For our first show of 2025 we discuss the predictions the Financial Times has for Grand Theft Auto VI’s first year of sales (here’s a hint: it’s in the 7 billion dollar range!) Then we talk about the possibilities of new hardware announcements, and the potential for Valve’s SteamOS to take over the handheld and console markets after their announcements at CES! Then Nick and Josh share their thoughts after a couple weeks of playing Marvel Rivals!
The Unstoppable Hype: Grand Theft Auto 6 and Its Billion-Dollar Expectations
GTA 6 will be released at a delicate time for the video game industry, but expectations are so optimistic - Article by MeriStation
Grand Theft Auto 6 (GTA 6) stands as one of the most eagerly awaited video games in history. Fans are clamoring for any updates on its release, and although Rockstar Games has hinted at a 2025 launch, the absence of a definitive date has sparked frustration and widespread speculation. Analysts, including DFC Intelligence, forecast unprecedented success for the title, predicting it could generate over $1 billion in pre-orders and double the first-year sales of its predecessor, GTA 5, which earned a staggering $3.2 billion.
The financial projections for GTA 6 highlight its cultural ubiquity and the mainstream acceptance of video gaming as a dominant entertainment medium. Predictions of $7 billion in first-year revenue—rivaling the combined adjusted box office earnings of cinematic titans like Avatar and Titanic—demonstrate its unmatched influence. GTA 5’s enduring popularity, spanning three console generations with ongoing DLC revenue, provides a roadmap for GTA 6 to reach even greater heights. The game’s appeal lies not only in its groundbreaking design but also in its adaptability, with features like GTA Online and fan-driven role-playing communities creating a vibrant ecosystem.
Despite the sky-high expectations, GTA 6’s release faces challenges, including volatile industry trends and the immense pressure to deliver. Yet, its potential to outpace cultural phenomena like Thriller or the Star Wars franchise underscores gaming’s rise as an entertainment juggernaut. If all goes well, GTA 6 will not only redefine industry benchmarks but also cement Rockstar’s legacy as a pioneer in interactive media.
CES 2025: The Future of Gaming and AI Technology Takes Center Stage
As the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) kicks off on January 7th, Nvidia, a $3.3 trillion tech giant, prepares to take the spotlight with AI-focused announcements led by CEO Jensen Huang. New video card series reveals are also anticipated later in the event. Meanwhile, competitors AMD and Intel are gearing up to showcase their next-generation CPUs, GPUs, and innovative products like Intel’s value-driven Battle Mage graphics cards. Intel’s offerings, such as the B580 and B570, are shaking up the GPU market with excellent performance-to-value ratios, particularly for gamers. These developments could challenge Nvidia’s long-standing price dominance as AI computations increasingly rely on dedicated ASICs rather than GPUs.
CES 2025 will also feature significant advancements in handheld gaming. Companies like Valve and Lenovo plan to unveil updates, including a Steam OS-powered Lenovo Legion Go. Steam OS has shown notable improvements in performance and battery efficiency over Windows for handhelds, promising optimized native gaming experiences. The new Legion Go models, including a lighter and more affordable S variant, aim to combine PC-level gaming performance with portability.
The handheld gaming segment continues to thrive, offering innovations like detachable controllers, improved battery life, and larger screens. These devices are reshaping the market by blending gaming convenience with versatility, often serving as laptop replacements. With new entrants like MSI and Zotac joining the space, consumer interest in portable gaming is set to grow, driving further innovation and competition.
Andy, a tech enthusiast, remains hopeful for announcements regarding a Steam gaming console or Steam OS for desktops, though such reveals seem unlikely this year. Nonetheless, CES promises an exciting array of consumer tech and gaming hardware advancements, making it a must-watch event for enthusiasts.
Marvel Rivals: A Fresh Take on Hero Shooters
Marvel Rivals has quickly captured the attention of our group with its fast-paced action and innovative mechanics. A free-to-play title, the game feels like a fresh homage to Overwatch while carving its own unique identity. Josh’s passion for hero shooters and Nick’s love for team-based gameplay have driven us to climb from Bronze 3 to Bronze 2 in competitive play over just a few dedicated nights. Along the way, Josh even purchased the $5 season pass, nearly completing its rewards.
What sets Marvel Rivals apart is its dynamic team compositions and synergy-based abilities. Characters like Venom and Luna Snow enhance the gameplay experience with their unique skills. For instance, Venom’s symbiote powers synergize beautifully with Spider-characters, while Luna Snow’s abilities boost Neyar or Mantis, adding layers of strategy. The open composition format at lower ranks, while chaotic, encourages creative experimentation, keeping the gameplay exciting.
With a roster of 33 characters, the game offers incredible variety but also demands significant time investment to master. Tanks like Venom dominate the battlefield, while niche characters like Wolverine excel as tank-killers, providing depth to team strategies. The fast-paced movement, web-swinging, and teleportation mechanics make Marvel Rivals feel more like a fighting game than a traditional hero shooter. This increased pace demands quick adaptation, rewarding players who invest time in learning character kits and counters.
The balancing, carried over from its beta phase, remains solid, with community debates over characters like Venom and Wolverine highlighting a well-balanced meta. Creative strategies, such as Doctor Strange’s portal traps and Penny Parker’s mine setups, further enrich the gameplay experience. Season 2 leaks have already sparked excitement, and with the Marvel brand backing it, Rivals is poised for sustained success.
For fans of hero shooters, Marvel Rivals is a must-try. Its nuanced abilities, roster diversity, and vibrant community make it an engaging and rewarding experience, offering a fresh take on the genre. Now is the perfect time to dive in and join the action-packed fun!
Marvel Rivals - Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter! Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe! - NetEase Games (Steam, PS5, Xbox Series)
