Nintendo has a brand new Direct coming this week, and it's a whopper of a presentation, clocking in at 45 minutes. We break down what to expect from it.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer explains that the new ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X is Microsoft's best collaboration between gaming and Windows teams.
The latest game in BioWare’s fantasy role-playing series went through ten years of development turmoil
In early November, on the eve of the crucial holiday shopping season, staffers at the video-game studio BioWare were feeling optimistic. After an excruciating development cycle, they had finally released their latest game, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and the early reception was largely positive. The role-playing game was topping sales charts on Steam, and solid, if not spectacular, reviews were rolling in.
Its easy they called the die hard fans people in their nerd caves who will buy anything and then went woke to reach modern audiences....insulting the nerds in their caves along the way showing utter contempt for their fan base. very hapy it failed and any company who insults their fan base and treat their customers with contempt and insults, in future, i also hope fail.
It’s disappointing but not surprising to see what's happening with Dragon Age: The Veilguard and the broader situation at BioWare. The layoffs are tragic — no one wants to see talented developers lose their jobs. But when studios repeatedly create games that alienate their own fanbase, outcomes like this become unfortunately predictable.
There’s a pattern we’re seeing far too often: beloved franchises are revived, only to be reshaped into something almost unrecognizable. Changes are made that no one asked for, often at the expense of what originally made these games special. Then, when long-time fans express concern or lose interest, they’re told, “This game might not be for you.” But when those same fans heed that advice and don’t buy the game, suddenly they're labeled as toxic, sexist, bigoted, or worse.
Let’s be clear: the overwhelming majority of gamers have no issue with diversity, LGBTQ+ representation, or strong female leads. In fact, some of the most iconic characters in gaming — like Aloy, Ellie, or FemShep — are proof that inclusivity and excellent storytelling can and do go hand in hand. The issue arises when diversity feels performative, forced, or disconnected from the narrative — when characters or themes are inserted not to serve the story, but to satisfy a corporate DEI checklist. Audiences can tell the difference.
When studios chase approval from a vocal minority that often doesn’t even buy games — while simultaneously dismissing loyal fans who actually do — they risk not just the success of individual titles, but the health of their entire studio. Telling your core customers “don’t buy it if you don’t like it” is not a viable business strategy. Because guess what? Many of us won’t. And when the game fails commercially, blaming those very fans for not supporting it is both unfair and self-defeating.
Gamers aren’t asking for less diversity or less progress. We’re asking for better writing, thoughtful character development, and a respect for the franchises we’ve supported for decades. When you give people great games that speak to them — whether they’re old fans or new players — they will show up. But if you keep making games for people who don’t play them, don’t be surprised when those who do stop showing up
I thought the writing and character development were fine. Sometimes things just dont resonate with people.
Next Level Racing just revealed an officially licensed flight simulation cockpit for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and MSFS 2020.
Tempting... but I have to say I am more of an arcade deluxe cab fan. I loved the ones for Galaxy Force, Thunder Blade and After Burner.
All I want is information about the SMT game announced. If its another SMTxFE they can go shove it.
I'd expect updates on Odyssey, Fire Emblem Warriors, and maybe something on Pokken. We'll see a release date for Xenoblade, if it is really coming out this year (they're still saying so but I'll be skeptical until it's in my hands). They'll highlight some of the big third party games coming this holiday, such as Skyrim, Rocket League, Sonic Forces, NBA, and FIFA. We may get a Skyrim or Rocket League amiibo. Smaller titles such as Rime, Yooka Laylee, Hallow Knight and Stardew Valley may get release dates or updates.
As for new announcements I expect at least one Wii U port. Likely either something from Platinum Games or the long-rumored Smash 4 Deluxe. I'd be shocked to see a major new game announced for Switch (unless Pikmin 4 is finally formally "announced") but we may see a smaller title or two. If there is a bigger title announced I imagine it will be from a partnership with a Japanese developer and it will be shown off further at Tokyo Game Show.
The 3DS part will include Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. It's a wildcard, but we may get a new 2D Zelda announced. I think there will be another one before they finally phase the 3DS out but I don't necessarily think it will be announced until next year. Outside of that I don't imagine there will be any big 3DS games unless they announce Mercury Steam is working on a followup to Samus Returns or something like that.
Other than that they will show off updates for both Splatoon and Arms, as well as a few upcoming system features and more info on the second batch of Zelda DLC . . . Maybe even info on Mario + Rabbids DLC. The system features and the updates for current games will be why the direct is so long.
EDIT: Maybe more info on SMT or Project Octopath Traveler as well.
Smash?