Camaraderie and Conflict: How to Encourage Good Sportsmanship in Esports
The esports sector is gradually becoming more accepted by the masses. In 2022, esports took pride of place alongside traditional events at the Commonwealth Games. In 2023, The Olympic Esports Series will cap off with an in-person final in Singapore. While investment in esports is growing and audience figures continue to rise, competitive gaming is still a markedly different beast than conventional sports. Good sportsmanship and player etiquette might seem like alien concepts, but they’re an important part of esports competition. What’s Expected from Professional Esports Players? Although the esports sector is growing rapidly, it’s still an emerging market. As such, it’s taken a while for organizers to regulate the industry. Nonetheless, expectations from players are pretty high. Performance-boosting medications and illicit substances are heavily frowned upon, but not every organization actively tests players for them. This presents a problem as several high-profile esports stars have reported that abuse of over-the-counter medication is rife within the competitive gaming community. Organizers need to get a handle on issues like this quickly. The use of illicit substances not only gives one side an unfair advantage but also jeopardizes sponsorship deals and financial investment from outside sources. While many S-Tier teams are backed by nine-figure investments, this capital could quickly fall away if players fail to maintain a squeaky-clean image. The Problem of Match Fixing Match fixing is hardly new. It’s been around for centuries and continues to be a problem for sports like boxing and soccer. However, it’s also permeated the world of esports. Even top-tier organizations like Team Dignitas have become embroiled in match-fixing scandals. In 2014, Dignitas and Team Curse were disqualified from the Major League Gaming Summer Championship for colluding to alter the outcome of a match in the tournament finals. After an investigation, it was discovered that both teams had agreed to end the match in a draw and share the prize money equally. While few major teams have been tarnished by match-fixing dramas since then, it’s still a problem. Valve banned Newbee, a Dota 2 team, back in 2021 after they were revealed to have been involved in match-fixing the previous year. Many solo players have also ruined their careers, with South Korean stars like Lee “Life” Seung Hyun being one of the most shocking examples. The youngest was convinced by representatives from a betting syndicate to throw a series of StarCraft II matches at the World Championship. He pocketed around $60,000 for his involvement, although he ended up having to pay the same amount in fines after being discovered. He also received a suspended jail sentence and a lifetime ban from participating in professional esports. Examples of Good Sportsmanship in Esports While organizers have clamped down on match-fixing, unsavory sponsorship deals, and dubious behavior in recent years, it’s often left to players themselves to set the tempo for good sportsmanship. In 2019, South Korean gamer, Bae “Knee” Jae-Min bridged the cultural device when he flew out to Pakistan to meet with fellow Tekken players after coming up against opponents from the country alone. His visit was met with applause from the Pakistani gaming community, with many local players welcoming him at the arrivals hall. In 2018, Oleksandr “s1mple” Kostyljev showed just what a good sport he is at the ESL ONE Cologne. Although he’s often considered one of the best CS:GO players on the planet, s1mple proved he wasn’t a cheat when a reflection on a nearby screen displayed the location of an enemy player. Rather than keep things to himself and steal the advantage, s1mple willingly gave up his own location and voluntarily forfeited the round. Looking for more examples of sportsmanship in action? Head to www.1337pro.com/en/lol/tournament-schedule for the latest LoL tournament fixtures to follow your favorite teams.
Lionsgate Confirms A John Wick Game Is In Development
When it comes to motion pictures being adapted into video games, that trend faded away more than a generation ago. However, the universes that some films are based on face the video game treatment once every blue moon. Recently, Star Wars Jedi: Survivor illustrated the best way to follow this formula in our review for the game. But, there are others also on the way. In terms of online experiences, bot Texas Chain Saw Massacre & Killer Klowns from Outer Space are both being adapted into PvP survival games. Additionally, it was confirmed by Zack Snyder that his upcoming Rebel Moon film is also welcoming a big budget RPG title as well. Details on when the title is coming has yet to be officially addressed. Now in a report from Comicbook.com as per the recent Lionsgate earnings call, a new video game is on the way starring Keanu Reeves’ John Wick. While little has been shared in terms of what basis the game will follow or who is developing, it is said to be in the early stages of development and will be sometime before it is officially on the way. “We’re now moving across that franchise, not just in the AAA video game space, but looking at what the regular cadence of spin-offs, television really growing that universe so that there is a steady cadence of a franchise that there’s clear appetite by the audience,” chairman Joe Drake explained. “What is official is that, as you know, Ballerina is the first spinoff that comes out next year. “We’re in development on three others, including [John Wick 5] and including television series, The Continental, will be airing soon. And so, we’re building out the world and when that five movie comes, will be organic — will be organically grown out of how we’re starting to tell those stories. But you can rely on a regular cadence of John Wick.” Previously, we did witness Reeve’s reclaim his role as Neo in The Matrix Awakens: An Unreal Engine 5 for a brief period. The game stood as a showcase for Unreal Engine 5, but still poses to be one of the most exciting releases to hit the next-generation Xbox & PlayStation so far. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you hoping to see from the John Wick game? Source: Comicbook.com
Amnesia: The Bunker, Stacking, Car Mechanic Simulator 2021, And More Coming In Xbox Game Pass June 2023 Lineup
Over the course of 2023, Xbox Game Pass remains to be on a roller coaster of emotions concerning its fans. In one respect, the service officially abandoned its $1 deal for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. However, the other side of the coin goes on to reveal that the decision following still generated the subscription more than $1 billion for Microsoft as per it latest financial report. Additionally, hitters continue to roll out for the service this past month alone. Kicking off May, we witnessed Weird West & Ravenlok hit the library. But once the latter portion of the month arrive, Microsoft promised titles including Planet Of Lana & Chicory: A Colorful Tale plus more for Xbox Game Pass as well. Now this week, the new lineup to enter June 2023 has arrive. You can read the full list below: Console Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 – 6/1 Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer – 6/1 The Big Con – 6/1 Amnesia: The Bunker – 6/6 Hypnospace Outlaw – 6/6 Rune Factory 4 Special – 6/8 Stacking – 6/8 Dordogne – 6/13 PC Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 – 6/1 Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer – 6/1 The Big Con – 6/1 Amnesia: The Bunker – 6/6 Hypnospace Outlaw – 6/6 Rune Factory 4 Special – 6/8 Dordogne – 6/13 Cloud Car Mechanic Simulator 2021 – 6/1 Slayers X: Terminal Aftermath: Vengance of the Slayer – 6/1 The Big Con – 6/1 Amnesia: The Bunker – 6/6 Hypnospace Outlaw – 6/6 Rune Factory 4 Special – 6/8 Stacking – 6/8 Dordogne – 6/13 Noted, among the list is the highly-anticipated title, Amnesia: The Bunker. The game since its announcement has been confirmed a day and date release for Xbox Game Pass. However, the wait was the painful part. Originally, the game was promised for a early 2023 announcement, but since faced more than one delay leading to the new launch next month. Of course there are also games leaving on June 15th. Those being: Bridge Constructor Portal (Cloud; Console; PC), Chorus (Cloud; Console; PC), Maneater (Cloud; Console; PC), Mortal Shell (Cloud; Console; and PC), Serious Sam 4 (Cloud; Console; PC), and Total War: Three Kingdoms (PC). What has you most excited for the new Xbox Game Pass lineup? Source: Xbox Wire
New ‘RGG Summit Summer 2023 / Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio New Titles Presentation’ Scheduled For This June
Ever since the release of 2020’s Yakuza: Like a Dragon, RGG Studios has been treating the new installment as the start of a new era for the franchise. While the turn-based combat elements alone is a drastically different change for the series, more has happened on the other end of the game. For one, leadership has departed for a new leading role under NetEase Games. Even more is the series is not called Yakuza. Including elements of the story sharing as much, the series moving forward embraces ‘Like a Dragon’ to be the bannered title for the series moving forward. On top of that, the hallmark Dragon Engine is also facing its end with games such as Like a Dragon: Ishin embracing Unreal Engine. Even more is the team is considering widespread use of Unreal Engine for future games now as well. In a recent announcement from Sega Gematsu reports, it reveals a new ‘RGG Summit Summer 2023 / Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio New Titles Presentation’ is on the way for this June. Of course, the title alone gives away that new games are prepped to be revealed. So far, the Japanese developer confirmed two more games are on the way and hope a separate, unannounced title is planned for the showcase. Already, RGG Studio verified the next mainline installment is on the way. This past fall, Like a Dragon 8 was revealed. The new title featured a teaser trailer as both Kazuma Kiryu & Kasuga Ichiban both walked together under the iconic entrance to Kamurocho for the starring setting of the series. The game is aimed for a 2024 release. Furthermore, the team also revealed a new standalone installment – Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. This entry follows the events of Kazuma Kiryu after the ending for Yakuza 6: Song of Life. You can read more on the new entry by heading here. What are you most excited for the RGG Summit Summer 2023? RGG Summit Summer 2023 is scheduled for June 16, 2023. Source: Sega
CD Projekt Red Confirms Ongoing PlayStation Acquisition Rumors To Be False
Over at the PlayStation side of the industry, the firm has slowly acquired more talent to further fuel its first-party lineup. Additionally, this new ambition is set to continue it hunger for a larger grasp on the live-service market as well. Since Bungie joining the mix, it has been stated the developer is a stepping stone for the new pursuit. And with the announcement on Marathon earlier this week further illustrates as much. Additionally, other acquisitions prove to be the same for the PlayStation/PC market. In that, Jade Raymond-helmed Haven Studios revealed a new heist competitive shooter, Fairgame$. The same can also be said for the recently acquired developer Firewalk Studios. The team teased a new multiplayer FPS project, Condor at the same showcase. However, claims continue to swell from fans of PlayStation on exploring more potential talent real estate in the industry. This time it was CD Projekt Red. One report this weekend from IconEra said as much. It was not long until the Polish game studio stomped out the flames online from PR rep Ola Sondej via Twitter. This marks yet another dud acquisition that PlayStation fans platformed online from shoddy sources. It was earlier this year the same situation occurred for Take-Two Interactive as Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier denounced the rumor. These claims appear to be fodder for fans in hope to find a deal to the same caliber as Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard. As for the ongoing state of the acquisition on the front lines at Microsoft, it was recently given the ‘okay’ from the EU Commission. Howbeit, while approved by the greater European Union, the U.K. CMA further barricades any progress on the deal to be processed fully. You can read the full report by heading here. How surprised are you about the PlayStation CD Projekt Red acquisition update?
Review: Street Fighter 6
Developer – Capcom Publisher – Capcom Platforms – PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series S|X Street Fighter 6 is the latest entry in Capcom’s classic fighting franchise. Following the steps of Tekken 8, Mortal Kombat 1, and other new entries to other classic fighting game series, Street Fighter 6 successfully updates the classic gameplay with new mechanics that mix well with the old ones. Street Fighter has never been at the forefront of great single-player content. It features not just one but two different styles of single-player story modes. World Tour is an enormous open-world story mode featuring a character of your creation. It has a central plot line telling the tale of everybody’s favorite Street Fighters and new characters introduced alongside them. The main story takes place in a timeline, and everyone on the roster gets their Arcade mode to play through that exists alongside the main plot. Overall the stories are well made and do a decent job moving it forward. Don’t expect tons of CG cut-scenes or even in-game set pieces on the level of Tekken 7 or Mortal Kombat 11. The scope is slightly more limited, but the ambition comes in the gameplay and the open-world hijinks. The custom characters won’t be causing any problems right now with the competitive community because customs can only fight each other in Avatar battles. This prevents issues that games like Tekken and Soul Calibur had because the custom fighters can have very different hitboxes, which throws balance out the window. This allows players to make some genuinely freaking characters because balance is thrown out the window in favor of fun, which is an excellent choice for casuals like myself. The game runs fantastically. All versions are locked at 60fps, and no models aren’t brought over from the older games. Each character features unique color schemes that match each fighter’s personality. The sound and music are also stellar, with a hip-hop soundtrack highlighting all the actions and some favorites hidden away as secrets to discover. The most vital part of any fighting game is the fighting itself. Every attack, parry, and throw is lightning-fast and responsive to the touch. The new Drive Impact and Gauge join old mechanics like the guard parry and the super attacks. Capcom also pushes accessibility in the genre forward with extensive options designed for players with a wide range of disabilities. Between the streamlined inputs of Modern and Dynamic Controls, the possibilities for sound based on distance is brilliant for the vision impaired. World Tour features slower enemy attack animations that are perfect for somebody with a slow reaction speed to handle and learn the nuances of the fighting system. This is truly the most accessible fighting game I’ve ever played, and World Tour amplifies that with its silly but fun, light-hearted approach to combat and tutorials. I loved my time with Street Fighter 6. The ease of use, fantastic tutorials, and wealth of single-player options are designed to ease somebody like myself into the action. But the depth of combat and the nuances of the Drive Gauge system seemed intended for expert players to take full advantage of. We recommend Street Fighter whether you want to win Capcom Cup or spend an afternoon smashing trucks with your feet.
Review: Diablo IV
Developer – Blizzard Entertainment Publisher – Blizzard Entertainment Platforms – Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Playstation 4/5, PC (Reviewed) Review written by Michael, with Rebecca assisting and giving notes on accessibility. Diablo IV, developed by Blizzard Entertainment, is the newest entry in the Diablo series, and it is a glorious return to its roots. Diablo 2 was a core gaming experience for my childhood, and I spent countless hours playing it with my family and friends. I was so excited when Diablo 3 came out, and while I spent a lot of time playing it, but it lacked something special that Diablo 2 had. Diablo 3 was a much more arcadey experience than Diablo 2, and it wasn’t as dark or foreboding. The great thing about Diablo IV is that it brings some of the advancements of Diablo 3 while summoning what made Diablo 2 so great. The game starts with a unique cinematic that sets the tone for the rest of the campaign. The quality of the visuals, music, and sounds is top-notch and eerily beautiful. The main demon we are following through this adventure is Lilith. She is the daughter of Mephisto (Thanks for all the great loot in Diablo 2!), the mother of the first Nephalim, and the creator of the world Sanctuary. She has all the traits of a great villain. She is evil but also has a side to her that has a spark of warmth in her darkness. It’s that little spark that keeps you from completely hating her. She has a motive for her evilness and isn’t just evil for the sake of being terrible. I can’t reveal too much without getting into some spoilers, but just know the story is well told. Another aspect is that we get narrative cinematics that uses our character, we aren’t always a step behind, and we are active participants in the game’s main plot. We don’t hear the story from someone else, but we are causing the story to unfold. It’s refreshing to see our characters have an impact on current affairs. While we have had dialogue and in-game scenes of our characters involved with the story, none have gone this far into making us intertwined. In terms of gameplay, we have a core group of 5 classes. Unfortunately, nothing new with this batch of heroes, as they all play similarly to classes we have seen before. We have the Barbarian, Necromancer, Sorcerer, Druid, and Rogue. Each class can be male or female, and you have many customization options here to make the character your own. Skin color, makeup, accessories, tattoos, hairstyles, etc., all allow your character to be unique from everyone else’s. Special notes on Accessibility Diablo IV takes great strides in achieving a new level of accessibility for all players. For one, all platforms support cross save and cross play, and even better, multiple inputs. This allows players with various disabilities the option to control the action with an input method comfortable to them. The recent accessibility blog released by Blizzard details everything in great detail, and as somebody who loves this franchise but has struggled to play it comfortably, many of these options are a godsend. I was able to play the experience in co-op, and never felt like I was missing much, outside of audio due to my disability, but the player and item object highlights, and the lock-on were very useful in helping my campaign. Furthermore, in game animation and enemy tells are very easy to follow, even during hectic moments. This was crucial as the exaggerated enemy animations made it easy to dodge attacks since I couldn’t hear off-screen ranged projectiles or special moves. Bravo to the development team for stepping us for the accessibility crowd in this regard. End of Accessibility notes Of course, you will be covered head-to-toe in armor most of the time, so thankfully, they have an entire transmogrification system in the game. As you come across different types of armor and weapons, you can dismantle those pieces to unlock the individual looks in your wardrobe to swap them for free. You can also choose a color pallet to customize the armor’s visuals further. I love that they have made this readily available from the start of the game to allow you to take charge of your aesthetics. Nothing is better than not having to worry about the visuals of your gear, so you can focus on your character’s statistics and still look amazing. Speaking of weapons and armor, there are many options for customizing the items regarding their powers and stats. You can change individual stats and special abilities and upgrade an item’s stats. Across characters, you can utilize various gear with a few exceptions for class-specific items. Building my first character made building my next ones easier because I could pass my older equipment over to my next characters. One of my favorite aspects of Diablo IV is how vast the world feels this time. Instead of splitting up the world into individual acts set in different regions, the entirety of Sanctuary is accessible from end to end in one open world map. Littered across the maps are caves, dungeons, side quests, towns, and hidden statues dedicated to Lilith. It’s a different feeling after seeing how the world fits together. As you travel across Sanctuary, you will find many people needing help. You can participate in varied quests, such as finding specific items, slaying certain enemies, and quelling spirits. These provide excellent boosts in your experience and items to help you further. Aside from these, some events spawn randomly in the world that offer similar benefits, and mastering these events by achieving additional quest goals will boost your rewards. As you complete more of these objectives and clear the map, you gain extra bonuses such as different skill points and an increase in your characters’ statistics. I love the way skills trees are structured as well this time. You can choose many ways
