Phil-stradamus isn't stopping yet: 16 game predictions for 2021
Will Valve finally unveil a competitor to Stadia? Is Sony snatching up a big game studio? And is a Switch Pro on the horizon? Phil-stradamus has the answers (or not).
Want to know what exciting news 2021 has in store for gamers the world over? Then you’ve come to the right place. I, Phil-stradamus, will look into my crystal ball for you and discover what Sony, Valve and co. will cook up this year. The forecasts can hardly get any worse than last year's.
Prediction difficulty: piece of cake
Switch Pro
Yeah, yeah, I know, I said that last year. But now Nintendo has already contacted third-party developers, saying they should optimise their games for 4K. It seems obvious to me that a new Switch is coming out this year. It won't be a Switch 2, but a more powerful Pro version. I even think ray tracing is possible. The update for that will follow later, though.
A «Zelda Breath of the Wild 2» trailer
The sequel to 2017's open-world Zelda hit has already been teased, but it won't be released until March 2022, in my opinion. Nintendo has stuck to a two-year cycle for years, but I still don't really believe in a release this year. The expectations for it are just too high. That's why I'll put my money on a typical March release.
Sony will connect all PlayStation services
Microsoft has led the way, Sony will follow suit. Instead of subscribing to PS Plus and PS Now separately, there'll be an additional option that combines both services. I christen it: PS All Access.
Sony will buy a game studio
With studios being bought up left and right, Sony needs to make sure they don't fall by the wayside. They'll most likely dig deep and take over a larger developer. I don't think it'll be Insomniac, as they're practically already owned by Sony. My money is on Konami, or rather the game developer wing of the company. They can keep the trading card and pachinko business.
A «GTA 6» teaser
«GTA 5» is still selling like hot cakes, and its online mode basically serves as a free money dispenser for Rockstar, but at some point the open-world gangster institution will be milked dry. Which is exactly why I think the infamous studio will release the first trailer to their upcoming mega sequel this year. It won't come out this year, however.
Prediction difficulty: weekend warrior
The first AAA Stadia game
Google has signed up several studios to develop exclusive games for the streaming platform. The company also has its own studio working on a new game. After relying primarily on third-party games for the first two years, it's time to make a splash with a big exclusive title in 2021.
PS Now with PlayStation launch titles
Currently, the streaming and download service PS Now offers little current content. That's going to change this year. First of all, to keep up with the competition, Sony will bump up the resolution from 720p to 1080p and will be offering PlayStation-exclusive titles right at launch. Just like Microsoft has been doing for a long time.
The Amazon MMO will be a flop
After Amazon Game Studios' multiplayer title «Crucible» flopped so hard that Amazon pulled the plug a few months after release, I have little hope for their upcoming MMO. «New World» has already been postponed, but that won't help either. It'll probably be mediocre at best. But that's not an exciting prediction, which is why I'll claim it to be just as trash and quickly forgotten as «Crucible».
The «Anthem» reboot will be good
Remember «Anthem»? The sci-fi action game with «Iron Man»-like battle suits? Bioware has promised a complete reboot after its lousy launch. If they're banking on the handful of people that still haven't forgotten the original title, then the new version needs to come out soon. Meaning this year. I'll even go a step further and say this thing is going to be good. But since the basic game already pleased me, I'll probably be right either way.
A new «Crysis»
«Crysis Remastered» was but a taste. In 2021, the real successor to the «Crysis» dynasty will be unveiled. Nanosuit, aliens and all.
A teaser for next non-VR Half-Life
After Valve landed a hit with «Half-Life Alyx», a successor to the cult series, a non-VR spin-off shouldn't be far off. I maintain we'll see a first teaser this year.
Steam introduces its streaming service
I'll keep repeating this prediction until it comes to pass. Now that every Tom, Dick and Harry has launched a streaming service for games, it's time for the world's biggest gaming platform to follow suit. Not all of the 40,000+ games will be available, only a well-curated selection.
Prediction difficulty: loose cannon
Xbox Cloud Gaming for the Switch
Microsoft and Nintendo have a good relationship. Which is why it wasn't much of a surprise to see Minecraft's Steve earn a spot in «Smash Bros. Ultimate.» That's why I'm risking it all, going out on a limb to claim that Nintendo will allow the Xbox Cloud Gaming app on the Switch.
Logitech buys a monitor manufacturer
To complete their peripheral portfolio and offer gamers a complete range, Logitech will acquire a monitor manufacturer.
A first look at «Starfield»
Normally Bethesda reveals new games only shortly before release. With Microsoft's recent acquisition, that should change. Even though the upcoming sci-fi role-playing game is still a long way off, we will see a first trailer this year.
A Nintendo character on Xbox
Minecraft's Steve is playable in «Super Smash Bros. Ultimate». In turn, a Nintendo character will make a guest appearance on Xbox. How about Double Fine's Halloween game Costume Quest 3, along with ghost hunter Luigi? Alternatively, I could see a crossover between the Forza racing series and Mario Kart.
Ridiculous? Then tell me your suggestions of what surprises will pop up this year.
Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.