The last gen-next gen blues

[UltraMega]

just a little rant to pass the time...

 

I remember this feeling from pretty much every new console cycle, but this one is probably worse due to the hardware shortages and industry slowdowns. Basically, no new games out right now feel like new gen titles aside from maybe MSFS2020, and we're stuck waiting for next gen to really kick off. It feels like a really boring time to be a gamer. Sure there are still some hits like Velheim, but nothing that's interesting from a tech perspective. Ray Tracing is interesting but it feels like something that just gets tacked on to last gen game engines right now so they can check the RT box. With the exception of Minecraft RTX, RT seems super gimmicky right now... not that I have the hardware for it anyway. Would be nice if I could get a new GPU and experience the new tech to the extent that it actually does anything interesting right now, but I haven't had any luck with that and I suspect most PC gamers are in the same boat. 

Xbox game pass is great but honestly it feels like a long list of last gen games right now. On top of that, there is somewhat of a choice overload paradox going on.

 

 

Ever notice how if you hear a song you like on the radio it's more exciting than choosing to listen to it on your own? That's the paradox of choice. 

If there were some stand out titles right now, it would make things a lot simpler because it would be easy to focus on those rather than trying to figure out which of the hundreds of somewhat equal in quality last gen games to revisit, or try for the first time years after their splendor has worn off. Cyberpunk was cool for a little while because it was impressive and felt fresh despite the bugs but it was also pretty short and didn't have fleshed out enough RPG mechanics for there to be a reason to keep playing after the main quest. 

Long story short, I feel overwhelmed with uninteresting choices when it comes to gaming these days. Relatable for anyone? Anything really holding your interest these days?

On an more positive note, one thing I am really looking forward to is seeing games that start making heavy usage of Quixel level quality 3D assets. To me, that type of advanced photogrammetry and digital asset library tech is far more interesting than RT and I feel like when that tech starts to get utilized to it's potential, that will be when next gen really starts. 
 

 

Edited March 23, 2021 by UltraMega

[BWG]

I think these pay to play schemes are bringing in a lot more revenue than our typical games we used to play,  so it's possible that just adding onto games that are still active is easy and cheaper. 

Edited March 23, 2021 by BWG

[ENTERPRISE]

I agree that we are waiting on the next gen games to come along, we certainly have the hardware now but I think when the new consoles mature, we will start to see some nicer titles, so far as how they look, storyline however may be another matter lol.