Captured some pictures of the Solar Eclipse in Ohio
04/08/2024
Captured some pictures of the Solar Eclipse in Ohio
04/08/2024
Unionization Efforts Gain Momentum: The ongoing movement towards unionization within the gaming industry continued with news of another 600 Activision QA testers joining the cause. This development comes amidst the ongoing battle between Activision Blizzard and the Communications Workers of America (CWA) over union recognition. The additional workers joining the cause solidify the movement within Activision and could have significant implications for working conditions across the industry.
Epic Games Scores Victory in Europe: In a significant development, Apple reversed its ban on Epic Games' developer account following an enquiry by the European Commission. This reversal stems from the ongoing legal battle between the two companies concerning in-app purchases and Epic's use of its own payment system within Fortnite. While the ruling only applies within the European Union, it represents a potential turning point in the ongoing fight for fairer App Store practices.
SAG-AFTRA Considers Strike Over AI Terms in Contracts: The Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) is reportedly considering a strike over proposed contract language concerning the use of artificial intelligence in video game performances. The union is concerned about the potential for AI to replace voice actors and the lack of clear regulations regarding ownership and compensation for AI-generated performances. This development highlights the growing challenges posed by AI in the entertainment industry and the need for fair treatment of all performers.
Minors Prioritize Safety in Online Gaming Spaces: A new report revealed that minors and young adults prioritize safety in online gaming spaces. The study highlights concerns about harassment, bullying, and predatory behavior within online games. The findings call for developers and platforms to prioritize safety features and implement stricter moderation policies to create a more welcoming environment for younger players.
Industry Gears Up for World Video Game Hall of Fame Finalists Announced: The finalists for the 2024 World Video Game Hall of Fame were officially announced. The prestigious list includes iconic titles like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and Pong. This year's inductees will be revealed later this year, sparking nostalgia and debate among gamers worldwide.
Twitch Viewership Dips: While the news wasn't all sunshine and rainbows, reports also emerged regarding a slight dip in viewership on Twitch in February 2024. While the exact reasons are still being investigated, this could indicate a shift in viewing habits or increased competition in the streaming landscape.
New Video Game Releases for March 17th, - March 22nd
Thursday, March 21st
Friday, March 22nd
March 10th, often referred to as "MAR10 Day" by fans, saw a flurry of exciting announcements from Nintendo in celebration of everyone's favorite plumber, Mario. Here's a breakdown of the key reveals:
1. A New Animated Mario Movie: Following the success of the 2022 live-action film, Nintendo confirmed the development of a new animated Mario movie. Details remain scarce, but the announcement video hinted at a return of the voice cast from the previous film, including Chris Pratt as Mario and Anya Taylor-Joy as Princess Peach.
This news comes as a welcome surprise for fans who, despite the live-action film's box office success, expressed mixed reactions to the voice acting and certain creative choices.
2. Release Dates for Upcoming Games: Nintendo also unveiled release dates for two highly anticipated Mario titles:
3. Classic Games Return to Switch Online: Expanding the library of retro titles available through the Nintendo Switch Online service, three classic Mario games were announced for future release:
Specific release dates for these titles haven't been announced, but their addition provides Switch Online subscribers with a delightful dose of nostalgia.
4. A Glimpse into the Future: While details were scarce, Nintendo also teased a collaboration with The LEGO Group. While the exact nature of this project remains under wraps, speculation suggests a potential LEGO Mario set or even a full-fledged video game.
5. A Message from the Mastermind: Adding a personal touch, Mario creator Shigeru Miyamato delivered a heartfelt message to fans, expressing his gratitude for their continued support and hinting at exciting things to come for the Mario franchise.
Beyond the Headlines: While these announcements were the major highlights, Nintendo also offered discounts on various Mario titles and merchandise throughout the weekend, further fueling the celebratory spirit of MAR10 Day.
Analyst Take: Experts believe these announcements are a strategic move by Nintendo to capitalize on the enduring popularity of the Mario franchise. The diverse range of content, catering to both nostalgic fans and newcomers, ensures continued engagement and potential revenue streams.
Additional News:
Looking Ahead:
While these headlines dominate the news today, March promises even more with upcoming releases like "Rise of the Ronin" and the highly anticipated sequel "Horizon Forbidden West."
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Concept Artworks
Industry Updates:
Looking Ahead:
Gamers can mark their calendars for these upcoming releases:
New Video Game Releases for March 5th - March 11th
Tuesday, March 5th:
Wednesday, March 7th:
Friday, March 8th:
Industry Layoffs and Restructuring:
Other Noteworthy News:
Pokemon Makes a Big Return with Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket
Pokemon fans rejoice! Today, during a Pokemon Presents livestream, two exciting announcements were made. Firstly, a brand new entry in the popular "Legends" series was revealed: Pokemon Legends: Z-A. This upcoming title will take players back to the Kalos region, first seen in Pokemon X and Y, offering a new open-world adventure set in the past. A short teaser showcased a beautifully rendered Lumiose City, hinting at the game's potential visual style.
Secondly, The Pokemon Company announced Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket, a new mobile game based on the long-running trading card game. This free-to-play title will allow players to collect and battle with their favorite Pokemon cards, offering a convenient way to enjoy the TCG experience on the go. Both Pokemon Legends: Z-A and Pokemon Trading Card Game Pocket are expected to launch later this year.
PlayStation Announces Layoffs and Studio Closure
In a move that has shaken the gaming industry, Sony Interactive Entertainment announced layoffs across several PlayStation Studios development teams. This includes roughly 900 positions across studios like Insomniac Games, Naughty Dog, and Guerrilla Games. Additionally, the company confirmed the closure of London Studio, known for franchises like SingStar and MediEvil.
While specific reasons for the layoffs were not disclosed, the announcement comes amidst a period of restructuring within Sony Interactive Entertainment. The company aims to "consolidate resources" and focus on "areas of strategic importance" for the PlayStation brand. This news has left many fans concerned about the future of PlayStation Studios and the potential impact on upcoming game development.
Fortnite Introduces Family-Friendly Lego Islands
Epic Games is expanding the creative possibilities within Fortnite with the introduction of Lego Islands. This new feature allows players to build and explore unique islands entirely out of Lego bricks, offering a more family-friendly and accessible experience compared to the traditional Fortnite Battle Royale mode.
Two initial themed islands have been unveiled: "Raft Survival," which challenges players to work together and build a raft to survive at sea, and "Obby Fun," a classic obstacle course experience. More Lego Islands are expected to be released in the future, offering a diverse range of creative and collaborative activities for players of all ages.
Other Top Stories:
Sea of Stars Concept Artworks
The Pokémon Company held its annual Pokémon Presents video presentation today, February 27th, 2024, in celebration of Pokémon Day. The presentation lived up to the hype, offering a diverse array of exciting announcements for fans of all ages.
New Generation Awaits: The biggest reveal was undoubtedly Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While details remain under wraps, the teaser showcased stunning visuals hinting at a new region and intriguing gameplay mechanics. Release date information remains unavailable.
Scarlet and Violet Expand: Trainers in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will have new adventures with the Treasured Pacts DLC. Arriving in late 2024 and early 2025, the two-part expansion features "The Indigo Sea," inspired by the Johto region, and "Crimson Mire," an original area within Paldea.
Mobile Games Get a Boost: The popular MOBA Pokémon UNITE welcomes the legendary Zacian, while Pokémon Café ReMix introduces a Johto-themed event. Pokémon GO players can expect exciting activities and a potential new Mythical Pokémon encounter.
Celebrating the Past: The presentation acknowledged the upcoming 25th anniversary of Pokémon Gold and Silver Version, hinting at commemorative events and merchandise throughout the year.
Summary:
The Pokémon Presents presentation successfully captured the spirit of Pokémon Day, showcasing the franchise's continued dedication to delivering engaging experiences for new and returning trainers alike. With the promise of a new generation, captivating expansions, and exciting mobile updates, the future of the Pokémon world is brimming with possibilities.
Legal Battles Rock the Industry:
Platform Shifts and Strategic Moves:
Beyond the Headlines:
This Week's Video Game Releases (February 26 - March 2, 2024):
Additional News Stories:
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Soars to Critical Acclaim, But Questions Remain
Square Enix's highly anticipated Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second installment in their reimagining of the classic RPG, launched yesterday to generally positive reviews. However, the critical reception has been mixed, with some praising the game's stunning visuals, emotional storytelling, and expanded combat system, while others criticize its pacing issues and deviations from the original narrative. Regardless, the game is already a commercial success, topping sales charts worldwide.
Elden Ring DLC "Shadow of the Erdtree" Announced, Pre-orders Discounted
FromSoftware surprised fans by announcing the first DLC expansion for Elden Ring, titled "Shadow of the Erdtree." Details remain scarce, but the teaser trailer hints at new areas, enemies, and challenges. Interestingly, pre-orders for the DLC are already discounted on some platforms, sparking speculation about a potential release date in the near future.
Surprise! Dead Island 2 Launches on Xbox Game Pass
After years of development hell and numerous delays, Dead Island 2 unexpectedly launched yesterday on Xbox Game Pass. The game picks up the zombie-slaying action in Los Angeles, offering a gruesome and comedic open-world experience. While reviews are still trickling in, early impressions suggest it might be worth checking out, especially for Game Pass subscribers.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Gets Leatherface DLC
Gun Interactive's asymmetrical multiplayer horror game, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, is getting a chilling new DLC character: Leatherface himself. This iconic slasher joins the roster of playable killers, bringing his brutal chainsaw and signature mask to the hunt. The DLC is expected to arrive in March, just in time for Halloween season... or should we say, Massacre season?
Baldur's Gate 3 Mod Support Comes to Consoles
Rejoice, console RPG fans! Larian Studios announced that Baldur's Gate 3 will be receiving mod support on PlayStation and Xbox consoles later this year. This opens up a world of possibilities for user-created content, allowing players to experience new quests, stories, and even custom classes.
Other noteworthy news:
Looking ahead:
Nintendo fans can celebrate as several exclusive games for the Nintendo Switch are now available at discounted prices. Whether you’re a fan of iconic franchises like Mario, Zelda, or Pokémon, there’s something for everyone. Dive into these captivating adventures without breaking the bank.
Attention, Apex Legends players! Get ready to level up your Legends with new upgrades and shield cores. Whether you’re a seasoned champion or a fresh recruit, these enhancements promise to change the dynamics of the game. Sharpen your skills and dominate the arena!
For developers, Microsoft Visual Studio 2022 Pro licenses are currently on sale. Priced at just $45, these licenses provide access to powerful tools for coding, debugging, and building applications. Enhance your development workflow and stay ahead in the software development game.
Upgrade your operating system! Windows 11 Pro is available at a discounted price of $23 this weekend. Experience the sleek interface, improved performance, and new features that Windows 11 has to offer. Whether you’re working or gaming, this upgrade is worth considering.
Prepare for the infernal battles of Diablo 4 with discounted SteelSeries accessories. From gaming mice to headsets, these peripherals are designed for demon-slaying excellence. Equip yourself and venture into the dark realms with confidence.
Curious about what’s inside? Fanatical’s Mystery Fire Bundle offers up to 20 Steam games for just $14. Unbox the surprises and discover hidden gems among the flames. Will you find your next favorite title in this bundle?
Embracer Group, the parent company of several game studios, has made tough decisions. They canceled 29 games and laid off 1,400 employees in the last six months. The gaming industry can be unpredictable, even for giants.
Director James Gunn sheds light on the upcoming Superman film. Unfortunately, Bassem Youssef won’t appear in the movie. Fans speculate on the reasons behind this casting choice. The Man of Steel’s legacy continues to intrigue us.
Crafting, realms, and adventure await in Nightingale. The extended gameplay trailer showcases intricate systems and captivating visuals. Dive into this fantasy world and uncover its secrets.
Hold your Joy-Cons tightly! The Nintendo Switch 2 might not arrive until 2025. Rumors swirl about its features, but Nintendo remains tight-lipped. Patience, fellow gamers!
The video game industry is facing challenges reminiscent of the 1983 video game crash. High costs of big-budget game development are making traditional game development untenable, a problem most companies seem reluctant to admit. The industry is in dire need of a savior to prevent a repeat of history.
IGN’s top stories today include a review of Skull and Bones, and the news that the Nintendo Switch 2 has reportedly been delayed to the early months of 2025. Helldivers 2 has also been in the spotlight with guides and tips being shared for players. The DICE Awards 2024 winners were announced, with Baldur’s Gate 3 and Spider-Man 2 taking the top spots.
GameSpot’s latest updates include news about the Nintendo Switch 2, which might now release in 2025. There’s also news about a first-person Star Wars Mandalorian game reportedly in the works at Respawn. In addition, Helldivers 2 is paying out extra in-game bonuses to make up for an unsquished bug.
USATODAY’s gaming news includes updates about the best video games of 2023 for kids and grownups. There’s also news about ‘The Legend of Zelda’ video game becoming a live-action movie. In addition, Netflix is planning to expand its video game offerings to subscribers in a new trial.
In conclusion, the video game industry is buzzing with news and updates. From industry warnings to game reviews and upcoming releases, there’s something for every gaming enthusiast.
Hideo Kojima, the renowned game designer, has teased his new action-espionage game. He claims that if your mother walks in on you playing it, she’ll think you’re watching a movie. This statement suggests that the game will have cinematic qualities, blurring the line between video games and films.
The release window for the third season of “The Bear” has been revealed. While the exact date is not mentioned, fans can start looking forward to the continuation of this popular series.
The sixth patch for Baldur’s Gate 3 has been released. This patch brings improvements to kissing, new camp idle animations, and much more. These updates suggest that the developers are committed to enhancing the player’s experience and immersion in the game world.
In an unexpected move, Taco Bell decided to host its own E3 event. This event could potentially include exclusive announcements or collaborations related to video games.
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is set to return to theaters this May for its 25th anniversary. This event will allow fans to experience the classic film on the big screen once again.
The developers of Subnautica 2 have clarified that the game is not multiplayer-focused and have provided updates on its live-service aspects. This clarification helps set player expectations for the game’s features and gameplay.
The latest trailer for Knuckles has sent Sonic fans spiralling over a surprise character appearance. This surprise could potentially hint at new story elements or gameplay features in the upcoming game.
New data suggests that the PS5 has outsold the Xbox Series X/S by a 2-to-1 ratio. This sales data provides insight into the current state of the console market.
In the world of Helldivers 2, players have established an ‘unspoken’ co-op etiquette. Griefing is a big no-no, and the community is working together to ensure a positive gaming experience. The developers are also working hard to combat server issues and have explained what went wrong.
Despite rumors to the contrary, Xbox boss Phil Spencer has reportedly told employees that Microsoft has no plans to stop making consoles. This news comes as a relief to Xbox fans worldwide.
Armored Core 6, the latest installment in the popular mech combat series, is now available for just $39.99 at Amazon. This limited-time offer represents a $20 saving.
The release of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth has reignited the ‘yellow paint’ debate. Fans are once again discussing this controversial topic, proving that the Final Fantasy community remains as passionate as ever.
Rocksteady, the developers of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, have expressed surprise at the mastery levels some dedicated players have achieved. These players have exceeded the developers’ wildest expectations.
In a surprising turn of events, SpongeBob SquarePants finally performed “Sweet Victory” as part of Super Bowl 58. This performance was a long-awaited moment for fans of the show.