Readers Debate Rockstar's Next Move

Rockstar Games is preparing its next title, and local readers believe it will be Red Dead Redemption 3. The prediction appears in the latest column from Metro, a UK publication that aggregates fan opinions on the video game industry. The company has stated its upcoming project will not take 13 years to develop. A reader named Pinky noted that while Grand Theft Auto 6 is in development, the next major release from Rockstar is likely a sequel to their western franchise.

Pinky argued that the studio may be limiting itself to two main franchises. The reader suggested that Rockstar should experiment with new ideas, such as a science fiction game or a pirate adventure. However, the consensus among the correspondents leans heavily toward a third entry in the Red Dead series. The reader pre-ordered Grand Theft Auto 6 and booked time off work to play it, showing the high level of anticipation for the current release.

Another topic of discussion involves the state of digital game pricing. A reader named Simundo defended the PlayStation Store against critics who claim digital prices are too high. Simundo has used the service since 2013 and said they have never paid the full day-one price for a digital title. They cited discounted vouchers and frequent sales as key reasons for staying in the Sony ecosystem. The reader pointed out that Spider-Man 2, which released in October 2023, has been on sale multiple times. The Digital Deluxe version recently dropped to £31.99.

Simundo compared this digital pricing to physical copies. CeX and Hit, two retailers, currently charge £34.99 and £34.85 respectively for the standard physical version of Spider-Man 2. The reader argued that if the PlayStation Store stopped offering these deals, many consumers would leave the platform. They expressed some unease about Sony's current dynamic pricing experiments, fearing they might be exploited if made permanent.

The discussion also touched on the future of open-world multiplayer. A reader named Mooney addressed the possibility of cooperative play in games like Cyberpunk 2. Mooney argued that open-world co-op is difficult because players often drift apart. They used Elden Ring as an example, noting that a partner could vanish into a building for hours. The reader believed that human nature, rather than technical limits, prevents most developers from implementing official co-op in these titles.

Other readers offered opinions on specific titles. One correspondent, Cubby, discussed the lack of a proper Generation 1 Transformers game. They noted that creating a large open world to showcase transformations requires a big budget. Cubby mentioned that Hasbro considered spending $1 billion on video games but pulled back due to the risk. Another reader, Rob, expressed strong enthusiasm for Star Wars: Galactic Racer. Rob called the game addictive and highlighted the racing mechanics and atmosphere. They noted that adding virtual reality for the PlayStation 5 would improve the experience further.

A reader named Harry defended Electronic Arts' decision to pause the Mass Effect series. Harry noted that BioWare now has only 50 employees and that the best talent has left. They argued that Dragon Age was historically more popular than Mass Effect and that the last Dragon Age title underperformed. Harry acknowledged that EA mismanaged the studio, pointing to issues with Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem. The reader concluded that the damage was done years ago and a return may be difficult.

The column closed with brief comments on other industry news. A reader named Bosco linked recent online issues in Street Fighter 5 to AI-driven attacks. They predicted that developers would face more constant probing for secrets as decompiling and jailbreaking become common. Another reader, Grackle, criticized the price of Hunter’s Moon, calling £15 too much for a two-hour experience. The letters reflect a community that is deeply engaged with both the creative direction of major studios and the economic realities of buying games in 2026.