As the price of making, and paying for, video games continues to increase, a reader argues that publishers need to roll the clock back a decade.

A couple of weeks ago it was revealed that $300 million is now a normal sized budget for triple-A video games, which is an absolutely crazy amount. To put that in context, that is more than all but 18 of all movies ever made. That’s right, there are just 18 movies that have ever cost more and even the most expensive, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, is only $536 million, which is bound to be way less than GTA 6 and maybe others.

If $300 million is becoming the standard that means some games will already be more than that. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was already over it back in 2023. So just imagine what Marvel’s Wolverine, or the new Fable, or Naughty Dog’s Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet must be costing.

I don’t think you need me to say that these price are outrageous and unsustainable, especially because they’re constantly going up, and will have a major bump when the (completely unnecessary) next generation starts. Budgets are rising all the time and yet the total number of people playing console games hasn’t increased since the PlayStation 2 days.

These numbers do not make any sense. The fact that they can only get worse makes even less sense. And the fact that not one single publisher is doing anything about it (even Nintendo’s games are getting bigger budget, more expensive, and taking longer to make) is absolutely crazy. Especially as this problem has been obvious all generation.

I don’t know why publishers won’t do anything about it, but I assume it’s the all or nothing logic that has had so many of them wasting all their time and money trying to make the next Fortnite. I think I can guarantee that they will learn nothing from the success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and other indie games.

Just to remind you, Expedition 33 was made by a core team of just 30 people on a budget of less than $10 million and yet has sold well over 5 million copies (I could only find numbers that go back to last October). And that’s for a game that was almost universally named the best game of last year, had great graphics, and lasts over 40 hours.

Whether you like the game or not is not the point, the point is if some random team of ex-Ubisoft developers can do that then so could any reasonably talented, and motivated, team.

The graphics in Intergalactic and Wolverine, and whatever else, are going to be great, I’m sure, but there is absolutely no way any video game should be costing over $300 million. Is Wolverine going to look 30 times better than Expedition 33? That’s literally impossible.

We need to tell publishers that we are fine with good graphics. We do not need them to be amazing graphics, if that means the budget increases by 3,000% and the game becomes more expensive to buy.

I’m not against big budgets just because it’s gross and a waste of money but because it limits what games can be. If you’re spending $300+ million on a game you’re not going to want it to be some wildly experiment thing that you don’t know is going to be a hit. You’re going to want it to be as safe and predictable as purpose, to try and attract as many people as possible.

Expedition 33 isn’t just a good game it’s a pretty weird one, while also paying homage to old school turn-based role-players that even Square Enix doesn’t give a big budget to nowadays.

I didn’t really mean to make this about Expedition 33 so much but it’s such a good example of what should be happening with games right now and yet big publishers aren’t paying it any attention.

I’ll break it down, as to what needs to happen:

• Lower budgets – if you’re not GTA than anything even close to $100 million is madness
• PlayStation 4 level graphics – we didn’t need this generation let along the next one, the improvement is tiny and the cost (in every sense of the word) is ridiculous
• Shorter run times – simply making shorter games would instantly cut your budget, especially as people are sick of every other game being a 60 hour epic; how much free time do you think we get?!
• Cheaper prices – the other benefit of Expedition 33 is that it’s below average price, but if you make your game shorter and with lower-tech graphics that’s not a problem.

Look at the most successful games – everything from Fortnite to Among Us to Minecraft – and you won’t see high-tech graphics anywhere. Ordinary people don’t care about graphics, they care about having fun and we should all take that attitude.

Publishers think that hardcore fans demand better graphics and I say we tell them otherwise. There needs to be a campaign to make graphics worse. I know how that sounds but what it really means is to make games cheaper, because the actual decrease in graphics will be so minimal no sensible person will care anyway.

By reader Togi

The reader’s features do not necessarily represent the views of GameCentral or Metro.

You can submit your own 500 to 600-word reader feature at any time, which if used will be published in the next appropriate weekend slot.

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“Sentebale’s problems played out in the public eye, enabling a damaging dispute to harm the charity’s reputation, risk overshadowing its many achievements, and jeopardising the charity’s ability to deliver for the very beneficiaries it was created to serve,” said Charity Commission chief executive David Holdsworth.

Liverpool’s woeful season is close to ending but Arne Slot’s side will be welcoming a Fulham side looking to frustrate the Reds further at Anfield

Under mounting pressure and looking to stop a four-match losing streak, Liverpool boss Arne Slot takes his side into a key Premier League meeting with Fulham at Anfield on Saturday evening. The teams meet again a little over three months after a dramatic 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage, where Harrison Reed thundered in a superb long-range equaliser in the 97th minute.

Liverpool are, quite simply, in serious trouble. Since the start of March they have managed just two wins in eight matches in all competitions, and they go into this one on the back of three straight defeats, having been outscored 8-1 across those losses.

Following last weekend’s heavy 4-0 FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester City, the slide continued on Wednesday with a 2-0 first-leg loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League — another damaging blow in a competition that has again ended in disappointment. Their last Premier League outing, before the international break, was also a setback, going down 2-1 at Brighton.

The league numbers since gameweek six (27 September) are alarming for the reigning champions: Slot’s side have lost 10 Premier League matches in that spell, winning only nine, and their 34 points in that period has been bettered by 11 other teams.

There is at least a safety net, with fifth place set to be enough for Champions League qualification. Liverpool currently sit fifth with seven games remaining, five points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa and only three clear of Everton in eighth.

A return to Anfield may offer some comfort, given Liverpool have been beaten just once in their last 13 home games in all competitions. Even so, they have not won any of their last three Premier League meetings with Fulham, and only once have they endured a longer winless league run against the Cottagers — four matches between 1966 and 1967.

Fulham, meanwhile, have found form after a slow start to 2026. Having won just twice in their first eight league games of the year, Marco Silva’s side have since taken three wins from their last five, including a 3-1 home victory over relegation-threatened Burnley three weeks ago.

Over the last six gameweeks, only four teams have collected more Premier League points than Fulham’s 10, and only Bournemouth and Manchester United (both nine) have won more points from losing positions in 2026 than the Cottagers (eight).

Ninth in the table, Fulham remain firmly in the European conversation, sitting just two points off the top seven and five behind Liverpool in fifth, with seven matches to play.

To climb higher, though, they will need to improve away from home. Fulham have the Premier League’s fifth-best home record this season, but rank 17th for away form, with 15 points from 15 games and eight defeats.

History is also against them at Anfield — Fulham have won just two of their 32 league visits — and they may need to lean on their late-game strength again. No side has scored more Premier League goals in the final 20 minutes this season than Fulham (18, level with Liverpool), while Liverpool have conceded 18 in that same period, more than any other club.

Liverpool vs Fulham Prediction

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Liverpool vs Fulham Team News

Liverpool remain without Alisson Becker (muscle), Wataru Endo (ankle), Conor Bradley (knee) and Giovanni Leoni (ACL). Alexander Isak is back after a broken leg and is available, but he is not expected to start, so Hugo Ekitike should lead the line again. Mohamed Salah is pushing for a recall after being unused against PSG, while Cody Gakpo and Florian Wirtz are also options in attack. Curtis Jones could come into midfield, and Jeremie Frimpong and Andrew Robertson may return at full-back.

For Fulham, Kevin (foot), Kenny Tete (ankle) and Harrison Reed (knee) remain out, but Calvin Bassey (back) should be fit to start. Timothy Castagne is set to continue at right-back, Antonee Robinson at left-back, and Raul Jimenez will compete with Rodrigo Muniz up front. Harry Wilson is expected to keep his place, having contributed 16 goal involvements this season (10 goals, six assists).

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It seems bizarre to say now given his dominant position, but there was a spell on Friday where you felt McIlroy was still not playing close to his best – the stats show he ranks 90th in the 91-man field for accuracy off the tee.

Some drives off the tee were being sprayed, some approaches with his irons were not as precise as they should have been.

Ultimately, it didn’t matter. Because since he won the Masters last year, there is not a melodrama every time he makes a bad shot at a major.

His short game was exceptional throughout the second round and when everything else clicked just after the turn, he motored through the back half in fabulous fashion.

McIlroy has learned how to be patient around Augusta. That seems to spell bad news for the rest of a leaderboard stacked with Green Jacket wearers, major title holders and Ryder Cup stars.

Staying even-tempered at the most famously punishing golf course in the world is a trait which two of the big names chasing McIlroy also recognise is necessary to succeed there.

Three-time runner-up Justin Rose, who is tied fourth, is targeting his own redemptive win after losing to McIlroy in last year’s sudden-death play-off and credits his own patience for his back-nine climb up the leaderboard on Friday.

“Early on things were tough out there. But I settled down and built the round back up,” said Rose, who is seven behind McIlroy after a three-under 69 on Friday.

“It’s a continuation of being on the leaderboard from last year and keeping the dream alive. I need to keep it as free as I can.”

Ireland’s Shane Lowry, who had a run of 14 successive pars, joined English pair – and victorious Ryder Cup team-mates – Rose and Tommy Fleetwood on five under par after two birdies in the final three holes.

“I was hitting good shots and just wasn’t converting but I was patient out there,” said Lowry, whose sole major win came at the 2023 Open.

But there is another contender, also from that European band of brothers, who has not yet learned how to stay calm at Augusta.

Tyrrell Hatton might have to learn quickly if he is going to push McIlroy.

The 30-year-old Englishman knocked in seven birdies on the way to a six-under par 66, seemingly carding the round of the day only to be matched by McIlroy.

“I definitely don’t stay calmer or more patient this week. If anything, I am probably more on edge,” said Hatton.

“I will just take each shot as it comes and see what we end up with.”

We live in what has been called the “distraction economy”: an environment full of triggers that are engineered to demand our attention at every turn. The result is often fragmented attention, loss of focus and sometimes even increased rumination and anxiety.

Becoming fully absorbed in an activity is rare. Think of a time a film was so engrossing that you didn’t reach for your phone – the film-watching experience was no doubt the better for it. You can actively seek out this experience, which is known as “flow”. Hobbies are a great way to find a flow state and make outside distractions – work emails, unread messages, breaking news and chores – disappear.

The concept of flow was developed by Hungarian-American psychologist Mihaly Csíkszentmihályi. In his seminal 1990 book on the topic, he describes flow as: “A state in which people are so involved in an activity that nothing else seems to matter; the experience is so enjoyable that people will continue to do it even at great cost, for the sheer sake of doing it.”

Hobbies can bring joy, wellbeing, and focus to our busy lives, but so many of us don’t have one. If you’re ready to replace scrolling with stitching, or hustle with horticulture, The Hobby Starter Kit (a new series from Quarter Life) will help you get going.

Reviews of neuroscientific evidence show that being in a flow state reduces mind wandering by suppressing brain activity in the so-called default mode network. This set of brain regions covers much of the self-referential processing we do, including our inner critic. Being able to “go with with flow” is thus directly related to not having such reflective or ruminative thoughts.

The reduction of the mind-wandering brain activation means there can be more efficient activation of attention networks. During a simulated car-racing task, researchers showed that objective mental effort and gaze focus were highest during flow conditions, even though participants reported the experience as more effortless. Flow doesn’t mean less attention – it means that attention is so efficiently allocated to the task that self-monitoring and distraction fall away.

However, flow is not the same as “hyperfocus”. In fact, they can be negatively correlated with each other. In a study with 85 college students with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), students with clinically significant ADHD symptoms reported higher hyperfocus, but lower flow on many measures. The key difference seems to lie in control: flow is directed and intentional, whereas hyperfocus tends to happen to you. But that raw capacity for absorption may be an asset – with the right conditions, like clear goals and a well-matched challenge, it could be channelled into genuine flow.

How to find your flow

Hobbies are a great mechanism for finding a flow state. Sports have been extensively researched as a flow-inducing activity. In a study of 188 junior tennis players, concentration on the task and sense of control were the two aspects of flow that most strongly predicted whether a player won or lost their match. However, it is not just about winning. A study with 413 young athletes aged 12-16, found that participants who were focused on effort and improvement, rather than winning, reported more flow.

Music is another rich domain for flow. In a survey of daily practice, 35 music students aged 12-18 indicated that concentration, emotion and clear goals were central to achieving flow. Eighty percent of the teenagers reported that being able to choose their own repertoire was a highly significant motivational factor.

Another study found that the balance between the challenge of a musical passage and the musician’s perceived skill consistently predicted the flow experience. Flow might also buffer against performance anxiety: when 27 student musicians were tracked over the course of a semester, it was found that when flow was at its highest, performance anxiety was at its lowest, and vice versa.

If neither sports nor music are your thing, you may want to consider games. In a project I recently ran with a student, we investigated flow during tabletop role-playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons, and compared it to video games. Being in a flow state was associated with greater satisfaction with social interactions with friends, in particular for those who played tabletop games.

For those who play video games, gaming was associated with high monotropic flow – being so absorbed it is difficult to quit playing. These findings align with other research showing that a flow state during gaming can be so absorbing it makes you go to bed later – something to consider before picking up a new hobby.

Another form of role-playing is theatre and drama. In my previous work, I found that acting students experience significantly more flow than psychology students when they imagine scenarios as fictional people (like Romeo and Juliet), but not when imagining scenarios as oneself or one’s best friend. This reflects the effects of developing a practised skill. And, staying in a flow state while acting might ultimately culminate in a high-level performance.

Committing to a hobby and finding your flow might not only help you reduce outside noise (work or social media distractions), but also your own internal noise, such as mind wandering or rumination. Becoming fully absorbed in an activity is rare in the world of distractions, but can pay off for your brain.

Andrea Scaramuccia says the restaurant offers something different with its typical Roman dishes

The owner of an Italian restaurant said he felt a mixture of “pride and joy” after winning an award for its “typical Roman cuisine”. Tradizioni, which can be found on Mill Road, was recently named the best restaurant in the East of England at the UK Italian Awards.

Andrea Scaramuccia, the owner of the restaurant, could not “describe properly” how he felt after winning the award. He said: “It’s a reward for the hard work we have put in. I have a good team with me. One of the staff has been with me for 11 years and the chefs have been here for seven and six years. So we grew up together.”

Mr Scaramuccia believes Tradizioni was recognised for the award thanks to its “typical regional cuisine” it offers on the menu. He added: “Most Italian restaurants serves things like lasagne, pizza, and bolognese. But we do something a little different. We do saltimbocca alla Romana, which is one of our most popular dishes and is from Rome. We also do beef escalope with mushrooms and truffle that is not common in the UK. I brought my granny’s cuisine here to the UK but it is really original and typical Roman cuisine.”

For new customers visiting the restaurant, Mr Scaramuccia recommends trying out the saltimbocca alla Romana. He also mentioned trying the seafood pasta, which he described as “great” and the steaks that are “very high quality”.

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Tradizioni has been open on Mill Road since 2014 and Mr Scaramuccia puts his success down to “patience” and his customers recommending the restaurant. He continued: “I think the most important thing to to keep working and not be afraid if success doesn’t arrive quickly. You have to be patient. You have to stay doing the same thing for a long time before people recognise you.

“Word of mouth is also very important. Social media can be good because people can see you and what you do but the most success I get is from people coming to the restaurant and telling others naturally. That’s the secret I think.”

Mr Scaramuccia also mentioned how “team work” was hugely important to his success. He said: “Without my staff, I probably couldn’t achieve this award. The award belongs more to them than to me.”

Tradizioni is popular with “a mix of people” from young families to professionals. The most important customer base for the restaurant is the people living near Mill Road because Mr Scaramuccia wants the spot to “feel part of the community”.

For the future of the restaurant, Mr Scaramuccia would like to “keep it as it is” and add a few new dishes every so often to offer customers something different each time they visit. Tradizioni can be found on Mill Road close to Sedgwick Street.

The restaurant is open from 12pm to 10pm on Mondays to Saturdays and is open only for takeaways on Sundays from 5pm.

Most people would call into work sick when they have been up all night with a bug.

Most people, though, don’t play the Masters for a living.

China’s Li Haotong feared he would not be able to play at Augusta National on Friday after spending the morning “living in the toilet” because of illness.

But the resilience he showed to power through and complete his second round was rewarded with a three-under par 69 which propelled him into contention for the Green Jacket.

Li, 30, thought he would only manage to play a few holes before having to quit, but was able to complete all 18 and ended up four under par, two shots behind clubhouse leader Sam Burns.

Asked if he was surprised at how well he played considering his physical condition, Li said: “I am, actually. Especially [because I went] to the toilet last night a lot of times.

“This morning when I got to the golf course [I was] still feeling really bad and kind of living in the toilet.”

Li, who shot a one-under 71 on Thursday, started with a birdie on the first before bogeys on four and seven put him one over at the turn.

However, he settled down on the back nine and landed four successive birdies on 13, 14, 15 and 16 to push high up the leaderboard going into the weekend.

Never mind glugging water and taking medication, it turns out sinking birdies putts is the best cure for sickness.

Li, who is making his first Masters appearance since 2019, joked the flurry left him “feeling good” again.

“I didn’t hit many balls on the driving range. I was feeling really, really bad. No energy, fuzzy, want to throw up something,” he said.

“I actually just planned to play a few holes, see how it goes. If really sick, then I probably just decide not to. I’m glad I survived today.”

The Moon connecting with Pluto in Aquarius will stir powerful feelings. Be prepared for whatever you least expect to be brought up.

Aries, Cancer and Leo, a truth around a relationship will come to the surface. Whether romantic or platonic, don’t shy away.

The comsos has big plans today. Open your heart, and beautful transformation could occur.

Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Saturday April 11, 2026

Like checking your horoscope every morning? You can now sign up to our free daily newsletter to get a personalised reading for your star sign delivered straight to your inbox.

To download your free Unique Personal Horoscope based on your time, date and place of birth, visit patrickarundell.com/free-birth-chart/.

Aries

March 21 to April 20

The Moon-Pluto link in Aquarius stirs powerful feelings around friendships, networks and your future path. Something within group dynamics can transform and with Saturn in the mix it’s no fleeting mood but a responsible reckoning. Notice where control issues surface and deal with them. A serious commitment to a cause or long-term goal could crystallise now.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aries

Taurus

April 21 to May 21

Your career path maybe shifting and it’s asking for determination rather than an intense reaction. You may sense a power change at work or feel compelled to redefine your long-term goals. Keep on track, as your expertise grows through discipline. A behind the scenes effort now will strengthens your reputation. Release outdated ambitions that no longer align.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Taurus

Gemini

May 22 to June 21

Your worldview becomes electrified as beliefs shift and truths deepen. This is not casual curiosity, it’s more of an intellectual transformation. With stoic Saturn influencing your social circles, friendships and long-term goals demand commitment, so choose people and projects that are worth the investment. A powerful conversation could alter your direction.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Gemini

Cancer

June 22 to July 23

Cancer 22 June – 23 July

Today’s Moon-Pluto blend stirs deep waters around shared finances, trust and emotional bonds. Something hidden surfaces just as career responsibilities cause pressure too. You’re asked to handle intense feelings with maturity. A key commitment may require clearer boundaries if it’s affecting you deeply. Power struggles ease when duties are clearly defined.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Cancer

Leo

A relationship truth surfaces, perhaps unexpectedly. This is not a time for drama but an opportunity for a heartfelt transformation. Listen carefully and speak openly, as power issues dissolve when motives become clear. A commitment may deepen, or an outdated dynamic may close firmly. Either way, growth is the goal and respect strengthens your path forward.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Leo

Virgo

August 24 to September 23

Something inefficient needs to shift and shared responsibilities or financial commitments may also require a firmer structure. This is deep housecleaning, not surface tidying. Notice where edgy habits have crept in and release what no longer serves. A serious conversation about duties could reset expectations helpfully. You thrive when systems function cleanly.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Virgo

Libra

September 24 to October 23

As the Moon links arms with Pluto in Aquarius it intensifies romance, creativity and personal joy. Feelings run deeper than usual, and with Saturn involved partnerships demand wisdom and accountability. Passion without responsibility will not suffice now. If you care, prove it. If you create, commit to it. A relationship pattern may transform through honest conversation.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Libra

Scorpio

October 24 to November 22

The Moon merging with Pluto stirs powerful emotions around home and family. Old patterns can surface for review and a link with Saturn means responsibilities call for discipline and daily action. You cannot transform everything at once, but you can address one core issue with courage. Speak plainly and avoid silent brooding. Redefine boundaries where needed.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Scorpio

Sagittarius

November 23 to December 21

A powerful idea may surface that reshapes your plans. Treat it seriously and even finesse it, then build your vision around inspiration. A powerful line-up suggests not speaking too bluntly to stir things up, tempting though it can be. Your message gains influence when carefully crafted. Express yourself with insight and purpose and you’ll be greatly respected.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Sagittarius

Capricorn

December 22 to January 20

A financial truth surfaces, perhaps uncomfortable yet clarifying, and with Saturn in the mix it can influence responsibilities at home. You’ll redefine security from the inside out. This is not about fear, so review budgets, update agreements, then set expectations with the family. Emotional intensity is helpful when channelled into practical action and systems that work.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Capricorn

Aquarius

January 21 to February 19

The Moon unifying with Pluto in your sign magnifies your emotions and personal power. You feel everything more intensely, yet with total lucidity and with worldly Saturn’s help your words carry consequences too. Speak deliberately, as a serious conversation or decision can shape the next chapter of your story. So commit to boundaries that protect your energy.

Head here for everything you need to know about being an Aquarius

Pisces

February 20 to March 20

A potent aspect stirs your inner world like a deep tide pulling secrets to shore. Private realisations feel intense too. It’s a time of quiet transformation with practical outcomes. Release fears about what you deserve and you’ll enhance your future rather than stifling it. Also set clear goals around income and security. Your instincts support confident action.

Head here for everything you need to know about being a Pisces

Your daily Metro.co.uk horoscope is here every morning, seven days a week (yes, including weekends!). To check your forecast, head to our dedicated horoscopes page.

Head here for this week’s tarot horoscope reading, and see what the cards have in store for you!

Check out the tarot horoscope reading for the month of April here.

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