What Does the Future of Esports Hold?
Gaming has slowly been taking over the world. Did you know, for example, that the gaming industry is worth more than the music and movie industries combined? It’s true. In 2020, the industry was worth $57 billion in the United States alone. There are many reasons for this, including technological advancements, higher standards, and cheaper consoles. This surge in growth has led to the rise of esports, a gaming format where players compete professionally in front of spectators. This offshoot of gaming is already popular, and it looks like it’ll continue to develop in popularity and prestige in the years to come. So, what does the future of esports hold? Let’s take a look. A Growing Audience The year-on-year growth of esports viewers is pretty astounding. Since 2016, the number of views has risen by around 12% each year. It’s expected that by the end of 2022, there’ll be a worldwide esports audience of around 434 million people. This includes both casual viewers and enthusiasts, with the latter making up slightly less than 50% of the audience. This is encouraging news for the industry since, in order for anything to become popular on a long-term basis, there must be a core of die-hard fans. And the esports industry has more than 200 million of those fans across the globe. Increased Fan Engagement Esports rose to prominence in large part because of its high levels of fan engagement. For starters, there’s a low entry barrier: gamers can easily play the same games that the professionals are playing and, if they’re good enough, they can even consider turning pro themselves. Fans can also use an esports sportsbook to back a winner, follow professionals on Twitch and social media, and actively support one of the leading teams. That’s all happening right now, and there’s no doubt there’ll be even more engagement avenues opening up in the coming years, especially as the metaverse becomes a greater part of everyday life. Once the metaverse is up and running, esports spectators will be able to experience the action in a whole new way. Rather than sitting in a venue, watching the professionals from a seat, they’ll be able to watch the action from within the game. It’ll allow fans to view the competition from multiple angles and to even feel like they’re “part” of the game. More Players Despite the huge growth in popularity, it’s important to remember that esports is still relatively young. The world’s leading players didn’t set out to become professional gamers, they were just able to tap into a new career choice. They were as surprised as anyone else that they could make a living this way. Now that this path has been created, younger gamers can view gaming as a viable career option. The increasing number of professional players will help to make competitions more competitive and thus more exciting to watch. Corporate Sponsorship The major traditional sports grew to such a high level because of an influx of corporate money. This only followed once there was widespread engagement with the sports from fans. Esports is in a strong position because of the sheer number of viewers it can sell as an audience to companies. There are also some major international corporations, such as Coca Cola, Red Bull, Kraft Group, and Comcast, that are sponsoring esports in one way or another. As the industry gains more credibility, we can expect more companies to pump money into esports. The result will be higher profile, more professional tournaments, and a wider reach. However you look at it, all the signs point towards a bright future for the world of esports and, as a result, the gaming industry in general. esports sportsbook
Lego Brawls Announced For Nintendo Switch With Summer 2022 Release Window
In the ever-evolving age on Lego games, the medium opens its arms to new projects moving forward. While traditional translations of our favorite film franchises laid out the fabric, other releases that followed sewed in its own take on the toolset. Titles such as Lego Worlds which experimented with different attempts with the Lego brand is one such example of that. Followed by the abrupt release that was Lego Builder’s Journey last year, the Swedish firm shows to not be scared in entering different realms within interactive entertainment moving forward. So when it was discovered that a Lego beat-em up is on the way, that certainly opened eyes for many. During the Wednesday Nintendo Direct it was revealed that Lego Brawlers is another take on the experimenting with the belove brand. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “Build your way to the top in this lighthearted, team action brawler where anything can happen: Design your own heroic minifig with unique brawling abilities! Build ridiculous power-ups out of bricks!” the description on the Nintendo eShop page reads. “Work with your team to control iconic LEGO levels! Compete in 8 different arenas, including classic favorites like Castle and newcomers like Jurassic World! Expand your collection of minifigs and power-ups! Become the ultimate brawler!” Recently, Traveller’s Tales officially shared Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is close to completion with the game slated to arrive later this spring for all platforms. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you interested in getting your hands on Lego Brawls? Lego Brawls is to ship in summer 2022 for Nintendo Switch.
Splatoon 3 Gets Summer 2022 Release Window In New Gameplay Trailer
For Nintendo, Splatoon stands to be a unique series for its platform with the first game and its sequel which followed onto the Nintendo Switch. And with the last Splatfest for Spaltoon 2 taking place back in July 2019, it was only a matter of time before we learn about the next one. Of course, there will be a Splatoon 3 seeing the cult following the trails behind each release and announcement. Last year during Nintendo’s February Direct presentation at the time, the firm reveal the third entry is on the way. Even more, players learned it will not be until 2022 to officially get their hands on the full release. From the footage shown, paint battles enter a post-apocalyptic era as settings are covered in sand and left over debris. In the latest Nintendo Direct this week, the firm reveals a new gameplay trailer for the return of Salmon Run sharing ‘Summer 2022’ to be the launch window for Splatoon 3. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Enter the Splatlands, a sun-scorched desert inhabited by battle-hardened Inklings and Octolings. Splatsville, the city of chaos, is the adrenaline-fueled heart of this dusty wasteland. Even in this desolate environment, Turf War* reigns supreme and battles rage in new stages located in the surrounding wilds. Dynamic new moves help these fighters dodge attacks and cover more ground, along with a new bow-shaped weapon to sling ink.” The description from the official Nintendo eShop page continues, “Join Agent 3 in a fight against the evil Octarian army in story mode. Discover the secrets of Alterna, the Fuzzy Ooze, and how they connect to the mode’s theme, ‘Return of the Mammalians.’ Team up and fend off waves of dangerous Salmonid bosses in the next iteration of Salmon Run*, a co-op mode with fresh new features.” Are you excited for Splatoon 3 arriving later this summer? Splatoon 3 launches sometime in summer 2022 for Nintendo Switch.
Grounded Reaches 10 Million Players As Obsidian Entertainment Presses On Coming Full Release For Later This Year
While the initial release revealing Obsidian Entertainment would be another subsidiary of Xbox alongside InXile Entertainment previously, the firm was not expected to be carrying forward a live service project. During X019, the developer shared it will be working on Grounded: an online experience set around a group of kids shrunken to bug size in their own backyard. The game pits users to explore, build, and survive the hazards of what lives within the grass and depths of the ground. In summer 2020 is when Obsidian Entertainment officially shipped the Preview for Grounded welcoming it to Xbox Game Preview, Steam Early Access, and Xbox Game Pass of course. Now this week, Obsidian Entertainment shares its latest milestone for the title was welcoming more than 10 million players to the game. Even more is that the team presses on its plans for the full release of Grounded with highlights coming in version 1.0. You can watch the thank you video below: “The Grounded team is proud to announce that over 10 million players have visited the Backyard! It has been great seeing so many players come to find out what it’s like to be shrunk down to the size of an ant. An even better feeling is seeing so many people playing before the game reaches its full release,” Obsidian Entertainment Director of Communications Mikey Dowling pens. “With a small dev team constantly getting feedback from the community, Grounded would not be where it is without the players who have supported the game during the Game Preview/Early Access period. That feedback will allow Grounded to be in an even better place when it comes to its full release later this year. Additionally, the team reveals the backyard is expanding with a new woodpile beyond the ashes from the fallen BBQ grill. In that will welcome termites alongside black ox beetles, dust mites, scarabs, green shield bugs, ladybug larvae, ladybirds, and wolf spiders. Are you interested on the future coming ahead for Grounded? Grounded is out now in early access for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Source: Xbox Wire
Just Like Dying Light, Its Sequel Is Forecasted To Receive Five Years Of Post-Launch Support
In the long-awaited arrival for another Dying Light game, developer Techland has officially deliver on its second game of the series. After a plentiful post-launch for the first game which shipped in 2015, the second is surely to receive the same support as well. Rewinding back to 2018 when the follow-up was revealed, players waited endlessly for the official arrival for Dying Light 2. It was later in 2021 that the developer slated the game’s release for this past December. But evidently that did not happen with the game then being ushered to a new February release instead. In anticipation for the launch date, Techland went into some controversy slating how long it will be to fully complete the game. It later clarified a straight run through of the main story will span across 20 hours roughly. Elsewhere around the same time, Techland also disclosed its intentions for the game following its release. In that, the post-launch for Dying Light 2 is to face more than five years of support for add-on content. More exciting from the announcement is that the game is to expect the same treatment or well beyond what we already expected in the original game. At the very least, players can anticipate two expansions and a slew of crossover events and timed in-game experiences for players to continue returning to the game. The most interesting on Dying Light 2 is the game can be played on Nintendo Switch. Previously the firm told there was no opportunity for the port, but that was before the latest cloud streaming initiative. Now players can experience the game across all major platforms. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you interested to see how Dying Light 2 will evolve with new content? Dying light 2 is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Latest The Wolf Among Us 2 Trailer Reveals Scheduled Release Window For 2023 Next Year
In the long-awaited time since the original announcement for The Wolf Among Us 2, developer Telltale Games remained quiet on disclosing new information on the game. But when it did, it was surely concentrated for patient fans. Previously, the firm disclosed that the game when it is ready to ship will include the whole release – no waiting for the next episode alike the original game. This showed to be very impressive to say the least in comparison to the last bit of news regarding the follow-up. Originally before the closure of Telltale Games, it was said the game would be shorter with a new storyline separate from the first game. So when the team shared plans to reveal new details this week, excitement swelled for the release. From the announcement we received a new trailer which reveals a slated release date aimed for 2023 next year. You can watch the official trailer in the video below: “It’s been over nine years since we brought DC’s Fables comics to gamers in The Wolf Among Us. Two years since we revealed that we were back and working on a new game. If you’re new to the series, let’s catch you up, quick: Fairytales are real — and living side-by-side with everyday people (“Mundies”) in New York City. Those Fables? Well, they still need to blend in and – you guessed it – live among us,” the team shares in the blog post. “The Big Bad Wolf (Bigby) is the sheriff, keeping folks in line. Snow White helps run things – and there’s a whole gang of familiar Fables that are just trying to get by in the big apple.” Earlier in December, Telltale Games unveiled a separate venture with Deck Nine Games: The Expanse. You can read the full report by heading here. How excited are you for The Wolf Among Us 2 after the new trailer? The Wolf Among Us 2 is scheduled to release sometime in 2023 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Telltale Games
The Game Awards 2021: Telltale Games & Deck Nine Collaborate For New The Expanse Episodic Game
Delivering more content to its players, Telltale Games remains busy with its work since the official return of the team more than a year ago. Despite the abrupt closure of the game studio, the firm was resurrected by LCG Entertainment. In the process of the team becoming what it once was, one long-awaited sequel is on the way – The Wolf Among Us 2. In the past, it was reported that The Wolf Among Us 2 ahead of the initial demise for Telltale Games was not what players desired. The experience was said to be shorter along with introducing a new plot outside of what concluded with the first game. In a later update, Telltale Games shared The Wolf Among Us 2 is to feature a full release when it is prepared to arrive. From The Game Awards, Telltale Games alongside Deck Nine Games revealed that the two are collaborating for a new project, The Expanse: A Telltale Series. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “The Expanse is a deep world full of political nuance and complex characters that evolve yet are flawed; it’s been such a joy to be able to delve into the individual side stories throughout the books and six seasons of the show,The Expanse is a deep world full of political nuance and complex characters that evolve yet are flawed; it’s been such a joy to be able to delve into the individual side stories throughout the books and six seasons of the show,” President of Alcon Interactive Group George Collins said. “Collaborating with two of the most prominent studios known for their work in narrative games is exciting, and we are confident The Expanse is in good hands. There is so much left to explore in new ways and we plan to do so as long as the fans keep showing up.” Telltale Games CEo Jamie Ottilie said, “One of our driving forces is to empower other creative voices to tell their stories in the manner of previous genre-defining Telltale games. “We are such fans of the work Deck Nine has done and were searching for an IP we could create stories in together. The Expanse is a rich world both studios are really excited to explore.” Deck Nine Games COO Jeff Litchford added, “Working with a fantastic IP like The Expanse is both daunting and thrilling,” We wanted to pick a character and story that hadn’t already been told – one that players could really influence but that also stayed true to the books and series for the fans. “The collaboration with Telltale has enabled us to bounce around ideas and approach things from the different perspectives each company brings to the adventure genre as we work to tell the best story possible.” Are you excited for the new partnership between Telltale Games, Deck Nine Games, and HBO? The Expanse has no listed platforms or release date. Source: Telltale Games
Kingdom Hearts – HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMix, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, Kingdom Hearts III Cloud Versions Out Today For Nintendo Switch
In the campaign to include more demanding titles on Nintendo Switch, the firm has resorted to delivering these hardware heavy releases through a separate window: cloud streaming. We witnessed this with games including Remedy Entertainment’s Control alongside IO Interactive’s Hitman 3 initially at the time. Later on, it was revealed that Techland is to deliver Dying Light 2 to Nintendo Switch as well through the same initiative. Although questionable, the game so far prove to be enjoyable for the situation. However, Nintendo & Square Enix went on to offer the same treatment to the entire Kingdom Hearts lineage later on. The games were slated to release sometime later in 2022. Recently, Square Enix announced that the versions would be arriving later in February and now the day has officially arrived. You can watch the launch trailer in the video below: “Players can test their internet connection prior to purchasing any of the title(s) with free playable demos, available to download now from Nintendo eShop for three of the beloved Kingdom Hearts titles, including Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind (DLC), Square Enix writes in the press release. “The first entry in the Kingdom Hearts franchise first released twenty years ago in 2002, thus launching the longstanding collaboration between Square Enix and Disney. Since then, over 35 million copies have shipped worldwide. Nintendo Switch players, who have eagerly awaited the arrival of the series’ back catalogue on the platform, will soon be able to join Sora, Donald, Goofy, and many other Disney and Pixar characters on adventures through the “Dark Seeker Saga,” spanning from the original Kingdom Hearts to the critically acclaimed Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind (DLC).” Which Kingdom Hearts title are you most interested to play first on Nintendo Switch? Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMix – Cloud Version, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue – Cloud Version, and Kingdom Hearts III – Cloud Version arrives to Nintendo Switch on February 10, 2022. Source: Square Enix
Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition Announced, Arrives This April To Xbox/ PlayStation/Switch/PC
In the spectrum of remakes on the way from Square Enix, the firm is viewed to master the art with Final Fantasy VII Remake which went on to face critic acclaim when the first part arrived in April 2020. So when it is discovered that the firm is working on delivering more legacy releases for the latest console hardware brings excitement to the table. From a story by Video Game Chronicles, it was told that Chrono Cross is to receive a remake in the coming future with plans to be a full-on multiplatform release. It was not until this recent Nintendo Direct that Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition was revealed. However, it appears to be more of a simple remaster rather than the reported remake more fans were hoping. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below for Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition: “Players will embark on an epic adventure that transcends time and space, with refined illustrations from original character designer, Nobuteru Yuuki, remastered music from acclaimed composer, Yasunori Mitsuda, and a variety of additional features, Square Enix pens in the press release. “Chrono Cross, which was never before released in Europe, returns as a remaster in Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition. “Follow the story of Serge, who stumbles into another world and learns of the connection between his existence and the future of his planet. A classic time-bending tale of adventure and friendship, featuring one of the largest and most diverse casts of playable characters of any RPG. With over 40 potential party members, each character brings their own element affinity and unique skills. “Additionally, “Radical Dreamers – Le Trésor Interdit -“, a text-based adventure video game released for Satellaview in 1996, which forms the bedrock of the story, is also included in this edition.” What are you most interested about this remaster for Chrono Cross? Chrono Cross: The Radical Dreamers Edition arrives to Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC on April 7, 2022; to be playable via backwards compatibility on Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5. Source: Square Enix
No Man’s Sky Finally Gets Nintendo Switch Version Coming Later This Summer
For No Man’s Sky, the game that originally arrived to PlayStation 4 in one of the most disappointing states for any release at the time has completely did a 180 over the past few years. Much so that studio head Sean Murray has offered some wisdom from the event to other developers on games like Fallout 76 & Sea of Thieves which went on to flourish in their own respect. The game also evolved from this metamorphosis with new releases on other platforms. We saw Xbox alongside even a virtual reality port on PlayStation VR & SteamVR later on. However, Nintendo Switch is the remaining system to receive the game. Previously, a listing from GameStop shared a version was in the works for the console handheld hybrid. It was not until this week during the Nintendo Direct presentation that Hello Games revealed No Man’s Sky is coming to Nintendo Switch in the coming months, You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “I can’t tell you how incredible it feels to play No Man’s Sky on this tiny portable device. It feels both completely natural and also totally improbable at the same time,” Murray expresses in an announcement post for the port. “For the last couple of years, a couple of members of our small team have been secretly working on the Nintendo Switch version of No Man’s Sky. It has been a real moonshot. No Man’s Sky is built around procedural generation, which means the console generates everything you see. “This makes it so much harder to bring our game to something like the Switch. There have been so many times where we’ve gone home one day convinced it was impossible, only to have someone stride in the next day with a unique technical solution. Honestly I think this team never seems happier than when they are trying to do near-impossible things. “From UI to controllers to gameplay, we’re taking the time to make this feel completely at home on the device, both on the big screen, but importantly as a portable version of No Man’s Sky. Every time I pick the Switch up and seamlessly jump from planet to planet, from star system to star system, I have to pinch myself that I am playing on the Nintendo Switch, and that I can take it with me wherever I go.” Previously, No Man’s Sky welcomed yet another game changing update, Frontiers. The title update welcomes settlement building for players to make home on any foreign planet they visit. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning to nab No Man’s Sky for Nintendo Switch? No Man’s Sky hits Nintendo Switch in summer 2022; out now for PlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation VR, and Xbox Series X|S. Source: Hello Games
