It depends on where you set the bar, @Sakai, you have to remember all the issues there were when the Series consoles and the PS5 launched, COVID, scalping, you name it. It was a very rocky start for both platforms. Also, it really is tracking very close to the PS4, yet there are many good reasons not to bother upgrading at all, including that pretty much all games are cross generational, and the price of the PS4 went down as the generation progressed, whereas the opposite has happened with the PS5 (and the Series consoles).
The PS5 has already surpassed the PS4 in terms of revenue from sales of the console, and is still selling very well. Each year the PS5 is gaining on the total of PS4 sales, and is predicted to overtake it by the end of the generation (when they stop making it).
So yes, it is tracking slightly behind the PS4, but there are so many factors in play that demonstrate the PS5 is selling well despite them all. Year on year, the PS5 is down 15% on sales, which is to be expected at this point in the cycle, whereas Xbox sales have tanked by 39% on last years numbers, which itself was down by 29% on 2023.
Believe me, I'm Xbox through and through, but I'm not delusional about how things are. Xbox, in terms of console sales, is falling through the floor, and you can bet your house on the fact that Microsoft would kill to be just 15% down year on year, because they have done worse than that for sometime now...
Honestly, @fatpunkslim, I think it is a bit rich to suggest that the PS5 is in decline. Yes, that statement could very easily be applied to the Xbox consoles, but not to Sony's.
Back in September, Sony had sold 84.2 million consoles, which is higher than the best selling Xbox of all time, which was the Xbox 360, which had sold 84 million, and we know that since then the PS5 has sold pretty well. Indeed, it is believed that the PS5 will hit 100 million sales during the course of 2026, and this is despite the issues faced at launch, the fact that we are nearing the end of the generation, and of course despite the fact that most games, until recently, have been cross-generation meaning that a sizable percentage of PlayStation gamers have actually remained on their PS4's because for many, the perceived generational improvements are negligible.
In all honesty, decline would mean that Sony is selling fewer consoles, but when compared to the PS4, they are not far behind at all. Yes, the PC market it the fastest growing corner of gaming, but to suggest that the PlayStation, of all consoles, is the one in decline is somewhat disingenuous. The PS5 is pretty much on par with PS4 sales, despite it costing more, and the price having increased, rather than decreased as in previous generations.
Basically, I would entirely agree that Xbox console sales are in serious decline, but I don't think it fair at all to suggest the same of the PS5...
I'd be really interested to see those polls you speak of, @fatpunkslim, but specifically those that were done after recently after Game Pass subscription costs went up so dramatically.
We've seen much talk of people ending their subscriptions, and also switching to Premium or Essential, meaning they will not get to play the game day one without either upgrading their subscriptions or buying the game outright.
Speaking on a personal level, I couldn't give a monkeys that I could play it either via Cloud or via Play Anywhere, because I game on a home console, and only a home console. Thus these 'perks' are of absolutely no use to me whatsoever. Are they an advantage to those that are able to make use of them? Absolutely! However that will be a tiny minority of people, not the vast majority.
Like I say, and I maybe wrong in this, but I think that you do utilise Play Anywhere, and also game via Cloud. I think this because you keep mentioning it as an advantage, but if, like me, you only gamed on an Xbox home console, you would not see any advantage in them at all. Nice for other people, but useless for yourself.
As for being able to play PlayStation games on a handheld or on the PCBox, that is/will be true, but if you are playing them via Steam, then they are not really within the Xbox ecosystem, are they? I mean, good luck with earning achievements that way! However, I do accept that they can, or will be possible to, be played that way...
You say they are supported by facts, @fatpunkslim, and you are correct. However, if you go by that way of thinking, then in 2023, you would have said, 'no Xbox exclusives have released on the PlayStation'. Yet look at us now! You simply cannot rely on what has happened up until now, and just assume that is the way it will always be...
That's exactly my thinking, @Weebleman. I really don't think that we can look at what Microsoft have done in the past, and extrapolate from that this is what Microsoft will do in the future. If we went with that way of thinking, then Xbox would still have exclusives, and Forza 6 would never be even mentioned in the same sentence as PlayStation.
As for Fable, I agree. Current rumours suggest that they have been working on the PlayStation port of the game for quite a while now, and indeed, that maybe why the game was internally delayed for Xbox too. I think we will potentially know this month not just when the game will release on the Xbox, but also on the PlayStation, and my money is day and date on both...
Assuming that the game releases early this year, then I think it will be on the PS5 this year, @Kezelpaso. I think 6 months after initial release tops. Microsoft will want to capitalise on the success of 5, and quite possibly want to have the game on the PlayStation in time for the Christmas sales.
Whether it releases on the PlayStation is entirely dependant on when it releases on the Xbox/PC. If the game is out prior to May this year, then I think it will hit PlayStation late this year. If it releases on the Xbox late this year, then yes, it will likely hit the PlayStation next year...
You will be shocked to read that I don't agree with you, @fatpunkslim:
1. Playing it day one - if you buy it or are subscribed to Ultimate Game Pass.
2. A timed exclusive of at least one year - highly doubtful in my opinion. I would think it will be no more than 6 months. We may actually find out on the 22nd of this month during the showcase.
3. No extra cost thanks to Game Pass - other than the cost of Ultimate, that is! So that's an additional £22 per in the UK per month, or $30 in the US per month. So not really no extra cost, though I accept that most of us will already be signed up to Game Pass. However, the game is most likely to be Day One only on Ultimate, which many of us are not signed up to.
4. Xbox Play Anywhere: one purchase lets you play on Xbox console, PC, cloud, etc. - An absolutely useless advantage if you only game on a home console. Nice for those that do want to utilise it though.
5. That’s a lot of benefits for Xbox players. Well, perhaps one or two!
6. And for Xbox, bringing their games to other consoles helps fund future Xbox titles and, importantly, keeps the franchise alive. - This I do agree with...
I can see where you are coming from, matey. I really can. However, I do think you tend to look at things through the lens of your own circumstances, rather than how many of us experience Xbox. If you only game on a console, don't use Cloud, either don't have Game Pass, or don't have Ultimate, then your only recourse is to buy the game in order to play it...
Unfortunately, @nomither6, I can very much foresee the possibility where only Nintendo and Sony are the only ones making consoles. I highly doubt that anyone else will enter that space, other than perhaps Valve, if you count their impending Steam Box.
I do think that Microsoft will be successful at producing games as a regular cadence, although I do also think that they need to up the quality if they are to be truly successful in the long run.
I have a massive digital Xbox library (more that 1600 games), and so I want Xbox to succeed in the console space because they are my primary console. However, the rumours of a delay for the PCBox has me spooked, and it may indeed spook investors too. It just may be that market conditions, coupled with the precarious position that Xbox (as a console) finds itself in does mean that the PCBox maybe seen as a risk not worth taking. I hope I am wrong, and the sooner we see something concrete on exactly what the PCBox is, and when it will release, the better. Until then, I don't think the future is set as far as Xbox is concerned...
I think just Path Of Exile 2 for me. I've not played the first one, but do own it. It's very much the type of game that I enjoy, and being as it is free-to-play, what's to lose...?
I have to say I completely disagree, @nomither6. Microsoft may have deep pockets, but they did not get that way by continuously throwing money into a pointless venture. Microsoft are beholden to their investors, and if those investors see consoles (of any type) being a pointless avenue, you can guarentee that Microsoft will quickly change tack.
The worst possible scenario right now is if Microsoft delay the PCBox, because if they do that, there is an enormous chance that they will just decide not to proceed with it at all. If RAM prices affect the overall cost of the PCBox too much, there is every chance that Microsoft will seek to delay the device, and then odds on they will simply cancel the project...
I agree that PC gaming is much easier these days than it was when I started gaming on a PC (for the second time) in 2013, @nomither6. However, anyone that tries to argue that gaming on a PC is as easy as gaming on a console is not being truthful. Problems do continue to exist, though they are outweighed by the affordability of games on storefronts such as Steam, and of course the fact that there are far, far more games available.
Regardless, that was not really the point of my comment. My issue is that I cannot see how it is a sensible thing for Microsoft to be doing financially. Is it good for gamers to have access to these storefronts? I would argue yes. Will it have unforeseen ramifications for Xbox? I would argue no, purely because the issues this causes Xbox are pretty clear to be seen. Opening up the Xbox to multiple storefronts is likely to lose Microsoft billions in sales, and could easily hasten the demise of Xbox as a console (taking Game Pass with it), and whilst Microsoft will have a fantastic future as a games developer and publisher, it will see an end of an era as far as Xbox consoles are concerned...
I'd love you to be right, @Master_Cthulhu70, and I have said time, and time again, that allowing Steam on the next Xbox makes little financial sense because buying games on Steam is nearly always cheaper, and when it is not cheaper, it is the same price.
Brand new games on Steam are frequently, £10 cheaper (or more) upon release, and games that enter Steam sales are pretty much always cheaper than in an Xbox sale.
We know that Steam take a 30% cut from game sales too, and whilst it is always possible for Microsoft to negotiate a better deal with Valve, you'd firstly have thought that Microsoft would have done that already, were Valve so minded, but also have to ask, why would Valve want to do that? What's in it for Valve, particularly with the imminent release of the Steam Box?
I have argued many times that none of this makes sense, but Sarah Bond has stated that the next Xbox will have multiple store fronts, which I think will undoubtedly include Steam. Personally, I don't want it, and personally, I think it a decision that will have profound negative consequences for Xbox, but she is the Xbox President, and I have to feel that she is more in the know, than myself, regarding these things. Basically, if she says that it's happening, then I guess that it is. That said, she has not said, one way or the other, whether having multiple store fronts on the next Xbox is going to impact Xbox negatively financially, or be financially ruinous for Xbox (or at the very least, exceptionally reckless), she has only stated that it will be happening.
As I have said on repeat, I just want the next Xbox to be better than the X (which I am very happy with). I don't want all the aggravation that come with PC gaming, I just want that streamlined console experience that I have always enjoyed with my Xbox...
Another game for PC Game Pass! No doubt, as if there were any, as to the direction that Microsoft want us to take. I'd love to see a comparison of the games available on Game Pass for consoles and those available on PC Game Pass...
I've been playing King Arthur: Knight's Tale on my Series X. I have had it in my library for well over a year, but not played it, and where I had been playing Warhammer: Chaos Gate in order to scratch my XCOM itch without actually playing XCOM, the bugs eventually wore me down, so I opted for Knight's Tale instead, and have to say I am really enjoying it.
I'm currently on my 11th mission, some of which take an hour or more, and it amazes me the level of replayability the game has, which is down to those Knight's that you can recruit, which is dependant on the decisions you make. No bugs, which is nice, and challenging combat that tests your strategic capabilities on the harder difficulties. Thus far, I would recommend it...
How do we know it will be all, @Darylb88? It entirely depends on how Microsoft approach this as to whether it just certain titles, or indeed, all titles. We just do not know yet which it will be...
I am hoping that E-Day does get a full reveal in June, followed immediately by a deep dive, and then a release in September, which is the usual release window for Gears of War, @LordDieALot.
Thus, my thinking is as follows:
May: Forza
July: Fable (although I still think it will be delayed until next year)
August (or June if Fable is delayed): Halo: Combat Remastered
September: Gears Of War: E-day
October: Call of Duty as it will want to avoid the November release of GTA 6.
There is still a possibility that we will see Fallout 3: Remastered this year, and maybe even Gears of War 2: Reloaded, if we are really lucky...
My biggest concern is that of the £1566.37 that I spent on games alone in 2025, @OldGamer999, £1,103.90 was spent buying Xbox games (the remaining £462.47 was spent on my PS5, and that included 2 Collector's Editions that cost of £439.98).
That's a lot of games added to my Xbox library (I only bought the Doom Collector's Edition on my Xbox at a cost of £199.99, so the £903.91 is made up of individual games), and I just don't know whether I will be able to access them properly (natively) on the next Xbox.
Am I right to keep buying my games on the Xbox where I am uncertain what the future holds, or should I just begin to build my PlayStation library, where I bought a total of 4 games last year?
I just want some proper answers, rather than a lot of hyperbole about what we might get, but which might just turn out to be spin and hot air.
I just want to know what is happening with E-Day, and then EXACTLY what Microsoft are doing for the next generation, and EXACTLY when it is happening. Then I can settle down knowing that I am doing the right thing in continuing to buy my games on the Xbox...
I did sit through the entire show (albeit on delay, so I was able to skip through some of it)
There were some very cool games, some of which are PC first and maybe console later if we are lucky. Of particular interest to me were:
1. Blind Descent
2. The Blood of Dawnwalker
3. Aphelion
4. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn
5.Avowed
6.Outward 2
7.The CUBE
8. Dark Light: Survivor
9. Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy
10. Crimson Desert
(I may have missed one or two off as I'm struggling to remember them all, and it was getting pretty late come the end. Gone midnight).
My top 5 from the show were:
1. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn - Just looks like everything, and more, that we want to see in the next Mass Effect. Looks so, so good. Cannot come soon enough. Definitely a Day One buy for me.
2. Crimson Desert - Looks like The Witcher, but with insane graphics. Very cool. Another Day One buy for me.
3. The Blood of Dawnwalker - Not sure that it will be that different from other games, but it does look like it will do it all well. Yet another Day One buy for me (I can see my Bank Manager getting annoyed with me once more).
4. Aphelion - Looks a bit like Returnal, so if you haven't had chance to play it, then this will scratch that itch.
5.The CUBE - Just looks absolutely crazy (and good!), from the world of Atomic Heart. Excited for this.
6.Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy - More Warhammer, what's not to like?
All in all, I thought it was a very good show. Pretty interesting, though it was too long. I'd prefer they did the show in an hour long format, even if that meant they would do one a month. A good start though...
I hope you are sitting down, because this will shock you, @FraserG. It's just been announced that Avowed is going to the PlayStation, and that pre-orders are available now. I know, right! Who'd have thunk it... 😂
Feeling very disillusioned right now, @ILuvGames. Usually Gears of War releases around September time, and so I guess there is the chance that we will see it show up at the June Summer Showcase, but right now, June feels an eternity away, so I am extremely disappointed in its apparent absence from the January Showcase.
Unfortunately, I have my doubts regarding it putting in a surprise appearance at this months Developer Direct as I think they would have used it to advertise the Showcase, because it is a big draw...
I think if Gears Of War: E-day is going to release this year, then it will be in around September, because Call of Duty is likely to be released in October, as it won't want to release in November alongside GTA 6.
All of that means that Fable and Forza will need to release by August at the latest. Thus, as much as I still feel that Fable will be delayed to 2027, if it is going to release this year, I'd guess a July release, with Forza coming out in May.
That still leaves Halo, which maybe targeting a June or August release.
Obviously, Fallout 3: Remastered could also release, and as we have been hearing rumours of it for a while, maybe it will release in around April, as it maybe further along than we think.
Has to be said, if Xbox can release all of those titles this year (and they are actually any good!) then they will have done very well.
The next question, and one I am particularly interested to see answered, is just when will each of those hit the PlayStation? Day One, or after a short period of exclusivity...?
I think that Fable and Forza will need to release by August at the latest. Thus, as much as I still feel that Fable will be delayed to 2027, if it is going to release this year, I'd guess a July release, with Forza coming out in May.
My reasoning is that I think if Gears Of War: E-day is going to release this year, then it will be in around September, which is the usual time for it's release. Also it will release in September because Call of Duty is likely to be released in October, as it won't want to release in November alongside GTA 6.
If you include Halo in the mix, then that maybe targeting a June or August release.
Obviously, Fallout 3: Remastered could also release, and as we have been hearing rumours of it for a while, maybe it will release in around April, as it maybe further along than we think.
The next question, and one I am particularly interested to see answered, is just when will each of those hit the PlayStation? Day One, or after a short period of exclusivity...?
Have to say, I am beyond disappointed to see no mention of Gears Of War: E-Day. I was hoping to see some kind of gameplay reveal, and a potential release window...
Not going to lie, @HeavyHoggJP, I'm shocked (and stoked!) to see Fable in the Showcase. Now it just depends on whether the Showcase is sticking to all the games being out this year, or not...
Yes, @ILuvGames! It really is very cool when you meet someone as passionate about Gears of War as yourself. I think they will do a Collector's Edition of E-Day, as they did one for Doom and Indy, so it makes sense to do another. My hope is that they make it available in the UK this time, as I had to import my CE for Gears 5 because for some reason it was only available in the US.
I'm also quietly hoping that they do a Series X console too, as even though we will soon be getting the PCBox, I will still buy a Collector's Gears of War: E-Day Series X console. My Gears of War 3 360 (I actually have 2!) and my Xbox One Gears of War 4 console do still work, as do the controllers, plus I bought extra controllers for them both too. Being somewhat older, I do tend to look after my stuff, and so everything is still in good condition. I haven't even opened the boxes on most for most of my Collector's Editions.
As an aside, I do have the Halo 360 console, and the game that came with the life-sized helmet (I forget which one it is now). Although I do really enjoy Halo, for me it takes a backseat to Gears of War...
Absolutely agree, @ILuvGames. To my mind, the Mad World trailer for Gears of War 3 is probably one of, of not the, all time greatest reveal trailers and theme.
I play Horde with my youngest son (22) and a mate each weekend, and we do a Master Horde with just the 3 of us in Gears 5. It's easily my favourite mode. I don't touch the PvP at all. I tried it once or twice when the first game came out, but it wasn't for me. It's Horde that I am most looking forward to in E-Day. I'm excited to see how it evolves, and what enemies we will face. There should be no robots, at least, which suits me as they are the biggest pain in the backside in Horde, and have ended many a run for us.
I play through all the campaigns on an annual basis, and have all the Collector's Editions available, plus both of the Gears of War Consoles. I have GoW blankets, and also the huge Chainsaw Lancer replica (which is about 5ft long!). I also have a canvas from Gears of War 3 featuring the dynamic foursome that is 6ft by 4ft, I just don't have a wall big enough to put it on! Lastly, I also have two of the limited edition life-sized Locust busts that are numbered and cost £500 each, and are now worth around £1500 each. So when I say I love my Gears of War, I really do mean it...! 🤣
Loved Fallout 3 when it first came out, and have played through New Vegas a few times. Will happily play through them again. Just have to hope that it is not such a sloppy port as Oblivion was.
I've not played Starcraft, but do love me a shooter, and Sci-Fi, so I'm pretty keen to see that game confirmed, and to see it in action.
I'm a huge fan of all the Wolfenstein games, and have enjoyed all of them including New Blood. The only one that I did not enjoy was the one that featured Beavis and Butthead as those two were easily the most annoying duo in gaming history...!
I think the big 3 will be there; Gears, Halo and Forza. Still don't think we will see Fable at this particular showcase, as it tends to focus on games coming out within the next 12 months, and I just cannot see Fable managing that.
I think some firm release dates is what I most want to see from the showcase, though I'd love to see Clockwork Revolution there too...
With the likes of GTA 6 and a huge 12 months for Microsoft & Xbox on the cards, it's looking like next year could be a big one for gaming - not only in the UK, but worldwide as well.
Next year, @Kezelpaso? Or this year? Or do you also think that GTA 6 will be delayed into 2027...? 🤔
I am looking to hold out until the third game is released as I assume that when they do they will release a bundle containing all 3 games. When they do, I dread to think how big the download will be, although I imagine that they will enable each game to be downloaded individually. Bundles are usually the cheapest way of getting games too, which is just an added bonus.
I've not played any Final Fantasy game ever, and haven't played that many JRPGs either. Indeed, the last one I played was Metaphor, which I found a little irritating at times due mostly to all the inane conversations you had to engage in. That's probably me, and probably a cultural thing, but is that how this remake plays, or is it more Westernised than Metaphor?
Does anyone happen to know what the cheapest price the first game has been on the PlayStation? I'm just wondering whether the current offer is an offer too good to be missed, or whether it will be repeated, or indeed beaten, at some future point. Thanks...
I'm not going to lie, @ILuvGames, I'd prefer them to have finished with the current trilogy before moving on to E-Day, but I am looking forward to see how they deal with the story. I'm going to assume that we will see some new characters that may end up being killed off in a few games time, unless they rigidly keep to just Dom and Marcus. Or whether the campaign will follow two stories, one with Dom and Marcus, and the other with Cole and Baird. Obviously the two duos don't meet until 14 years after E-Day, so that cannot happen in this game.
Interestingly, Cole actually has the most tumultuous E-Day, because his entire family is killed during that period, so to some extent, his story would be pretty interesting, if not somewhat bleak.
I cannot help but wonder whether we will see a young Hoffman and Bernie, or whether Tai, Kim or Dizzy will make an appearance. Also, will they kill off another Carmine in the game? 😂
I do also wonder whether we will see the Chainsaw Lancer in the campaign, because that was not available at the time of E-Day, but I hope that is one thing they do not stick to because I am not a fan of the Retro Lancer.
What I am looking forward to is seeing the return of Corpsers, Tickers, Cerinpedes, and Wretches, among others (at least I assume they will return), though I am curious to see what they introduce in place of a Berserker because obviously Marcus and Dom didn't encounter their first one until Gears of War 1.
So yes, as a Gears of War fanatic and nerd, I am very much looking forward to E-Day. I just have to hope that I hit re-up 60 in Gears 5, as I am currently on re-up 55, and I am only levelling up once or twice a month right now as it takes so much XP. I should have the time, depending on when E-Day releases...
I've lived in Plymouth longer than anywhere else in my life, @Weebleman. Been here for about 37 years now. Not sure whether I would be classed as a Plymothian, or whether you have to be born here to enjoy that status, but each of my 3 children are Plymouth born and bred.
I too have been known to enjoy a few pints of Guinness on the Barbican, though my meds these days pretty much rule out alcohol for me. I had one particularly memorable day out on the Barbican, for a mate's retirement do about 20 years ago, where I sunk 13 pints of Guinness, before then skinny dipping in the waters just off the moorings outside Captain Jaspers, along with about 15 other Police Officers, and 3 solicitors from the Crown Prosecution Service. It wasn't supposed to happen like that, but one of us dropped our works mobile in the drink, and so we all thought it sensible to dive in after it. I was seriously ill for the next few days, and that was the last time I ever drank Guinness! 😂
I actually went for a meal just up from the Barbican in December to celebrate my birthday. Next time your down here, I highly recommend the Wet Wok, if you like Chinese food. The quality of food there is fantastic...
I was there day one, in Game, collecting my OG Xbox. I may even still have it in the loft, though I cannot honestly remember.
I pre-ordered a 360 at Game too, but on the day it released, I went to the store, and there had been some kind of problem that meant they didn't have one for me, meaning I left the store with a bunch of games, and no console. I then turned to eBay, and found a student selling one in Plymouth (where I live) for about £200 more than the original price. I bought it, and picked it up in person, so still managed to get one on the day it released.
I then bought every console thereafter on day one, including all the mid-generation refreshes. I also bought (and still have) the Gears of War 3 Collector's Edition 360 console, the Modern Warfare 3 Collector's Edition 360 console, and the Halo 3 Collector's Edition 360 console.
I also bought the Project Scorpio Xbox One console, and the Gears of War 4 Collector's Xbox One console, both of which I still have.
Indeed, I think the only console that I have bought only one of is the Series X, though I was severely tempted to buy the Halo Infinite Collector's console, but it released relatively close the the launch of the Series consoles, and I just couldn't quite justify buying it. Wish I had now though.
Honestly, it just makes me sad to see the pain the Xbox is going through right now...
Yes, @Jenkinss, I love Mass Effect, and have beaten the game a number of times. I was, at one time, in the top 1% for the Mass Effect 3 multiplayer (on the PC). That was so good, but it was nowhere near as good when they tried again in Andromeda (which was much better than people give it credit for, just not as good as the original trilogy).
I also love the Expanse television series. Tis great Sci-Fi, which is easily my favourite genre. I have high hopes for Osiris Reborn...
Cool, @ILuvGames. They have done a January showcase for the past couple of years, so I would have been surprised if they didn't do one this year. I'm a huge Gears fan, and that's the game I am most looking forward to. Fable is second on my list. It will be good if we get both this year, but I can wait for Fable if it means them getting it right...
Love this guy's collection. Pretty inspiring, if you ask me. When the 360 first came out, I went about trying to buy everything I could, and I still have around 250 unique 360 discs, probably a 100 or more are still sealed too.
I also have something like another 100 duplicates of the 250 games, most of which are still sealed, that I bought for my children, but ended up getting most back when they moved on to the Xbox One and then the Series consoles. Many of those duplicates are also sealed. I've often wondered whether they hold any value, or are just good for coasters these days...
Comments 4,249
Re: Forza Horizon 5 Hits Huge Sales Milestone In Its First Year On PS5, According To New Estimates
It depends on where you set the bar, @Sakai, you have to remember all the issues there were when the Series consoles and the PS5 launched, COVID, scalping, you name it. It was a very rocky start for both platforms. Also, it really is tracking very close to the PS4, yet there are many good reasons not to bother upgrading at all, including that pretty much all games are cross generational, and the price of the PS4 went down as the generation progressed, whereas the opposite has happened with the PS5 (and the Series consoles).
The PS5 has already surpassed the PS4 in terms of revenue from sales of the console, and is still selling very well. Each year the PS5 is gaining on the total of PS4 sales, and is predicted to overtake it by the end of the generation (when they stop making it).
So yes, it is tracking slightly behind the PS4, but there are so many factors in play that demonstrate the PS5 is selling well despite them all. Year on year, the PS5 is down 15% on sales, which is to be expected at this point in the cycle, whereas Xbox sales have tanked by 39% on last years numbers, which itself was down by 29% on 2023.
Believe me, I'm Xbox through and through, but I'm not delusional about how things are. Xbox, in terms of console sales, is falling through the floor, and you can bet your house on the fact that Microsoft would kill to be just 15% down year on year, because they have done worse than that for sometime now...
Re: Xbox Game Pass Players Are Getting A Fantastic Survival Horror Experience Next Week
Do you actually have to pay if you want to play it in third-person, @Lup? I thought it was simply an option within the settings...
Re: Forza Horizon 5 Hits Huge Sales Milestone In Its First Year On PS5, According To New Estimates
Honestly, @fatpunkslim, I think it is a bit rich to suggest that the PS5 is in decline. Yes, that statement could very easily be applied to the Xbox consoles, but not to Sony's.
Back in September, Sony had sold 84.2 million consoles, which is higher than the best selling Xbox of all time, which was the Xbox 360, which had sold 84 million, and we know that since then the PS5 has sold pretty well. Indeed, it is believed that the PS5 will hit 100 million sales during the course of 2026, and this is despite the issues faced at launch, the fact that we are nearing the end of the generation, and of course despite the fact that most games, until recently, have been cross-generation meaning that a sizable percentage of PlayStation gamers have actually remained on their PS4's because for many, the perceived generational improvements are negligible.
In all honesty, decline would mean that Sony is selling fewer consoles, but when compared to the PS4, they are not far behind at all. Yes, the PC market it the fastest growing corner of gaming, but to suggest that the PlayStation, of all consoles, is the one in decline is somewhat disingenuous. The PS5 is pretty much on par with PS4 sales, despite it costing more, and the price having increased, rather than decreased as in previous generations.
Basically, I would entirely agree that Xbox console sales are in serious decline, but I don't think it fair at all to suggest the same of the PS5...
Re: Forza Horizon 5 Hits Huge Sales Milestone In Its First Year On PS5, According To New Estimates
I'd be really interested to see those polls you speak of, @fatpunkslim, but specifically those that were done after recently after Game Pass subscription costs went up so dramatically.
We've seen much talk of people ending their subscriptions, and also switching to Premium or Essential, meaning they will not get to play the game day one without either upgrading their subscriptions or buying the game outright.
Speaking on a personal level, I couldn't give a monkeys that I could play it either via Cloud or via Play Anywhere, because I game on a home console, and only a home console. Thus these 'perks' are of absolutely no use to me whatsoever. Are they an advantage to those that are able to make use of them? Absolutely! However that will be a tiny minority of people, not the vast majority.
Like I say, and I maybe wrong in this, but I think that you do utilise Play Anywhere, and also game via Cloud. I think this because you keep mentioning it as an advantage, but if, like me, you only gamed on an Xbox home console, you would not see any advantage in them at all. Nice for other people, but useless for yourself.
As for being able to play PlayStation games on a handheld or on the PCBox, that is/will be true, but if you are playing them via Steam, then they are not really within the Xbox ecosystem, are they? I mean, good luck with earning achievements that way! However, I do accept that they can, or will be possible to, be played that way...
Re: Forza Horizon 5 Hits Huge Sales Milestone In Its First Year On PS5, According To New Estimates
You say they are supported by facts, @fatpunkslim, and you are correct. However, if you go by that way of thinking, then in 2023, you would have said, 'no Xbox exclusives have released on the PlayStation'. Yet look at us now! You simply cannot rely on what has happened up until now, and just assume that is the way it will always be...
Re: Forza Horizon 5 Hits Huge Sales Milestone In Its First Year On PS5, According To New Estimates
That's exactly my thinking, @Weebleman. I really don't think that we can look at what Microsoft have done in the past, and extrapolate from that this is what Microsoft will do in the future. If we went with that way of thinking, then Xbox would still have exclusives, and Forza 6 would never be even mentioned in the same sentence as PlayStation.
As for Fable, I agree. Current rumours suggest that they have been working on the PlayStation port of the game for quite a while now, and indeed, that maybe why the game was internally delayed for Xbox too. I think we will potentially know this month not just when the game will release on the Xbox, but also on the PlayStation, and my money is day and date on both...
Re: Forza Horizon 5 Hits Huge Sales Milestone In Its First Year On PS5, According To New Estimates
Assuming that the game releases early this year, then I think it will be on the PS5 this year, @Kezelpaso. I think 6 months after initial release tops. Microsoft will want to capitalise on the success of 5, and quite possibly want to have the game on the PlayStation in time for the Christmas sales.
Whether it releases on the PlayStation is entirely dependant on when it releases on the Xbox/PC. If the game is out prior to May this year, then I think it will hit PlayStation late this year. If it releases on the Xbox late this year, then yes, it will likely hit the PlayStation next year...
Re: Forza Horizon 5 Hits Huge Sales Milestone In Its First Year On PS5, According To New Estimates
You will be shocked to read that I don't agree with you, @fatpunkslim:
1. Playing it day one - if you buy it or are subscribed to Ultimate Game Pass.
2. A timed exclusive of at least one year - highly doubtful in my opinion. I would think it will be no more than 6 months. We may actually find out on the 22nd of this month during the showcase.
3. No extra cost thanks to Game Pass - other than the cost of Ultimate, that is! So that's an additional £22 per in the UK per month, or $30 in the US per month. So not really no extra cost, though I accept that most of us will already be signed up to Game Pass. However, the game is most likely to be Day One only on Ultimate, which many of us are not signed up to.
4. Xbox Play Anywhere: one purchase lets you play on Xbox console, PC, cloud, etc. - An absolutely useless advantage if you only game on a home console. Nice for those that do want to utilise it though.
5. That’s a lot of benefits for Xbox players. Well, perhaps one or two!
6. And for Xbox, bringing their games to other consoles helps fund future Xbox titles and, importantly, keeps the franchise alive. - This I do agree with...
I can see where you are coming from, matey. I really can. However, I do think you tend to look at things through the lens of your own circumstances, rather than how many of us experience Xbox. If you only game on a console, don't use Cloud, either don't have Game Pass, or don't have Ultimate, then your only recourse is to buy the game in order to play it...
Re: Three Games Are Available This Week With Xbox Game Pass (January 12-15)
It's in my extensive backlog, @FraserG. I'll get to it at some point (maybe!)... 🤣
Re: Three Games Are Available This Week With Xbox Game Pass (January 12-15)
Typical that I have only just bought Star Wars: Outlaws. Seems to happen to me all the time...
Re: Is It Worth Buying An Xbox One In 2026?
Unfortunately, @nomither6, I can very much foresee the possibility where only Nintendo and Sony are the only ones making consoles. I highly doubt that anyone else will enter that space, other than perhaps Valve, if you count their impending Steam Box.
I do think that Microsoft will be successful at producing games as a regular cadence, although I do also think that they need to up the quality if they are to be truly successful in the long run.
I have a massive digital Xbox library (more that 1600 games), and so I want Xbox to succeed in the console space because they are my primary console. However, the rumours of a delay for the PCBox has me spooked, and it may indeed spook investors too. It just may be that market conditions, coupled with the precarious position that Xbox (as a console) finds itself in does mean that the PCBox maybe seen as a risk not worth taking. I hope I am wrong, and the sooner we see something concrete on exactly what the PCBox is, and when it will release, the better. Until then, I don't think the future is set as far as Xbox is concerned...
Re: Eight Free-To-Play Games To Look Forward To On Xbox In 2026
I think just Path Of Exile 2 for me. I've not played the first one, but do own it. It's very much the type of game that I enjoy, and being as it is free-to-play, what's to lose...?
Re: Is It Worth Buying An Xbox One In 2026?
I have to say I completely disagree, @nomither6. Microsoft may have deep pockets, but they did not get that way by continuously throwing money into a pointless venture. Microsoft are beholden to their investors, and if those investors see consoles (of any type) being a pointless avenue, you can guarentee that Microsoft will quickly change tack.
The worst possible scenario right now is if Microsoft delay the PCBox, because if they do that, there is an enormous chance that they will just decide not to proceed with it at all. If RAM prices affect the overall cost of the PCBox too much, there is every chance that Microsoft will seek to delay the device, and then odds on they will simply cancel the project...
Re: Is It Worth Buying An Xbox One In 2026?
I agree that PC gaming is much easier these days than it was when I started gaming on a PC (for the second time) in 2013, @nomither6. However, anyone that tries to argue that gaming on a PC is as easy as gaming on a console is not being truthful. Problems do continue to exist, though they are outweighed by the affordability of games on storefronts such as Steam, and of course the fact that there are far, far more games available.
Regardless, that was not really the point of my comment. My issue is that I cannot see how it is a sensible thing for Microsoft to be doing financially. Is it good for gamers to have access to these storefronts? I would argue yes. Will it have unforeseen ramifications for Xbox? I would argue no, purely because the issues this causes Xbox are pretty clear to be seen. Opening up the Xbox to multiple storefronts is likely to lose Microsoft billions in sales, and could easily hasten the demise of Xbox as a console (taking Game Pass with it), and whilst Microsoft will have a fantastic future as a games developer and publisher, it will see an end of an era as far as Xbox consoles are concerned...
Re: Is It Worth Buying An Xbox One In 2026?
I'd love you to be right, @Master_Cthulhu70, and I have said time, and time again, that allowing Steam on the next Xbox makes little financial sense because buying games on Steam is nearly always cheaper, and when it is not cheaper, it is the same price.
Brand new games on Steam are frequently, £10 cheaper (or more) upon release, and games that enter Steam sales are pretty much always cheaper than in an Xbox sale.
We know that Steam take a 30% cut from game sales too, and whilst it is always possible for Microsoft to negotiate a better deal with Valve, you'd firstly have thought that Microsoft would have done that already, were Valve so minded, but also have to ask, why would Valve want to do that? What's in it for Valve, particularly with the imminent release of the Steam Box?
I have argued many times that none of this makes sense, but Sarah Bond has stated that the next Xbox will have multiple store fronts, which I think will undoubtedly include Steam. Personally, I don't want it, and personally, I think it a decision that will have profound negative consequences for Xbox, but she is the Xbox President, and I have to feel that she is more in the know, than myself, regarding these things. Basically, if she says that it's happening, then I guess that it is. That said, she has not said, one way or the other, whether having multiple store fronts on the next Xbox is going to impact Xbox negatively financially, or be financially ruinous for Xbox (or at the very least, exceptionally reckless), she has only stated that it will be happening.
As I have said on repeat, I just want the next Xbox to be better than the X (which I am very happy with). I don't want all the aggravation that come with PC gaming, I just want that streamlined console experience that I have always enjoyed with my Xbox...
Re: Xbox Announces Surprise 'Day One' PC Game Pass Addition For Monday, January 12th
Another game for PC Game Pass! No doubt, as if there were any, as to the direction that Microsoft want us to take. I'd love to see a comparison of the games available on Game Pass for consoles and those available on PC Game Pass...
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (January 10-11)
I've been playing King Arthur: Knight's Tale on my Series X. I have had it in my library for well over a year, but not played it, and where I had been playing Warhammer: Chaos Gate in order to scratch my XCOM itch without actually playing XCOM, the bugs eventually wore me down, so I opted for Knight's Tale instead, and have to say I am really enjoying it.
I'm currently on my 11th mission, some of which take an hour or more, and it amazes me the level of replayability the game has, which is down to those Knight's that you can recruit, which is dependant on the decisions you make. No bugs, which is nice, and challenging combat that tests your strategic capabilities on the harder difficulties. Thus far, I would recommend it...
Re: Phil Spencer Reveals 'Xbox 25' Logo And Shares Video Message Ahead Of Developer Direct
How do we know it will be all, @Darylb88? It entirely depends on how Microsoft approach this as to whether it just certain titles, or indeed, all titles. We just do not know yet which it will be...
Re: Five Xbox Game Pass Titles Get New Reveals At The New Game Plus Showcase 2026
Aphelion looks so good. It gives the impression that it is similar to Returnal, which is a great game. Really looking forward to it...
Re: Phil Spencer Reveals 'Xbox 25' Logo And Shares Video Message Ahead Of Developer Direct
I am hoping that E-Day does get a full reveal in June, followed immediately by a deep dive, and then a release in September, which is the usual release window for Gears of War, @LordDieALot.
Thus, my thinking is as follows:
May: Forza
July: Fable (although I still think it will be delayed until next year)
August (or June if Fable is delayed): Halo: Combat Remastered
September: Gears Of War: E-day
October: Call of Duty as it will want to avoid the November release of GTA 6.
There is still a possibility that we will see Fallout 3: Remastered this year, and maybe even Gears of War 2: Reloaded, if we are really lucky...
Re: Roundup: All The Xbox Trailers From The New Game Plus Showcase 2026
During the presentation last night, @Harfang, they said the open world in Crimson Desert is twice as big as that found in Skyrim! It's just mental...
Re: Phil Spencer Reveals 'Xbox 25' Logo And Shares Video Message Ahead Of Developer Direct
My biggest concern is that of the £1566.37 that I spent on games alone in 2025, @OldGamer999, £1,103.90 was spent buying Xbox games (the remaining £462.47 was spent on my PS5, and that included 2 Collector's Editions that cost of £439.98).
That's a lot of games added to my Xbox library (I only bought the Doom Collector's Edition on my Xbox at a cost of £199.99, so the £903.91 is made up of individual games), and I just don't know whether I will be able to access them properly (natively) on the next Xbox.
Am I right to keep buying my games on the Xbox where I am uncertain what the future holds, or should I just begin to build my PlayStation library, where I bought a total of 4 games last year?
I just want some proper answers, rather than a lot of hyperbole about what we might get, but which might just turn out to be spin and hot air.
It's very frustrating...
Re: Phil Spencer Reveals 'Xbox 25' Logo And Shares Video Message Ahead Of Developer Direct
I just want to know what is happening with E-Day, and then EXACTLY what Microsoft are doing for the next generation, and EXACTLY when it is happening. Then I can settle down knowing that I am doing the right thing in continuing to buy my games on the Xbox...
Re: Roundup: All The Xbox Trailers From The New Game Plus Showcase 2026
I did sit through the entire show (albeit on delay, so I was able to skip through some of it)
There were some very cool games, some of which are PC first and maybe console later if we are lucky. Of particular interest to me were:
1. Blind Descent
2. The Blood of Dawnwalker
3. Aphelion
4. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn
5.Avowed
6.Outward 2
7.The CUBE
8. Dark Light: Survivor
9. Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy
10. Crimson Desert
(I may have missed one or two off as I'm struggling to remember them all, and it was getting pretty late come the end. Gone midnight).
My top 5 from the show were:
1. The Expanse: Osiris Reborn - Just looks like everything, and more, that we want to see in the next Mass Effect. Looks so, so good. Cannot come soon enough. Definitely a Day One buy for me.
2. Crimson Desert - Looks like The Witcher, but with insane graphics. Very cool. Another Day One buy for me.
3. The Blood of Dawnwalker - Not sure that it will be that different from other games, but it does look like it will do it all well. Yet another Day One buy for me (I can see my Bank Manager getting annoyed with me once more).
4. Aphelion - Looks a bit like Returnal, so if you haven't had chance to play it, then this will scratch that itch.
5.The CUBE - Just looks absolutely crazy (and good!), from the world of Atomic Heart. Excited for this.
6.Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy - More Warhammer, what's not to like?
All in all, I thought it was a very good show. Pretty interesting, though it was too long. I'd prefer they did the show in an hour long format, even if that meant they would do one a month. A good start though...
Re: Industry Insider Teases 'Secret' Fourth Game For The Xbox Developer Direct Showcase
I hope you are sitting down, because this will shock you, @FraserG. It's just been announced that Avowed is going to the PlayStation, and that pre-orders are available now. I know, right! Who'd have thunk it... 😂
Re: Industry Insider Teases 'Secret' Fourth Game For The Xbox Developer Direct Showcase
Obsidian are at The New Game+ Showcase, which starts in a few hours, @FraserG. Maybe Fallout will be announced then... 😉
Re: Exclusive: Xbox 360 Fan Talks To Us About Completing Their Collection After 20 Years
Oh, cool! Thank you, @EVIL-C. I shall take a look. Much appreciated...
Re: Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Showcase Gets Official Date Alongside Three Confirmed Games
Feeling very disillusioned right now, @ILuvGames. Usually Gears of War releases around September time, and so I guess there is the chance that we will see it show up at the June Summer Showcase, but right now, June feels an eternity away, so I am extremely disappointed in its apparent absence from the January Showcase.
Unfortunately, I have my doubts regarding it putting in a surprise appearance at this months Developer Direct as I think they would have used it to advertise the Showcase, because it is a big draw...
Re: Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Showcase Gets Official Date Alongside Three Confirmed Games
I think if Gears Of War: E-day is going to release this year, then it will be in around September, because Call of Duty is likely to be released in October, as it won't want to release in November alongside GTA 6.
All of that means that Fable and Forza will need to release by August at the latest. Thus, as much as I still feel that Fable will be delayed to 2027, if it is going to release this year, I'd guess a July release, with Forza coming out in May.
That still leaves Halo, which maybe targeting a June or August release.
Obviously, Fallout 3: Remastered could also release, and as we have been hearing rumours of it for a while, maybe it will release in around April, as it maybe further along than we think.
Has to be said, if Xbox can release all of those titles this year (and they are actually any good!) then they will have done very well.
The next question, and one I am particularly interested to see answered, is just when will each of those hit the PlayStation? Day One, or after a short period of exclusivity...?
Re: Fable Developer Hyped To Show 'Much More' Of The Game At January's Xbox Event
I think that Fable and Forza will need to release by August at the latest. Thus, as much as I still feel that Fable will be delayed to 2027, if it is going to release this year, I'd guess a July release, with Forza coming out in May.
My reasoning is that I think if Gears Of War: E-day is going to release this year, then it will be in around September, which is the usual time for it's release. Also it will release in September because Call of Duty is likely to be released in October, as it won't want to release in November alongside GTA 6.
If you include Halo in the mix, then that maybe targeting a June or August release.
Obviously, Fallout 3: Remastered could also release, and as we have been hearing rumours of it for a while, maybe it will release in around April, as it maybe further along than we think.
The next question, and one I am particularly interested to see answered, is just when will each of those hit the PlayStation? Day One, or after a short period of exclusivity...?
Re: Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Showcase Gets Official Date Alongside Three Confirmed Games
Have to say, I am beyond disappointed to see no mention of Gears Of War: E-Day. I was hoping to see some kind of gameplay reveal, and a potential release window...
Re: Xbox Developer Direct 2026 Showcase Gets Official Date Alongside Three Confirmed Games
Not going to lie, @HeavyHoggJP, I'm shocked (and stoked!) to see Fable in the Showcase. Now it just depends on whether the Showcase is sticking to all the games being out this year, or not...
Re: Two New Sales Have Just Gone Live On Xbox, Including A 'Game Pass Last Chance Sale'
Hell Is Us is a very good game. I really enjoyed my time with it. Hopefully it will spawn a sequel or two...
Re: Feature: 30 Xbox Series X|S Games To Look Forward To In 2026
Yes, @ILuvGames! It really is very cool when you meet someone as passionate about Gears of War as yourself. I think they will do a Collector's Edition of E-Day, as they did one for Doom and Indy, so it makes sense to do another. My hope is that they make it available in the UK this time, as I had to import my CE for Gears 5 because for some reason it was only available in the US.
I'm also quietly hoping that they do a Series X console too, as even though we will soon be getting the PCBox, I will still buy a Collector's Gears of War: E-Day Series X console. My Gears of War 3 360 (I actually have 2!) and my Xbox One Gears of War 4 console do still work, as do the controllers, plus I bought extra controllers for them both too. Being somewhat older, I do tend to look after my stuff, and so everything is still in good condition. I haven't even opened the boxes on most for most of my Collector's Editions.
As an aside, I do have the Halo 360 console, and the game that came with the life-sized helmet (I forget which one it is now). Although I do really enjoy Halo, for me it takes a backseat to Gears of War...
Re: The UK Games Industry Had Its Biggest Year Since 2020 Last Year
Perhaps you could pass my details to your Bank Manager, @themightyant. Someone needs to have a stern word with me... 🤣
Re: Xbox Reporter Teases What Might Be Shown At Developer Direct, Including A Potential Surprise
I think you might need to sharpen your pitchforks, @HeavyHoggJP...! 😂
Re: Feature: 30 Xbox Series X|S Games To Look Forward To In 2026
Absolutely agree, @ILuvGames. To my mind, the Mad World trailer for Gears of War 3 is probably one of, of not the, all time greatest reveal trailers and theme.
I play Horde with my youngest son (22) and a mate each weekend, and we do a Master Horde with just the 3 of us in Gears 5. It's easily my favourite mode. I don't touch the PvP at all. I tried it once or twice when the first game came out, but it wasn't for me. It's Horde that I am most looking forward to in E-Day. I'm excited to see how it evolves, and what enemies we will face. There should be no robots, at least, which suits me as they are the biggest pain in the backside in Horde, and have ended many a run for us.
I play through all the campaigns on an annual basis, and have all the Collector's Editions available, plus both of the Gears of War Consoles. I have GoW blankets, and also the huge Chainsaw Lancer replica (which is about 5ft long!). I also have a canvas from Gears of War 3 featuring the dynamic foursome that is 6ft by 4ft, I just don't have a wall big enough to put it on! Lastly, I also have two of the limited edition life-sized Locust busts that are numbered and cost £500 each, and are now worth around £1500 each. So when I say I love my Gears of War, I really do mean it...! 🤣
Re: StarCraft, Wolfenstein 3 & Fallout New Vegas Remake Could All Be In The Works Over At Xbox
Loved Fallout 3 when it first came out, and have played through New Vegas a few times. Will happily play through them again. Just have to hope that it is not such a sloppy port as Oblivion was.
I've not played Starcraft, but do love me a shooter, and Sci-Fi, so I'm pretty keen to see that game confirmed, and to see it in action.
I'm a huge fan of all the Wolfenstein games, and have enjoyed all of them including New Blood. The only one that I did not enjoy was the one that featured Beavis and Butthead as those two were easily the most annoying duo in gaming history...!
Re: Xbox Reporter Teases What Might Be Shown At Developer Direct, Including A Potential Surprise
I think the big 3 will be there; Gears, Halo and Forza. Still don't think we will see Fable at this particular showcase, as it tends to focus on games coming out within the next 12 months, and I just cannot see Fable managing that.
I think some firm release dates is what I most want to see from the showcase, though I'd love to see Clockwork Revolution there too...
Re: The UK Games Industry Had Its Biggest Year Since 2020 Last Year
I think the increase in game sales is entirely down to me, @themightyant. I just cannot help myself. Ask my bank manager... 🤣
Re: The UK Games Industry Had Its Biggest Year Since 2020 Last Year
With the likes of GTA 6 and a huge 12 months for Microsoft & Xbox on the cards, it's looking like next year could be a big one for gaming - not only in the UK, but worldwide as well.
Next year, @Kezelpaso? Or this year? Or do you also think that GTA 6 will be delayed into 2027...? 🤔
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Is Available To Preload On Xbox, And It's Massive
Thank you, @themightyant. That's very helpful. Definitely worth holding off for the time being then. That price search ability is very helpful!
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Is Available To Preload On Xbox, And It's Massive
I am looking to hold out until the third game is released as I assume that when they do they will release a bundle containing all 3 games. When they do, I dread to think how big the download will be, although I imagine that they will enable each game to be downloaded individually. Bundles are usually the cheapest way of getting games too, which is just an added bonus.
I've not played any Final Fantasy game ever, and haven't played that many JRPGs either. Indeed, the last one I played was Metaphor, which I found a little irritating at times due mostly to all the inane conversations you had to engage in. That's probably me, and probably a cultural thing, but is that how this remake plays, or is it more Westernised than Metaphor?
Does anyone happen to know what the cheapest price the first game has been on the PlayStation? I'm just wondering whether the current offer is an offer too good to be missed, or whether it will be repeated, or indeed beaten, at some future point. Thanks...
Re: Feature: 30 Xbox Series X|S Games To Look Forward To In 2026
I'm not going to lie, @ILuvGames, I'd prefer them to have finished with the current trilogy before moving on to E-Day, but I am looking forward to see how they deal with the story. I'm going to assume that we will see some new characters that may end up being killed off in a few games time, unless they rigidly keep to just Dom and Marcus. Or whether the campaign will follow two stories, one with Dom and Marcus, and the other with Cole and Baird. Obviously the two duos don't meet until 14 years after E-Day, so that cannot happen in this game.
Interestingly, Cole actually has the most tumultuous E-Day, because his entire family is killed during that period, so to some extent, his story would be pretty interesting, if not somewhat bleak.
I cannot help but wonder whether we will see a young Hoffman and Bernie, or whether Tai, Kim or Dizzy will make an appearance. Also, will they kill off another Carmine in the game? 😂
I do also wonder whether we will see the Chainsaw Lancer in the campaign, because that was not available at the time of E-Day, but I hope that is one thing they do not stick to because I am not a fan of the Retro Lancer.
What I am looking forward to is seeing the return of Corpsers, Tickers, Cerinpedes, and Wretches, among others (at least I assume they will return), though I am curious to see what they introduce in place of a Berserker because obviously Marcus and Dom didn't encounter their first one until Gears of War 1.
So yes, as a Gears of War fanatic and nerd, I am very much looking forward to E-Day. I just have to hope that I hit re-up 60 in Gears 5, as I am currently on re-up 55, and I am only levelling up once or twice a month right now as it takes so much XP. I should have the time, depending on when E-Day releases...
Re: Today Marks 25 Years Since Bill Gates & The Rock Unveiled The OG Xbox
I've lived in Plymouth longer than anywhere else in my life, @Weebleman. Been here for about 37 years now. Not sure whether I would be classed as a Plymothian, or whether you have to be born here to enjoy that status, but each of my 3 children are Plymouth born and bred.
I too have been known to enjoy a few pints of Guinness on the Barbican, though my meds these days pretty much rule out alcohol for me. I had one particularly memorable day out on the Barbican, for a mate's retirement do about 20 years ago, where I sunk 13 pints of Guinness, before then skinny dipping in the waters just off the moorings outside Captain Jaspers, along with about 15 other Police Officers, and 3 solicitors from the Crown Prosecution Service. It wasn't supposed to happen like that, but one of us dropped our works mobile in the drink, and so we all thought it sensible to dive in after it. I was seriously ill for the next few days, and that was the last time I ever drank Guinness! 😂
I actually went for a meal just up from the Barbican in December to celebrate my birthday. Next time your down here, I highly recommend the Wet Wok, if you like Chinese food. The quality of food there is fantastic...
Re: Today Marks 25 Years Since Bill Gates & The Rock Unveiled The OG Xbox
I was there day one, in Game, collecting my OG Xbox. I may even still have it in the loft, though I cannot honestly remember.
I pre-ordered a 360 at Game too, but on the day it released, I went to the store, and there had been some kind of problem that meant they didn't have one for me, meaning I left the store with a bunch of games, and no console. I then turned to eBay, and found a student selling one in Plymouth (where I live) for about £200 more than the original price. I bought it, and picked it up in person, so still managed to get one on the day it released.
I then bought every console thereafter on day one, including all the mid-generation refreshes. I also bought (and still have) the Gears of War 3 Collector's Edition 360 console, the Modern Warfare 3 Collector's Edition 360 console, and the Halo 3 Collector's Edition 360 console.
I also bought the Project Scorpio Xbox One console, and the Gears of War 4 Collector's Xbox One console, both of which I still have.
Indeed, I think the only console that I have bought only one of is the Series X, though I was severely tempted to buy the Halo Infinite Collector's console, but it released relatively close the the launch of the Series consoles, and I just couldn't quite justify buying it. Wish I had now though.
Honestly, it just makes me sad to see the pain the Xbox is going through right now...
Re: Feature: 30 Xbox Series X|S Games To Look Forward To In 2026
Yes, @Jenkinss, I love Mass Effect, and have beaten the game a number of times. I was, at one time, in the top 1% for the Mass Effect 3 multiplayer (on the PC). That was so good, but it was nowhere near as good when they tried again in Andromeda (which was much better than people give it credit for, just not as good as the original trilogy).
I also love the Expanse television series. Tis great Sci-Fi, which is easily my favourite genre. I have high hopes for Osiris Reborn...
Re: Feature: 30 Xbox Series X|S Games To Look Forward To In 2026
Cool, @ILuvGames. They have done a January showcase for the past couple of years, so I would have been surprised if they didn't do one this year. I'm a huge Gears fan, and that's the game I am most looking forward to. Fable is second on my list. It will be good if we get both this year, but I can wait for Fable if it means them getting it right...
Re: Exclusive: Xbox 360 Fan Talks To Us About Completing Their Collection After 20 Years
Love this guy's collection. Pretty inspiring, if you ask me. When the 360 first came out, I went about trying to buy everything I could, and I still have around 250 unique 360 discs, probably a 100 or more are still sealed too.
I also have something like another 100 duplicates of the 250 games, most of which are still sealed, that I bought for my children, but ended up getting most back when they moved on to the Xbox One and then the Series consoles. Many of those duplicates are also sealed. I've often wondered whether they hold any value, or are just good for coasters these days...
Re: These 11 Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass, Including Two Major Additions (January 6-22)
You are absolutely right, @fatpunkslim. I am trying to be better, but sometimes I just cannot help myself. It's like an addiction...! 😂