Gamedev News Digest. Second Week of October

Contents:

• Apple and Google continue to fight with Epic
• Cheaters stole anti-cheat from Activision
• Discrimination now in Paradox
• Sber buys games.ru, and MY.GAMES buys gamedev studios
• New veteran AAA studio
• PC Gamer and Kotaku offended Nintendo fans
• Financial report and TSMC collaboration with Sony
• Windows update 11 exacerbated the problems with Ryzen

Apple and Google continue to fight Epic

The court upheld nine of the ten charges brought by Epic's lawyers, a major blow to Apple. However, the company disagrees with the need to allow developers to redirect users to third-party payment systems. To delay the implementation of this single lost point, Apple filed an appeal, seeking to retain control over its ecosystem and app monetization.

Restrictions on user freedom in digital entertainment are often explained by concerns about security. However, as the Apple case demonstrates, the company failed to provide the necessary protections by the court-ordered deadline of December 9, 2021. This raises questions about the real motives behind such restrictions and the extent to which the company truly cares about users.

Google, Apple's only significant competitor in the digital goods market, also accused Epic Games of unjust enrichment by circumventing Google Play's commission. The company's representatives believe Epic Games should compensate for the lost share of microtransactions in Fortnite. These accusations highlight the pressing issues in the digital economy and the need to enforce platform rules. With growing competition between major players such as Google and Apple, such conflicts are becoming more frequent, which is of interest to users and analysts.

Cheaters stole anti-cheat from Activision

Currently, Activision Blizzard is facing more problems than Epic Games. The company has not yet recovered from a scandal related to employee discrimination, as well as a fight with unions and a backlash after the unsuccessful launch of Diablo II: Resurrected. As a result, Activision Blizzard has found itself in the center of new difficulties, which are calling into question its reputation and future in the video game industry.

Activision has widely unveiled the Ricochet anti-cheat system, which, according to the developers, was supposed to completely stop players from using cheat codes and cheating software in Vanguard and Warzone. This system is aimed at creating a fair gaming environment and improving the overall experience in online battles. However, despite high expectations, it has encountered a number of issues that call into question its effectiveness in combating cheating.

This impressive "sorcery" of the future will likely remain only in the anti-cheat's presentation video. The day after its demonstration, part of Ricochet's code was leaked online and became the subject of study by cheat software developers. Activision's press service, tired of constant pressure in recent months, has not yet provided a comment on this leak.

Discrimination is now in Paradox

The figure of the week is a significant indicator that reflects important events or trends in various fields. It can relate to economics, science, technology, or sports. Analyzing the figure of the week helps you better understand current changes and adapt strategies based on new data. Follow the latest figures to stay informed about current news and trends.

Copies are an important element in various fields, from art to technology. Copying helps preserve original works, pass on information, and provide access to knowledge. In the digital age, making copies has become easier thanks to modern tools and programs. However, it is important to respect copyright and ethical standards to avoid breaking the law. Copies can be used for education, research, and analysis, making them an integral part of our society. When used correctly, copies contribute to the dissemination of information and a deeper understanding of various topics.

Building a print run for It Takes Two represents an important stage in the distribution process. This cooperative adventure game, developed by Hazelight Studios and published by Electronic Arts, has received widespread acclaim from both critics and players. The game’s print run includes both digital and physical copies, allowing it to reach a wider audience and satisfy different user preferences. The success of It Takes Two in the market largely depends on proper print run planning, which includes demand analysis, platform selection, and marketing strategies. Therefore, creating a game’s print run is a crucial step in the distribution process. This is not just a process, but a strategically important step that contributes to its popularity and commercial success.

Activision Blizzard has been dealing with the consequences of developer discontent caused by an insufficiently progressive corporate culture for the second month. At the same time, the Swedish company Paradox Interactive is beginning to implement changes in line with modern trends in the gaming industry.

Materials have appeared in gaming and other media covering cases of discrimination at the publishing house. Unlike American companies, where various minorities face discrimination from top management, Swedish offices take a less inclusive approach, primarily harassing women. These events highlight the need for improved working conditions and a more equal work environment in the industry.

Female and former employees of Paradox often express dissatisfaction with the fact that their opinions are ignored and their disdainful attitude is carried out by male colleagues. While cases of sexual harassment do occur, according to victims, they are not as widespread as at Activision Blizzard. It is important to note that creating a safe work environment and respect for everyone's opinion is critical to improving corporate culture and preventing discrimination.

Sber buys games.ru, and MY.GAMES buys gamedev studios

Sber has acquired the most attractive domain for a gaming resource for $1 million, making this deal one of the largest in the Russian internet segment.

The company did not disclose the reasons for acquiring the expensive domain, but Kommersant's sources suggest that a Sber game store will be launched on games.ru. It can be assumed that the range of games will be formed within the framework of the recently launched Sber Games division, which is part of the bank's ecosystem. This confirms the company's strategic move into the field of digital entertainment and expanding its presence in the video game market.

MY.GAMES Venture Capital is actively developing its initiatives in the gaming sector, having invested $3 million in the game development studios VOX, Tworogue Games, and Wideview Games, located in the CIS. This strategic investment is aimed at supporting and developing games created in the region. MY.GAMES also took a step toward strengthening its presence in international markets by hiring Philippe Souza, a former Activision Blizzard executive, who will be responsible for brand promotion in Europe and beyond. This initiative underscores MY.GAMES's commitment to expanding its horizons and strengthening its position in the global gaming industry.

A quote of the week is an important element that can inspire and motivate. A collection of powerful statements not only helps to reflect current thoughts but also promotes a deeper understanding of the world around us. Using quotes in everyday life can enrich our experience and provide new ideas for reflection. Follow our updates to stay up-to-date with the most interesting and meaningful quotes that can change your perception.

We understand that dissatisfaction with microtransactions is a common topic among players. This discussion continues year after year. To address this issue, we have provided information on the probability of card drops from packs, allowing players to make more informed decisions. We also launched FIFA Playtime to improve engagement with our audience and foster open communication. Our goal is to treat players as autonomous individuals, empowering them to make informed choices. We believe these measures will help create a more transparent and comfortable gaming environment.

Chris Brazzo serves as Chief Customer Officer at Electronic Arts. In this role, he is responsible for developing user engagement strategy, improving the customer experience, and resolving service-related issues. With his experience, Electronic Arts strives to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction and increase brand loyalty. Chris actively works to implement innovative approaches to customer communication, allowing the company to effectively respond to user requests and adapt to changing market conditions.

New veteran AAA studio

Jeff Strain, former Blizzard developer and The founder of ArenaNet and Undead Labs, Possibility Space, has launched a new studio, Possibility Space, with the goal of reimagining online gaming. Strain strives to create innovative game projects that will redefine how players interact in virtual worlds. This new approach to game development promises engaging mechanics and unique gaming experiences, which will attract the attention of both veterans and newcomers to the industry.

The project's team includes veterans from companies such as Valve, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts, Santa Monica, and Double Fine. This allows specialists to work remotely, eliminating the need to live near the studio's New Orleans office. This approach will help Possibility Space minimize the negative impact of the pandemic on the game development process.

The Transcend Fund and the Louisiana Economic Development Fund announced their readiness to finance the assassination of the World of Warcraft assassin. These initiatives highlight the interest in financial investment in the gaming industry and its impact on society. It is important to note that such actions cause a wide resonance and discussion among players and experts.

PC Gamer and Kotaku offended Nintendo fans

Gaming media outlets like PC Gamer and Kotaku published articles about the possibility of running Metroid Dread on emulators, which at first glance might have seemed harmless. However, this led to chaos among Nintendo fans. Fans began actively discussing the implications of this news, sparking a heated debate about the legality and ethics of using emulators to play Metroid Dread. As a result, this topic has become the subject of heated debate, affecting the interests of both players and developers.

Fans of traditional Japanese game development expressed dissatisfaction with the fact that journalists, by covering events in the industry, contribute to the popularization of piracy. The public was particularly outraged by a publication by Kotaku editor Zach Zwiesen, in which he thanked God for the existence of pirates, modders, hackers, and emulators. This excerpt has been removed from the article, but the content remains available.

Nintendo fans needn’t worry about the company’s financial health, as Metroid Dread has reached third place in the UK charts and become the fastest-selling game in the series’ history. The success of Metroid Dread highlights the growing interest in the franchise and shows that Nintendo continues to attract players’ attention.

Video of the Week is an important content element that allows users to discover relevant and interesting videos. Each episode includes carefully selected videos that can be both entertaining and educational. Video of the Week attracts attention, increases audience engagement and helps promote the brand. Regularly updated content allows users to stay up-to-date with the latest news and trends, making it an indispensable tool for attracting viewers and increasing their interest. Follow our episodes and discover new, exciting videos every week.

Trailer «Squid Game: The Game» Squid Game: The Game is a game adaptation of the hit Netflix show. In this interactive version, viewers will be able to immerse themselves in the thrilling world of the series by taking part in challenging survival games. Players will face the same dangers and moral dilemmas as the characters in the original show. Unique graphics and sophisticated gameplay promise to capture the atmosphere of the series, allowing fans to test their skills and strategies in the fight for survival. "Squid Game: The Game" will be an engaging continuation of the story, introducing new players to a tense atmosphere and unexpected plot twists.

The Battlefield 2042 Hazard Zone mode trailer is a captivating video showcasing the unique gameplay features. This mode offers players new challenges and strategies in a post-apocalyptic world. In Hazard Zone, teams of four must collect intel from satellite crashes while avoiding enemies and environmental hazards. It's crucial to use resources efficiently and work as a team to survive and complete the mission. The trailer highlights the dynamic gameplay, high-quality graphics, and variety of tactical options that make Battlefield 2042 a unique first-person shooter experience. Check out the trailer to learn more about the exciting Hazard Zone mode and its features.

Financial report and collaboration between TSMC and Sony

The world's largest chip maker, TSMC, published a quarterly report, noting that the semiconductor shortage is due not so much to the coronavirus pandemic as to growing demand for modern technologies and smart devices. Increased consumption of electronics has become a major factor affecting global supply chains. This underscores the importance of sustainable development of production capacities and adequate planning to meet market needs.

Net profit increased by 13.8% compared to last year. The main source of revenue was sales of semiconductors using 5-nanometer and 7-nanometer processes. In addition to increased sales of high-performance chips for next-generation smartphones, computers, and gaming consoles, demand for processors for smart devices has increased significantly. This growth indicates a growing interest in technologies that enable smart home integration, which in turn opens up new opportunities for further market development.

TSMC officially confirmed information about the construction of a semiconductor plant in Japan in collaboration with Sony and Nikkei. Production is scheduled to begin in 2024, but initially the plant will not produce components for the future PS5 Pro, but rather sensors for iPhone cameras and intelligent components for cars. This step is aimed at expanding production capacity and improving the quality of semiconductor products, which will have a positive impact on high technologies in various industries.

Windows 11 update worsened problems with Ryzen

In our previous digest, we discussed how the release version of Windows 11 significantly reduced the performance of AMD processors. However, only a few days have passed, and the new update has worsened the situation, further degrading the performance of these processors.

According to information from TechPowerUp, the latency when accessing the L3 cache on the Ryzen 7 2700X processor has almost doubled - from 17 to 32 nanoseconds. For comparison, in the Windows 10 operating system, this latency is only 10 nanoseconds. This significant change can impact the processor's performance and its efficiency in various tasks.

At the moment, Microsoft and AMD are actively working on a solution related to the third-level cache and promise to fix it by October 19th. In addition, another issue related to Ryzen processors, which manifests itself in incorrect operation of the UEFI CPPC2 power distribution technology under the Windows 11 operating system, is expected to be fixed by October 21st. These updates are aimed at improving the performance and stability of AMD processors in the Windows 11 environment.