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    These 9 Things Will Totally Happen In Gaming In 2021 (Maybe)

    With 2020 nearly wrapped up and all its greatest video games acknowledged in our annual Best Of awards, the crew at GameSpot wish to aid you anticipate what lies forward by precisely predicting the longer term (or making an attempt to). 2021 is seeking to be an thrilling proving floor for new-generation consoles PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, as they each enter the subsequent section after their current launches. Will the yr deliver unbelievable video games and experiences that can push the brand new {hardware} towards thrilling new heights? Or will we nonetheless have to attend some time earlier than the heavy funding we made this previous vacation season turns into price it? And let’s not overlook; Nintendo simply would possibly use this yr to launch the long-rumored improve to the Switch–we assume as a lot, at the very least. Whatever could occur, time will inform (or we are going to in our predictions)!In GameSpot’s annual prediction sequence, we have put our brains collectively to find out what might occur subsequent yr on this planet of video games. While our accuracy in predicting the longer term is not all the time on the mark, it nonetheless will not cease us from speculating.Below yow will discover our gaming predictions for 2021. No matter how believable or absurd these predictions could be, these are what we imagine will come true in some type subsequent yr.Since we do that yearly, it is best to take a look at our function overlaying our 2020 predictions to see simply how appropriate (and painfully incorrect) we had been. Otherwise, make sure you look to our Most Anticipated 2021 hub, which comprises options detailing the largest video games to play subsequent yr.What do you expect will occur in video games subsequent yr? Let us know within the feedback under.Halo Infinite Will Actually Release, And It Will Be NiceAfter years of growth and a giant delay, Halo Infinite will lastly launch in 2021, and it will be nice. I’m calling it now. After the struggles of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, 343 Industries is understandably taking its time to verify Halo Infinite begins out sturdy.It’s a bummer the sport did not launch as a launch title for the Series X as was anticipated, however I’m in full assist of the crew taking the time it wants to actually nail it. This should be an particularly tall process because the groups do business from home through the pandemic.The developer replace for Halo Infinite launched in December supplied some glorious perception and depth on what 343 is spending its time on, together with enhancing the graphics and making certain followers that the free-to-play multiplayer component will not be a pay-to-win disaster riddled with extreme microtransactions. It all sounds very constructive, and I’m very excited to see the fruits of the crew’s labor in 2021.I’m notably excited to see what 343 has in retailer for multiplayer, which is the bread and butter of the Halo franchise. The current Halo Infinite map tease was actually thrilling, promising a beautiful artwork model and unimaginable graphics. Master Chief has saved the universe numerous instances, and I’m not going to guess in opposition to him now. — Eddie Makuch, Associate EditorNintendo Will Celebrate Mother 3’s 15th Anniversary By Finally Localizing It In The West2020 could not have been the very best yr, however that will not cease me from persevering with a time-honored custom. Like final yr, I used to be mistaken about Mother 3 coming to Nintendo Switch in 2020. While it could be smart of me to surrender hope at this level, I do know that doing so would dishonor my former boss, Justin Haywald, who I think about, like me, is simply as upset that we have nonetheless not seen the third entry in Nintendo’s cult-favorite RPG sequence come to the West. Cumulatively, we have spent 4 years now predicting that Nintendo would fulfill our needs and launch Mother 3, however no such luck.In the previous, I typically justified a possible launch primarily based on how Nintendo was shifting towards making its basic catalog extra readily accessible through its on-line service. I even thought it’d comply with swimsuit with different Japanese firms, like Square Enix and Sega, which have been re-releasing basic video games on fashionable platforms. But this yr, I feel I’ve lastly discovered a agency foundation on which Nintendo might but give us Mother 3.You want solely have a look at the actual manner Nintendo has been celebrating basic video games in 2020. In September, the corporate launched Super Mario 3D All-Stars, a group of that sequence’ 3D entries, to commemorate Mario’s 35th anniversary. And on Fire Emblem’s 30th anniversary, it localized and re-released the primary Fire Emblem recreation, making it out there to play in English for the primary time. Both are limited-time releases, which looks like some strategic manner to make sure an inflow of gross sales proper at launch quite than the celebratory reasoning that Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser claimed it is all about. Regardless, Nintendo has turn into more and more open to highlighting its basic video games in numerous methods than simply throwing them onto the Nintendo Switch Online service.What makes 2021 particular is the truth that it is the 15th anniversary of Mother 3’s Japanese launch. As you’ll be able to think about, Nintendo’s current habits might very nicely depart room for the corporate to localize the sport as a limited-time celebratory launch. Compared to earlier years that Justin and I’ve spent predicting this recreation would come, that is maybe the more than likely yr for it to actually occur. Seriously, I’m getting goosebumps writing about this. Like, what if Mother 3 will get launched this fashion and will get a slick bodily collector’s version alongside the strains of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon & The Blade Of Light? It’d be a dream come true.Of course, time will inform, and in a few yr, I could be simply as upset as I’ve been for the previous two years, predicting this in Justin’s stead. It’s laborious to say as a result of Mother 3 remains to be a problematic recreation, largely attributable to characters and scenes that could possibly be deemed too controversial for Nintendo to be related to at the moment. Even so, a sensible localization might recontextualize and repair these components, even when doing so could lead to lower content material or adjustments from the unique intent. But it doesn’t matter what occurs, I will not quit hope. I’ve already come this far, in spite of everything. — Matt Espineli, EditorPersona 3 Will Get A Modern PortThis is probably simply wishful considering on my half, as somebody who had their save erased earlier than finishing the sport. Nevertheless, I feel there may be some sound logic on this prediction: Atlus will deliver Persona 3 to fashionable platforms.Thanks to Persona 4 Golden and particularly Persona 5, the sequence’ recognition has by no means been larger. And whereas the sooner video games within the sequence adhered extra to the Shin Megami Tensei basis, Persona 3 is the place the franchise extra intently started to resemble what it’s immediately. And but, it stays out there solely on PS2 and PSP, which hardly makes it broadly out there immediately.There have been indicators of increasing Persona’s availability: Persona 4 Golden got here to PC, and Persona 5 Strikers will come to Switch and PC along with the extra anticipated platform of PS4. Persona 3 has not been forgotten, as its characters had been part of Persona Q and Q2, and had been revisited for Persona 3: Dancing In Moonlight in 2018. But now it is time to let more moderen followers see the place they got here from with out lugging out a PSP, Vita, PS2, or back-compat PS3.The best-case situation could be a Golden/Royal-style replace for Persona 3 (along with what Persona 3 FES did for the unique), however a port to fashionable platforms with some minor quality-of-life enhancements would nonetheless be a lot appreciated by followers. The look forward to Persona 6 will little question be an extended one, and having the ability to re-experience (or newly uncover) Persona 3 would make plenty of sense to maintain followers engaged. — Chris Pereira. Senior EditorBioWare Will Reveal The New Mass Effect Connects To AndromedaSeeing a trailer for a brand-new Mass Effect recreation throughout The Game Awards 2020 was a welcome shock. Given that it is only a teaser, it is not possible this new recreation is coming in 2021. However, I predict that subsequent yr, BioWare will affirm how this new recreation pertains to the remainder of the franchise.Though The Game Awards teaser zooms in on the Milky Way Galaxy, it initially showcases two completely different galaxies, one thing that BioWare undertaking lead Michael Gamble mentioned was “intentional” and that each had been proven “for a reason.” Additionally, the trailer contains a line that goes, “Ark 6 is away. Godspeed.” The Arks had been the large ships used to journey to Andromeda, although importantly, solely 5 had been despatched previous to the occasions of Mass Effect 3.That line can be very reminiscent to what Nexus Control says to Ryder when taking off within the Tempest for the primary time in Andromeda, one other “intentional” alternative in response to Gamble. But this new recreation will doubtless hook up with the unique Mass Effect trilogy as nicely, provided that the asari within the trailer seems so much like Liara and Gamble confirms that the hunk of metallic that she’s climbing within the trailer is a Reaper.All of this makes me assume that in 2021, we are going to be taught that BioWare is growing a recreation that acts as a follow-up to each Mass Effect 3 and Andromeda. I’d like to see a recreation wherein a sixth Ark is constructed and utilized by the survivors of the battle in opposition to the Reapers to go away the Milky Way in an effort to discover a new residence, or a recreation the place Liara, as an asari, manages to dwell lengthy sufficient to see a few of the Andromeda Initiative return to the Milky Way. — Jordan Ramée, Associate EditorMetal Gear Solid Will Be RemadeMaybe it is as a result of I’m nonetheless using the excessive of Bluepoint’s unbelievable Demon’s Souls remake, however I’ve received it in my head that Metal Gear Solid needs to be subsequent. Konami’s iconic motion franchise is presently languishing within the dusty mental property vaults and Sony is extra aggressive about delivering unique video games that stoke nostalgia and provides house owners of its platforms a way of PlayStation delight. What could possibly be simpler at doing that than a remake of Metal Gear Solid, one of many video games that outlined the primary PlayStation and a franchise that might drive individuals to buy PS5?A full remake dealt with by an outdoor studio would additionally work in Konami’s favour too, as it may possibly reap the advantages of a brand-new Metal Gear Solid with out having to commit astronomical budgets to its growth all by itself. If Sony is prepared to foot a few of the invoice and even assist out with the heavy lifting, why not take benefit?Better nonetheless, sequence creator Hideo Kojima, who’s now making video games at his personal impartial studio, might be introduced in to advise on the undertaking and provides it his seal of approval. Fans of the franchise will little question demand it, and since Kojima already has an in depth working relationship with Sony on account of Death Stranding, it is positively inside the realm of chance to get him concerned.The different main profit for Konami is that it rebuilds some good will. Whether for the appropriate or mistaken causes, the very public bust up between Kojima and Konami soured plenty of followers of the franchise on Konami. And when it adopted up with the very questionable Metal Gear Survive, they had been incensed. That ill-will has lingered, however what higher solution to have individuals heat to the corporate once more than to offer their blessing to the remake of Metal Gear Solid? And if Bluepoint, a studio that has a confirmed observe document of doing remakes proper, is on the job, it is certain to assist outdated wounds heal. It feels just like the time is correct for Snake to make his triumphant return. — Tamoor Hussain, Managing EditorNintendo Will Hold A 35th Anniversary Celebration For ZeldaNintendo celebrated Super Mario’s 35th anniversary this yr with a number of recreation releases and occasions, and I totally anticipate the Legend of Zelda sequence to get comparable therapy subsequent yr. After all, 2021 marks the franchise’s 35th anniversary, and as one of many firm’s marquee properties, Nintendo will doubtless have fun the milestone in a giant manner.Given what a gross sales success Super Mario 3D All-Stars has been, it looks like a secure guess that Nintendo will launch some kind of Legend of Zelda assortment for Switch as a part of the anniversary celebration. The assortment will doubtless embody the sequence’ two N64 installments, Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask, and maybe even the rumored Switch port of Skyward Sword. The anniversary would even be the right event to lastly deliver over Wii U’s HD remasters of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess, though I might not be shocked if Nintendo chooses to re-release every of these video games individually.We’ll additionally doubtless see some Zelda-themed occasions in different Switch video games subsequent yr as a part of the anniversary celebration. Since Mario-themed furnishings is on the best way to Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Mario’s anniversary, I totally anticipate the sport to obtain Zelda furnishings as nicely. That appears inevitable contemplating that Zelda objects have appeared in each earlier Animal Crossing title up to now. This would even be an amazing alternative to introduce Zelda villagers to New Horizons. New Leaf gamers might use Zelda Amiibo figures to ask Ganon, Epona, Medli, and Wolf Link to dwell of their cities, and introducing an analogous means to get them in New Horizons could be a enjoyable solution to have fun Zelda’s anniversary.Of course, there’s additionally the upcoming Breath of the Wild sequel. However, as becoming as it will be to see that launched through the sequence’ 35th anniversary, I feel it will be extra sensible to anticipate the sport to launch in 2022, particularly contemplating that the COVID-19 pandemic has doubtless slowed down its growth. That’s one prediction I’d be completely happy to get mistaken, nevertheless. — Kevin Knezevic, Associate EditorFinal Fantasy XIV Finally Comes To XboxIt looks like each time I interview Final Fantasy XIV director and producer Naoki Yoshida, I’ve to ask him about any updates for Switch or Xbox ports of the sport. Square Enix’s wildly profitable (and unmatched) MMORPG continues to thrive on PC and PlayStation programs, and the newest phrase from the crew mentioned that they’ve exceeded 20 million gamers worldwide. And with each different Final Fantasy out there on Xbox (barring the NES/SNES entries), it looks like FFXIV is a void ready to be stuffed.Yoshida-san’s response has all the time been akin to ready for platform holders to offer the greenlight, telling me final yr his objective is all the time to “strive to have as many people play FFXIV on multiple platforms.” He continued to say to carry on and that followers could be the primary to know, but in addition famous, “I want to allow people to play with their friends without any cross-platform limitations. I am still in discussion with Microsoft and Nintendo to make this a reality.”Hell, even Phil Spencer acknowledged the thought at X019 final yr as nicely, saying to press on the occasion, “I wanted you to know, rest assured that we will be bringing that game [Final Fantasy XIV] to Xbox. We have a great relationship with Yoshida-san and we’re working through what it means to bring [to Xbox] a cross-platform MMO that they’ve run for years.”Well, FFXIV is poised to have a giant yr in 2021. A significant occasion is deliberate in February, and we suspect it’s going to include a reveal of the subsequent enlargement and the 5.5 replace that can bridge gamers into the brand new storylines. It’d even be an amazing alternative to usher in a brand new wave of gamers that might come from the Xbox platform.A big a part of Square Enix’s video games dwell on Xbox Game Pass, even outdoors of Final Fantasy–but that does pose the query of how a subscription-based MMORPG would perform on Xbox’s platform that is constructed round its personal subscription mannequin. I’m certain they’d devise a solution to pitch all of it, however subscribing is a hurdle that some face when making an attempt to get into FFXIV on current platforms. The recreation presently has a beneficiant free trial out there that allows you to entry the bottom recreation and first enlargement free of charge with no subscription (whereas eradicating some options), and perhaps that’ll assist get people on board.It’s been all however confirmed at this level, so it is a fairly secure prediction to make. I’m simply excited for extra individuals to see what all of the fuss is about. — Michael Higham, Associate EditorStadia Will Find Its FootingGoogle’s game-streaming service, Stadia, has had somewhat over a yr in the marketplace, and to this point it has kind of stumbled. It’s not that Stadia is weak from a technical standpoint–it’s usually a fairly strong cloud gaming service. But Stadia got here out of the gate with out a lot of a price proposition. In 2021, I feel Google is poised to alter that, at the very least considerably.The important bother with Stadia proper now could be that it is costly. While you should utilize plenty of your personal units and your present PC, in order for you Stadia to run in your TV, you want the $99 Chromecast and controller bundle. Google presents a $10 a month subscription service, Stadia Pro, that gives entry to some video games, however it nonetheless requires you to buy the preferred titles at full value.There simply is not presently a giant worth proposition for Stadia–you sink in some huge cash earlier than unlocking the extra comfort of streaming video games in your units with out the necessity for high-end PC {hardware}. But there is a fairly straightforward reply to the query of the best way to make Staida extra interesting: make all of it cheaper.As Microsoft has realized with Xbox Game Pass, the large win with a service like Stadia isn’t promoting {hardware} or video games, however locking in customers for long-term subscriptions. Stadia might enhance its cache by rising its recreation library and securing offers to incorporate huge titles at launch, a lot the best way Microsoft does. I do know I’m making all that sound very straightforward when securing these offers requires main negotiation and funding, however that is Google–it completely has the sources to make its streaming service a serious contender.Especially with costly new consoles being robust to search out, Stadia has a giant probability to interrupt by means of with players by coming in cheaper than the opposite guys. With a yr of expertise in what to not do underneath its belt, I feel Google will attempt to make some strikes with Stadia in 2021 and discover a area of interest the place it could be extra profitable. — Phil Hornshaw, EditorNintendo Will Release A New Switch MannequinAs certainly because the solar rises and units, Nintendo is engaged on new {hardware}, and I predict we’ll see the corporate launch a brand new Switch mannequin in 2021. This is not precisely a daring prediction to make; in spite of everything, quite a few shops, together with Bloomberg, have reported that Nintendo plans to launch an “upgraded Switch” in 2021, so it looks like a secure guess that can certainly be the case someday subsequent yr.Of course, Nintendo, for its half, has repeatedly downplayed these rumors, however the firm’s denials do not quantity to a lot. Each time experiences of latest {hardware} spring up, Nintendo is fast to shoot them down, solely to launch mentioned {hardware} just a few months later. You can discover loads of examples of that occuring over the previous few years, whilst not too long ago as 2019, when Nintendo dismissed experiences that it was engaged on a less expensive Switch–just earlier than it formally unveiled the Switch Lite.Releasing an enhanced Switch subsequent yr additionally is sensible from a enterprise standpoint. With Sony and Microsoft not too long ago ushering in a brand new era of consoles, Nintendo will need to do what it may possibly to mitigate the facility hole between the Switch and its new rivals, and a extra highly effective mannequin that helps 4K decision, as Bloomberg experiences, would definitely assist accomplish that. Time will inform whether or not these experiences transform true, however given how incessantly the corporate likes to refresh its {hardware}, I actually would not guess in opposition to Nintendo releasing a brand new Switch mannequin subsequent yr. — Kevin Knezevic, Associate Editor

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