Sports Betting Apps to be available in Google Play in US
The online sports betting industry has exploded in recent years. For many decades, states resisted the practice, but of late, an increasing number of legislatures — including Illinois, Tennessee and Virginia — have passed bills legalising it. This tidal wave of popularity is not set to end any time soon either. Many other states have discussed following suit over the past few years and it is likely that many more places will take the plunge before the end of 2021. Betting apps to come to Google Play Another landmark moment in the spread of online sportsbooks across the United States came in January 2021. At this time, Google announced that it would finally allow betting apps to be downloaded and advertised on the Google Play store in 15 new countries, including: Australia, Germany, Mexico and of course, the United States. Although the changes will not be enacted until 1 March, it really is hard to understate just how revolutionary this could prove to be for the industry. This newfound convenience is likely to lead to an upsurge in betting across the United States. Here are some of the betting apps that will be vying for players attention when 1 March rolls around. DraftKings DraftKings is a popular IL online sportsbook, but this is not the only market that it serves. Founded back in 2012 in Boston, MA, it initially focused on fantasy sports — and it remains a leader in this field today. However, more recently, DraftKings has dipped its toes into sports betting. In April 2020, after some impressive growth, it became a publicly traded country and this news about Google Play is likely to lead to further success. FanDuel FanDuel hit the market in July 2009 and now offers a host of services. As well as providing a fine sportsbook, users are also treated to fantasy sports leagues and a bustling online casino. A turning point for the company came in 2018 when they merged with sports betting giants Paddy Power. Since then, they have expanded their sportsbook significantly and the addition of an easily downloadable mobile app is more good news for the company. PointsBet PointsBet currently operates in Illinois, New Jersey, Indiana and a handful of other states, all of which can expect a fantastic mobile app soon. Known for its particularly generous sign off offers and ongoing promotions, the operator also possesses an innovative PointsBetting system. Essentially, this means that the more right you are with your bets, the more generous odds will pay out. BetRivers BetRivers was the first sportsbook to open in Illinois and it also operates in several other states. The betting site is operated by Rush Street Interactive, who also run the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines. Despite their casino roots, BetRivers still offers a solid, sports betting experience. William Hill William Hill started off as a highstreet bookmaker in the United Kingdom all the way back in 1934. Since then, although they maintain some brick and mortar betting shops, a lot of things have changed. In 2012 they entered the United States’ market, starting up an online sportsbook in Nevada. Now, William Hill has a license to operate across the country. Its betting app will be coming to the Google Play store soon.
More Content Promised For The Division 2 Following User Support After Claimed Final Update, Coming Later in 2021
Last week, Massive Entertainment’s The Division 2 received a massive influx of new additions for the 2018 release. Part of that is the next-generation enhancements that rolled out for the third-person shooter. Players on Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5 can load in more quickly, play at a higher resolution, and find a target 60 frames per second performance when exploring the United States capital. The other half of that coin is the limited time Resident Evil event that is still ongoing in-game. Players that are aware should be familiar that the developer and Capcom has collaborated in celebration for the franchise’s 25th anniversary. Agents can play to unlock specialized cosmetics and other gear recognized from the lineage of entries. But, Title Update 12.1 was framed to be the concluding addition for The Division 2 as Massive Entertainment moves on to its next project, But in a new tweet from the game’s official Twitter account, player response for more add-ons has opened a new opportunity for its user base. “Today, we are thrilled to confirm that there will be additional content for The Division 2 released later this year! It is your continuous passion and support which enables us to continue to build upon The Division 2 experience, and we cannot thank you enough for that,” the developer writes. “Some of you had noticed Title Update 12 was originally meant to be our last Title Update for The Division 2, but thanks to your continued support, we are now in early stages of development for fresh content to release later in 2021.” As of writing, there is no indication suggesting where this new push for DLC will provide later in the year. Outside of The Division 2, Massive Entertainment is told to be working on an open-world RPG set in the Star Wars universe. The project was revealed to be in collaboration with Lucasfilms Games back in January. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you happy more is still coming to The Division 2? The Division 2 is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Stadia, and Luna.
Take-Two Interactive Dances Around Question For GTA Remasters As Grand Theft Auto V Continues To Perform Swimmingly With 140 Million Sold
For more than seven years now, Grand Theft Auto V has continued to climb the ladder of being on one of the most sold titles in existence. While predecessors in the series only stand to be a regular installment, the 2013 entry remains relevant through its service-like initiative to provide free content for the game in favor for players to continue returning years down the line. And through word of mouth, the most recent installment is the top selling game of the last decade as per The NPD Group. Previously in a statement provided by Rockstar Games, the developer issued that Grand Theft Auto V happened to exceed expectations the 2019 holiday breaking metrics in comparison to the game’s online performance in 2013. Now a year later, recordings for Grand Theft Auto V again looks to be overtaking previous milestones. In that, Grand Theft Auto V now sold over 140 million copies. Understandably, with so many fans playing a half-decade old title, it is right to believe fans are hungry for a new release. And rightly so, one analyst during a session Q&A directed to Take-Two Interactive. In that, the Rockstar Games parent company did not properly give a fulfilling answer as transcribed by Video Game Chronicles. It’s a great and encouraging question. I’m kind of inclined to leave it more as a statement than a question and any update on our release schedule will come from Rockstar Games. Strauss Zelnick, Take-Two Interactive CEO Going on to reveal more, Take-Two Interactive also disclosed that while Grand Theft Auto V has performed exponentially since its late generation release in 2013, the game has still not performed on-par to the title’s initial release. “In fact, in calendar 2020, more copies of Grand Theft Auto V were sold than in any other year except for 2013 when it first launched on PS3 and Xbox 360,” Zelnick adds In regards to returning Grand Theft Auto titles, we witnessed an influx of reworkings in the form of mobile ports in recent years. Most directly in fashion for decade celebrations of the respected title’s release like Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. However, there is hope of something with a rating for the first two inaugural titles which appeared back in 2019. Additionally, the most understood pursuit on behalf of Rockstar Games is the approaching next-generation enhancement for Grand Theft Auto V. Announced back in June, the project is told to push boundaries similar to its upgrade for 8th generation hardware. There is one rumor lingering which suggests the coming iteration will also adopt the RAGE engine utilized for Red Dead Redemption 2. As for what Rockstar Games openly stated, the developer did confirm it will be approaching more single player-oriented content – that is, for GTA Online at least. You can read the full report by heading here. Would you like to see reworked Grand Theft Auto titles be developed? Source: Video Game Chronicles
Tencent Holdings Unveils Minor Stake Acquisition In DayZ Developer Bohemia Interactive
After roughly a decade of development, game studio Bohemia Interactive has properly established its home-grown project DayZ on PC as well as console. However, despite the progression for the entire operation, the Bratislava studio responsible for the game’s development was announced to shutdown. The closing of the developer is told to commence later this March. Thankfully, however, the development for DayZ will continue elsewhere as the game is said to continue onward. But with a recorded 40 employees said to be affected by the decision of the studio’s closing, it leaves the developer in a curious spot as to where it stands financially. But now, that does not look to be of any concern this week. In that, Chinese firm Tencent Holdings announced to be acquiring a minor stake in Bohemia Interactive. We are pleased to deepen our relationship with Tencent, one of the most significant internet companies in the world. We look forward to working on our current and future generations of games with the support of a strong partner that has known us for many years and understands our unique approach to online games. Marke Spanel, Bohemia Interactive CEO The move by Tencent is no surprise as of recent reportings as the same Chinese firm has also pursued a minor stake for French game developer, Dontnod Entertainment. While the agreement with Dontnod Entertainment looks to establish an independent swing for the studio, the same is also suggested for Bohemia Interactive. Tencent Holdings does not share its ambitions for the decision to buy up a minority of Bohemia Interactive on the record. But, it is suggested that what might influence the decision is based on the DayZ studio currently working on an upcoming Chinese market project, Ylands. How do you respond to the minor acquisition dealt by Tencent Holdings? Source: Bohemia Interactive
Skybound Announces Partnership With Striking Distance For The Callisto Protocol
In just over a month since the announcement of The Callisto Protocol, the game already has a new announcement. While not directly peeling any new information in regards to the upcoming interactive thriller, there are some new details in regards to the internal workings for the project. In that, Striking Distance will be collaborating with Skybound. The firm will stand to be a global distributor for the game. Skybound is most recognized for its recent handlings of The Walking Dead: The Final Chapter after reviving the remaining development for the game. Initially, Skybound only held the rights to The Walking Dead comic book series. But now, the American firm is now responsible for the Telltale series after the collapse and later upbringing of the video game developer. In relevancy to Striking Distance’s new agreement, Skybound Entertainment will stand as a strategic advisor while publisher Krafton will be assisting in marketing & distribution for global markets. Striking Distance Studios has one goal with – to make one of the most terrifying games of all time. Skybound Entertainment is unrivaled in the worlds of sci-fi and horror storytelling, and will be an incredible partner for Krafton and Striking Distance Studios as we bring the world of The Callisto Protocol to life in games and beyond. Glen Schofield, Striking Distance CEO The press release continues with a comment from Skybound Entertainment Chairman Robert Kirkman. “The team at Striking Distance Studios are the video game industry’s best at creating blockbuster games. Through Skybound, The Walking Dead has expanded from its original comic book to multiple television series, books, video games, merchandise, and more, and we can’t wait to explore similar possibilities for The Callisto Protocol with Skybound’s multiplatform expertise. Kirman continues, “We’re excited to be working on this IP alongside the game’s publisher, Krafton.” Additionally, there is also a brief synapse provided for The Callisto Protocol which does feed for anticipated players. As gathered from the reveal trailer, Glen Schofield was a leading role in the development of Dead Space at Visceral Games and his leadership looks to be leaving an impression for this new game. “The Callisto Protocol is set in Black Iron Prison on Jupiter’s dead moon of Callisto in the year 2320. Players must survive unspeakable horrors as they escape Black Iron and uncover the dark secrets of the mysterious United Jupiter Company. Developed by the team behind the iconic Dead Space franchise, The Callisto Protocol is a next-generation take on the survival horror genre that aims to raise the bar for immersive interactive storytelling.” Are you excited for what’s to come for The Callisto Protocol? The Callisto Protocol is scheduled to release sometime in 2022. Source: Skybound Entertainment
Terraria Stadia Port Canceled Indefinitely Following Lost Access To Google Accounts And Emails
In the year and some change that Stadia opened its doors to the public, the cloud-based, video game streaming service has continued to play catch up in supporting titles that many players are already enjoying on other platforms like Xbox ,PlayStation, and PC. But Stadia Pro looks to be a solution for that. However, there is more to the situation – Google fails to show much initiative or spare funding to support developers to pursue Stadia. From a report constructed by Business Insider, the publication interview anonymous independent game studios to learn that Google does not hold its own end of the bargain to favor developers in bringing more games to Stadia ultimately. “I don’t even know if they’re working on Stadia in a year. That wouldn’t be something crazy that Google does,” one statement gathered shares. However, Google continues to lose support in other avenues – even if it isn’t truly intended. In a new string of tweets from Terraria co-creator Andrew Spinks, it is discovered that he lost access to his Google account refraining him from opening emails, media, and Google Drive. Spinks concludes revealing he will cancel development on Terraria for Stadia. “I absolutely have not done anything to violate your terms of service, so I can take this no other way than you deciding to burn this bridge,” Spinks in ends the angered thread writes. “Consider it burned. #Terraria for @GoogleStadia is canceled. My company will no longer support any of your platforms moving forward.” Elsewhere this week, it was revealed that one of Stadia’s unique releases is breaking ties with Stadia later next month. In that, Unit 2 Games’ Crayta will be migrating to PC with a exclusive release for Epic Games Store. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you surprised by the turn of events for Terraria on Stadia? Terraria is out now for PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Seires X|S, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, and iOS.
Steam Concurrent Player Count Surpasses Its Previous Record This Past Weekend, Now Sitting Over 26.4 Million
Coming at no surprise, the Steam player population continues to grow exponentially as many individuals continue to sign-up for the platform on the daily. The first sign of a spike in the number of live users on the PC launcher was first witnessed predating all the way back to March this past year in 2020. Part of that, it was reported that Steam user metrics recorded about 22 million users logging on. Of course, the number is believed to be swinging in from the enforcement of social distancing protocols encouraging millions of families and workers to remain home as the spread of the novel coronavirus starts to dwindle. But now roughly a year later, that number is still climbing. As of a new report on Steam Database, it is revealed that the number is now tallied at 26,401,443 users this past Sunday, February 7. In a report from PC Gamer at the start of January this year, Steam concurrent users already made a new record with then’s reporting sitting at 25.4 million. But now that number is one million more strong. In average, the number of active users looks to sit at about 24 million roughly which is short of the new record placed. But while not meeting the same height as this past weekend, the recorded average still peaks higher than other platforms. Additionally, it was revealed that player metrics for Steam overtakes its console counterparts. In that, the Steam concurrent player count still surpasses both Xbox Live and PlayStation Network recordings as of January 2021. Looking at some of the most influential releases that hit this year also proven to be a strong hitter despite a spiraling out revelation. While finding plenty of controversy, Cyberpunk 2077 stands to be one of the most played releases and purchased games in the three weeks it was available in 2020. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you surprised by Steam’s continuously growing popularity? Source: Steam Database
Report: Nintendo Isn’t Planning to Reveal A New Nintendo Switch Model Anytime Soon
When putting the Nintendo Switch under a microscope, it is easy to pick up the success of the console. While discussions continue to drown out the 2017 device, the hybrid handheld machine still outperforms its competition even during this past holiday season. In that, it was reported that combining Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5 alongside its predecessors during the shopping season still does not exceed the amount of units pushed by Nintendo. However, the system does face a drought of games many fans believe. Not to say there are not interesting releases underway, but the next major blockbuster releases for Nintendo Switch are still uncertain when to arrive. Games such as Metroid Prime 4 and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild sequel were unveiled more than a year ago, but still no details were followed-up upon. In a previous report from Bloomberg, the publication issued that this problem would be resolved following the forecasted announcement of a new Nintendo Switch model. Adding on, the untitled SKU is said to provide resolution scaling standards alike other platforms to meet the demand for 4K gaming and even target better performance as well. Now entering 2021, there is still no sign of the hopeful announcement. As per a thread of tweets from Bloomberg Takashi Mochizuki, he discloses new information from the console giant. Upon stating to be present during the financial results briefing this month, Mochizuki spares Nintendo’s disinterest to unveil a new system. More surprisingly is that the new learnings also happens to contradict a previous report from Bloomberg. The article even being comprised by Mochizuki indicates that Nintendo is flagging down developers in preparation for its titles to be primed and properly oiled for better optimized 4K gaming. But now, that does not look to be so accurate following the latest reporting. Despite that, well-recognized industry analyst Roberto Serrano insists the device is still being prepared for an unveiling later this March. “New Switch model should be announced by March 2021 and may come out from April 2021, Q1FY22,” Serrano writes in the tweet. He adds that strategy plans might have potentially shifted affecting the system’s release. Elsewhere as per the recent financial earnings for Nintendo, the Japanese company remarks on its latest numbers in terms of the Nintendo Switch. The console now sits at 79.87 million and overtakes units moved in contrast to the Nintendo 3DS. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you surprised the new Nintendo Switch model isn’t being revealed after all?
Apex Legends Aims To Meet 120 FPS Support On Next-Gen Machines, Respawn Entertainment Says
The significance of this month holds true to Respawn Entertainment as Apex Legends turns two years old. The game despite being a free-to-play experience continues to reel in capital for publisher Electronic Arts and proves to be a tentpole release from the Titanfall developer. In celebration of that, a special anniversary event is currently live for players to partake in and unlock a bevy of new in-game items and other cosmetics. To rewind back a couple weeks, Electronic Arts published a feature introducing next-generation advancements for its published titles and Apex Legends is among those properties. However, the battle royale only listed to offer 1440p/60 frames per second which is fairly minimal for the new powerhouse systems. But, the firm elaborates that more will be pressed entering 2021. In a new Reddit AMA held by Respawn Entertainment, the developer issues that the studio is whole-heartily aiming to deliver Apex Legends on next-generation machines when the dedicated update arrives. 120 FPS is one of our goals and as we continue to look at NG features and balance between what we think is best for the overall player experience for NG, we’re keeping this in mind. Can’t promise anything but with the core mechanics “feel” of Apex being such an important piece of the player experience this one is high on the priority list. Steve Ferreria, Apex Legends Team Director For starters, this is the ambition that Respawn Entertainment is mainly recognized for when pursuing its titles in delivering the best experience possible. What makes this promise more than likely to be delivered upon is that a dedicated sector is responsible for Apex Legends. Back in May last spring, the Electronic Arts subsidiary opened a second studio in Vancouver, Canada with intentions to be solely devoted to working on the battle royale. Even earlier than that is a job listing that Electronic Arts published for Respawn Entertainment. In that, the posting asked the potential candidate for ambitions to “push next-gen platforms and the PC to their limits on Apex Legends.” You can read the full report by heading here. Do you plan to play Apex Legends in 120 frames per second when available? Apex Legends is currently out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC; playable via backwards compatibility for Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5. Source: Reddit
Unit 2 Games Announces Crayta Coming To PC Via Epic Games Store, Breaking Exclusive Ties To Stadia
For those that might not be so proactive over on Stadia, Google back in July this past summer unveiled another unique release for its video game streaming platform – Crayta. However, the game comes from a separate, third-party developer rather than an internal Stadia Games and Entertainment team. Coming from Unit 2 Games, the title is ultimately a game creator in itself allowing users to create environments and experience when playing. But, as already stated, the game only happens to be exclusive to the Google platform and users on other platforms are unable to drop in and create their own projects unless they pay their way in, of course. But now, Crayta is said to be breaking its exclusive ties with Stadia at the start of March. In that, the game will be hitting PC via Epic Games Store. However, while Crayta is now hitting a new platform, Unit 2 Games discloses some exciting news for current Stadia fans: the Starter Edition of Crayta will be free on Stadia. Even more, Stadia’s in-house Crowd Play feature is also entering beta for the platform as well. “Play from an endlessly growing library of user-generated multiplayer games across a huge variety of genres. From team-based shooters and obstacle courses to farming simulators and cooking games, there’s going to be something for everyone,” reads the listing on Epic Games Store. “Crayta is a truly collaborative game creation platform built on Unreal Engine 4 – you and your friends can jump in and create games together in the cloud, regardless of your experience.” Looking ahead, Crayta is also putting to rest its daily progression system in favor for battle passes instead. Alike on other platforms, players can use the new feature to unlock an array of specialized in-game items. Also, Crayta is welcoming a few new editiosn to choose from – Crayta: Champion Edition ($49.99), and Crayta: Deluxe Edition ($59.99). Are you interested in trying Crayta when it drops on Epic Games Store? Crayta comes to Epic Games Store on March 12, 2021; out now on Stadia. Source: Unit 2 Games
