Halo Infinite has been postponed to 2021. This means that a major launch title is missing for Xbox Series X. However, it raises the question of whether such games are really important for the launch of a new console generation like Xbox Series X and PS5. MeinMMO author Andreas Bertits believes it is not as bad as some might think.
When a new console generation is released, players are of course excited about what the hardware can achieve and how new games will look on it. We already got a taste during the first presentations of the new titles for PS5 and Xbox Series X.
Games like Horizon: Forbidden West for PS5 or the new Forza Motorsport for Xbox Series X look extremely good in the announcement videos. But when will these games be released? Most are planned for 2021 and beyond. At the launch of the consoles at the end of 2020, the line-up does not look very spectacular – especially since recently Halo Infinite was pulled as a launch title for Xbox Series X.
No major launch title for PS5 and Xbox Series X
At the launch of the consoles, some interesting games are planned, but the major blockbusters are missing on both sides.
PS5 titles like Godfall, Spider-Man: Miles Morales or Bugsnax are certainly exciting, but the community would probably have preferred something like a new God of War, which hasn’t even been announced yet. That is, a major title from a well-known brand that has many fans. A game that was already a huge success on PS4 and generated enthusiasm, and from whose sequel fans expect even more. Something that utilizes the PS5’s hardware and amazes players. Especially since Spider-Man: Miles Morales is supposed to be just a kind of standalone add-on.
For Xbox Series X, it looks even “worse” in essence. Because there are no exclusive games at all. All titles for Xbox Series X are also being released for PC. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 could still be a game that will be released at the end of 2020 for Microsoft’s new console and may serve as a good launch title. However, Hellblade is not as big a brand as Halo, which many were looking forward to its new installment, Halo Infinite.
Considering this situation, it seems that no truly major launch title will be available at the start of the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
It’s not as bad as it seems
However, the situation is not quite as bleak as it appears. Major launch titles are indeed important and can lead to more console sales, but they are not essential.
All one has to do is look at the situation at the launch of PS4 and Xbox One. Both consoles were released at the end of 2013 and had no real blockbuster launch games available. PS4 launched with Killzone: Shadow Fall and Xbox One with Ryse: Son of Rome. Titles that are barely discussed today.
And yet: The PS4 sold more than one million units in the first 24 hours in the US alone, according to IGN. Xbox One also reached these numbers – albeit globally, as Techmalak reports. The demand for the devices was so high that they were sold out for some time – and this, without having truly major launch titles available.
Here, a trust advance plays an important role. Players know that Sony releases good games for its consoles, which are very successful. This was the case with PS4 with titles like Ghost of Tsushima, The Last of Us Part 2, Horizon: Zero Dawn or God of War. Microsoft may not quite keep up regarding exclusive games, but the Xbox also has a loyal fan base that is already looking forward to the next console generation. Halo then plays an important role here.
Both companies make a promise to players with their new consoles. Buy the devices and you will receive some really good games in the future that utilize new technologies. Including SSDs for very short loading times. With the prospect of already announced titles, some find this promise along with the trust advance sufficient to take the plunge at the launch of the consoles.
There’s plenty to play
Moreover, it’s not as if those who buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X at the end of the year have nothing to play – both consoles are backward compatible. At least for PS5 partially. This means players can access a large catalog of titles they can play right away, many of which will at least partially benefit from the new hardware. Loading times should generally be shorter due to the SSD, and some of the games, such as Cyberpunk 2077 or FIFA 21, are said to receive updates that will make them look better on the new consoles.
Furthermore, cross-gen titles like Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will be available in optimized versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, these will not be next-gen games that truly utilize all the new features and the better hardware, yet they will be playable as new titles on PS5 and Xbox Series X at launch.
So, those who decide to buy a PS5 or Xbox Series X at the end of the year will have to forgo the major next-gen launch titles for now – which is a pity – but there are enough titles to keep them occupied. And when the big games arrive in 2021 and beyond, the early buyers will be ready.
This is likely to lead to a situation at the launch of the next-gen consoles where, despite the missing launch highlights, the devices will still be very much in demand.
Do you see it differently? We have started a survey to hear from you: “PS5 / Xbox Series X: How important are strong launch titles for your purchase?”
