Gamedev News Digest. Last Week of August

Contents:

• Hardware will rise in price again
• Google wanted to acquire Epic Games
• Apple capitulated in court with the developers
• Call of Duty is embarrassed by the Activision brand
• EA is on guard for inclusivity
• Unity fights toxicity
• DevGAMM will be held offline
• Xbox at gamescom 2021
• Opening of gamescom 2021
• Future Games Show without announcements
• A controversial release of King's Bounty II
• Psychonauts 2 triumphantly released

Iron will rise in price again

This time, it's not the miners who are to blame.

The world's largest semiconductor manufacturer, TSMC, has informed its customers, including AMD, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, and Apple, of an upcoming increase in the selling prices of its products. This price increase could have a significant impact on the chip and integrated circuit market, as well as on the cost of final products developed using TSMC technologies. Given the growing demand for semiconductors across various industries, the company's decision may be due to increased production costs and the need to invest in new technologies. This price change is expected to impact the entire industry and lead to a revision of pricing strategies among major market players.

The new tariffs will take effect in December of this year. Given TSMC's near-monopoly position in the semiconductor market, these changes will inevitably affect the final cost of all smart devices, including not only gaming devices but also other electronics. This could lead to higher prices for a wide range of products, which is important to consider when planning your purchases in the near future. Chips using 16-nanometer and higher process technologies will increase in price by 20%. Chips manufactured using 7-nanometer technology will also increase in price, but only by 10%. The price increase is due to a sharp increase in demand for technology during the pandemic, which has led to increased production volumes. Thus, the semiconductor market is facing serious challenges, which in turn may affect the cost of electronics and other technologies.

Google wanted to acquire Epic Games

Epic Games presented new evidence of violations by IT monopolies to an American court. This time, attention was focused on Google, which planned to eliminate the threat posed by Epic Games by considering an acquisition of the company through Tencent. These actions highlight the ongoing struggle for competitiveness in the tech market and the importance of protecting developers' rights.

Google did not appreciate the creative approach of Epic Games, which began distributing Fortnite bypassing Google Play, evading the 30% commission. Google representatives expressed concerns that other developers and publishers could follow Epic's example, which would lead to a decrease in the company's revenue. As a result, this could result in a loss of up to $6 billion in stable commission income.

According to information from Epic Games, Google paid leading gaming companies "hundreds of millions of dollars" to ensure their loyalty to the Google Play platform. This phenomenon can be compared to exclusive offers from the Epic Games Store, but in this case we are talking about a larger financial investment.

Apple capitulated in court with developers

The number of the week is an important indicator that reflects current trends and events in various fields. Every Monday, we present a new number that highlights the significance of a certain fact or phenomenon. This number may relate to economics, science, technology, culture, or social life. By analyzing the numbers of the week, we better understand the changes taking place and can draw conclusions about the future. Follow our updates to stay up to date with the most interesting and significant data.

In this section, we will consider the number 58 and its meaning. The number 58 is a natural number that follows 57 and precedes 59. It has its own unique properties in various fields, including mathematics, science, and everyday life. In mathematics, 58 is an even number, as it is divisible by two without a remainder.

Furthermore, 58 can be represented in different number systems. For example, in the binary system, this number would be written as 111010. In the Roman numeral system, 58 is denoted as LVIII.

The number 58 also has significance in cultural and historical contexts. For example, in some countries, it may be associated with certain events or symbols. It is important to note that the number 58 can appear in different aspects of our lives, from mathematical calculations to cultural traditions.

Thus, the number 58 is not just a number, but a multifaceted symbol that has its place in both mathematics and the cultural environment.

A year is a period of time equal to 365 days, or 366 days in leap years. It is the basic unit of time measurement and is used to denote lifespans, events, and historical periods. Summer months are associated with warmth and activity, while winter months are associated with cold and rest. Understanding the concept of years is important for planning and organizing both personal and professional affairs, as well as for analyzing historical and cultural changes. Furthermore, summer and winter influence climatic conditions, which in turn impact ecosystems and human activity. Different cultures celebrate summer and winter with their own unique traditions and holidays, reflecting the diversity of human experience and our relationship with nature. August 24th marks the birthday of Hideo Kojima, a renowned Japanese video game developer. He has become a legend in the gaming industry thanks to his innovative approaches and profound storytelling. Kojima is best known as the creator of the Metal Gear series, which revolutionized the stealth action genre. His work is distinguished by its unique style and attention to detail, which has led to the creation of iconic gaming projects. On this day, fans around the world celebrate Kojima's contribution to the development of video games and his influence on gaming culture.

Another major tech company is also facing legal troubles. Apple has offered a settlement to the class action lawsuit alleging illegal commissions, and is prepared to make significant concessions.

Apple agreed to pay $100 million to the plaintiffs and allow all its customers to share monetization methods without going through the App Store. The company will also maintain a reduced 15% fee for developers with revenue under $1 million for three years. Additionally, Apple will publish annual reports on the transparency of the App Store.

The settlement is subject to court approval. If the court approves this agreement, it will set a significant precedent in the Epic Games v. Apple case, which will have a negative impact on the latter.

Call of Duty is embarrassed by the Activision brand

The Call of Duty: Vanguard announcement trailer makes no mention of Activision, despite featuring logos from developers Treyarch, Sledgehammer, and subsidiary studio Beenox. This has sparked interest and discussion among fans of the franchise, as Activision plays a significant role in the production and distribution of Call of Duty games.

Some media outlets have interpreted this as an attempt to distance the flagship shooter franchise from the troubled publisher, which has been at the center of scandals and lawsuits. This assertion makes sense, especially given that Activision has not previously shown such caution. The company's change in approach may indicate a desire to improve its image and restore trust among fans and partners.

To assuage disgruntled users, Activision released a statement from its PR manager, which spoke of "moving the franchise into a new era," "creative choices," and the "incredible world of the Call of Duty: Vanguard universe." However, this set of marketing phrases failed to address the logo issue, leaving many fans confused.

A Quote of the Week is a special phrase or saying that inspires and provokes thought. Each week, we select quotes that help us gain a deeper understanding of important aspects of life, motivation, and personal growth. These words can become a source of inspiration for many, pushing them to action and new achievements. Stay tuned for fresh quotes that can change your perspective and add meaning to your everyday life.

We are expanding the Overwatch universe with principles of inclusivity, equality, and hope as the foundation for creating a better future. These values ​​are deeply important to both the game and our team.

We continue to discuss how to align with our values ​​and create a game world that reflects them. In this regard, we have decided to rename the character known as McCree. This change will allow his name to better reflect the essence of Overwatch and its ideals.

Blizzard Entertainment is a renowned video game company, founded in 1991. It is famous for creating iconic games such as Warcraft, Diablo, and Overwatch. Blizzard actively develops its franchises, offering players not only immersive gameplay but also deep stories, detailed worlds, and unique characters.

The company is also a driving force behind the creation and support of the largest esports community, organizing tournaments and competitions for its games. Blizzard constantly updates content for its projects, introducing new features, expansions, and improvements, which helps maintain player interest at a high level.

Blizzard Entertainment not only creates games but also shapes an entire culture around them, including comics, books, and animated films, making it a leader in the entertainment industry.

The situation with the renaming of the character McCree from Overwatch has attracted the attention of both fans and players. The decision to change the character's name was a response to criticism and discussions regarding his associations with real-life events. The developers strive to create a more inclusive gaming environment, and this renaming is part of this effort. The character name change also reflects a general trend in the gaming industry, where the importance of respect for cultural sensitivity and diversity is becoming increasingly important. McCree's renaming could impact how the game and its heroes are perceived, highlighting the dynamic and ever-changing nature of gaming culture today.

EA Stands for Inclusion

Electronic Arts' PR department demonstrated high efficiency this week by opening up its patents for technologies developed for people with hearing, vision, speech, and cognitive impairments. This move contributes to improving game accessibility and has a positive impact on the company's reputation. Initiatives such as these not only help people with disabilities but also strengthen Electronic Arts' image as a socially responsible organization.

Third-party developers can now integrate the signal and ping systems from Apex Legends into their projects. These technologies provide more accessible communication for people with speech and hearing impairments. In addition, two technologies are available to help people with low vision and color blindness, as well as a sound customization system that allows you to adapt sound effects to individual user needs.

The code for these technologies is now available on GitHub, making it easy for anyone to improve the inclusivity of their project.

Unity Fights Toxicity

EA actively supports people with disabilities, while Unity focuses on protecting honest gamers from toxic behavior in the gaming community. This emphasizes the importance of creating an inclusive and safe gaming environment for all users.

The company is implementing the OTO speech analysis platform, which uses machine learning technologies to identify intonation, emotional coloring, and aggressiveness of messages in voice chats. The integration of OTO into Vivox chat will improve user interaction in popular games such as Rainbow Six Siege, PUBG, and League of Legends. This decision is aimed at creating a more comfortable and safe gaming environment where players can better understand each other and avoid conflicts.

It's important to note that Unity's leadership's concern for gamers' mental health isn't solely driven by humanitarian considerations. A company survey found that 68% of players experience toxicity in multiplayer, and 67% are willing to stop playing online games because of unpleasant teammates. This data can serve as a powerful argument for publishers, demonstrating the need to implement technologies that improve the gaming experience and reduce toxicity in communities.

Video of the Week is a collection of the most interesting and relevant videos from the past week. In this section, we share videos that deserve attention, including reviews, interviews, educational videos, and entertainment. Subscribe to our channel to never miss new releases and stay up-to-date on the latest trends and events. We carefully select content to offer you only the best and most useful. Don't forget to leave your comments and share your impressions of the videos you've watched.

The first Call of Duty: Vanguard gameplay demo introduced viewers to the exciting elements that are characteristic of the legendary series. Players were able to see updated graphics, realistic character models, and dynamic battles. Vanguard harks back to the days of World War II, offering new maps and modes that promise variety in gameplay. Fans of the series can expect not only familiar mechanics but also fresh ideas that will make every match unique. This gameplay demo confirms that Call of Duty: Vanguard will be a major event in the world of video games and will attract both old and new fans of the franchise.

Saints Row Reboot Trailer Announced

The new Saints Row reboot trailer features fresh gameplay elements and an updated art style that will transport players to a unique world of criminal adventures. The reboot retains the spirit of the original, while offering new opportunities for exploration and interaction with the environment. Players will be able to create their character and take control of a gang to conquer the city and establish their dominance. Unprecedented freedom of action, improved graphics, and a gripping story make this project an anticipated event for fans of the series and new players. Saints Row is expected to return us to the world of street brawls and thrilling missions, offering a unique experience that will be a great continuation of the game's legacy.

DevGAMM will be held offline

The largest The CIS game developers' conference, DevGAMM Moscow 2021, will take place in person on September 6–7, despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. One of the factors contributing to the event's traditional format is its proximity to Russia's largest law enforcement show. This event will attract both gaming industry professionals and new participants, providing an opportunity to share experiences, discuss current trends, and establish useful contacts. DevGAMM Moscow 2021 promises to be a significant platform for the development and growth of the gaming industry in the region.

Representatives of SberGames, Wargaming, VK, Playrix, Mail.ru Group, tinyBuild, Pixonic, Creative Mobile, Sperasoft, Belka Games, and many others will attend. Participants can expect practical lectures on development, marketing, and management, as well as entertaining presentations, including nostalgic stories from Dendy creator Viktor Savyuk. This is a great opportunity to share experiences and gain new knowledge in the gaming industry.

DevGAMM 2023 will feature a unique Games Garage session, during which seasoned game design experts will provide 25-minute individual consultations for aspiring developers. This is a great opportunity to receive professional advice and recommendations to help improve your projects and develop your skills in the gaming industry. Don't miss your chance to connect with gamedev leaders and gain valuable insights for a successful career in game development.

Xbox at gamescom 2021

Before the opening ceremony of the main exhibition after E3, Phil Spencer held his own show, which resembled a flashy presentation of the features of Xbox Game Pass. This event emphasized the benefits of the subscription and new games available to users, continuing the company's strategy to attract an audience to the platform.

The main part of the event focused on announced projects such as Forza Horizon 5, Age of Empires IV, and Dying Light 2. Attention was also given to already released games, including Microsoft Flight Simulator and Crusader Kings III. Viewers were presented with information about new details of upcoming games and updates to existing projects. This event provided a unique opportunity to learn about future trends in the gaming industry and the improvements that await fans of these popular franchises.

Exciting new releases have appeared in the world of game announcements. One of the highly anticipated projects is the action-RPG Stray Blade, developed by 505 Games in collaboration with Point Blank Games and featuring attractive low-poly visuals. Another significant announcement was the sci-fi adventure The Gunk, being developed in Unreal Engine 4 by the Thunderful team. Both projects promise exciting gameplay and unique visual solutions, attracting the attention of both experienced gamers and beginners.

All new videos and details about the games presented at the show are available in our special material.

Opening of gamescom 2021

Jeff Keeley became the new host of the opening ceremony of gamescom, replacing Phil. Both of these events, unlike DevGAMM, were held online.

One of the most significant announcements of the show was the reboot of Saints Row, which Volition studio is developing from the ground up using a new game engine. The game is expected to be released on February 25, 2022. Firaxis also presented its new turn-based tactics game Marvel’s Midnight Suns. The developers assure that, despite the similarity of genres, their project is significantly different from X-COM. We will be able to confirm or deny this statement in March 2022.

Over 30 games were showcased at the show, but the number of announcements was limited. Among the most notable new releases were the stylish indie action game Cult of the Lamb from Devolver Digital, as well as the announcement of the new free-to-play football simulator UFL. Viewers were also treated to the premiere trailer for the vibrant open-world action game DokeV. These games promise to attract attention and spark interest among gamers.

We've learned the release dates of the most anticipated video games. PlayStation players are eagerly awaiting February 18, 2022, the date Horizon: Forbidden West will be released. Xbox users, meanwhile, plan to make time for December 8, 2021, when Halo Infinite will be available. These games promise stunning graphics and immersive gameplay, making them some of the most anticipated releases in the world of gaming.

All announcements and trailers presented at the opening of Gamescom 2021 have been compiled in a single post on our website for your convenience. Be the first to learn about the most exciting new releases and highly anticipated games presented at the event. Don't miss important updates and details about upcoming releases, collected in one place.

Future Games Show without announcements

Following the official opening of gamescom, GamesRadar+ held its online show. The 75-minute presentation featured trailers for more than 40 games. While the numbers are impressive, it's important to note that they don't always reflect the actual interest and quality of the content presented.

Despite the large amount of video footage, nothing was found that could preview the expected new releases. Many titles presented at the Future Games Show had already been demonstrated the day before by Jeff Keeley. As a result, there were no significant or surprising announcements.

The show, with its diverse range of games, offers an excellent opportunity to add to your Steam wishlist. If you missed any releases, we recommend checking out our dedicated coverage on the site. This will help you update your backlog and not miss interesting projects.

The controversial release of King's Bounty II

1C Entertainment has released the second installment of the popular CIS game, which combines elements of strategy and role-playing games. This new version promises to expand gameplay possibilities and offer players an exciting adventure.

The developers decided to focus on the role-playing component in 2021, so they updated the classic concept of the adventure version of "Heroes." The game now offers an open world with a third-person view, allowing players to dive deeper into the story and interact with the environment. This decision is aimed at creating a more rich gaming experience, where every choice matters and influences the course of events.

The average reviewer believes that the low-budget "The Witcher" provokes debate regarding its place in the genre of turn-based strategies with hexagons. While the exploration portion of the game may have been added purely for marketing purposes, the strategic component still delights players with a variety of combat situations and requires strategic thinking.

As a result, the game received a 71 score on Metacritic and 48% positive reviews on Steam. You can become part of the dissatisfied audience or justify your point of view by purchasing the game for only 1,699 rubles.

Psychonauts 2 has been released to great acclaim.

Tim Schafer and Double Fine generously thanked fans of the original Psychonauts for the 16-year wait for a sequel. The wait is over, and the game has given fans new adventures and unique gameplay. The sequel has become a true gift for everyone who was waiting for a continuation of the story and character development.

The creators of the sequel have managed to improve and deepen all the aspects that players loved in the original game. Platforming has become more engaging, combat mechanics are more varied, and locations are even more picturesque and diverse. The story has become more interesting and mature, which perfectly meets the expectations of the existing fan base. The game retains its distinctive, slightly eccentric style, evident in both its vibrant visuals and its original, humorous narrative.

Reviewers praised the Double Fine team's work, noting that their efforts surpassed even the cult classics of its predecessors. Psychonauts 2 earned a Metacritic score of 89, surpassing the original's 87. Steam reviews also confirmed this success, with 96% positive reviews from users expressing their admiration for the game.

Get Tim Schafer's new adventure masterpiece for 1085 rubles on Steam, for 4279 rubles on the PS Store, or try it completely free with a Game Pass subscription.

Cloud gaming is available to Game Pass Ultimate subscribers, allowing you to play your favorite games without the need to install them locally. Meanwhile, 38 Studios has faced serious financial difficulties, delaying salaries to its developers for nine years. Interest in gaming laptops and monitors is on the rise in Russia, demonstrating a growing demand for high-quality gaming hardware. However, the Roblox platform has been criticized for exploiting children, raising concerns among parents and child rights advocates in the gaming industry. Find out more exciting news from the gaming industry in the "Game Development" section. Here you will find the latest updates, analytical articles and interviews with leading experts that will help you stay up to date with the latest trends and events in game development.