Gamedev News Digest. Last Week of October

Contents:

• New studio of former WoW developers
• Zuckerberg's "Metaverse"
• Dubious extension of Switch Online subscription
• 13,400,000
• NFT game developers want to join Steam
• BlizzCon 2022 will not take place even online
• A game based on the film "A Quiet Place" has been announced
• The crude Darkest Dungeon II is being swept away in EGS
• Conservative Age of Empires IV Revives RTS
• Disastrous Release of Good Guardians of the Galaxy

New studio for former WoW developers

Eight former Blizzard employees have formed a new studio focused on creating a safe and inclusive work environment free of discrimination and harassment. At this studio, they aim to leave behind the negative experiences associated with Bobby Kotick's management and focus on developing high-quality games that reflect the values ​​of respect and professionalism. An important goal of the new team is to create a comfortable atmosphere for creativity and innovation in the gaming industry.

Notorious has decided to radically change its approach to management, completely eliminating toxic leadership. Riot Games has become a sponsor to support the game development community. This innovation is aimed at creating a healthier working atmosphere and improving conditions for developers, which can significantly impact the quality of the games created and their reception by the community.

Notorious Studios is launching its first project - an online RPG in a fantasy setting with a third-person view and active combat. The name for the game has not yet been chosen, as the World of Warcraft brand is already registered. The new RPG promises exciting gameplay and a deep world development, which will attract fans of the genre. The developers strive to create a unique experience that will combine elements of exploration, combat, and interaction with other players.

Zuckerberg's "Metaverse"

At a recent Facebook conference, a name change to Meta was announced. Mark Zuckerberg announced a global rebranding, which is accompanied by a change in the company's strategic goals. This announcement underscores Meta's commitment to developing virtual reality and the metaverse, opening up new opportunities for users and businesses.

According to Meta's marketing team, formerly known as Facebook, the new name is intended to evoke the concept of a "metaverse" that unites all of the corporation's social networks and services. Meta aims to create a unique space for people to interact in the virtual world, leveraging the cutting-edge virtual and augmented reality technologies offered by the renamed Oculus platform. This unification aims to expand communication and collaborative experiences in the digital space, which could significantly change the approach to social networks and online services.

The pinnacle of Meta's virtual and augmented reality development will be the recently announced Project Cambria headset, designed for the high-end segment. This VR/AR headset, aimed at affluent users, will be able to create avatars with full facial expressions, allowing them to communicate in the metaverse more naturally and expressively. Project Cambria promises to raise the bar for user experience by delivering realistic interactions in virtual spaces.

A Questionable Switch Online Subscription Extension

The Number of the Week is an important indicator that reflects current trends and events in various areas of life. It can relate to economics, culture, technology, or other areas that have a significant impact on society. Analyzing the Number of the Week allows you to better understand current changes and develop appropriate strategies. Follow the latest data to stay informed about the key changes and trends shaping our time.

13,400,000

The PlayStation 5 consoles represent the latest generation of gaming consoles from Sony. They offer unrivaled graphics, fast game loading, and a unique gaming experience thanks to rendering technology and built-in SSD memory. With a powerful processor and graphics card, the PlayStation 5 allows players to enjoy games in resolutions up to 4K and with high frame rates. The consoles also support backward compatibility with games from previous generations, allowing players to easily transition to the new platform without losing their favorite titles. In addition, the PlayStation 5 offers an innovative DualSense controller with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, making the gaming experience more immersive and interactive. Combined with a variety of exclusive games such as «Demon’s Souls» and "Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart", PlayStation 5 consoles are becoming the ideal choice for all video game lovers.

Sony has sold a significant number of its products throughout the company's history. Sony's success in the fields of technology and entertainment, such as game consoles, audio devices, and televisions, has contributed to the brand's high popularity in the market. Sony products, including PlayStation, Bravia TVs, and other devices, have won the trust of consumers and continue to be in demand. As a result, the company demonstrates stable sales and recognition among users around the world.

Subscribers to the updated version of Nintendo Switch Online, which offers access to Nintendo 64 and Sega Mega Drive games, express dissatisfaction with the quality of the games provided with an annual subscription costing $ 50. Users expect a higher level of play and a variety of content, given the subscription price.

Ports of classic games from retro consoles have proven to be low-quality and under-optimized. Ineffective emulation has introduced new bugs and glitches into games, degraded graphics quality, and resulted in significant input lag. These issues detract from the overall gaming experience and are disappointing for fans of the classic titles. Improving ports requires attention to detail and quality work to bring back the joy of playing their favorite retro games.

Fans of classic Nintendo games have encountered control issues, as no effort has been made to properly configure them for Switch controllers.

NFT Game Developers Want to Join Steam

After Valve banned games using blockchain technology on its platform, including the NFT adventure Age of Rust from SpacePirate Games, NFT game developers addressed the company with an open letter expressing their desire to change its stance on non-fungible tokens. This decision caused a wide resonance in the gaming community and called into question the future of NFT games on major platforms. The developers believe that blockchain technology can significantly enrich the gaming experience, providing players with unique opportunities and new forms of interaction.

The authors of the letter argue that the rapidly developing technology can significantly improve the gaming industry. However, Valve believes they don't want to run into legal trouble in the US, where NFT games could be classified as gambling. A similar situation has already occurred with Big Fish Casino, raising concerns among developers and investors.

Epic Games is very flexible regarding NFT games, not directly prohibiting them from being listed on its store. However, developers are obligated to ensure full transparency and strict compliance with the law.

A quote of the week is an important element that can inspire and motivate. A selection of quotes allows you to highlight key ideas and thoughts that are relevant at the moment. Including a quote of the week in your content helps grab readers' attention and stimulate their reflection. A well-chosen quote can be a great addition to the material, emphasizing its meaning and depth. Using relevant and memorable statements can increase interest in your content and increase its value to the audience.

We are in a challenging financial situation, but we expect growth in each quarter of next year. Supply and demand are expected to balance by 2023.

Pat Gelsinger is the CEO of Intel. Under his leadership, the company strives to strengthen its position in the semiconductor and technology markets. Gelsinger is actively developing an innovation strategy, focusing on new manufacturing processes and the development of high-performance chips. In an increasingly competitive industry, he aims to strengthen Intel's leadership in computing and artificial intelligence. Under his leadership, the company continues to invest in research and development, enabling it to offer advanced solutions for various industries, such as automotive, medical, and cloud technologies. Gelsinger also emphasizes sustainability and ecology, which is becoming an important aspect of Intel's corporate strategy.

BlizzCon 2022 will not take place even online

The transition to an online format was a lifesaver for the classic BlizzCon during the pandemic, but it couldn't protect the company from ongoing scandals.

BlizzCon has become a symbol of the problems facing Blizzard. Instead of continuing questionable events, employees will focus on game development and improving social equality within the company. A significant step in this direction was Bobby Kotick's decision to cut his salary by 99.96%, now amounting to $62,500 per year. This change could contribute to a more equitable corporate culture and improved relationships within the team.

The company confirmed that despite the cancellation of its main annual conference, game announcements and updates will continue to come. The fate of BlizzCon remains uncertain, and there's a chance that the traditional Blizzard fan gathering we knew could become a part of history.

A game based on the film "A Quiet Place" has been announced

The game based on the popular horror film A Quiet Place will be published by Saber Interactive. Development will be undertaken by a small team, Illogika, consisting of former employees of the Montreal office of Ubisoft. This project promises to transfer the atmosphere of the original film into a game format, providing players with a unique experience of interacting with a world where silence is crucial for survival.

It is known that the new game will be a story-driven adventure with horror elements, set in the unique universe of "A Quiet Place". At the moment, there is little information about the project, but a special website and YouTube channel have already been created for it, which do not yet contain a significant amount of material. The game is expected to offer players an immersive experience, immersing them in an atmosphere of anxiety and tension characteristic of the original work. We'll be keeping an eye on the updates and awaiting new details on the project's development.

Illogika is scheduled for release in 2022, and the developers promise to share more information about the project before the end of this year. Illogika is a unique gaming experience that will captivate gamers with its original concept and engaging gameplay. New details about the game are expected to be revealed in the coming months, generating additional excitement among video game fans.

Video of the Week is our selection of the most interesting and relevant videos you shouldn't miss. In this issue, we present the best videos covering a variety of topics, from educational to entertaining. Each video is created with high standards of quality and relevance to ensure viewers receive the maximum amount of useful information and enjoyment. Don't miss the opportunity to check out our recommendations and expand your knowledge. Support us by sharing your impressions and comments on the videos you've watched.

Battlefield 2042 Game Advertisement from Microsoft

Battlefield 2042 is a thrilling first-person shooter that offers players a unique experience in a world of large-scale battles. The game immerses you in brilliant virtual battles, where you will fight in a variety of unique locations. Developed using cutting-edge technology, Battlefield 2042 offers improved graphics and dynamic gameplay mechanics.

Microsoft is actively promoting Battlefield 2042, highlighting its key features, such as the ability to participate in multiplayer battles with up to 128 players, which creates a unique battle atmosphere. The game features new character classes, each with unique abilities, allowing players to adapt their strategies depending on the situation on the battlefield.

Battlefield 2042 also offers a variety of game modes, including Conquest and Data. These modes provide players with the opportunity to explore new strategies and tactics, making each game unique and unpredictable. With ongoing updates and support from Microsoft, players can look forward to new content and improvements.

If you're looking for an exciting and dynamic shooter, Microsoft's Battlefield 2042 is an excellent choice. Immerse yourself in a world of epic battles and discover all the possibilities of this unique game.

Star Ocean The Divine Force Announcement Trailer

We present to you the announcement trailer for Star Ocean The Divine Force. This trailer allows you to immerse yourself in the amazing world of a fantasy role-playing game that continues the famous Star Ocean series. The video demonstrates exciting battles, unique characters, and the rich lore that awaits players. Star Ocean The Divine Force promises to offer players dynamic gameplay, interesting quests, and a deep hero development system. Stay tuned for news about the game and get ready for unforgettable adventures in the world of Star Ocean.

Raw Darkest Dungeon II is swept away in EGS

The Early Access release of the sequel to one of the most successful indie games in video game history has had an impressive start, selling 100,000 copies in the first 24 hours. This result is especially noteworthy given that the game is in its infancy and available exclusively on the Epic Games Store. The project's success demonstrates high player interest and potential for further development.

Red Hook didn't strive for simplicity and decided to reimagine a concept beloved by millions of hardcore players, starting practically from scratch. Radical changes affected virtually every aspect of the game, and not all of them were well received by fans. During the Early Access phase, the increased randomness and reworked progression system particularly raised many questions, becoming the subject of debate among fans.

The developers plan to complete work on the remaining four of the five story acts and fix all gameplay issues within 12-16 months. This means that the release of version 1.0 of Darkest Dungeon II could take place in 2023. Users expect significant improvements and optimizations, which will create a more stable and engaging gaming experience.

Conservative Age of Empires IV revives RTS

Relic Entertainment and World's Edge secured funding from Microsoft and announced a new installment in the long-forgotten series, practically reviving the entire classic real-time strategy (RTS) genre. This event underscores the renewed interest in RTS games and opens new horizons for developers and players.

A conservative real-time strategy was released at the end of 2021, which in itself is a significant event. What is particularly impressive is that all game mechanics function flawlessly in this strategy, and the balance of nations, despite their diversity, is perfectly tuned. The absence of bugs at release was a pleasant bonus for players. This brings real joy to devoted fans of the genre, who can proudly and admiringly appreciate a high-quality product.

According to a score of 85 on Metacritic, Age of Empires IV has received high marks from reviewers. The game was praised on all counts, except for the amount of content that the developers apparently intend to provide in the future via DLC. This has caused mixed feelings among players expecting more variety and options in the game.

A disastrous release of the good Guardians of the Galaxy

Eidos Montreal once again attempted to adapt comic books into video games, and while the game was praised by critics, its sales were extremely low.

Despite mixed reviews for Marvel's Avengers, the game managed to reach a peak online of over 30,000 players on Steam. Meanwhile, Guardians of the Galaxy, praised for its rich storytelling, vibrant characters, and excellent soundtrack, attracted only 10,000 players. This is especially noteworthy given that Guardians of the Galaxy focused on a more condensed and less intense lifespan compared to The Avengers, which emphasized multiplayer interaction and long-term support.

Fans of immersive sims and cyberpunk in video games can rejoice. Both games, which were shelved due to low sales of the Deus Ex series, once boasted over 50,000 online users on Steam. This success was achieved without the additional support of the wider comic book audience.

Facebook Gaming surpassed YouTube Gaming, and Microsoft's Xbox revenue increased by 166%. The court rejected Activision Blizzard's appeal of the DFEH lawsuit, a significant event for the company. The semiconductor shortage will continue for several years, impacting the production of gaming devices and technology. Find out more interesting news from the world of game development in our special section.