Once again, we are now set free from the non-stop news cycle for video game updates and reveals. But looking back there are some things in gaming’s most pivotal time of the year that fell flat for audiences across the globe, including me.
Metal Gear Solid △(delta): Snake Eater Reveal
Konami’s reveal of the iconic third entry in the MGS series was almost more dreary than exciting. With the history of conflict between the original MGS 3’s creator, Hideo Kojima, and the executives at Konami, it’s pretty hard to be excited about this game. After the way the company treated Kojima, who today is seen as one of the most valuable developers working today, it feels distasteful to support the same company remaking the work of the industry figure.
Now with the existence of this remake, it’s almost funny how difficult it will be for Konami to win over its major public of MGS fans that feel so strongly about Kojima, especially since he will have no part at all in the development. I doubt most, if not all of whom that sided with Kojima in the heat of the 2015 conflict will consider supporting the company with a history of shady practices regarding the treatment of its previously most prized developer.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown music choice
With the long-awaited revival of this series being long overdue, the Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown reveal kicked off Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest earlier this June. The game looks absolutely stunning, bringing the franchise back to its 2D platforming roots in a popular yet refreshing art style. A major red flag, however, stuck out to me, regarding cultural representation.
Considering the lack of representation for Iran and its range of cultures in gaming beyond Prince of Persia’s initial popularity in the early 2000s, it was an odd move for Ubisoft Montpelier, the developer behind the new entry, to use a song so out of place for the trailer. Rap is certainly a popular choice for music for many games, but for a game so driven by Ancient Persian culture, I’m certain there are artists that could have been used to more properly portray the game’s themes than a rap song. While not a complete turn-off from the otherwise amazing-looking game, it begs the question of who’s overseeing the production for this game’s presentation, and who’s making these kinds of decisions based on interest from the game’s publics.
Capcom’s Pragmata Delay Announcement
The cycle of games being announced way too early continues.
During Capcom’s showcase, a new trailer for its new IP Pragmata was shown. The game, which was revealed 3 years ago during PlayStation’s first showcase for the PS5, was highly anticipated for its unique visuals and intriguing setting.
However, my excitement for this title has begun to drain. The trailer jokingly reveals the game is delayed indefinitely, with the girl in the trailer drawing something on a piece of paper, with a dramatic reveal of what she drew to read the years ‘2022’ and ‘2023’ crossed and scribbled out, and an arrow pointing to a question mark.
This wouldn’t have been too offensive, had this announcement been through a professionally written letter as per usual, but this different take on the “delay announcement and apology” is uniquely stupid. I hate to think of how much money was spent on this trailer because in this day and age, hearing about a game being delayed worries fans more than assures them.
There are certainly more moments than these that I felt were off-putting for the industry in terms of presentation and community relations, but despite the solid showing made by Xbox and Sony this year, it’s still worth looking at how little missteps like these can affect the industry.
