Future Titles That Will Make or Break These Game Studios
In an era of delays and microtransaction-filled disappointments, many fans are one bad title away from jumping ship. Even our most beloved game studios aren’t immune to these disappointments, but many are hopeful that some of the announced future titles will reinforce our love for the companies they used to be. Here are some of the most anticipated titles that could make or break these studios.
Starfield
Starfield, the first new original IP from Bethesda Game Studios in a very long time, was originally scheduled to be released in November of 2022 but was delayed until an unlisted date in 2023. While some may be upset due to this delay, especially since the studio hasn’t had a delay in over a decade, a majority of gamers were relieved in knowing that the game would be getting additional time.
Bethesda has had a rocky relationship with its fanbase over the past several years. Without Fallout 4 not meeting everyone’s expectations—while still being a fantastic game—followed by the atrocity that was Fallout 76, fans of the Fallout franchise and The Elder Scrolls franchise have both been waiting long enough for a solid game. But many were surprised to hear that the studio would be making an original game to go along with their favorites.
While this is exciting, it also sets Bethesda up for massive backlash if it fails. This could be the saving grace or the straw that breaks the deathclaw’s back as far as many are concerned.
Grand Theft Auto VI
While Rockstar may not be in the worst place in the world in regards to their public image, it could be better. One of the biggest gripes people have with the studio is the fact that the last GTA game was released a decade ago in 2013 and, while being widely regarded as one of the best games of all time, has since been milked to death. The game has received multiple re-releases across three generations of consoles while the online mode has continued to operate as a cash cow for the studio.
True, 2018’s Red Dead Redemption 2 was outstanding on every front, but that was nearly four years ago now and the online mode is already dead, likely because Rockstar couldn’t find a way to monetize it for every penny it was worth. Then you throw the buggy, ugly, disaster of a remake collection into the mix and fans are getting tired of it.
Here’s hoping GTA VI will be worth the wait.
The Witcher 4
The Witcher 3 is one of the most immersive, detailed, and well-made open-world RPGs in the history of gaming. Many of us took off work and school just to continue playing, refusing to leave our homes and using services like Lean Kitchen Company and food delivery to maintain Geralt’s journey.
That’s why it was such a shocking disappointment when Cyberpunk 2077 was finally released filled with game-breaking bugs, glitches, and half the features that were promised. Even after two years of patches and updates, it’s still not what many of us were expecting, and any goodwill towards the company has suffered because of it. “It will release when it’s ready” suddenly felt like a slap to the face.
CD Projekt Red was quick to announce that work was underway for their next project, The Witcher 4, after their stocks dropped to a quarter of what they used to be. Fans will have their eyes on the studio for a long time, and it will take an amazingly polished and fleshed-out game to scrub the dirt off their reputation.
Make or Break Time
While we are apprehensive about many of these upcoming titles and their respective studios, we can’t deny that we’re excited at the same time. It’s make or break time, so here’s hoping they deliver the goods.