Gamedev News Digest. First Week of October

Contents:

• Randy Pitchford is no longer the president of Gearbox
• The market decided the chips
• Windows 11 reduces performance in games
• Buying games for PS3 and PS Vita is now even more difficult
• Four-day work at Eidos Montreal
• Ubisoft announced another battle royale
• Far Cry 6 is released
• Metroid Dread is released
• Released Alan Wake remaster

Randy Pitchford is no longer the president of Gearbox

The top executive, who became one of the most discussed in the gaming community after Bobby Kotick, announced his resignation as head of Gearbox Software. This event is generating great interest among gamers and industry experts. Gearbox Software, known for its successful projects, may face new challenges in the face of leadership changes. The departure of such an important leader could impact the future of the studio and its game, which is attracting the attention of fans and analysts.

Randy Pitchford, a renowned executive and creator of popular gaming projects, remains as the head of parent company Gearbox Entertainment and the Gearbox Studios division. His presence in the industry is a welcome development for fans, as he will continue to influence the creative process and participate in the development of new games. With his experience and vision, Gearbox Entertainment will continue to develop unique game ideas and projects, maintaining high standards of quality and originality.

Steve Jones has taken over as Chief Technical Officer of Gearbox Software, having dedicated himself to the organization for 20 years.

The Market Decided the Chips

A representative of the world's largest chip maker TSMC reported that a number of companies are deliberately reducing supply by holding significant inventories of chips in their warehouses. This behavior could negatively impact the semiconductor market, creating an artificial shortage and driving up prices. This practice could lead to an imbalance in supply and demand, which in turn would affect all participants in the supply chain.

The actions taken in the face of a semiconductor shortage are exacerbating an existing problem caused by the coronavirus pandemic. In response to the current situation, TSMC initiated measures to identify unscrupulous customers and redistributed supplies, prioritizing reliable partners. These steps are aimed at stabilizing the semiconductor market and improving supply chains, which in turn could contribute to the industry's recovery.

The chairman of TSMC expressed dissatisfaction with the US government's plans to invest $52 billion in domestic semiconductor production. This statement underscores the Taiwanese monopoly's desire to maintain its dominant position in the market. TSMC has announced plans to double its investment in production, signaling its intention to strengthen its position and compete with new players in the semiconductor market.

Windows 11 reduces gaming performance

The number of the week is a key indicator that helps analyze current trends and events. It can reflect important changes in various areas, such as the economy, technology, or social phenomena. Using the number of the week allows you to highlight the most significant facts and draw conclusions based on the data. This is an important tool for analysts and journalists, as it promotes a deeper understanding of ongoing processes. Regularly analyzing the number of the week helps you stay informed about current events and make informed decisions.

The dollar is one of the most widely used and accepted currencies in the world. It plays a key role in international trade and financial transactions. Many countries use the dollar as a reserve currency, which contributes to its stability and demand. Investing in dollars or trading with this currency can generate significant profits. Understanding the dollar exchange rate and its impact on the economy is important for businesses and individuals. In a globalized world, the dollar continues to be an important element of financial markets.

Apple has made significant profits from games on the App Store. The platform offers developers unique monetization opportunities, attracting millions of users worldwide. Games lead in downloads and revenue, creating a stable income stream for the company. With diverse categories and regular updates, the App Store remains an attractive destination for both developers and users, further fueling Apple's gaming revenue growth.

Bad news for early adopters of Microsoft's new operating system: Windows 11 can significantly reduce frame rates in games. This drop can be caused by several factors, causing concern among gamers seeking maximum performance. Ryzen processor owners will not be able to avoid additional lag. AMD has recorded a threefold increase in operating system latency with the third-level cache, resulting in a 10-15% frame rate drop in some games. Furthermore, Windows 11 exhibits poor compatibility with UEFI CPPC2 technology, causing uneven load distribution between threads. AMD strongly recommends that Ryzen owners refrain from upgrading to Windows 11 until these issues are resolved. Gamers using the VBS security system may experience serious performance issues, as FPS can drop by up to 25%. However, this issue primarily affects enterprise users, as VBS is disabled by default in most operating system builds. Casual gamers likely won't notice this impact on their gaming performance.

Buying games for PS3 and PS Vita is now even harder

Following a failed attempt to shut down the digital stores for PlayStation 3 and PS Vita in March, which sparked strong user outrage, Sony has decided to revisit the idea, but this time with a more cautious approach. The company recognizes the importance of supporting its gaming community and is committed to taking player input into account when making decisions about the future of its platforms.

According to Kotaku, the company has quietly disabled the ability to directly pay for games on consoles through many popular methods, such as debit and credit cards, and PayPal. Now, owners of previous-generation consoles can only purchase games through the PlayStation mobile app or through a less user-friendly website. This limitation could impact user experience and their shopping experience within the PlayStation ecosystem.

Sony's player community is once again trying to delay the closure of the PlayStation 3 and PS Vita. User interest in these consoles remains high, and many hope that their functionality will be preserved. Whether the community will be able to protect their beloved platforms and prolong their life, time will tell.

A quote of the week is an expression that inspires and provokes thought. Each week brings new thoughts and ideas that can change the way we perceive the world. A selection of quotes helps us find motivation and wisdom in the words of famous people. Quotes can be a source of inspiration for personal growth and also serve as a reminder of important life lessons. Share quotes with friends and acquaintances to find meaning in each day together and strive for better.

There are many articles claiming that Amazon is incapable of creating high-quality games. Opinions vary, and many believe the company needs more time to achieve success in this area or to maintain its resolve to continue these efforts.

Andy Jassy is the CEO of Amazon. Since his appointment, he has focused on expanding the business and streamlining operations. Jassy, ​​who previously led Amazon Web Services' cloud division, brings his experience to the company's leadership, focusing on innovation and improving the user experience. Under his leadership, Amazon continues to strengthen its position in the e-commerce and technology markets, introducing new solutions and expanding its range of services.

Four-day session at Eidos Montreal

Stay away from the screens of developers at Rockstar, Naughty Dog, and CD Projekt RED. These companies are known for their high-quality games, and their projects attract the attention of many gamers. Their creations require significant resources and attention, so it's important to respect their work and give them time to create new masterpieces. Be prepared for a long wait, but the results often justify all expectations. Focus on other aspects of the gameplay while the developers work on new projects.

Employees at Eidos studios in Montreal and Sherbrooke are switching to a four-day workweek. This change marks a first for AAA studios in the gaming industry, as journalist Jason Schreier reported with satisfaction. This approach to work schedule management could positively impact employee productivity and well-being, which in turn will impact the quality of the games being developed.

Developers will no longer work on controversial Marvel games on Fridays, but their salaries and working conditions will remain the same. Workday lengths will also remain unchanged. Instead, management aims to increase employee productivity by streamlining work processes. This will allow us to focus on the quality of the content we create and improve the gaming experience, which could have a positive impact on the reputation of Marvel games in the market.

Ubisoft has announced another battle royale

This post is worth reading and remembering, as it may be the only time you hear about Ghost Recon Frontline.

It's a free-to-play battle royale that offers players a vast map, diverse character classes, a leveling system and gadgets, and seasonal content. In the main game mode, teams of three must gather intelligence while trying to outmaneuver opponents. The game offers unique gameplay that requires strategic thinking and teamwork, making it interesting for a wide audience. If you're looking for a new battle royale with exciting gameplay, this project may be an excellent choice.

Ghost Recon Frontline was announced for fans of the Ghost Recon series in honor of its 20th anniversary. However, this release failed to live up to audience expectations, receiving 11,000 dislikes and only 3,000 likes on the announcement video. This negative reception highlights the gap between fan expectations and the developers' offering.

As the week draws to a close, we're excited to present the video that has become the most talked about this week. This video captured viewers' attention thanks to its unique content and engaging presentation. We're confident it will inspire you and spark new ideas. Don't miss the opportunity to check it out and share your thoughts. This week's Video is now available to watch; don't miss the chance to learn something new and exciting.

Valve Steam Deck Teardown: A Detailed Video Review

This video features a detailed teardown of the Steam Deck, Valve's portable gaming console. We'll explore the device's design, its internal components, and the features that make the Steam Deck unique in the world of gaming technology. Learn how to quickly and easily disassemble the console, as well as which parts can be replaced or upgraded. This video will be useful for both Steam Deck owners and those considering purchasing one. This detailed analysis will help you understand how this innovative gaming platform works and what you need to know before taking it apart.

The premiere of the first trailer for the film "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City" attracted the attention of fans of the cult series. This film is a reboot of the franchise and promises to return viewers to the atmosphere of the original game. The trailer features familiar characters and key locations that will allow viewers to once again plunge into the world of horror and survival. "Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City" is expected to be a new take on the story familiar to many fans. With the release of the trailer, interest in the film has grown, and fans are eagerly awaiting its premiere.

Far Cry 6 is out

In rare cases, short news digest notes allow for a full-fledged review of a game while still remaining highly informative. These situations present a unique opportunity to analyze key aspects of a project, including gameplay, graphics, and story. Brief reviews can be useful for both experienced players and those just getting started in the world of video games. This makes them a valuable resource for quickly learning about new releases and their features.

The move from Greece to England in Ubisoft's new game changed the combat system and slowed the pace of gameplay. Meanwhile, the journey from redneck America to perpetually revolutionary Cuba added a splash of color and introduced enemy health bars, a questionable mechanic carried over from the unsuccessful New Dawn. Anyone who has played the Far Cry series since the third installment can easily imagine what the developers are offering in exchange for 50-60 hours of gameplay.

The gameplay core of the new Far Cry, though seemingly hackneyed, continues to attract attention. Reviewers were divided. Some, remembering the charismatic antagonist from Far Cry 3, appreciated the gunplay, outpost capture, and traditionally weak storyline. Others, hoping for significant changes from Ubisoft, were left disappointed. As a result, both camps agreed on a score of 76 on Metacritic. Far Cry remains a popular series, despite the predictability of the gameplay.

Metroid Dread Release

For over four years, the Nintendo Switch hasn't had an exclusive Metroid game. On October 8th, 2023, the wait for fans of one of the most significant series in the video game industry is finally over. The new Metroidvania game will bring a fresh experience and delight fans with a long-awaited return to beloved characters and gameplay mechanics.

Nintendo generously thanked Metroid fans for their patience, releasing what early critics say is one of the best games in the series. Metroid Dread stays true to classic Japanese gameplay while looking modern and offering excellent gameplay in 2021. This game combines traditional platformer elements with new mechanics, making it appealing to both long-time fans and new players.

Metroid Dread stands out for its atmospheric visuals and originally designed boss fights. These elements deserve special attention and praise. Thanks to such achievements, the developers received a high score of 88 on Metacritic, which indicates a positive reception of the game by critics and players. Metroid Dread is also expected to be successful in terms of sales, which confirms the high interest in the project and its quality.

Alan Wake Remaster Released

One of the best interactive thrillers has become more appealing and accessible. The paranormal adventures of the protagonist Wake have finally arrived on PlayStation, allowing more players to enjoy this captivating story.

Remedy updated the 2010 game with a remaster, which, unfortunately, failed to fully meet modern standards. While some gameplay moments can be perceived as relevant for 2021, the content of the cutscenes clearly indicates outdated approaches and technology. The remaster failed to fully adapt the plot and visual elements, which leaves the game feeling like a thing of the past.

A return to the virtual world of Twin Peaks received positive reviews from most critics. Despite some criticism of Remedy for the lack of originality, the remaster received an average score of 81 on Metacritic. Regular players responded even more enthusiastically, raising their user rating to 8.7, reflecting a strong nostalgia and attachment to the original content.

Amazon is celebrating the success of New World, while players continue to purchase FIFA 22 for the tenth consecutive year. Microsoft is showing concern for people with disabilities by implementing new accessibility features in its products. An assessment of the esports audience was also conducted, highlighting the growing interest in this segment. Find out more interesting news from the world of the gaming industry in the "Game Development" section.