It seems like many of us have noticed an unusual atmosphere this year, haven’t we? During our conversation at Play Days, part of Summer Game Fest 2025 in Los Angeles, numerous people expressed similar sentiments. While I’m not revealing their identity, it wouldn’t make a difference because everyone I spoke to echoed the same sentiment.
The strange vibe could be attributed to several factors. One such factor is the presentation of games before we got a chance to play them ourselves. Everyone’s opinions and tastes can vary greatly, but personally, I found this year’s showcase to be the weakest since Summer Game Fest began.
1. “My friend in game publishing shared that the numerous studio closures and canceled projects have become quite evident, especially considering the widespread layoffs over the past few years. At some point, he explains, there would inevitably be a dearth of ‘blockbuster’ titles to announce.”
2. “Another colleague in the press field remarks that it seems as though studios are conducting cost analyses and deciding that spending top dollar isn’t worth it right now.”
3. “However, Capcom stood out at the event by unveiling its ninth mainline Resident Evil game, a rarity among announcements. Capcom’s presence extended throughout Play Days, with presentations and demos for Onimusha: Way of the Sword, Pragmata, and Resident Evil Requiem.”
4. “In addition to Capcom, there were numerous other developers showcasing intriguing games, and I made sure to schedule as many viewings as possible.”
At Annapurna Interactive’s booth, there was an enjoyable touch as they styled their game cases to give the impression that games such as Mixtape and Snap & Grab were designed for the NES and Dreamcast systems. From my brief playtime, these games appear to be quite promising.
Additionally, I found several intriguing games worth exploring from various creators and distributors, like Ambrosia Sky by Soft Rains, Directive 8020 from Supermassive Games, FBC: Firebreak by Remedy Entertainment, LEGO Party! by Fictions, Marvel Cosmic Invasion by Dotemu, and others.
Last year, Xbox presented their annual event known as the Xbox Games Showcase. I would rate it a ‘B-‘. Compared to the blockbuster rhythm of 2024, this event seemed like a slight step back. However, it did showcase some exciting new developments such as a fresh DOOM game and a sneak peek at Perfect Dark’s gameplay, both of which I had given an ‘A+’ for last year.
Although not directly involved in Play Days, Xbox arranged several meetings nearby to exhibit some highly anticipated titles that were featured during their Showcase, such as The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2 by Obsidian, Ninja Gaiden 4 from Team Ninja and PlatinumGames, and Gears of War: Reloaded by The Coalition. This last one is playable on the forthcoming Xbox Ally X, and I’m eager to try out all four games later in the year.
Reflecting back on the unsettling ambiance earlier discussed, it cannot be overlooked how the atmosphere was further heightened by local happenings in Los Angeles, where residents were protesting against ICE immigration raids, an event occurring mere streets away from us.
Admittedly, I’m not here to ponder over my own feelings, but it’s worth noting that I find myself uneasy when witnessing such situations, questioning the wellbeing of those involved, more so when friends (whom I value) reached out to check on my safety.
During Play Days, several colleagues joined us from different countries. While trying to enjoy the event, I was preoccupied with concerns for their safety and made an effort to offer guidance and reassurance as much as possible while juggling my work responsibilities.
As evenings approached, groups would gather in hotel lobbies to socialize, and I frequently checked on friends to ensure they reached their rooms safely and stayed away from the streets.
Despite these worries, I had an incredible time overall. Working remotely most of the time is beneficial, but there’s nothing quite like connecting with people face-to-face – whether it’s meeting new acquaintances or catching up with old friends. Such encounters provide a necessary recharge that I require at least once a year.
I won’t attempt to mention everyone, as I might unintentionally overlook some names and feel guilty about it, but if we manage to catch up, know that I value you, and I truly hope to meet you next year or even sooner.
Additionally, I want to express my gratitude towards Play Days for its unique character and the efforts of the organizing team over the years. They’ve been responsive to feedback and have prioritized event security. It may not be E3, but given what it is, it doesn’t need to be.
Lastly, this year’s Summer Game Fest was quite peculiar. I can’t wait to hopefully attend again in 2026.
With all that said, let me hear from you
After expressing my thoughts, I’m now eager to hear yours. What was your take on Summer Game Fest and the related events this year?
Were the streams more appealing or less so compared to last year in your opinion? Regardless of whether you liked them more or less, I’d appreciate your insights into why you felt that way and what specific aspects caught your attention.
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2025-06-23 12:39