Gamedev News Digest. First Week of September

Contents:

• Steam Deck Dev Kit Applications Now Open
• New Generation of Hard Drives
• Apple is Retreating on All Fronts
• Streamers Crashed Twitch Online Due to Haters
• CD Projekt Financial Report
• Don't Launch Anything, It's for Chinese New Year
• Japanese Game Development is Losing Staff
• Modders to Help CD Projekt RED
• Released Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Requests for Steam Deck development kits are open

Valve has announced the start of distributing dev kits for its portable console to developers. This step opens up new opportunities for creating games and applications on the platform, allowing developers to test and optimize their products. The distribution of dev kits will be a key step in preparing for the console's launch, providing developers with the necessary tools for their work.

To obtain a Steam Deck dev kit, you must complete a special form and sign an agreement. Being a game developer is also recommended. Valve emphasized that the number of available devices is limited, so each application will be reviewed individually.

The company is eager to introduce the new device to developers and receive their feedback. Deliveries of portable devices will be organized as quickly as possible to effectively collect feedback.

New generation of screws

Western Digital WD announced a new OptiNAND storage architecture that combines the benefits of traditional hard drives (HDDs) and modern flash drives. This innovative technology delivers faster data access and increased storage reliability, making OptiNAND the ideal solution for users who need efficient and fast data management. The new architecture opens up new possibilities for storing and processing information, which is especially relevant as data volumes grow across various industries. The next-gen hard drives will be equipped with platters with a record-breaking 2.2 TB capacity. An innovative smart component ensures even load distribution, increasing recording density and reducing latency during disk operations. WD also guarantees increased reliability for the new drives: in the event of a power outage, they will retain 50 times more data than legacy hybrid models. These improvements make the new hard drives an ideal choice for users who value speed and data security.

Pricing and release dates for the first devices based on the new architecture are not yet available. However, WD has already shipped test samples to select customers. This shows that WD is actively working on new solutions and is seeking feedback from users before the official launch.

Apple is retreating on all fronts

The number of the week is a significant indicator that reflects important events or trends in various fields. It can relate to economics, science, technology, culture, or social life. Analyzing the number of the week allows you to identify key trends and draw conclusions about the current state of affairs. Follow the number of the week to stay informed about current changes and news.

The number 13,000,000 is a significant value that can be used in a variety of contexts. This value can relate to population, financial indicators, or other statistics. It is important to correctly interpret and use such numbers in relevant fields, such as economics, demographics, or marketing. To achieve effective SEO-optimized content, you should consider how this number can relate to key user queries. For example, when discussing population growth in a certain region or analyzing a company's financial results, specifying an exact number can increase the informativeness and relevance of the text. Using such data helps users better understand the scale of the topic being discussed and contributes to improved rankings in search engines.

Audiences play a vital role in a variety of industries, including film, television, theater, and online content. Their preferences and interests drive demand for quality entertainment and content. Understanding the target audience allows creators to tailor their work, fostering a deeper connection with viewers. It's important to consider that viewers not only consume content but also actively participate in discussions, shaping public opinion and feedback. Therefore, audience engagement is becoming a key aspect of a successful entertainment strategy. Effective methods of attracting and retaining viewers will help increase the popularity and financial success of projects.

We watched the Gamescom 2021 live stream. This event became a significant milestone in the world of video games, presenting many new products and announcements from leading developers. Gamescom 2021 showcased both anticipated sequels to popular franchises and new projects that could change the face of the gaming industry. The stream featured trailers, gameplay footage, and interviews with developers, providing a deeper understanding of upcoming releases. We discussed the key moments and the most interesting announcements that might interest players in the coming months. Gamescom 2021 demonstrated how games continue to evolve and innovate in entertainment.

The Epic Games lawsuit against Apple is not yet complete, but Apple has already significantly softened its position.

Following a significant defeat in a class action lawsuit from independent developers, Apple announced that starting in 2022, it will allow app developers to link to their own payment systems. This innovation will allow them to avoid the 30% commission charged by the App Store. This move could significantly change the mobile app market, giving developers more freedom to manage their finances.

South Korean authorities concluded that existing measures are insufficient and passed a bill requiring Apple and Google to integrate alternative payment methods into their online stores. This precedent has attracted the attention of regulators in other countries, including Russia, where State Duma Speaker Volodin expressed interest in the Korean experience. This event could be an important step towards improving the competitive environment in the digital services market and effective regulation in the field of online commerce.

Streamers crashed Twitch online due to haters

Twitch streamers initiated a protest under the hashtag #ADayOffTwitch to draw management's attention to the problem of persistent spam attacks against Black and LGBT streamers. Moderators are failing to cope with this growing threat, and the protest aims to call for more effective measures to protect users.

The protest in question focused on stopping streams on a specific day – September 1st. Although not all popular streamers supported the initiative, Twitch still experienced a significant decline in peak online, losing almost a million viewers on that day. Interestingly, the impact of school assembly sessions on Twitch viewership during this period went unanalyzed.

Representatives of the platform confirmed that they are aware of the hate raid issue and express serious concerns about it. However, they are currently unable to offer effective solutions, as attackers are constantly adapting their attack methods.

CD Projekt Financial Report

One of the most anticipated half-year financial reports has been published, attracting the attention of both critics and fans of Polish creative work. This report offers a unique opportunity to assess the financial achievements and challenges faced by Poles in the current half of the year, providing a comprehensive analysis that will be of interest to anyone following economic trends in the region.

CD Projekt's revenue for the same period increased by 29.3% compared to last year, but profit decreased by 21%. These changes are directly related to the release of Cyberpunk 2077: the game's initial sales were successful thanks to an effective marketing strategy, but then the core development team continued to work on improving the project, which required significant financial investments. CD Projekt emphasized its commitment to supporting Cyberpunk 2077 until it achieves its desired result, regardless of the cost.

CD Projekt's financial report shows revenue growth, but a decline in profit. This is in line with the general post-pandemic trend in the gaming industry. Unlike other large gaming companies, most CD Projekt developers are focused not on creating new hits, but on eliminating mistakes made in previous projects. This emphasizes the importance of product quality and stability in a competitive market.

Quote of the Week - inspiring words that can motivate and inspire new achievements. Each week, we select a special quote that reflects current ideas and values. These statements can be useful in your personal life, professional work, or in finding inner harmony. Follow our updates to stay up-to-date with fresh ideas and wisdom that can change the way you perceive the world.

We are optimistic about the future, confident in the long-term prospects of Steam Deck. We're actively considering next steps and beginning to develop plans to improve the device. While the Steam Deck 2 doesn't have a final design yet, we're already discussing potential directions for the next version. Our goal is to make gaming on portable devices even more convenient and effective.

Greg Coomer is a talented designer at Valve, a company renowned for its innovative approaches to the gaming industry. In his work, he actively utilizes cutting-edge technologies and creative concepts, enabling him to create unique experiences for players. Coomer contributes to the development of iconic games and projects that have become benchmarks in their genres. His contributions to design and visual solutions significantly influence Valve's success and the formation of modern trends in game design. With his passion and professionalism, Greg Coomer continues to inspire both colleagues and gaming fans around the world.

Don't launch anything, it's for Chinese New Year

Chinese authorities continue to actively protect children from "spiritual opium," as state media recently dubbed video games. In response to growing concerns about the influence of video games on young people, the Chinese government is implementing strict measures. These measures are aimed at limiting the time children spend playing games and monitoring content to minimize the negative impact on the mental and physical health of the younger generation.

Eighteen months after introducing a three-hour limit on the time minors spend playing games, Chinese government regulators announced a new reduction. Children are now allowed to play only one hour on weekends and holidays. From Monday to Friday, young people will be fully focused on their studies and other responsibilities, without the opportunity to be distracted by games. These measures are aimed at instilling responsibility and hard work in the younger generation.

Game development companies such as Tencent will monitor compliance with the new rules. In July, Tencent already implemented facial recognition technology to identify young gamers in its games. This step is aimed at ensuring a safe gaming experience for children and complying with the law.

The situation with video game restrictions in China stands in stark contrast to South Korea's decision to lift its ban on late-night gaming sessions. Korean authorities concluded that the restrictions violated the freedoms of young people and also did not achieve the stated results—teens simply began using other forms of entertainment. This underscores the importance of a more flexible approach to regulating gaming content and the need to consider the real needs of young people in a rapidly changing digital world.

Video of the Week is a selection of the most interesting and relevant videos that we recommend for your viewing. In this section, we've collected the best videos covering a variety of topics, from news to entertainment. We update the selection every week so you can always find fresh and interesting videos. Don't miss the opportunity to see the highlights and important events that were the topic of discussion this week. Stay updated with our latest trends and events in the world of video.

The Marvel's Midnight Suns gameplay trailer is a thrilling dive into the world of superheroes and strategic combat. In this video, viewers can see unique gameplay that combines elements of role-playing and tactical strategy. The trailer showcases a variety of characters from the Marvel universe, their abilities, and how they interact in battles against villains. Particular attention is paid to combat mechanics, where players can use tactical moves to achieve victory. Marvel's Midnight Suns offers a captivating story based on the comics and the possibility of deep character customization. This trailer is a great way to introduce fans to the game and its features.

The demonstration of an early build of the Dead Space remake gives players a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the updated visual style and gameplay mechanics. This remake preserves the atmosphere of the original, while adding modern elements that make the game more immersive. During the demonstration, we can see improved graphics, reworked sound effects and new mechanics that enhance immersion in the dark world of space horror. The developers paid attention to detail to create a truly unforgettable experience for fans of the series and new players. The Dead Space remake promises to be not only a tribute to the classics, but also a step forward in the survival horror genre.

Japanese game dev is losing frames

Modders will help CD Projekt RED

Four modders who created the WolvenKit toolset for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077 have joined the CD Projekt RED team. They will be developing the backend and supporting mods for Cyberpunk 2077. This collaboration promises to improve the capabilities for creating and integrating custom mods into the game, which could significantly enrich the gaming experience for the community.

The enthusiastic developers spent six years creating WolvenKit, a modding tool for the third installment of The Witcher. They recently added CP77 Tools functionality to it, which allows you to work with Cyberpunk 2077 game files. This update opens up new possibilities for content creation and editing in both projects, making WolvenKit an indispensable tool for modders and fans of these popular games.

CD Projekt Red (CDPR) is once again turning to the fan community in search of talented talent. The developers previously collaborated with modders, which led to the creation of popular quests in The Witcher 3. These quests were developed by an independent modder for The Witcher 2, highlighting the importance of collaboration between developers and fans in the creation of engaging game content. This approach not only enriches game projects, but also opens up new opportunities for creative people who want to contribute to the video game industry.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is out

After the disappointing sequel King's Bounty, the new Pathfinder game from Russian studio Owlcat raised many concerns. However, as it turns out, these fears were unfounded. Pathfinder offers players an engaging and deep gameplay experience that combines role-playing and strategy elements. Players can enjoy a rich world, detailed characters, and exciting quests. Owlcat has created a product that meets the expectations of genre fans and brings fresh ideas to the gaming industry.

The developers have significantly improved on the first part of the game, refining almost every aspect. The game has become richer, more beautiful, more diverse, and deeper, while lowering the entry barrier for new players. It's especially worth noting that Wrath of the Righteous's plot isn't tied to Kingmaker, allowing anyone looking for a quality Dungeons & Dragons experience to start with this more successful project from Owlcat without hesitation.

The developers of Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous have received high praise from both critics and players. At the time of writing, the game has an 84 on Metacritic and 88% positive reviews on Steam, which speaks to its popularity and quality.

The Dead Space remake is attracting attention thanks to updated graphics and improved gameplay. The creator of the popular game PUBG announced his departure from Krafton, which sparked discussions in the gambling industry. Hades continues to collect awards, confirming its status as one of the best indie projects of recent years. Valve designers shared new details about the Steam Deck, a portable gaming console that promises to change the approach to mobile gaming. The Gamescom Awards 2021 have concluded, and many developers have received well-deserved awards for their achievements in the gaming industry.

In the "Gamedev" section, you'll find even more exciting news from the world of gaming. Here, you'll find current events, new releases, and analysis to help you stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in game design. Find out what's happening in the world of games and don't miss important updates and announcements.