Twitch opens Drops program to all developers
Video game streaming continues to rise in popularity, and while game sales from a specific title’s promotion on-stream by a widely-viewed personality is great for player and viewer additions are great. But as the bigger-name streaming personalities play more different games, developers may be wishing they could, even if for a short while, direct attention towards their own and reward the players and streamers that log in and play. Twitch hopes their latest announcement, Drops, offers just that chance to developers. Twitch integration with certain games that directly integrate various elements of the streaming service and experience is nothing new, but Drops offer an interesting incentive opportunity. Drops, once implemented by a developer, are basically timed (either by duration, or when a milestone like current players or viewers is achieved) rewards that are directly in-game accessible, like an item or set of currency. Twitch has already been testing the Drops system, with the most recent example being the special Janus character and Twitch-themed skin for Smite during Hi-Rez Expo when viewers linked their Twitch and Hi-Rez accounts. In the official announcement on the Twitch blog, no specific examples of implementing Drops are given, but the principle of ‘link your Twitch to your other account with this other service and you’ll get some special in-game stuff on special occasions’ seems easy enough to grasp. Twitch will be showing off the Drops system during Game Developers Conference, GDC, this year at their booth, and during that whole week, Smite and Paladins will be running Drops campaigns. While the announcement is very much intended for developer ears and eyes, it’s great to see Twitch offering developers new ways of engaging and retaining players. Source: Twitch Blog, Twitch Developer Documentation
Microsoft Studios Creative Director shares details on Phantom Dust remake
We first heard official word of Microsoft’s efforts to remake the original Xbox classic, Phantom Dust, during the company’s E3 presentation in 2016. A couple of weeks ago, Adam Isgreen, the Creative Director for projects like ReCore, Killer Instinct, and Ori and the Blind Forest tweeted out some details about the upcoming Phantom Dust remake’s achievements on Xbox Live: https://twitter.com/Ishmae1/status/830100248919805952 And just two days ago, he was asked about pre-loading and pre-ordering the game digitally for Xbox One and Windows 10. The eager Twitterer got a reply from Isgreen that sort of answers the question, but gives an even better detail: the game’s file size. The tweet, embedded below, tells us that the game will be a smaller game compared to AAA titles like Gears of War 4 and Forza Horizon 3‘s 60GB chunk of required disc-space. The game is currently sitting around 3.4 GB according to Isgreen’s tweet. This is interesting, especially when factoring later tweets from Isgreen regarding the game. https://twitter.com/Ishmae1/status/833789516309598210 The other tweets in question are in regards to Phantom Dust’s graphical fidelity. According to Isgreen, the game will feature “original textures (so not HD), but it won’t look exactly as it has before. You’ll have to see.” Isgreen tweeted this out just five hours ago at time of publication, but references to the original game visual have cropped up as far back as June 2016 when Microsoft Studios’ Shannon Loftis answered “it’s original graphics, original rendering” when asked if the game was not going to be a remaster and whether it would render in HD or not. This detail may put fans of the original game as well as expectant Xbox One owners on edge until we actually see the game itself. Luckily, when asked, Isgreen expressed great interest in doing a pre-release stream on Beam to showcase and promote the game. If we learn more regarding the Phantom Dust remake, we’ll keep you updated, but until then be sure to stay tuned to Rectify Gaming for the latest. Via: WCCF Tech
Today's Minecraft: Pocket Edition brings last few content updates to Windows 10 Mobile players
If you’ve followed the sad tale of Windows Phone’s decline to near-irrelevancy, you’ll know that, while Microsoft owned both Nokia’s Lumia hardware division and Mojang with their hit game Minecraft, the two were recently estranged rather publicly. If you didn’t know, then we’ll give a quick re-cap and get to the good news. Minecraft: Pocket Edition, while available on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone, has been lagging and believed abandoned on Windows Phone handsets, even though the project and the target OS are owned and maintained by the same company. We heard a bit ago that Minecraft: Pocket Edition on Windows Phone would stop receiving updates and thus be abandoned before it even hit version 1.0.0. Since then’ we’ve heard nothing regarding the beloved blocky game’s fate on Windows mobile handsets. Today, however, Mojang made every Windows Phone owner’s day a whole lot brighter by announcing the game was being updated for devices running Windows 10 Mobile. In an official blog post by Mojang, the company states that they have “[g]ood news for Pocket Edition players wielding Windows Phones: if you can update your phone’s operating system to Windows 10 Mobile, you’ll automatically receive an upgrade to the Windows 10 Mobile version of Minecraft for free!” The update, which brings the game to version 1.0.3 brings with it Realms functionality as well as the long-awaited Xbox Live integration that allows players to log into and invite Xbox friends to Realms together and earn some more sweet, sweet Gamerscore. The update maintains the Pocket Edition moniker, but adds in the keyboard & mouse and controller settings sub-menus as well as the Profile sub-menu so Xbox players can manage their Gamertag, account, invitation settings, and toggle the option to use cellular data connections to play online on-the-go. And since the update brings the game to full-release 1.0+, it includes The End, as well as the Elytra wing set along with Ocean Temples, the optional Festive Mash-up 2016 design and world pack and Candy Skin Texture-and-Skin Pack. Finally, for the Minecraft settings nerds and high-end Windows 10 Mobile users, there are ‘Advanced Video Settings’ that, just like the Windows 10 Edition, allow players to customize field-of-view, render distance (in number of chunks), and the toggle to limit world size. With today’s huge update to Minecraft: Pocket Edition for Windows 10 Mobile, players on the latest phone OS will have access to the latest and greatest features form the team at Mojang. The update is free to download and install, and the game is still available for purchase for $6.99 USD. For the latest on Mojang’s work in Minecraft as well as Minecraft in the Universal Windows Platform on Windows 10, be sure to stay tuned to Rectify Gaming. Source: Mojang
Phil Spencer discusses market share, competition, and mobile gaming on Twitter
Xbox’s Phil Spencer is regularly vocal on Twitter, answering questions and discussing Xbox and its competitors with followers and fans. This interactivity not only allows fans to feel like they’re cared for by the platform that they themselves may love, but it also gives us a great amount of insight into how Xbox and Microsoft approach the games industry and their products within the market. Yesterday, Spencer had a healthy and enlightening conversation with his followers on Twitter, talking about various aspects of Microsoft and Xbox’s approach to the gaming hardware market, among other things. When questioned about Xbox “doing better” as, while Xbox 360 fans have moved to PlayStation 3, few PlayStation fans have moved the other direction, Spencer responded with the tweet below. Gaming not race btw 2 consoles. Good games aren't weapons vs other plats, We work 2 make Xbox/Win10 great places 2 play — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) February 21, 2017 Spencer’s response, while obviously truncated to fit within Twitter’s character limitation, speaks to Xbox and Windows 10 becoming not just successful, but a great place to want to play games. He continues later, when asked why Microsoft never attempted to develop a mobile gaming solution to compete with the Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable families of devices: Our view was that phones would take almost all of the mobile gaming market mostly. — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) February 21, 2017 Spencer makes a good point, even considering that Microsoft’s own mobile offering, Windows Phone 8.1 now Windows 10 Mobile, continues to decline in popularity. The Universal Windows Platform is helping to bring some of the gaming experiences from Windows 10 and Xbox to Lumia and other third-party Windows 10 Mobile devices, as well as to the Xbox One and upcoming Project Scorpio hardware. I do think UWP will bring apps and games to XB1, see things like Fallout Shelter, Tablo app etc. Need to work towards AAA games — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) February 21, 2017 Spencer’s mention of Fallout Shelter is a prime example of UWP work, as Bethesda intended to hit Windows 10 with Fallout shelter via UWP, but since the company used the universal platform, the game was also unintentionally compatible with Xbox One. On the topic of UWP, Spencer also briefly mentioned the development of the platform helping to both create new games and project efforts with Ark: Survival Evolved (which is still having its UWP-ness brought in with a future update) as well as Astroneer, Fallout Shelter, and some of Microsoft’s own games like Halo Wars 2, Gears of War 4, and Forza Horizon 3. Spencer also remarks that the early work with these games are helping to make bring PC games to Xbox One more feasible. He does note that there is still ‘more to do’ with UWP to make it as best a place to develop and play games as possible. Spencer tweets a lot about a lot of things, but we’ll be sure to net the best and catch you up when he next gives us some big answers. Until then, be sure to stay tuned to Rectify Gaming for the latest. Via: GameSpot
Shift Happens, new puzzle platformer from Deck13 and Klonk Games, out now on Xbox One
Puzzle platforming fans will be happy as Deck13 and Klonk Games announced that their new game Shift Happens has released on Xbox One and PC. It’s a unique game that trades off two characters switching sizes individually, while working together to complete a puzzle. Take control of Bismo and Plom, two jelly blob creatures that were joined together in a freak accident. The duo must use their newly-acquired power – the ability to exchange their size and skills seemingly at will – to survive a strange laboratory, overgrown green forests, dry canyons filled with deadly winds, and bitter cold caves. “Teamwork” is the name of the game: When shifting, both characters change sizes simultaneously in a symbiotic relationship. The bigger blob gets smaller – and the smaller blob gets bigger. The bigger blob can throw the smaller blob across chasms, push heavy crates, survive in shallow water, and activate weight-based triggers. The smaller blob can jump higher/farther, move under small barriers, and be “launched” by the bigger blob You and your partner can earn coins and other collectibles in every level. However, instead of sharing the wealth, it’s possible to “accidentally” cause each other to die – turning your hard-earned coins into a neat little package that’s up for grabs. Will you trust one another and work together – or will you fight for every scrap? “With Shift Happens, we wanted to recreate our childhood memories of sitting on the couch eating pizza – and playing co-op games for hours on end,” says Robin Kocaurek, co-founder of Klonk Games. “We hope Shift Happens takes players back to a simpler time, when sibling-on-sibling rivalries and sweet retribution were very much a thing!” Key Features Test your friendship and skills as partners with true cooperative gameplay. Play with friends in either local or online multiplayer modes. Conquer 40+ levels in co-op mode. Complete 30 single-player levels designed specifically for solo players. Discover extra challenges and rewards while playing. Shift Happens is available now from the Xbox Store
Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind gameplay revealed in new trailer
Bethesda released a new trailer today showing off gameplay for the upcoming Morrowmind expansion for The Elder Scrolls Online. There are a number of newly updated features, including coming packaged with the original Elder Scrolls 3 game for new players. The other features are as follows New Players: New players can jump into The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind and start a new character without having to complete any previous ESO content. And, since the original ESO game is included with The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, new players will have instant access to hundreds of hours of additional adventures throughout Tamriel. Existing Players: ESO veterans will be able to upgrade and immediately journey to Vvardenfell to start the new epic adventure. With the power of October’s One Tamriel update, existing players will find level-appropriate content from the moment they step onto the island of Vvardenfell, regardless of level. Existing players can also choose to create a new character and begin anew. A new Warden character class is also included, which allows Players to harness nature-based magic to master the powerful new character. The Warden is the first new class since launch of ESO and true to ESO and the Elder Scrolls franchise, the player will have the freedom to select from a number of abilities that enable a variety of play styles. The Warden also introduces a devastating new combat ally – the War Bear – a ferocious fighter will stay by the Warden’s side through the most intense battles. The Morrowmind expansion will be available on Xbox One, PS4 and PC on June 6th
March Games With Gold has been revealed, and here's the lineup.
March is almost upon us bringing a new batch of free games for Xbox One and Xbox 360 users. The lineup includes fan favorites like Borderlands 2, and Evolve. Layers of Fear ($19.99) available for free from March 1 to 31 Evolve Ultimate Edition ($49.99) available for free from March 16 to April 15 Borderlands 2 ($19.99) available for free from March 1 to March 15 Heavy Weapon ($9.99) available for free from March 16 to March 31
FINAL FANTASY awarded multiple Guinness World Records
We all know that the FINAL FANTASY series has cemented its place in history as one of the torchbearers for the RPG genre, so it should come as no surprise that they’re setting records along the way. SQUARE ENIX announced today that it has been awarded with three Guinness World Records set by games within the seminal FINAL FANTASY series. The awards were presented on stage during the European FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival event held in Frankfurt, Germany. FINALY FANTASY was awarded for being the Most Prolific Role Playing Game Series. As of February 15, 2017, the FINAL FANTASY name has been attached to 87 different RPG titles. FINAL FANTASY XIV received two specific world record titles: the first – Longest End Credits in an MMO game – is in recognition of the 1 hour and 38 minute length of the end credits of FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn. The extended length of the credits is due mostly to the fact that the Realm Reborn version of FINAL FANTASY XIV contained the names of each player of the original version of the game released in 2010, which was well known for being a little less than extraordinary. The second Guinness record was for the Most Original Pieces of Music in a Videogame (including expansions). FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn features 384 individual pieces of music recorded specifically for the game – 280 from the main game and 104 from the 2015 expansion Heavensward. Stephen Daultrey, Editor of the Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition said, “It is testament to both the size and longevity of the FINAL FANTASY franchise that it can break Guinness World Records titles that are broad, eclectic, and landmark as these ones.” The FINAL FANTASY series continues its march towards world domination with the release of FINAL FANTASY XIV’s next expansion, Stormblood, on June 20, 2017.
Troll and I gets Xbox One/PS4 release date, announced for Nintendo Switch in new video
Maximum Games and Spiral House provided some new details on its upcoming adventure title Troll and I today. A new video shows off some of the exploration gameplay along with co-op focused battles between both Troll and the young boy, Otto. There will be seamless character switches, environmentally based crafting and an independent upgrade system for each of the two characters. In Troll and I, players will be tasked with strategically utilising Troll and Otto’s unique strengths to overcome the many enemies they will face in the Scandinavian backcountry – whether they be the human hunters pursuing Troll for their own greedy ends or mythical orcs known as ‘Ahky’ unleashed from the depths of the earth. Solo players can seamlessly switch between Otto and Troll in-game, using Troll’s massive size and strength to throw boulders at enemies or Otto’s speed and resourcefulness to stealthily take out a lone hunter without raising an alarm. Troll and I also supports split-screen gameplay for couch co-op, as two heads, and pairs of hands, are always better than one. Throughout the game, players will encounter various natural resources when playing as Otto, and should make use of Otto’s keen senses and attunement to nature to track down wildlife, which can be hunted and used to heal him during battle. Otto will exploit the materials of the forest to fashion spears and other weapons that will prove crucial to the duo’s survival. Otto’s connection to his surroundings and the environment around him plays a key role in the player successfully navigating treacherous situations. Troll and I lands on Xbox One and PS4 on March 21st in North America and the 24th in Europe. The game will also release on Nintendo Switch but at an unknown date.
Phil Spencer has asked fans to celebrate good games such as Horizon Zero Dawn
Since the reviews came out for Horizon Zero Dawn and them being almost perfect all around the talk comes once again, “Where are the Xbox One games?” Fans went to Phil Spencer on Twitter and have asked to calm down xbox fans down because its too quiet on their front when it comes to games. We are not sure if Microsoft will have a first party title before E3 and hopefully we will hear on something soon. Phil responded with this on Twitter: Good games shipping are positive for industry. FH3, Zelda BotW, Civ6, HZD, Overwatch etc all make gaming better, celebrate them.. Elsewhere, Spencer expressed confidence in Microsoft’s first party studios, stating that the company will continue to work hard to deliver. There is no stopping console wars sadly from fans and we can tell Phil wants everyone to respect every company and game. Source: Phil Spencer on Twitter
