The latest Games Inbox sees readers speculate on the future of Fallout, debate the marketing of GTA 6, and consider a modern take on Zelda 2. One reader, Tom Meadows, suggests that Fallout 5 could explore society rebuilding itself, moving beyond the typical post-apocalyptic setting.
Post-Post-Apocalyptic Fallout
Tom Meadows writes that while Microsoft making franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Minecraft Xbox console exclusives seems crazy, Fallout is often discussed as if a new entry is imminent. However, with The Elder Scrolls 6 still at least two years away, he fears he could be "dead of old age" before Fallout 5 arrives. He acknowledges remakes and a spin-off are coming but argues they won't push the series forward.
Assuming Fallout 5 appears in about five years, well into the next generation, Meadows believes most people found Fallout 4 disappointing because it wasn't very different from Fallout 3 once base-building was removed. He suggests it's time to show society rebuilding itself, with people picking up trash, knocking down ruined buildings, and constructing new ones. This would still be post-apocalyptic but would offer a rare sight of things starting to improve, potentially introducing characters who profited from the status quo and resist change.
GTA 6 Marketing and Excitement
Another reader, Paulie, comments on the removal of guns from GTA 6 posters, even in the US, questioning if Rockstar is trying to appear family friendly. Given the amount of nudity in the game, he thinks this is a bad idea that could invite criticism from the moral majority. Based on the Netflix preview, he believes the game's morals remain the same as always, with a "dog eats dog" approach, which he considers a good thing for GTA.
David expresses immense excitement for GTA 6 as the countdown reaches 30 days, noting it's been 13 years since GTA 5. He plans to play for eight hours straight at midnight on 19th November when the game unlocks. Another reader, Shambling, wonders what constitutes a successful launch for Rockstar, speculating on budgets and sales figures. GC responds that the budget is unknown, but the marketing budget is believed to be $150 million, a normal amount for a big-budget movie. GC adds that a mature rating didn't hurt previous games and that GTA 6 will be the biggest entertainment launch in history.
Zelda 2 as Inspiration
Zeiss responds to a Reader's Feature on the next mainline Zelda, initially skeptical about focusing on combat but now seeing sense in it. He notes that Zelda 2 was the most combat-focused mainline game, and a modern action role-player inspired by it could work. He prefers less story emphasis, arguing players make the stories, and suggests looking to Elden Ring rather than The Witcher 3 for inspiration, as FromSoftware's approach seems like a dark take on Zelda.
Other Reader Topics
Andrew J. counters a claim that Kickstarter funding is wasteful, citing successful games like Hollow Knight and Beacon Pines. He also backed the System Shock 1 remake, which received a 9 from Edge magazine, noting Edge can be harsh. Austin attributes Call Of Duty's problems to Modern Warfare 3, which he says was rushed DLC, and supports ending the Modern Warfare series. Scooter doubts Minecraft would become an Xbox exclusive, and Denbo expresses nostalgia over a Zelda: Ocarina Of Time pre-order box.
