E3 2021 Analysis, Battlefield 2042 & Hardware Speculation

E3 2021 Speculations and Industry Trends

Battlefield 2042 Trailer Analysis

• The panel discusses the recently released Battlefield 2042 trailer, criticizing its cinematic, CGI-heavy nature. They argue that such trailers are not representative of actual multiplayer gameplay.
• There is a debate regarding the term in-engine. The hosts clarify that while footage may be rendered inside an engine, it is often captured at non-real-time speeds, misleading viewers about actual performance.
• > "Companies have had better luck by compressing their hype cycles, like, say, revealing a game that's less than a year away."

Hopes for the Microsoft and Bethesda Conference

• The hosts express excitement for the upcoming Xbox/Bethesda event, highlighting potential appearances from Halo Infinite, Starfield, and new studio acquisitions.
• They discuss the need for Microsoft to leverage its superior hardware capabilities, specifically mentioning AI upscaling and the Series X potential.

Next-Gen Game Availability and State of the Industry

The Scarcity of Next-Gen Only Titles

• The panel examines the surprisingly small list of next-gen exclusive titles, noting that most releases are also appearing on last-gen hardware.
• They highlight Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and Returnal as true examples of taking advantage of the PS5 hardware, particularly regarding loading times and haptic feedback.

Hardware Concerns and Future Tech

• The discussion moves to the Unreal Engine 5 demo. While noting its visual fidelity, the hosts express concerns regarding its scalabilty and the difficulty in targeting 60 FPS on mid-range hardware.
• They discuss the prevalence of stick drift in modern controllers and the growing frustration surrounding user-repairable hardware versus the current trend toward fragile, complex controllers.

Retro and Miscellaneous Topics

• The hosts share a brief nostalgic discussion about their favorite E3 memories, including Metal Gear Solid 2, Doom 3, and Half-Life 2 reveals, while questioning if a traditional E3 format is still relevant in an era of publisher-led digital events.