Gamedev News Digest. Third Week of September

Contents:

• The verdict in the case of Epic Games v. Apple
• The relay race
• GeForce NOW database leak
• Switch now supports Bluetooth audio
• Major update for PlayStation 5
• MicroQuake
• Ragnarök - the last Scandinavian God of War
• New wipEout announced, but there is a nuance
• Released Deathloop

Verdict in the case of Epic Games v. Apple

The lawsuit between Epic Games and Apple over the removal of Fortnite from the App Store has concluded. However, determining the winner in this conflict is quite difficult. The disputes concerned not only issues of monopoly, but also the principles of fair competition in the digital ecosystem. A detailed analysis of the case's results will help better understand its impact on developers and users, as well as the future of mobile platforms and their regulations.

Many media outlets were quick to declare Tim Sweeney the winner, as the court sided with him on a key issue and prohibited Apple from restricting developers' choice of payment systems. This means that apps posted to the App Store will now be able to legally bypass the high 30% commission imposed by the service. This decision opens up new opportunities for developers, allowing them to use more profitable payment systems and optimize their revenue.

The court dismissed nine out of ten counts against Apple, finding the company guilty of monopolizing the digital video game market. Furthermore, the court found no evidence of anticompetitive behavior by Apple, as Epic's lawyers had insisted. This decision highlights the complexity of the legal issues surrounding dominance in the video game industry and the protection of the competitive environment.

The stock market reaction allows us to draw conclusions about the beneficiaries of the court's decision. This is confirmed by a 3.48% decline in Apple shares. At the same time, there has been an increase in shares of leading mobile game developers, including Zynga, AppLovin, Playtika, and Roblox. This dynamic suggests a redistribution of investor interests, which may indicate changes in market trends and preferences in the mobile gaming industry.

Find out all the interesting details about the conclusion of the most significant trial in the history of the gaming industry in our special report. We will provide you with full coverage of this event, its consequences and impact on the gaming market. Don't miss the opportunity to read the key moments and analysis of the situation.

Relay of transfers

With major autumn releases approaching, every year some projects are cancelled, and 2021 is no exception. This year, we are also seeing some games and apps not making it to their debuts, leaving fans waiting. This is an inevitable process in an industry where competition is fierce and quality demands are ever-higher.

The first delay for Total War: Warhammer 3 was carried out by Creative Assembly studio - the release, which was planned for the fall, is now scheduled for early 2022. As a consolation bonus for fans of the Warhammer universe, the developers announced the addition of a new faction, Great Cathay, inspired by the culture and mythology of China.

Dying Light 2 from Techland has been added to the list of delayed projects, which was quite expected given all the changes the game has undergone. To further refine the long-awaited sequel to one of the most popular zombie games, the developers have pushed back the release date to February 4th from the previously planned December 7th.

Electronic Arts announced the delay of Battlefield 2042, which was originally scheduled for October 22nd to November 19th. This decision is part of the company's efforts to avoid any issues with the game's launch. However, this move negatively impacted EA shares, which fell nearly 6%. The release of Battlefield 2042 is generating a lot of interest among gamers, and the company is doing everything possible to provide a quality product.

GeForce NOW Database Leak

A figure of the week is a key statistic or indicator that attracts attention and generates interest. It can reflect important events, trends, or changes in various fields, such as economics, science, technology, or culture. Identifying the relevant figure of the week helps better understand the current situation and predict future trends. Stay updated to stay informed about the most significant data and its impact on society and business.

According to statistics, the number of lonely people worldwide reaches 1,000,000. This number includes both people who prefer to remain single and those who have faced various circumstances that lead to loneliness. The importance of understanding this phenomenon cannot be overstated, as loneliness can have a significant impact on a person's health and psycho-emotional state. Developing support and social connections is essential to reducing the number of lonely people and improving their quality of life.

Tales of Arise is an exciting role-playing game that has captured the attention of players worldwide. Since its release, the game has won acclaim for its captivating storyline, nuanced characters, and stunning graphics. Players are immersed in a world filled with adventure, exploring vast locations, battling diverse opponents, and uncovering the secrets of the universe. Tales of Arise offers unique combat mechanics and character development, making the gameplay even more engaging. This game is an excellent choice for fans of the JRPG genre and those seeking new emotions and experiences in the world of video games.

Bandai Namco successfully sold out its products in less than a week. This achievement underscores the high consumer interest in their products and demonstrates the company's market demand. The rapid sales of the products indicate effective marketing strategies and high-quality product execution. Bandai Namco continues to strengthen its position in the industry, attracting the attention of both gaming fans and new customers.

Ukrainian developer Igor Dzhulai discovered a hidden database of the GeForce NOW cloud service. This database contains many unusual and interesting titles among those already available on the platform. These newly discovered titles are generating significant interest among gamers and could become a topic of discussion in the gaming community.

The GFN database contains several notable games, including Titanfall 3, BioShock 2022, Crysis 4, Half-Life 2 Remastered, Monster Hunter 6, Gears 6, and City Skylines 2. Goat Simulator 2 is also worth checking out. The secret list includes all the key PlayStation 5 exclusives, including God of War and the new Horizon. These games are excellent choices for fans of various genres and promise an immersive gaming experience.

NVIDIA commented on the Ukrainian's discovery, confirming the existence of the database. However, they noted that many games are missing. Most of the unannounced projects presented in the database probably serve only as placeholders.

Switch now supports Bluetooth audio

Nintendo's portable console has been updated to version 13.0.0, bringing a significant improvement: the ability to stream audio to headphones via Bluetooth. This update significantly expands the device's functionality, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games with high-quality sound wirelessly. Bluetooth connectivity opens up new horizons for console usability, which is especially important for mobile gaming.

Nintendo Switch owners are faced with a difficult choice in response to the recent event. On the one hand, the company has finally fulfilled user requests, freeing them from the need for outdated wired headphones. On the other hand, the question remains: why did players endure the inconvenience of wires and third-party Bluetooth adapters for five years if the solution to the problem turned out to be so simple and accessible at the software level. This situation raises important questions about communication between developers and users, as well as how the Nintendo Switch gaming experience can be improved in the future.

The Nintendo Switch Bluetooth module is designed to connect not only wireless headphones but also Joy-Con controllers. As a result, using wireless headphones with two Joy-Con controllers connected simultaneously is not possible. This also means that the microphone function on the headphones will not be available with this configuration.

The classic Nintendo Switch has become more functional and is now available for a reduced price of €24 in Europe. However, it is worth noting that in Japanese geography textbooks, Russia is not considered part of Europe.

The quote of the week is an important element that inspires and motivates. It can be a source of strength and wisdom, prompting us to reflect and act. The quotes chosen for each week can reflect current themes, events, or ideas that are relevant to a wide audience. The selection of quotes helps highlight key aspects of life, work, personal growth, and relationships. Regularly reading such quotes promotes self-improvement and increased awareness. Choose quotes that resonate with you and share them with others to inspire others.

I strive to create titles that adapt in real time. Nowadays, when players of different ages and backgrounds from all over the world participate in the same game, their experiences remain uniform. I want to develop a title that will change depending on the user's location and professional activity. This approach will make the gaming experience more personalized and relevant for each player.

Hideo Kojima is a prominent game designer and writer, known for his innovative approaches to video game creation. His works, such as the Metal Gear Solid series, have had a significant impact on the industry and set new standards in storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Kojima is renowned for his ability to combine cinematic elements with interactive experiences, making his games unique and memorable. With his creative vision and passion for experimentation, he continues to inspire a new generation of developers and players around the world.

Major update for PlayStation 5

Home gaming enthusiasts can rejoice at the latest console firmware. The new features and improvements introduced in the update significantly enhance the gaming experience and make it more engaging. This firmware is designed to meet the needs of gamers who strive for quality and originality in their games.

Now Sony users will be able to not only store games on external M.2 SSD drives but also launch them directly, without having to transfer the data to the console's memory. This will significantly simplify the gaming process and save space on the device's internal storage. Furthermore, the console now supports 3D audio, which can be played through TV speakers, improving the overall sound experience and creating a more immersive atmosphere.

Updates to the console's interface and functionality have not been overlooked. After installing the new firmware, the PS5 will be able to automatically record the best gameplay moments, track progress towards achievements and trophies, customize the control center, and optimize the display of the PS4 and PS5 versions of the same game in the library. These improvements will significantly improve usability and enhance the user experience.

MicroQuake

Programmer Dominik Sablewski created Q1K3, a shooter that captures the atmosphere of the original Quake. The game is only 13 kilobytes in size, making it easy to download and install. Q1K3 offers players a unique experience, combining classic gameplay with modern elements.

Sablewski successfully integrated two levels, three types of weapons, five enemy types, sound effects, dynamic lighting, and a unique soundtrack into the game's compact size. The Q1K3 project was developed in a month using JavaScript and the TrenchBroom level editor, specifically created for Quake.

Dominik Sablewski developed Q1K3 for the Js13kGames competition, which requires a game no larger than 13 KB in JavaScript. The organizers likely didn't expect to see a full-fledged 3D shooter in the application. This demonstrates not only the developer's creativity but also the possibilities of code optimization, allowing for the creation of complex game mechanics in limited conditions. Q1K3 draws attention with its graphics and gameplay, highlighting the potential of JavaScript in game development.

Video of the Week is a roundup of the most interesting and relevant videos published over the past seven days. In this section, we've collected the best from the world of film, television, and online content. We analyze trends, highlight key moments, and offer viewers the most memorable videos worth watching. Stay tuned to stay up-to-date on the most important events and news in the world of video production.

Digital Foundry Tests the New PlayStation 5

Digital Foundry has thoroughly tested the updated version of the PlayStation 5 console. During the analysis, experts evaluated the performance, graphics, and new features offered by this revision. The updated PlayStation 5 features an improved cooling system and optimized component operation, which reduces noise levels and increases the stability of the device.

Game compatibility was also assessed, and the results showed that the new version of the console maintains high graphics quality and performance in popular titles. Digital Foundry noted that the firmware updates also contribute to an improved overall user experience.

The review includes a performance comparison with previous versions, as well as a detailed analysis of visuals and game loading. Users can expect smoother performance and reduced loading times thanks to the new technologies implemented in the PlayStation 5 revision.

Overall, Digital Foundry's review of the new PlayStation 5 highlights improvements that make the console more appealing to gamers seeking the best experience from their games.

Cory Barlog and Eric Williams share their impressions and experiences developing God of War: Ragnarök. In this interview, they cover key aspects of creating the sequel to the famous franchise, focusing on new mechanics, story, and character development. Their discussion covers both the technical and creative challenges the team faced during the development of the project. God of War: Ragnarök promises to be a significant milestone in the history of the gaming industry, and these experts' insights help provide a deeper understanding of the process behind the creation of this highly anticipated game.

Ragnarök - the last Scandinavian God of War

Cory Barlog, game director of the 2018 God of War reboot, and Eric Williams, development director for the sequel, announced that Ragnarök will conclude the story of Kratos and his son Atreus, disproving previous speculation about a trilogy. This decision underscores the developers' commitment to story closure and deep character development, making Ragnarök a significant milestone in the franchise's evolution. Players can expect an emotional and intense final chapter that will resolve all major plot threads.

Barlog was the first to announce the early conclusion of the potential trilogy, expressing his opinion that delaying the development of the interactive saga for 15 years would be unwise. He also emphasized that the core of the rebooted God of War is the father-son relationship, and that the broader events surrounding these characters can be left outside the main story.

Cory Barlog emphasized that the Santa Monica developers didn't cut the pre-existing plot to fit the duology format. Instead, they focused on key aspects of the narrative. Thus, already in 2022 we will know exactly how Atreus will kill Kratos.

A new wipEout has been announced, but there is a nuance

Publisher Rogue Games and Amuzo studio announced the first new game in a decade in the iconic wipEout racing series – wipEout Rush. Interestingly, the game will not be available on traditional Sony consoles, but exclusively on mobile devices. This decision opens new horizons for fans of the series, offering them a unique racing experience on platforms they can use at any time. wipEout Rush promises to preserve the spirit of the original franchise, while introducing modern gameplay mechanics and elements that will appeal to a wide audience of mobile players.

Fans of the iconic futuristic racing series perceived the release of a mobile-only version as a betrayal by the developers. The announcement trailer received many negative reviews, despite the presence of a single-player campaign, 60 classic cars, and a stable 60 frames per second. Fans' disappointment stems from their expectations for a full-fledged console or PC version that would live up to the series' high standards.

The expected release of wipEout Rush for iOS and Android mobile platforms is scheduled for early 2022. The game has attracted the attention of its target audience, and many are eagerly awaiting its release.

Deathloop is out

Arkane Studios has unveiled a complex new immersive sim that is proving challenging for marketers to promote.

While remaining true to tradition and some elements, Arkane has slightly adapted its signature Dishonored concept in Deathloop. This game is more engaging and accessible than its predecessors. The key change is that players are no longer punished for moral choices, allowing the excellent combat system to shine in all its vibrant and dynamic form. Deathloop offers a fresh take on familiar mechanics while maintaining the unique atmosphere that players have come to love about the series.

Critics have praised the game's changes, giving it a Metacritic score of 88, higher than Pray and the original Dishonored. However, regular users didn't share the reviewers' enthusiasm and gave the game negative reviews on Steam and Metacritic, citing serious optimization issues.

You can purchase Deathloop for your older PC on Steam for 2499 rubles. The PS5 version costs 4999 rubles. Game Pass subscribers can enjoy the game completely free, but the Xbox Series version will only be available a year after its release, with all updates and patches included.

Online gaming is becoming an arena for player harassment, and Activision Blizzard employees face various forms of harassment. Meanwhile, the Chinese government continues to exert pressure on the video game industry, raising concerns among developers. Furthermore, one of the largest sellers of mobile app data was fined, highlighting the importance of adhering to regulations in the digital sphere. All these events have a significant impact on game development and its future.