Layoffs in Gaming (Current State of the Gaming Industry)

[Qwark]

Chrkeller said:

Graphics are not going anywhere. PC via ultra settings are already a generational leap on the ps5. Meaning today's games are already programmed beyond the ps5 capabilities.

Industry needs to do a few things:
1) digital only
2) day 1 multiple platform release
3) less cut scenes and cinematic
4) cut the fluff (stop silly mini games, drop worthless collectibles, reduce side quests)

Free market is strong. Companies will make adjustments and everything will.be fine. Graphics will continue to be pushed.  Anyone who thinks I'm crazy, I will happily make a bet.  The ps6 will be launched and will be significantly more powerful than the ps5. 

Whilst I agree with the pc part, to me it's not really a gen ahead. Most PC games simply look like the crossgen port of a PS5 game. Kind a the difference between God of War Ragnarok or Horizon Forbidden West on PS4 compared to PS4. Yes it looks better and visually more appealing, but to say it looks far better, the only game that was really the case for this gen is Cyberpunk.

Problem is running that game with everything on Ultra takes a lot more than what most people game on. Most people don't have a RTX4080 in their pc. Graphics on high budget titles will be pushed, but more and more titles will compromise on graphics.

Persona 3, Final Fantasy 7 rebirth, Helldivers 2, Infinite Wealth don't seem to pursue high quality graphics and most of those are still selling pretty well. Sure games like The Witcher and GTAVI can put a lot more money in graphical features, since they are expected to sell 20 million plus in the year they launch.

However for smaller IP's a budget of 100 million plus already is not feasible and you then end up with titles that look like they can run on PS4 in 30fps. Doesn't seem like 90% of the console crowd cares though and considering how Elden Ring looks and plays the oc crowd doesnt really care either.

Most Japanese publishers are already dropping out of the graphics race, even Square with FFVII Rebirth looking less impressive than FF16. Since they know the game will sell 8 million max and not all units are sold at full price. So why bother with a 200 million budget, knowing that each game nets you around 35 dollar revenue. After all 30% goes to Sony and Steam and a lot of those units aren't sold at full price.