The Wednesday letters page reacts to the latest Xbox layoffs and Rare being placed under Activision's control, while one reader gives their verdict on Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave.
Xbox fan concerns
One reader, Hammeriron, expresses dismay at the news that Xbox has laid off hundreds of people and that Rare is now under Activision's control. They question how long the UK's oldest developer will remain before being reduced to making skins for Call Of Duty. The reader also suggests Ninja Theory and Arkane could be shut down, and fears that The Coalition and inXile may follow, given that over 1,000 layoffs are still to come.
Hammeriron criticises Xbox's treatment of developers and says they would not consider buying a next generation Xbox, unless it 3D printed gold bars.
Doubts over Microsoft's plan
Another reader, Gifford, says they knew a rumour about more layoffs was going to be accurate, and it was confirmed hours later. They doubt that the new Gears Of War game will sell well and expect the new Fable to struggle. The Elder Scrolls 6 is described as a guaranteed hit, but the reader questions whether Microsoft would make it an exclusive, suggesting it would flop if it were, and that if it were not, everyone would buy it on PlayStation 5.
Gifford concludes that Microsoft's executives may be waiting for a golden handshake when things go wrong, while hoping for a surprise megahit, and says they would like to hear a more concrete plan but will not hold their breath.
Japanese developers contrasted
A reader, Focus, compares the behaviour of American companies like Xbox and PlayStation unfavourably with Japanese developers. They highlight Capcom's successful year, with great games, original IP, and a retro reboot, all without layoffs or negative press. The reader notes that many Japanese developers have been giving staff pay rises to retain them, which they say is the opposite of Xbox's approach, and asks whether Microsoft will learn a lesson, answering with a firm no.
Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave impressions
Korbie shares their enjoyment of Fire Emblem: Fortune’s Weave, having been persuaded by a review and positive praise. They had previously played a Game Boy Advance title but never finished it. They praise the variety of activities and number of characters, and note that Queen Theodore is their favourite so far, despite not liking her entourage. They enjoy the combat but feel it has not changed much since the Game Boy Advance days, and suggest experimenting with a more open-ended approach like Mario + Rabbids.
Destiny 2 and Marvel’s Wolverine reactions
Tomol comments on Destiny 2 suddenly not being dead, saying they thought it was all over and waiting for Sony to drop the hammer on Bungie. They express gladness that this has not happened but wish for a public announcement to make people optimistic about the future.
Badgerman gives their verdict on Marvel’s Wolverine, saying it is not a bad game and they are surprised by the hate it has received. They praise the fleshed-out story and characters, and note the combat is simple but not mindless. They give it a solid 7/10.
Cynicism over PlayStation cashback
Paradangle expresses cynicism about the new PlayStation cashback scheme, guessing it will only be used for a small number of games and end up annoying people. They say Sony has a lot of goodwill to win back.
Zelda future and other comments
Panda discusses the possibility of the Zelda series cycling between different templates, and hopes Grezzo continues to up-skill. They also mention they have yet to play Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom.
Two Macks comment on Microsoft planning more layoffs, fearing AI slop games becoming the future. Elia Etxegoien asks when Final Fantasy 17 will be out, suggesting it could take another five years.
