Rhys Elliott
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Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced "is on track to be a much-needed hit for Ubisoft," says analyst, selling 5 times the Steam copies Assassin's Creed Shadows did pre-release
Analyst Rhys Elliott suggests that the upcoming remake, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, is poised to be a significant success for Ubisoft, potentially revitalizing the company. Pre-release sales on Steam for Resynced have already surpassed those of Assassin's Creed Shadows and even the lifetime sales of Skull and Bones, indicating strong anticipation driven by nostalgia and the game's PC presence.
Sony Tries To Change The Subject After Killing PlayStation Discs
Sony announced plans to end support for physical game discs on PlayStation platforms by early 2028, a move that has drawn significant backlash from gamers. The company's subsequent attempt to shift focus to a new wireless fight stick was met with continued anger and disappointment. Analysts suggest the decision aims to increase Sony's control over pricing and distribution, eliminating the used game market and pushing consumers towards digital purchases.
Resident Evil Requiem, 007 First Light, and Crimson Desert Are 2026’s Top-Selling PS5 Games – Rumor
A report from Alinea Analytics estimates the top-selling PlayStation 5 games of 2026, with Resident Evil Requiem leading sales at 3.5 million copies. Other titles mentioned include 007 First Light, Crimson Desert, and Forza Horizon 5, with Forza Horizon 6 also anticipated. The report focuses on physical sales figures and revenue generated on the PlayStation 5 platform.
Why Is Sony Killing Discs? It’s “All About Profitability And Control,” Expert Says
Sony will discontinue support for PlayStation game discs in January 2028, citing the increasing share of digital game sales. Analyst Rhys Elliott suggests this move prioritizes profitability and control for Sony by eliminating the second-hand market and encouraging full-price digital purchases. While potentially detrimental to consumers and retailers, the shift could benefit developers by allowing for later submission of final game builds.
Leaks, price control, no second-hand sales: why Grand Theft Auto 6 physical editions won't come with a disc, according to experts
Grand Theft Auto 6 physical editions will not include a disc, instead featuring only a download code, a move experts attribute to Rockstar Games' desire for greater price control, elimination of the second-hand market, and prevention of game leaks. This approach, while a deviation from traditional norms, aligns with a growing trend in digital distribution and offers benefits for publisher cash flow and development timelines.
Grand Theft Auto 6’s $80 Price Won’t Change Current $70 Baseline for AAA Games, Say Analysts
Industry analysts suggest that Grand Theft Auto 6's $80 price point will not immediately shift the AAA game baseline but may lead to more pricing variance. While some marquee titles might adopt higher prices, many games will likely stick to the $70 baseline due to consumer sensitivity and the need to 'earn' higher prices through established franchise value. Companies like Nintendo and Rockstar Games have unique pricing power due to their strong brand recognition and perceived value.
Grand Theft Auto 6’s Lack of Disc in Physical Release Won’t Impact Sales Expectations, Says Analyst
An analyst believes Grand Theft Auto 6's lack of a disc in its initial physical release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will not significantly impact sales, citing the prevalence of digital-only consoles. Retailers may benefit from reduced second-hand sales, and the game's pricing at $80 is seen as a unique case due to Rockstar Games' established goodwill.
GTA 6: Will $80 be the new standard, and will more publishers start to skip physical releases?
Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch at $79.99 for the standard edition and $99.99 for the ultimate edition, with physical copies containing only a download code. Analysts discuss whether this price point will become a new industry standard and if publishers will increasingly abandon physical disc releases. While some believe this pricing is justified for a title of GTA 6's caliber, others caution against a widespread shift due to potential consumer backlash.
GTA 6's leaked prices are "possible and plausible," analysts say, but a high barrier to entry "would…
Analysts believe that leaked pricing for Grand Theft Auto 6, with potential base prices around $100, is plausible given the game's anticipated scale and Rockstar's market position. However, some suggest a lower price point could be strategically beneficial for long-term revenue through Grand Theft Auto Online and to accommodate players affected by the cost-of-living crisis.
Upcoming Xbox Exclusives Are Being Sent Out To Die, Analyst Says; Xbox Pushes Back
Analyst Rhys Elliott claims Microsoft is intentionally setting upcoming Xbox exclusives like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution up for failure to transition away from console hardware. Xbox's Matthew Ball denies rumors of reversing course on exclusives, stating they will remain exclusive and that Microsoft plans to release signature exclusives annually. The article also touches on potential studio closures and layoffs within Xbox due to financial struggles.
$80 Games Are Already Here
The video game market is already seeing $80 games, with Nintendo leading the charge on titles like Mario Kart World and upcoming Switch 2 releases. This trend is fueled by rising development costs and inflation, with analysts predicting more publishers will adopt higher price points. While some companies like Sony and Microsoft have maintained $70 prices, others like Take-Two Interactive have successfully implemented price hikes, suggesting $80 could become the new standard for AAA games.
Here are the biggest Steam wishlist winners from Summer Game Fest 2026
Summer Game Fest 2026 saw significant increases in Steam wishlists for several titles, with Resident Evil Veronica leading the pack with over 522,000 new additions. Other notable games include Guild Wars 3, 1666: Amsterdam, and Lords of the Fallen 2, indicating strong player interest generated by the event. The analysis highlights the power of major showcases in driving anticipation for upcoming games.
Gaming Hardware Prices Are Likely Going to Go Even Higher, Say Analysts
Industry analysts predict that gaming hardware prices will continue to rise due to factors like RAM costs, geopolitical situations, and currency fluctuations. While some regions like Asia and MENA are showing resilience, Western markets are particularly affected by these price hikes. Experts suggest that a higher pricing floor for gaming hardware is likely, potentially shifting the industry towards subscription and cloud-based models.
Forza Horizon 6 Has Sold Almost 5 Million Copies – Rumor
According to estimates from Alinea Analytics, Forza Horizon 6 has sold approximately 4.9 million copies across PC and Xbox Series X/S, generating over $325 million in revenue. Despite being available on Game Pass, the game has seen strong performance on Xbox platforms and Steam, with a significant portion of players utilizing the subscription service. A PlayStation 5 release is anticipated later this year.
Forza Horizon 6 sells 4.9 million copies despite Xbox Game Pass "cannibalizing" revenue, says analyst
Forza Horizon 6 has achieved 4.9 million in sales since its launch, generating $325 million, with a significant portion sold through the Xbox storefront and Game Pass. Analyst Rhys Elliott notes that while Game Pass is cannibalizing direct sales, Microsoft may be banking on subscription lifetime value, though subscription growth is stagnating.
Saros is selling worse than Returnal, analyst estimates, as it competes with hits like Crimson Desert and Resident Evil…
Analyst Rhys Elliott estimates that Housemarque's new roguelike, Saros, has sold over 300,000 copies in its first two weeks, generating over $22 million. This performance is considered weaker than its predecessor, Returnal, due to a crowded market of recent blockbuster releases. Elliott suggests Saros may struggle to break even against its reported budget exceeding $76 million.
Saros is off to a slower start than Returnal, with some analysts concerned Housemarque "will struggle to break even"
Despite generally favorable reviews and a smoother difficulty curve than Returnal, Housemarque's new game Saros is experiencing a slower launch. Analysts note that while Saros has sold 300,000 copies and generated over $22 million, its sales pace trails behind Returnal, even with a significantly larger PlayStation 5 install base. Concerns have been raised about the game's ability to break even given its reported $76 million development budget.
Saros May Struggle To Recoup Its Budget, Despite Great Reviews - Analyst
Despite receiving excellent reviews and being a contender for Game of the Year, Housemarque's Saros may struggle to recoup its reported $76 million development budget due to slower sales compared to its predecessor, Returnal. Analyst Rhys Elliott estimates Saros sold around 300,000 copies in its first two weeks, with a significant portion of players having previously purchased Returnal. The game's performance is being closely watched as an indicator of Sony's strategy for its PlayStation 5 exclusives.
Sony Reports $765 Million Impairment Losses From Bungie in Latest Earnings Report
Sony reported $765 million in impairment losses related to its acquisition of Bungie for the fiscal year, despite a 12 percent increase in overall revenue. The company forecasts a 30 percent revenue increase next year, partly due to the absence of these impairment losses. Bungie's latest title, Marathon, has seen mixed sales performance across platforms, with PC being the dominant platform, followed by PlayStation 5.
Xbox games are making bank on PlayStation
Xbox games generated $667 million in gross revenue by being ported to PlayStation 5, according to a report by Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics. While some titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Sea of Thieves performed exceptionally well, others like Starfield and Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition also met sales thresholds. Sony, conversely, is not planning to port more PlayStation 5 games to PC, focusing on single-player exclusives for its console while live-service games will be multiplatform.
