Gamedev News Digest. Third Week of October

Contents:

• Google to Reduce Subscription Fees
• Staff Cuts at Activision Blizzard
• New Epic Games Partners
• Electronic Arts Opens New Studio
• Golden Joystick Nominees
• Steam for Steam Deck
• Elden Ring and Witcher 3 Ported to Next-Gen
• God of War Coming to PC
• The Dark Pictures Release Anthology: House of Ashes
• Inscryption is out

Google to reduce subscription fees

Starting in January 2022, developers of apps providing e-books, music, and video streaming services began paying Google 15% of subscription revenue instead of the traditional 30%. This change in terms of cooperation creates a more favorable environment for developers, allowing them to increase their revenue and offer users more affordable subscription plans. The new commission structure can contribute to the growth of the digital content market and improve the quality of services.

In March 2023, developers of all applications, including games, received significant relief. Google has reduced its commission to 15% from 30%, but this applies only to the first $1 million in annual revenue. Apple took similar measures in January 2021. This change could have a positive impact on small and medium-sized app development businesses, allowing them to increase profits and invest in further development.

All of these benefits for app developers are undoubtedly related to the class action lawsuit against Google's dominance in the mobile app market, which was filed in July 2021. The lawsuit aims to protect the interests of app creators and proposes a revision of the rules regarding revenue sharing and publishing conditions in app stores. As a result, developers can expect fairer working conditions and greater transparency in their interactions with platforms.

Framework Cleanup at Activision Blizzard

Activision Blizzard announced successful action against employees accused of sexual harassment. The company is actively working to create a safe and respectful work environment, taking steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. These actions are part of a broader program to improve corporate culture and adhere to ethical standards in the video game industry.

Twenty of the most problematic users were permanently banned, while the same number of developers received fines. Ethics specialists are planned to be appointed to fill the vacant positions and budgets. These experts will help the company's management not only purge Overwatch and World of Warcraft of toxic content, but also improve the atmosphere in the offices.

Activision Blizzard is seeking to win the favor of the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, hoping to bring an uncomfortable investigation to an end. This aspiration is connected with the company's desire to improve its reputation and restore trust in itself in light of current problems.

New partners of Epic Games

A figure of the week is an important indicator that reflects current trends and events in various fields. Every Monday, we present a new figure that has significant significance for business, the economy, or the social sphere. This information helps you analyze changes, identify emerging trends, and make informed decisions. Don't miss the opportunity to stay up to date with key data that can impact your business. Follow our updates and stay on top of the latest information.

Copies are an important aspect in various fields, including art, business, and technology. In the world of digital content, copies help preserve original works and make them accessible to a wider audience. Copying information can also contribute to the dissemination of knowledge and ideas, but it is important to be aware of the legal aspects associated with copyright. Copies are necessary for creating backups of important data, which helps prevent information loss. In today's world, where information is transmitted instantly, high-quality copies are even more relevant. Proper use of copies can significantly improve the accessibility and distribution of content, which contributes to its popularization and development.

Monster Hunter: World has sold a significant number of copies over the past four years. Published by Capcom, it has become one of the most successful games in the franchise's history, captivating both seasoned players and newcomers with its engaging gameplay mechanics and diverse exploration options. Monster Hunter: World's success can be attributed to its high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay, and regular updates that added new content and improved player interaction. Thus, four years later, the game remains popular and in demand among fans of the genre.

Epic Games announced a partnership with Eyes Out, a studio founded by Corey Davis, creative director of Spec Ops: The Line, and Robin Finck, guitarist for Nine Inch Nails. This collaboration promises new, exciting projects, combining the expertise and creativity of both parties.

In 2019, Eyes Out received a megagrant from Epic Games to develop its first single-player immersive horror game based on the works of H.P. Lovecraft. The game is being developed using the Unreal Engine and will be available on multiple platforms, attracting a wide audience of horror game fans.

Spry Fox, known for its project Cozy Grove, successfully integrated Epic technologies into the development of its new life simulator. Designed in the style of Animal Crossing, Cozy Grove offers players a unique experience interacting with a vibrant world and its inhabitants. The use of Epic technologies has improved graphics and gameplay, making the game even more attractive to fans of the genre.

Electronic Arts has opened a new studio

Marcus Leito, the former art director of the renowned Halo series and the creator of the failed Disintegration project, has joined Electronic Arts as the head of a new studio based in Seattle. His experience in game development and creative approach promise new horizons for Electronic Arts in the video game industry.

The new team, which does not yet have a name, will focus on developing first-person games, which will be especially relevant thanks to Leito’s extensive experience. His previous studio, V1 Interactive, was closed in March of this year after the unsuccessful release and subsequent server shutdown of Disintegration. The new project promises to learn from the mistakes of the past and offer players a unique and immersive gaming experience.

From 1997 to 2012, Marcus Leito worked at Bungie, making significant contributions to the development of such iconic games as Halo: Combat Evolved, Halo 2, Halo 3, and Halo: Reach. His experience and creativity helped shape the iconic Halo franchise, which has become one of the world's most popular video games.

The Quote of the Week is an inspiring statement that can motivate and provoke thought. It serves as a reminder of the importance of words and their power to influence our mood and actions. It's important to choose quotes that resonate with our values ​​and goals, as they can be a source of strength during challenging times. Each week presents an opportunity to discover new ideas and perspectives through the wisdom of others. Share your favorite Quote of the Week to inspire others and create a climate of positive change.

We are constantly seeking professionals who will work effectively as a team and align with our strategy. We believe that the quality of interaction between people plays a key role in achieving our shared goals, and therefore our recruitment process is ongoing.

There is no quota, and there is no set deadline for us to acquire studios. If we find a suitable studio, we will discuss our plans for collaboration with its owner to achieve mutual benefit and improved results.

Phil Spencer is the head of Xbox and plays a key role in the development of Microsoft's gaming business. Under his leadership, Xbox has significantly expanded its audience and improved the quality of its services. Spencer is actively involved in the implementation of new technologies, such as cloud gaming and improving the user experience. His vision for the future of gaming includes creating an inclusive and diverse gaming environment, which helps attract new players and grow the Xbox community. Phil Spencer also actively interacts with developers and players, which allows him to take into account their interests and wishes in the development strategy of Xbox.

Golden Joystick Nominees

Voting for the best games of the year at the Golden Joystick Awards is open until November 5, 2021. Participate and support your favorite projects to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve. Don't miss your opportunity to influence the voting results and become part of the gaming community.

Awards will be presented in 18 categories, including a special statuette for the best hardware. This year, nominees are represented in a variety of categories, including the best gaming consoles, such as PlayStation and Xbox, as well as OLED switches and graphics cards, including the RTX 3080. Hard drives, including those from WD, are also nominated. The remaining categories cover traditional aspects such as story, sound, visuals, and acting.

In 2021, projects such as Deathloop, Psychonauts 2, Resident Evil: Village, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Wildermyth, Hitman 3, The Forgotten City, It Takes Two, Metroid Dread, and the Mass Effect Remaster Collection will compete for the title of Best Game of the Year. The results will be announced on November 23.

Steam for Steam Deck

Valve has demonstrated a serious approach to the upcoming launch of its portable console, updating Steam functionality to optimize work with the new device. These changes are aimed at improving the user experience and maximizing performance, highlighting the company's commitment to quality and innovation in the gaming industry. Steam's preparations for the launch of the portable console demonstrate that Valve is actively working to ensure players have access to their favorite games anywhere and anytime.

The Steam Deck version of the store will introduce special indicators informing users about the quality of game optimization for this platform. Fully optimized titles will receive a green checkmark, indicating their excellent performance on the portable device. Games with partially implemented features will be marked with a yellow icon, and those that are unsuitable for play will receive a red warning. These changes will help users quickly navigate the selection of games suitable for Steam Deck and ensure a more comfortable gaming experience.

Valve will manually evaluate game compatibility, checking for compliance with certain requirements. To receive a green checkmark, a game must fully support the Steam Deck controller and have a default resolution in the 720-800p range.

Video of the Week is a roundup of the most interesting and relevant videos worth watching. In this section, we collect the best videos that can inspire, educate, or entertain. We select content from various categories, including education, entertainment, travel, and technology, so there is something for everyone. Stay tuned for updates to stay up-to-date with the most interesting videos that will help you expand your horizons and gain new knowledge.

The trailer for the PC version of God of War attracts players, showcasing exciting gameplay and stunning graphics. This PC adaptation of the classic game promises improved visuals and optimization for modern systems. The trailer showcases dynamic battles, a deep storyline, and exploration of a mythological world, making God of War one of the most anticipated games on the PC platform. Players will be able to enjoy all the original's features and new features, making this version especially appealing to fans and newcomers alike. Don't miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating world of God of War on your computer.

The trailer for the Uncharted film adaptation is catching the attention of fans of the game and cinema. The film, based on the popular video game series, tells the story of the adventures of treasure hunter Nathan Drake. In the trailer, viewers can see exciting action scenes, intriguing locations, and dynamic interactions between characters. This is a foretaste of a vibrant and captivating story, full of adventure and mystery. The Uncharted film adaptation promises not only to preserve the spirit of the original but also to offer new plot twists that will interest both fans of the game and new viewers. With the release of the trailer, interest in the film is growing, which will undoubtedly become one of the most anticipated releases.

Ports of Elden Ring and Witcher 3 for next-gen

Users of r/Eldenring will have to wait longer than expected — FromSoftware announced the delay of the release date of Elden Ring from January 21st to February 25th. This delay is due to the need to improve the game's quality and ensure the best possible player experience. Elden Ring is expected to be one of FromSoftware's most ambitious projects yet, and the developers are committed to providing players with an exceptional experience.

Despite Hideaki Miyazaki's initial assurances that the game would release on January 21st without delay, the developers have decided to take a break to polish their ambitious ARPG. They explained this decision by the unique depth and freedom of gameplay. However, there is good news for dedicated fans: they can sign up for the closed beta, which will run from November 12th to 14th on current and previous-gen consoles. This is a great opportunity for players to get acquainted with the game's new mechanics and features before its official release.

CD Projekt RED has announced another release delay. The anticipated versions of Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3 for modern consoles will not be released until the end of this year, as previously announced. The native version of Cyberpunk 2077 for new platforms has been postponed to the first quarter of 2022, while the remastered version of The Witcher 3 is scheduled for the second quarter of 2022. This delay highlights the company's commitment to ensuring the high quality of its products, which is certainly an important aspect for fans of both games.

God of War will be released on PC

The main character will probably go to the boyar platform The best-selling system of the outgoing console generation, following in the footsteps of its once-exclusive siblings. With its unique features and strong sales, this game will continue to attract players and expand its audience on new platforms.

Kratos & Atreus will be available on Steam and the Epic Games Store on January 14, 2022. The game will support 4K resolution, enhanced textures, shadows, and lighting, as well as DLSS technology and an uncapped frame rate. It will retail for 3,149 rubles, a relatively high price for the Russian PC market.

With the port announcement, Santa Monica Studio also reported that sales of the PS4 version of the game have reached 19.5 million copies as of August 2023. This figure underlines the huge interest of players in this project and its popularity on the PlayStation 4 platform.

Release of The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes

House of Ashes is the third game in the horror anthology from Supermassive Games, which aims to repeat the success of its previous project, Until Dawn. This game immerses players in a gripping world filled with tension and unexpected plot twists, where every decision can lead to unpredictable consequences. House of Ashes offers a unique experience, combining elements of interactive cinema and classic horror, making it attractive to both genre fans and new players.

The game maintains a similar structure to Man of Medan, Little Hope, and Until Dawn – it is the same walker-and-scroller genre, in which characters often make unwise decisions in critical situations. They can die as a result of unsuccessful QTEs or due to the player's choice. The new installment changes only the setting and characters: players now control American soldiers against the backdrop of the Iraqi conflict.

Critics have given House of Ashes a moderately positive review, giving it a 75 on Metacritic. The entertainment formula developed in Until Dawn remains appealing, but the game's emotional impact has been somewhat weakened. You can learn more about how Supermassive created its unique approach to interactive horror in our new material.

Inscryption is out

The indie card game "Black Book" attracted around 2,000 concurrent players at launch. Meanwhile, its counterpart, Inscryption, demonstrated impressive results, reaching 10,000 concurrent players and successfully maintaining this audience. The development of both games demonstrates the growing interest in card games in the indie segment.

Daniel Mullins, a well-known figure in indie circles, has a powerful partner in the publisher Devolver Digital. However, to attract such business partners, it is necessary to create a unique project. One way to achieve this goal is to boldly combine the card game and roguelike genres with a captivating storyline that constantly breaks fourth walls. It is also important to pay attention to the audiovisual design, which should be original and atmospheric to complement the overall concept of the game. Success in the indie industry often depends on such creative solutions.

This unique card game, comparable to the classic "Durak" and popular among fans of village gatherings, garners 95% positive reviews on the Steam platform. It could easily be shortlisted for the "Indie of the Year" award. You can experience its quality and enjoy the gameplay for just 500 rubles.

Microsoft is committed to creating more AAA blockbusters, which underscores their ambitions in the gaming industry. In September, the Twitch audience increased by 20%, demonstrating growing interest in streaming platforms and video games. Developer unions continue to gain popularity, which could change the dynamics of work in game development and improve worker protections. Furthermore, Back 4 Blood occupies a leading position in the Steam charts, confirming its high demand among players. Learn more about key events and trends in the world of games in the "Game Development" section.