Tag: Talking Point
Talking Point Should Sony Be Worried by Live Service Implosion?
Boom or bust
Last week, several live service games announced they are shutting down. These titles included critically acclaimed games like Knockout City and Rumbleverse, releases which had been well-received by both players and the media, but had seemingly failed to attract a large enough playerbase to make sustaining them worth the ongoing outlay.
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 462
Spring in the step
Anyone else sensing the first signs of spring? Okay, so we’re still deep in the throngs of winter, and there’s a fair way to go. But the days are getting longer, and the PS5 release schedule is heating up. Here’s what’s keeping us busy this weekend. Aaron Bayne: I'm pushing on with my Death Stranding playthrough (will it...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 461
WAYP this way
Did’ya miss me?! It’s been several weeks since I’ve had the honour of hosting WAYP, but we’re still 461 issues deep, and we haven’t missed a week. Thanks for deputising, Ramsey-san. Shall we get on with it, then? Sammy Barker, Editor: I'll probably play some gacha games on mobile this weekend, because I've turned into a...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 460
January jaunts
Wow, it's crazy to think that we're closing in on Issue 500 (!) of our What Are You Playing This Weekend? series. Well, we say that, but then you Google how many weeks are in a year, and it turns out that 40 weeks equates to over nine whole months. So, in reality, we're not that close at all. Still, it'll be something to celebrate,...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 459
The release schedule kicks in
We don't know about you, but we're about to be buried in new games here at Push Square. Review season has well and truly begun, and it only gets more and more insane as we look towards the end of the month, and then February and March. So this weekend, let's all try and relax before the inevitable panic sets in...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 458
2023 begins
The holidays are over (for most — Sammy's just started his!) and everyone's begrudgingly heading back to work and school. But don't worry: 2023 is set to be an incredibly busy year for PlayStation, with a release schedule that's sure to provide plenty of escapism. Let's start the year right with a cosy weekend of gaming! Robert...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - New Year 2023 Edition
Farewell 2022, old friend
And that marks the end of 2022, folks – well, almost! Obviously there’s still a few hours to go, which means more time to make an attempt at downscaling that bulging backlog. There’s been so many games this year that it’s hard to know where to start, but reality check: 2023 is going to be even bigger. Time to...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Xmas 2022 Edition
Backlog bonanza
Christmas may be the time for goodwill, family, and overindulgence – but let’s be honest, if you read and comment on this website, it’s also about games. For many of you, there’ll be a brief break from work for a few days, and that makes it the perfect opportunity to sit back and tackle that backlog. In this very special...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 457
A bewitching winter
Wait? Is it really just a week until Christmas? Oh crap, there’s so much to do and so little time! Best try and forget about it all by playing some video games, eh? Bliss! Sammy Barker, Editor: I've got a bit of clean up to do with God of War Ragnarok, so I'm trying to resist the temptation to play other games. Obviously I'm...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 456
It's coming home?
A nervy day awaits at Push Square Towers, as England prepare for their quarter final clash against current world champions France. A fair nails will be bitten today, we daresay. Sammy Barker, Editor: I'm trying to clear out my reviews so I can have a clean run at some Christmas tasks I need to clean out, but Marvel's Midnight...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 455
Midnight suns
The nights are drawing in and the weather is getting seriously cold right now, but that's what this winter World Cup is for: to keep us warm while it's so glum outside. Here's what we're playing this weekend. Sammy Barker, Editor: I've just started Marvel's Midnight Suns, the superhero strategy game from Firaxis. I'll be reviewing...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 454
The world is in motion
The World Cup is in full swing, and frankly taking up the majority of this author's free time. But when there isn't live football on the television, there are video games! And looking at the state of the weather of late, why would you want to go outside anyway? Sammy Barker, Editor: I freely admit I've had a week off from...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 453
Drop in
The time passes quicker every week, doesn't it? Can you believe we're barely a month away from Christmas? Still, with tons of big titles to play and the Thanksgiving break right around the corner, we're edging towards a period of chill. And what better way to unwind than with video games?! Sammy Barker, Editor: I'll probably be playing...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 452
Ragnarok has arrived
We've got a sneaking suspicion we know what many of you will be playing this weekend, but we've asking this question for years now, and we're not about to stop. Let's WAYP, shall we? Stephen Tailby, Associate Editor: I've almost wrapped up God of War Ragnarok now, but I still have a couple of things to do before I leave the...
Talking Point What Are Your Thoughts on Protagonists Discussing Puzzles?
Think for yourself
If, like this author, you were old enough to grow up during the PS1 era, you’ll remember that visiting websites like GameFAQs and printing off entire walkthroughs was practically a necessity. Games, specifically action adventure games, could be so obtuse that you practically had no chance of progressing without a little extra...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 451
Ragnarok is coming
Wow! We've had an absolutely insane week, with PSVR2 getting dated and a bunch of games being announced. We don't know about you, but we're hoping to unwind this weekend with some of the great games that have been coming out. Sammy Barker, Editor: I'm chained to God of War Ragnarok, much in the way the Blades of Chaos are to...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 450
This WAYP is RE:Versing
We don't know about you, but this week has gone quick on our end. Like, frighteningly quick. Oh well, the good news is it's the weekend again, which means plenty of time for plenty of video games. And there's absolutely loads to play on PS5 and PS4 right now. Sammy Barker, Editor: To be honest, I'm still hanging with a...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 449
What a week
Wow, this has been a crazy week! We got amazing footage from Resident Evil 4, a remake of Silent Hill 2 was announced, and we've even published a preview of God of War Ragnarok. It's safe to say that PS5 is flying at the moment. Here's what we're playing this weekend. Sammy Barker, Editor: I can confirm I'm playing God of War Ragnarok!
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 448
Tee time
We're at the business end of the release season, although strangely it still feels like this is the calm before the storm. There weren't many massive new launches this week, so you're probably tackling something from your backlog. As always, let us know below. Sammy Barker, Editor: I'll be teeing off with PGA Tour 2K23, a title I'm...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 447
Here comes a new challenger
Another whirlwind week has come to its conclusion! While it was ultimately quite light on major video game news, we did get confirmation that God of War Ragnarok has gone gold, and that's less than a month away now. We can't wait! Sammy Barker, Editor: I'm probably going to bounce between sports games, while also...
Talking Point We Need to Discuss This Horizon Zero Dawn PS5 Remaster
As project is all but confirmed
It’s not officially confirmed, but it’s pretty much as good as: Guerrilla, one of Sony’s flagship first-party developers, is remastering its 2017 open world RPG Horizon Zero Dawn for the PS5. It’s important to underline one thing here: we don’t know the full details. While recent releases like Naughty...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 446
October is here
Somehow, it's already October, which means Pumpkin Spice Lattes have arrived. In addition, the release schedule is about to get serious for several weeks, so there'll be no escape from games until at least December. Stephen Tailby, Associate Editor: This weekend will be all about finishing up Tunic, which I've been playing for...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 445
Another day to play
It's been a bit of a slow week in the video game industry, especially after plenty of excitement in recent times. The release schedule has also cooled off a touch, but don't worry, October is about to get outrageously hectic. Sammy Barker, Editor: I'm probably going to take a break from video games this weekend, just to...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 444
Wo' be Long
Well, this year's Tokyo Game Show has turned out much more exciting than in recent memory, hasn't it? It's really good to see the show find some semblance of relevance again. Stephen Tailby, Associate Editor: If I have enough time this weekend, I'd love to put a bunch more time into Cult of the Lamb. I also dipped my toe into...
Talking Point Is Assassin's Creed Moving in the Right Direction?
More more more
Ubisoft clearly has big plans for Assassin's Creed. The historically-focused franchise has arguably become the publisher's most important product, so it was no surprise to see the series headline Ubisoft's latest showcase. In fact, it felt like the entire presentation existed because of Assassin's Creed. The property had its own...
Talking Point What Do You Make of Microsoft and Sony's Call of Duty Quarrel?
War games
It's been a fairly dramatic period in the land of games, as Microsoft's industry-shaking acquisition of Activision Blizzard comes into sharper focus. Announced at the beginning of this year, armchair analysts have been debating among themselves how much the proposed deal will affect the company's competitors; will franchises like Call of...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 443
We go again
It's all quiet on the PlayStation front, but we're absolutely slammed here at Push Square Towers behind-the-scenes. We've been busy blasting our way through a bunch of games to bring you as much content as possible. Stephen Tailby, Associate Editor: Now that Temtem has left early access, it’s time to explore it properly. As someone...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 442
Steel rises
It's been a big week here at Push Square, with our The Last of Us 1 guide going live, alongside tons of other content. This author is especially knackered, but WAYP stops for no one. Stephen Tailby, Associate Editor: I've been really enjoying a rush of indie games lately, with Cult of the Lamb currently on the agenda. Once that'
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 441
Variety pack
Gamescom perhaps wasn't the barnstormer we all hoped it would be this week — in fact, we got news of a PS5 price increase instead. Thank heavens it's the weekend, eh? Robert Ramsey, Deputy Editor: I can't stop playing SD Gundam Battle Alliance. The last Gundam game I enjoyed this much — Dynasty Warriors Gundam Reborn — released...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 440
Oh so quiet
It's been desperately quiet in the games industry this week, as everyone jets off on holiday before Gamescom. But behind-the-scenes, geez, we've been busy. Time for some video games, then, eh? Aaron Bayne, Video Editor: Rollerdrome has got me by the skates. After getting through all the challenges on the basic campaign, I'm going to...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 439
It's spicy outside
How are we all enjoying the second heat wave of the year, then? Are we all suitably warm enough? We'll be closing the curtains and cosying up with a Cornetto and some video games. Stephen Tailby, Associate Editor: There are lots of games I'd like to play at the moment, but this weekend I think I want to take Rumbleverse for a...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 438
Quinntessential
Anyone else feel like this week has lasted an eternity? It's been a particularly slow and tedious seven days for the video game industry, with the sector in a bit of a summer slumber right now. Still, Gamescom is right around the corner, so there's lots to look forward to later in the month. Sammy Barker, Editor: You know, I'm...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 437
The big one
Wow! This could very well be the biggest WAYP in quite some time! We've been having some email hiccups here at Push Square Towers y'see, but all seems to be resolved and now everyone's getting involved! Sammy Barker, Editor: To be honest, it's going to be a lot more MultiVersus for me. I love this game, although I am now eagerly...
Talking Point What PS Plus Essential Games for PS5, PS4 Do You Want in August 2022?
When will PS Plus Essential for August 2022 be announced?
What are the August 2022 PS Plus Essential games for PS5 and PS4 and when will the August 2022 PS Plus Essential games be announced? We're now in a new era for Sony's subscription service, with two updates every month. For the vast majority of readers, though, PS Plus Essential will be the...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 436
Into the MultiVersus
How did we like the recent heat wave, then? Crikey that was a scorcher, wasn't it? Let's all recover with iced tea and video games, eh? Sammy Barker, Editor: MultiVersus. That is all. Liam Croft, Assistant Editor: I'm playing through two games at the moment: Stray and Triangle Strategy. The former is lovely and the latter is...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 435
Game heroes
Right, then, this is the one. The scorcher! The big heatwave that the media won't shut up about. There's never been a better time to stay in doors and play video games. In fact, it's actually good for your health to do so! Sammy Barker, Editor: Oh no! I made the mistake of diving back into FIFA 22 after a few months away and I'm hooked...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 434
Grass season
Who’s going to win Wimbledon this weekend, then? This author’s money is on Novak Djokovic (safe bet, sure) and Elena Rybakina, but it should be fun either way. Of course, if you’re not into tennis, then at least you’ll have lots of sunshine to look forward to – a heatwave awaits, apparently. Sammy Barker, Editor: I have...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 433
One more time
We made it to July, everyone. All the Not-E3 nonsense has passed, Stranger Things 4 has wrapped up, and we're one step closer to playing God of War Ragnarok later this year. Well, maybe. Hopefully. Until then, there's plenty of other gaming to do. Robert Ramsey, Deputy Editor: I regret to inform everyone that I've started playing...
Talking Point What PS Plus Games for PS5, PS4 Do You Want This Month? (July 2022)
When will PS Plus be announced?
What are the PS Plus games for PS5 and PS4 in July 2022? When will All PS Plus Games for July 2022 be announced? We're in a brave new era for Sony's subscription service now, with all three tiers — PS Plus Essential, PS Plus Extra
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 432
Feelin' hot
We've spent all year whining about the weather, and now it's officially too hot. Fortunately, rain is forecast for the weekend, so it's sure to cool down quick. Yours truly may just go and lie on the pavement, and let the cool water wash over. Robert Ramsey, Deputy Editor: I've been itching for some turn based Japanese RPG action, so...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 431
Super sonic
Well, that was the end of E3 week, then! To be honest, it’s not the end of the gaming excitement, however. The cool thing about publishers shifting their press conference schedules out of a single week is that we have so much more to look forward to over the coming months. And, let’s be honest, there’s a ton to play, too! Sammy...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 430
A big weekend
We’re in the thick of the summer showcase season, so it’s been non-stop news all week. To be honest, this author feels like it should be Wednesday or something – it’s actually Saturday now! Holy passage of time, Batman! Of course, there’s no Sony showcase this weekend – boo-hoo – but there are still lots of video games to...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 429
Origins story
An exciting end to the week brought us arguably the best State of Play of all time, refreshing our enthusiasm for the summer showcase schedule. But while there's lots to look forward to in the future, there are games to be played right now. Here's what's on our agenda. Sammy Barker, Editor: I'm meandering between a number of...
Talking Point State of Play Predictions - What Do You Expect?
Place your bets
Sony will host an anticipated State of Play livestream this week, but it’s important to stress upfront what it’s not. This is not a summer showcase to be compared with an E3 press conference or even a major Nintendo Direct. Despite the similarities in format, we’ve seen enough State of Play presentations now to know that...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 428
No one mention the European cup
We've got a bumper WAYP in store for you this week, folks — potentially one of the biggest editions in quite some time. With the very real prospect of Liverpool winning the Champions League, this author will be avoiding all living civilisation for the next 48 hours. Unless, of course, Karim Benzema can repeat his...
Talking Point What PS Plus Games for PS5, PS4 in June 2022 Do You Want?
When will June 2022's PS Plus update be announced?
What are the June 2022 PS Plus games for PS5 and PS4 and when will the June 2022 PS Plus games be announced? The rollout phase for PS Plus' revamp is imminent, and is actually already available in parts of Asia. That means the nature of these articles will change in the future, as we'll be...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 427
You know the drill
Finally we have a partial list of PS Plus games for next month's launch, and we know that PS1 classic Syphon Filter will have a Platinum Trophy. Happy days! Stephen Tailby, Associate Editor: I've put Elden Ring on ice for the time being, so I'm catching up on a few other bits and bobs. I've been chilling with OlliOlli World...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 426
Blue sky thinking
We're not sure about where you are, but after what felt like a never-ending winter, the weather is finally improving here. It's not tropical yet, but the sun is shining, the skies are blue, and there are barely any new video games to play. Time to go outside? Sammy Barker, Editor: I never, ever expected to write this, but I'm...
Talking Point Does Sony Need a Big Summer Showcase?
Time to shine
Primarily thanks to E3, the summer months have long been the time for console makers and publishers to push their plans for the future. Of course, E3 itself is pretty much dead and buried at this point, but its lasting legacy is clear to see, with events like Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest eagerly taking its place alongside...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? - Issue 425
Believe with all your heart
We truly are in the doldrums, folks, because this week was a real stinker of nothingness for virtually the entire gaming industry. Yes, we got the shock news that Embracer has acquired Square Enix's western studios first thing on Monday, but beyond that... Nada. Let's play some games, eh? Sammy Barker, Editor: I'm...
