments section and don’t forget tofollow us on Twitter.

Comment now Comments

Register for the GameCentral newsletter from the Muara Digital Team to receive unique insights, new game releases, and additional community materials.