Gamedev News Digest. Second Week of September

Contents:

• Moscow cyber police declared war on cheaters
• Chia Coin miners are selling off their storage devices
• Chivalry 2 publisher destroyed for a tweet
• China continues to fight games
• Tencent is suing game account rental services
• New "Spider" and Ragnarok gameplay
• Alan Wake remaster announcement
• Crazy No More Heroes 3
• Nyashny Tales of Arise
• Snotty Life is Strange: True Colors

Moscow cyber police declared war on cheaters

Department "K" of the Moscow Ministry of Internal Affairs supports law-abiding gamers and actively combats developers of cheating software. This decision is aimed at protecting fair play and maintaining a healthy gaming environment. The department is taking measures to prevent the spread of cheats, which contributes to improving the player experience and maintaining fair competition in the gaming industry.

Police have initiated criminal cases against the developers of two online resources—CyberTank/CyberShip and Hagz. The former sold bots for World of Tanks and World of Warships, while the latter created "wolfhaks" for popular online shooters. Both cases can lead to imprisonment for up to five years.

Both underground companies have officially announced the end of their projects.

Chia Coin miners are selling storage devices

In the spring of 2023, Chia Coin, a cryptocurrency startup that uses storage devices as computing resources, sparked concerns about a shortage of HDDs and SSDs. The use of storage for mining has led to a significant increase in demand for these devices, which could negatively impact their availability. Given the growing popularity of Chia Coin and other projects using similar technologies, it is important to monitor changes in the supply and pricing of storage devices to avoid potential shortages and overpayments.

The market responded to the growing interest in the "green" cryptocurrency by driving up storage device prices. However, this excitement was short-lived. As a result of the disruption in hard drive supply, the price of Chia Coin fell from a record high of $1,614 to the current $264. In response, "green" miners have begun selling off their storage devices, including hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs).

Media outlets have noted that hard drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) are often sold at discounted prices, often described as new. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully analyze the secondary market for storage devices and consider avoiding used drives altogether. When choosing a drive, it is important to consider its condition and reliability to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future.

Chivalry 2 publisher destroyed for a tweet

The number of the week is an important indicator that can reflect key trends or events in various fields. This metric helps analyze current changes and their impact on society, the economy, and other areas. By paying attention to the number of the week, we can better understand what is happening around us and make more informed conclusions. The main factors influencing the formation of this number include statistics, research, and current news. It is important to monitor the number of the week to stay aware of significant changes and adapt to new conditions.

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The amount of 1,000,000, representing one million, is often used in various fields, including finance, business, and statistics. This metric can represent both revenue and unit sales, making it an important element in data analysis and planning. One million units is a significant milestone that symbolizes scale and achievement in both personal and corporate finances.

The PlayStation 5 has sold well in Japan, demonstrating high interest in this gaming console. This success highlights the growing popularity of the PlayStation 5 among Japanese gamers. The console offers unique features, including improved graphics, fast loading times, and a wide selection of games. The success of the PlayStation 5 in Japan also reflects trends in the video game market, where demand for the latest technology and innovative gaming solutions continues to grow. Importantly, the PlayStation 5 not only attracted user attention but also strengthened Sony's position in the video game industry.

Tripwire Interactive President John Gibson voiced his opinion on current political issues. His comments sparked a strong public backlash, and he faced the consequences. In today's world, free speech often comes with risks, especially when it comes to political topics. This incident is a clear example of how public figures can be criticized and face consequences for their words.

Gibson expressed support for a recently passed Texas anti-abortion law without realizing the consequences of his tweet. Users with opposing views began canceling their Tripwire subscriptions en masse and boycotting all products related to it. This event highlights the importance of understanding the impact public statements can have on reputations and business relationships, and shows how quickly public opinion can react to such statements.

Maneater developer Shipwright and Chivalry 2 creator Torn Banner Studios, both of whose games are published by Tripwire, have decided to distance themselves from the company. The former completely terminated all contracts with the publisher, while the latter limited themselves to publicly condemning John Gibson's position. Ultimately, as expected, Gibson resigned from his position. This event highlights the importance of social responsibility in the gaming industry and the influence of developers' opinions on publishers' reputations.

China continues to fight games

Every digest invariably includes news about new restrictions imposed by the Chinese authorities on the country's gaming industry. These measures continue to have a significant impact on the development of Chinese video games and their producers.

As part of a policy to combat gaming addiction among youth, the People's Republic of China will temporarily suspend the release of new online games. According to media reports, this decision is due to the fact that regulators are unable to keep up with licensing new titles and submitting mandatory monthly reports on new game releases to the Propaganda Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. This measure is aimed at protecting young people and reducing gaming addiction.

Amid the latest news, shares of Tencent and NetEase came under pressure again, leading to a decline in their prices by 6.8% and 7.7%, respectively. These price changes highlight the negative impact of market conditions on leading Chinese tech companies.

On that same fateful Thursday, the CCP issued orders to Tencent and NetEase to curtail gaming content that promotes male "femininity." This means that developers will receive a social rating only for creating images of real men, while content with "funny" anime characters may lead to sanctions.

Tencent is suing game account rental services

In an effort to comply with government regulations limiting Chinese children's gaming time to one hour per day, Tencent declared war on platforms offering game account rental services.

Unscrupulous sites began selling children adult gaming profiles that were not subject to time restrictions. "Adult" accounts in the mobile game Honor of Kings, published by Tencent, became particularly popular. Since gaming companies, not Chinese regulators, are responsible for enforcing the ban, Tencent filed a lawsuit against account rental services. This raises questions about safety and responsibility in the gaming industry, as well as the importance of controlling access to content for underage players.

The forbidden pleasure did not come cheap: for two hours of play, the teenager had to spend 370 rubles at the yuan exchange rate.

The Quote of the Week is an inspiring statement that can help you find motivation and new ideas. Each week, we select a quote that resonates with current topics and events. This allows you to not only reflect on important life questions but also gain a fresh perspective on everyday things. Stay tuned for our updates so you don't miss another quote that can change your perspective on life and everyday situations. The quotes we publish promote self-improvement and personal growth, stimulating you to reflection and action.

The offers approved in the Horizon: Forbidden West pre-order did not live up to expectations. Last year, we committed to providing free upgrades for games across generations, including Horizon: Forbidden West. The pandemic that began last year forced the developers to delay the game's release date, but we decided to maintain our original promise. Players who purchased Horizon Forbidden West on PlayStation 4 will be able to upgrade their version to PlayStation 5 for free. We are committed to providing the best possible experience for all players and will continue to uphold our policy of allowing them to enjoy the game on new platforms at no additional cost.

Jim Ryan is the President of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Under his leadership, the company is actively developing its gaming platforms, including PlayStation consoles and related content. Ryan focuses on innovation, user experience, and expanding the gaming community. His strategic approach allows Sony to remain one of the leaders in the video game industry, ensuring a high level of user satisfaction and the development of new technologies.

New "Spider" and Ragnarok gameplay

Sony hosted a massive PlayStation Showcase presentation, which has recently become an alternative to the company's participation in E3. The event showcased the latest games, updates, and announcements, attracting the attention of both fans and critics of the gaming industry. PlayStation Showcase demonstrated Sony's commitment to staying at the forefront of technology and innovation in video games.

The company has unveiled a program of PlayStation 5 events for the next two years, and it will undoubtedly delight Sony fans. First and foremost, players can look forward to a full-fledged Spider-Man sequel, due out in 2023, as well as the exciting Marvel's Wolverine spin-off from Insomniac. The company also has an exclusive remake of the legendary Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic on its radar. Also on the agenda is the standard lineup of entertainment, including Gran Turismo 7 and the new God of War, which has already shown off a gameplay trailer. These announcements confirm that Sony continues to actively develop its PS5 game library, ensuring a diverse and high-quality experience for its users.

Sony delighted not only its customers but also PC users. As expected, PC owners will be able to enjoy next-gen versions of Uncharted 4 and its standalone expansion, Lost Legacy, early next year. This will expand the audience and attract new fans to the famous franchise.

Announcement of the remaster of Alan Wake

After a series of leaks and rumors, Remedy has finally officially unveiled the updated version of Alan Wake. This is a long-awaited event for fans of the game, who were hoping for the return of the iconic character and his immersive world. The new version includes improved graphics, reworked gameplay, and additional elements that will allow players to relive the atmosphere of the original. Alan Wake continues to be an important milestone in the world of video games, and the update promises to attract both old fans and new players.

Sam Lake's offer includes the standard package of updates, including 4K resolution, improved graphics in gameplay and cutscenes, and two built-in add-ons. In addition, the developers promise additional benefits for new gaming platforms, which most likely means support for ray tracing.

Alan Wake Remastered will be available on modern and previous generations of desktop consoles this fall. PC users will be able to enjoy the game through the Epic Games Store, as Epic Games is responsible for its publication. This remaster promises improved graphics and updated content, which will attract both long-time fans and new players eager to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of this iconic game.

Video of the Week is a unique selection of the most interesting and significant videos that deserve attention. We collect the best videos covering a variety of topics, from educational content to entertainment. Every week, we update our collection to provide you with fresh and relevant videos that will help you broaden your horizons and have a good time. Don't miss the opportunity to see the most vivid and exciting moments that happened this week. Follow our updates and stay up to date with the most interesting events.

The trailer for Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a thrilling continuation of the adventures of Peter Parker and Miles Morales. The video shows new features, improved graphics, and dynamic battles with powerful opponents. Players will be able to explore an expanded New York City setting, interact with diverse characters, and uncover an intriguing storyline that promises plenty of unexpected twists. The trailer also showcases new abilities for both heroes, adding variety to the gameplay. Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is a must-have for all superhero game fans, delivering a unique and memorable experience. Stay tuned for more news and get ready to dive into the world of Spider-Man.

The God of War: Ragnarok gameplay trailer captivates players with breathtaking scenes and impressive graphics. This video showcases key elements of the game, including dynamic combat, exploration of vast environments, and interaction with mythological creatures. Protagonists Kratos and Atreus once again face new challenges and enemies in an epic story based on Norse mythology. The trailer highlights not only the improved combat system but also the emotional moments that make the game unique. The anticipated release date of God of War: Ragnarok has generated a lot of excitement among fans, and the trailer is a great way to dive into the game's world before its release.

Crazy No More Heroes 3

After 11 years of waiting, the third installment of the frantic action series No More Heroes has arrived, maintaining its unique style and madness. The threequel isn't more tame, which can be considered a positive for fans of the franchise. Fans will appreciate the familiar gameplay elements that make the series special and memorable.

The third installment of the game continues to surprise with its bold decisions in game design and writing. It can impress players looking for original ideas, but can also cause frustration due to some clunky moments and inconvenient controls. This inconsistency makes the game interesting for some audiences, while others may find it difficult to understand.

No More Heroes 3, an eccentric game from Goichi Suda, has caused mixed reactions among critics, receiving a score of 74 on Metacritic. However, casual players were more receptive to its peculiarities and rated this crazy epic 8.5 out of 10. The game continues the tradition of the series, combining a unique style, colorful characters, and an unconventional approach to gameplay, making it attractive to fans.

The game is available exclusively on the Nintendo Switch platform. Its price in the official eShop is 5,399 rubles, and in Russian stores - 3,999 rubles.

Cute Tales of Arise

Bandai Namco offers an alternative for those who prefer traditional game mechanics and don't want to be distracted by complex innovations. This classic Japanese game retains the essence of engaging gameplay and delivers enjoyment without unnecessary frills.

The new game in the Tales series is a vibrant JRPG with a familiar but inexpressive storyline and standard characters. The developers of Arise, following the tradition of Goichi Suda, preserved the spirit of the original without making radical changes. Fans of the series will get what they know and love. The main changes affected the battle system, which has received significant improvements, as well as the graphics, which have become more modern and attractive.

Critics noted that Tales of Arise, as a classic JRPG, cannot offer more than what is already presented in the game. As a result, the PS5 version received a Metacritic score of 87, confirming its high quality and acclaim among players.

The game is available on all current platforms except Nintendo Switch. Featuring high-quality interactive animation, this title will be a true challenge for dedicated anime fans. To access the game, you will need the standard price of a AAA game.

Snotty Life is Strange: True Colors

The new Life is Strange (LiS) game also features a herbivorous and predictable plot. Players are re-encountering familiar themes and mechanics, creating a sense of familiarity. The developers continue to utilize proven elements to create emotional engagement with the characters and world of the game. This makes the new installment accessible to long-time fans, but also raises questions about the novelty and plot development.

Despite the change in developer, this episodic teen series continues to explore the subtleties of post-pubescent hipsterdom, ensuring a satisfying fanbase. Like their Japanese counterparts, Deck Nine has significantly updated the visuals without disrupting the series' holistic concept. Maintaining key plot elements and characters helps retain the interest of existing fans and attract new audiences.

Game critics once again showed support for the conservative approach, which may seem surprising, but as a result, the game received the highest Metacritic score in the series' history – 85 out of 100.

Life is Strange: True Colors is available on all platforms, including Nintendo Switch and Stadia. Publisher Square Enix is ​​confident in the high quality of its product, comparing it to the works of Quantic Dream. Therefore, the game is priced at the premium level.

Rumors about new versions of the Xbox Series continue to be actively discussed in the gaming community. Meanwhile, Ubisoft appointed a new creative director, which may affect the company's future projects. Qiiwi Games completed the acquisition of Playright Games, which expands their portfolio and game development capabilities. Take-Two has filed a lawsuit against the developers of fan-made versions of GTA 3 and Vice City, raising questions about copyright protection in the gaming industry. Furthermore, Toshiba predicts a console shortage until 2023, which could impact the market and consumer availability of gaming devices.

In the "Game Development" section, you'll find a wealth of exciting news from the gaming industry. Here you'll find up-to-date information on new games, trends, and events shaping the future of game development. Stay tuned for the latest updates to stay up to date with all the latest developments in this dynamic field.