Respawn Is Committed To Support Apex Legends For 20 Years, No Plans For A Sequel ‘2.0’ To Replace The Game
The state for Apex Legends this past week has been in good motion for the ongoing battle royale. Over a week ago, Electronic Arts slammed the hammer on the mobile version of the game whilst simultaneously canning an upcoming single-player experience as well. ‘Titanfall Legends’ it was codenamed would be a follow-up to 2016’s Titanfall 2 as it bridges the story to Apex Legends with its starring characters. However, the game itself was facing a downfall of sorts. Although Season 16 – Revelry was on the horizon, the firm reported a decline for the game in its previous season. But in a recent report, it was revealed the new season has welcomed a new record high concurrent player count – on Steam that is. But the long-term plan is more than that. When speaking to IGN, senior design director Evan Nikolich explained that the plan for Apex Legends is similar to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. In that, it could stand to be a long-lasting release decades after its initial launch. Where we want to get to is that Apex is going to last for 20 years like Counterstrike. It has to be able to be self-sufficient and stand on its own. The systems have to be strong and interesting and good for players to play season over season, even if we’re not adding new bespoke content. But there’ll always be some attending there in terms of creating interesting choice, creating interesting challenge and shifting the rule set that builds the healthiest game. Nikolich goes on to use an analogy of basketball in its beginning years as the sport grew into the popular pastime for many Americans and viewers decades later. Additionally, Nikolich according to Dextero said the kind of ‘2.0’ sequel that Call of Duty’s Warzone welcomed this past fall would not be in the future for Apex Legends. “We’re committed to the philosophy of evolving the game, and we’ll keep building on the core game. There’s never going to be a sequel, [it] will always be Apex Legends. We react to the community and evolve, and continue to pivot in future seasons, adding new content, new legends too.” However, there is another side to this conversation. For Halo Infinite, the game was promised to be a ten-year game as its multiplayer was created as a free-to-play experience. But with multiple layoffs leaves the game in a questionable state. Xbox head Phil Spencer said the game will be around as long as Xbox is, but that feeling of uncertainty still lingers. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you back Nikolich’s comments on Apex Legends future? Source: IGN, Dextero
While Engagement Declined Last Season, Apex Legends Meets New Record In Concurrent Steam Players For Latest Season
Although Apex Legends launched as a complete free-to-play experience all the way back in February 2019, the game still manages to be a profitable success for Electronic Arts. Last year, the game grossed more than $2 billion in revenue thanks to the growth of users and continued endurance for maintaining players. The publisher even touted the acquisition of Respawn Entertainment to be a “classic example” and only expected as much from the developer. As for Apex Legends currently, it has been in a rough patch. With an overly lengthy Season 15 – Eclipse, fans are losing retention to play with lacking diverse content. The latest Q3 financial report revealed a low quarter from Apex Legends’ performance. Atop of that, the series also halt its mobile version and canceled work on a single-player title as well. But in response to the new Season 16 – Revelry, players are flocking to Apex Legends in droves according to Steam Charts. In that, the new concurrent player count tallies over 609K players. According to Alpha Intel, the previous record was 510K players with the launch of Season 14 – Hunted. Noted, this is very unexpected as stated about the decline in engagement in the game. As titles like Halo Infinite drew some attention with Forge Mode and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II releasing Warzone 2.0, the game still stood its ground. Currently, the competing battle royale sits at 488,897 players for its all-time high. What is likely to draw attention for more to play simultaneously on Apex Legends is the revamp of its ‘Apex Games’. In that, new Legend class system, the introduction of Team Deathmatch & ‘Mixtape’ game mode playlist, and a new weapon – Nemesis. This is the first firearm to be added to the loot pool since Season 11 – Escape. You can read the full report by heading here. What has you most surprised about Apex Legends sudden growth in players? Apex Legends is currently available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch, Android, and iOS.
C-Smash VRS Reintroduces Dreamcast Favorite Cosmic Smash For PlayStation VR 2, Demo Drops This March
Under the guise of the PlayStation VR 2 coming later this month, Sony Interactive Entertainment has been ramping up noise surrounding the release for the second headset. On the PlayStation 5, there will be roughly three dozen titles readied for release come the 22nd this February. The firm also confirmed titles like Beat Saber & Gran Turismo 7 is on the horizon for ports as well later on. Most recently, some suspicion was conjured surrounding the PlayStation VR 2 due to confusion in one report. By Bloomberg, it was indicated that projected sales for the new hardware’s release was reduced at Sony internally and was interpreted in declined production. Sony later commented in a statement to be untrue as a result. Beloved projects are also using PlayStation VR 2 to platform unexpected returns. Already, Fantavision 202X is a prime example of that. And now C-Smash VRS is another. Of the classic Sega arcade & Dreamcast title – Cosmic Smash is returning later this year. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Set in refreshingly minimalist spaces brought to life by music and graphic design, the game was a unique blend of sports and puzzle action. Think low-gravity squash meets block breaker. A real trip to the edge of space and time,” RapidEyeMovers director Jörg Tittel writes. “The game seemingly came out of nowhere but quickly distinguished itself as a design and style icon for the ages, one of those rare games that look, sound and feel unlike anything you’ve ever played before. “While the game felt like it came from an alternate universe, it wholly embraced the most fundamental part of what makes games great: it was a blast. If ever I wanted to travel to a virtual world, it would be this one: a place where I can relax while moving, in inviting spaces that are uncluttered and effortlessly stylish, devoid of the stresses, the noises and the garishness of our daily grind. “While our planet was locking down, I teamed up with a dream team of people whose work I admire. From VR pioneers Wolf & Wood, who I’ve been building the PS5 and PSVR2 game The Last Worker with, top designers Cory Schmitz (Rez Infinite, Sound Shapes) and Arkotype (Polytron), musicians Ken Ishii (Rez Infinite) and Danalogue (The Comet is Coming, Soccer 96), art director Rob Davis (The Motherless Oven) and sound designer Dan Pugsley (Alba: A Wildlife Adventure).” Are you excited for Cosmic Smash coming to PlayStation VR 2? C-Smash VRS arrives on PlayStation VR 2 sometime in 2023; demo goes live on March 23, 2023. Source: PlayStation Blog
Microsoft In New CMA Report Shares Xbox Game Pass Cannibalizes Game Sales
One of the largest arguments on behalf of Xbox Game Pass and still stands is the amount of value the service is for subscribers. The number of titles, countless additions, perks & benefits equals out the amount you pay per month. But, how harmful can it be for Microsoft and even publishers? In a previous statement, it was revealed roughly 90 percent of users would explore new games through the service they normally wouldn’t if not subscribed. Additionally, arguments were tossed in considering the amount of users subscribed would certainly damage sales for games on an entire ecosystem compared to traditional sales. Even questions circulated asked if the service is even profitable. While Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer says it’s just making it is profitability, reports are now surfacing that Xbox Game Pass is ‘cannibalizing’ games. From a recent report by the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), Microsoft shares that games do face a downfall as a response to being featured on Xbox Game Pass, gamesindustry.biz transcribes. “Microsoft also submitted that its internal analysis shows a [redacted]% decline in base game sales twelve months following their addition on Game Pass.” Similarly, the CMA-released report also pressed on the entity’s stance on the deal for Microsoft’s advancements in acquiring Activision Blizzard. The question that stands is how could the deal be processed. In conclusion, the firm believes Microsoft is in a bad position for fair competition with Xbox Cloud Gaming. The argument continues that the deal would be allowed to pass if Call of Duty is left out of the legal discourse. More on the losses Microsoft is responsible for regarding Xbox, Spencer did reveal Microsoft is also at a loss of roughly $200 per console this generation. Speaking during the Wall Street Journal TechLive event this fall, it is revealed that Microsoft recoups in sales and services following each unit sold. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you surprised by the new report on Xbox Game Pass?
Ubisoft To Host Cross-Play Test For XDefiant Later This Week
In the stretch of online experiences from Ubisoft, it has been a troubling effort on behalf of the publisher. Following the swift success of Apex Legends, Ubisoft attempted to replicate that with Hyper Scape, but the game ended up shuttering its servers just over a year after launch. Additionally, the same is presumed for battle royale Ghost Recon Frontline as well with mainly negative reception for the project. Not to mention the recent canceling of PvP ‘Project Q’ as well. From Insider Gaming, the firm is searching to tackle Far Cry multiplayer too. The report tells the new game is to be set in Alaska with more PvE-like experiences, it will tie into the inevitable Far Cry 7, it’s perceived. So far, Ubiosft is confident in its backing for ongoing roller ball title Roller Champions according to one statement at launch. And don’t forget – XDefiant is still in incubation. Ubisoft’s take on Call of Duty is in the works with its universe tying into Tom Clancy IPs. This week, a new playtest is said to be held to check how airtight the game is with its cross-play feature across console & PC. “Excited to announce the details of our Cross-Play Insider Session. When the Cross-Play Insider Session is active eligible participants can play on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X | S, and PC together!” The test is said to kick off on February 16th at 1 PM EST / 10 AM PST and to last until February 19/20 at 2 AM EST / 11 PM PST. Practice Zone is said to go live at 12:45 PM EST / 9:45 AM PST for players to prepare and sample the game ahead of the official start time. “We also have a new map joining us for this Insider Session. Introducing our new map, Pueblito! Take in the sights of Pueblito, a fishing village in the Caribbean nation of Yara, while you seek to be MVP of your match!” The blog post continues, “A couple of reminders for everyone joining. The test is under NDA and prohibits recording/live streaming/sharing anything visual. Additionally, Insider Sessions is a place for us to connect with the community and show an early development version of the game to get impactful feedback. Due to this early insight, expect in-progress content and bugs.” Are you excited to see more playtests roll out for XDefiant? XDefiant is listed for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Ubisoft
Wild Hearts Post-Launch To Be Supported With Free Content & No Microtransactions, Developer Shares
In the realm of Monster Hunter-like titles, the popularity is certainly swelling. Although the latest entry ‘Rise’ launched on Nintendo Switch with a PC version to follow, ports for Xbox & PlayStation did drop in January alongside Xbox Game Pass too. Not to mention the already popular Dauntless as well. In September, Electronic Arts in collaboration with Koei Tecmo announced Wild Hearts in a surprise reveal. More surprising was the reveal for the game’s release come February 2023. With the little time until the game arrives, developer Omega Force wasted no time with trailers showcasing the set piece monster takedowns that happen formulaically throughout the game. A separate trailer for the game also dropped showcasing the Golden Tempest Kemono as well. And like other Electronic Arts properties, the game will face its own healthy slew of free content following the release date. In a Reddit AMA with executive producer Lewis Harvey, it was revealed that Wild Hearts is to feature free content. “All post launch contents will be free, including new Kemono and more! We don’t have any plans to feature MTX,” he respond to one question. Elsewhere in the Reddit thread, Harvey also answered other popular questions on the game. For next-generation Xbox Series X & PlayStation 5, there will be a performance mode offering 1080p/60fps and quality mode for 4K/30fps options. Harvey also reassures that the game can be experienced by yourself or via online with friends, but neither option is bound to players permanently. Are you reassured that Electronic Arts/Koei Tecmo is treating Wild Hearts like a strict GaaS title? Wild Hearts ships on February 17, 2023 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Reddit
The Last Of Us Part I Steam Release Pushed To March 26th
Over the course of the past month, The Last of Us has become a talking point not just among players and fans – but also for viewers as well via HBO Max. Yes, I’m talking about the ongoing TV show that aired earlier this year. So far the television series has shattered records already becoming the one of the service’s largest debuts in history. Additionally, the show was already greenlit for season 2 before its second episode even aired. Not to mention the games that are on the way too. Previously back in June at Summer Game Fest, it was revealed a new multiplayer experience is on the way. Atop of that, The Game Awards this past December also shared The Last of Us Part I is to expect a Steam release this coming March; the 3rd to be more specific. Well, Naughty Dog gave an update on the game sharing a new release date has been carved out for the latter half of March now to truly polish the game for its PC release. “We at the studio have been completely blown away by the outpouring of love and support for The Last of Us these last few weeks. Hearing your love for the HBO adaptation, seeing your beautiful Photo Mode shots, and learning about how the world and characters our studio created nearly a decade ago continue to reach new and old fans alike floors us every day,” the letterhead on Twitter reads. “We know a lot of you have been revisiting the story that started it all with The Last of Us Part I on PlayStation 5 console, and we realize many of you have been excited to jump in—some for the first time—when Part I hits PC. And so we want to make sure that The Last of Us Part I PC debut is in the best shape possible. These additional few weeks will allow us to ensure this version of The Last of Us lives up to your, and our, standards.” Are you fine with the extra wait for The Last of Us Part I to hit PC? The Last of Us Part I launches on PC on March 26, 2023; out now for PlayStation 5.
Returnal Is The Latest PlayStation Game To Hit PC, Releasing Today
For many following the release of the PlayStation 5, Returnal was a unique showcase that sood to be a fitting introduction for the latest console generation from Sony. In our review we wrote: “This intense, pulse pounding action experience on top of all of the other things I have mentioned all add up to making Returnal my favorite Playstation 5 game so far, and one of my favorite action games of the last few years.” Critic David Rodriguez even suggested the game to be a “front runner for game of the year” as well. More notably is the continued support the game welcomed including photo mode and the free update ‘Ascension’ in post-launch. More eye-opening was the nods to a swift port to PC as well. Via SteamDB, ‘Tower of Sisyphus’ was referenced for one cryptic listing which instantly indicated being Returnal. At The Game Awards, Housemaque revealed Steam is welcoming Returnal in early 2023. Now this week, Returnal officially arrives to PC on February 15th so players who still yet to get a PlayStation 5 will not have to hesitate as you can boot it up on Steam instead. You can watch the PC Features trailer in the video below: “So far, not many details have been released on any specific features that will add to the experience and immersion on PC, so let’s get to the good stuff, writes Housemaque brand director Mikael Haveri. “NVIDIA DLSS and AMD FSR have been added, allowing you to dial up your framerate without compromising on resolution. NVIDIA NIS has also been added for those players who also want to see an increase in performance, but don’t have the hardware to support DLSS or FSR. “Returnal also supports ray-traced shadows as before, but now our friends at Climax Studios have added the support for RT reflections as well. This will make the contrast of a dark setting and neon bullets pop out even more than before. All of this can be now seen in two new wide resolution formats, Ultrawide at 21:9 and Super Ultrawide 32:9. Think of all of that screen real estate that you will be able to take in when you’re not in the middle of a giant boss fight. ”Grab your favourite pair of headphones to experience the 3D sound of Returnal on PC! Enjoy the award-winning audio and music through Dolby Atmos, two 3D audio solutions, or 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound. And with custom ray-traced audio, you can fully immerse yourself in Returnal’s atmosphere.” The PC requirements ask for a minimum of 60 GB SSD for the game. What has you most excited for Returnal coming to PC? Returnal is out now for PlayStation 5 and PC. Source: PlayStation Blog
Season 2 Arrives Today For Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare II And New Additions Come Including Fan-Favorite Map ‘Dome’
As the annual release clock ticks, a new Call of Duty game arrived to store shelves this past fall. For 2022, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II dropped capitalizing on the new revamp of the Modern Warfare franchise and the nostalgia of 2009’s Modern Warfare 2 with characters like Soap & Ghost starring in this new entry. It was revealed that Activision cashed in over $1 billion just one week following the game’s release a few months back. Since then, a steady stream of content has arrived to Modern Warfare II including Season 1 alongside Warzone 2.0 for the game. Atop of that, multiple game modes also made way for the title including fan-favorite Cyber Attack and even a Rocket League-inspired game type as well. And now in February, Season 2 is just on the horizon to release. Starting on February 15th, a new slew of content will be releasing for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II & Warzone 2.0 with Infinity Ward continuing to support the game months after its release. You can watch the trailer in the video below: One of the largest additions is the new Warzone map ‘Ashika Island’ coming on Wednesday. “Even in the face of chaos, the modern warrior walks an honorable path, one of integrity, respect, courage, honor, compassion, sincerity, and loyalty. Learning these ways of the warrior will separate the elite Operators from the rest of the pack, as the global conflict calls for a swift resurgence to an island off the coast of Japan,” the overview reads. Warzone 2.0 also welcomes ‘Path of the Ronin Challenges’ event, Points of Interests Tsuki Castle, Oganikku Farms, Post Ashika, and Resurgence. Additionally, new features welcome 1v1 Gulag fights, a public event data heist, redeploy drone, search & seizure contracts, a restore honor mechanic, and personal water crafts. Multiplayer is also filled to the brim as well for Season 2. Maps Dome, Valderas Museum, Al Malik International, and Zaka Observatory are coming. Game modes are plentiful too with Infected, Gun Game, Grind, Drop Zone, All or Nothing, and One in the Chamber arriving to the game. Weapons are refreshed with the ISO Hemlock assault rifle, KV Broadside Shotgun, Crossbow, Dual Kodachis Katanas, and Tempus Torrent Marksman Rifle. Operators are new with Daniel “Ronin” Sinoda, Roze “Sheathed Blade”, and Nova “Ruthless Pursuit”. What has you most excited for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Season 2? Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Infinity Ward
GitHub founder throws himself into indie gaming world by launching publishing studio
GitHub founder Chris Wanstrath has thrown himself into the indie gaming world by confirming that he has launched a video games publisher known as Null Games. Wanstrath, who had functioned as GitHub’s CEO from 2007 to 2018, has revealed that Null Games have a release date for their hockey-based game, which is entitled Tape to Tape. The premise of the game is that players will be able to build a team to compete in a hockey tournament, and if they lose a game, then they will be forced to restart, but this time with better equipment and ultimately more adept players. In a statement, Wanstrath said: “Null is part of a new wave of indie game publishers that put developers first. So many of us grew up exploring amazing digital worlds. “But as we got older, we learned that the games industry isn’t always fun. The creative people directly responsible for making great games are often treated the worst. “In the world of indie games, the publishers have all the power and they know it. Contracts are often one-sided, as is the risk. We think there’s a better way.” While the video gaming world is extremely competitive, Null Games has pitched itself as being a socially responsible developer that creates games that are both fun and engaging, and they don’t have battle passes or loot boxes attached to them. The games are designed to treat players with respect, and the publishing agreement in place is one of the most developer-friendly in the gaming world. Unfortunately, loot boxes have become the norm in AAA games, and it has largely been met with disapproval by those within gaming circles. In other gaming industries, such as casinos, operators usually have promotions that are devoid of Pay to Win loot boxes. Offers like the best casino bonuses in the UK are more transparent about what you’re getting in such a case. Wanstrath’s leap into the indie gaming industry may at first seem like a rather bold move, but he will have thought long and hard about the consequences, and it could prove to be a prudent switch. As we are starting to see, games developers have learned to be more strategic and think about the long-term picture. Their ultimate mission is to make gaming more sustainable for future generations. It will be fascinating to see how Tape to Tape is received, and it could change our attitude to and the way we approach such games in the years to come.
