Welcome to another edition of our weekly newsletter-turned-blog post, where we bring you major announcements and insights from the past week. If you appreciate concise, curated content without the hype, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the most critical developments in the gaming world.
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Gaming News
- Myth Wukong sets new Steam record: Myth Wukong became the fastest game to hit 1 million concurrent players, achieving this milestone in just 60 minutes.
- Borderlands 4 officially announced: Gearbox Software released a teaser trailer for Borderlands 4, which is set to launch in 2025.
- The 5 biggest announcements from Gamescom Opening Night Live: Highlights from Gamescom included major game reveals and updates that excited fans worldwide.
- Batman: Arkham Shadow launches in October: The latest installment in the Batman series, Arkham Shadow, will be available this October.
- BMW to bring Uno card game into its luxury cars: BMW is integrating the classic Uno card game into its luxury vehicles, enhancing in-car entertainment.
- Warzone to be separated from premium Call of Duty games: Warzone will now operate as a standalone game, independent of the premium Call of Duty titles.
- Fortnite is back on iPhone: Fortnite returns to iPhones after four years, but availability depends on your region.
- Indiana Jones won’t be an Xbox exclusive for long: The Indiana Jones game, initially exclusive to Xbox, will be coming to PS5 shortly after its release.
- Silent Hill: Ascension wins at 2024 Creative Arts Emmy Awards: Silent Hill: Ascension was recognized with a Creative Arts Emmy Award in 2024.
- What Black Myth: Wukong does differently from other action RPGs: Black Myth: Wukong offers a fresh take on the action RPG genre with its unique gameplay mechanics.
- GTA San Andreas VR delayed indefinitely: The VR version of GTA San Andreas has been delayed indefinitely as Meta shifts its focus to other projects.
- Forza Horizon 5 is coming to PlayStation 5: Forza Horizon 5 will soon be available on PS5, although there are no active plans for a Starfield release.
- Hitman VR: Reloaded gameplay revealed: Hitman VR: Reloaded gameplay is coming exclusively to Quest 3.
- Final Fantasy 16 on PC gets a September release date: Final Fantasy 16 will be available on PC starting in September.
- Splitgate 2 is a solid sequel with a big esports influence: Splitgate 2 builds on the original with a strong focus on esports.
- A “high number” of Destiny 2 players have had their usernames reset: Many Destiny 2 players experienced a reset of their usernames.
- Time loop adventure Rue Valley looks tantalizing in its first trailer: The first trailer for Rue Valley reveals a promising time loop adventure.
- Delta Force pay-to-win elements will ‘absolutely not’ be a thing: The developers of Delta Force assure that the game will not include pay-to-win elements.
- Vendetta Forever announced for PS VR2, Quest 2 and 3: The VR first-person shooter Vendetta Forever has been announced for PS VR2, Quest 2, and 3.
- Blizzard takes action as major Diablo 4 duplication bug spreads: Blizzard is addressing a significant duplication bug in Diablo 4.
- New Lord of the Rings games being prototyped: Several new Lord of the Rings games are currently in the prototype stage.
- ‘Open universe’ sandbox survival game For the Stars announced: The sandbox survival game For the Stars has been announced for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.
- Activision reduces Call of Duty install sizes for Black Ops 6: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 will feature significantly reduced install sizes.
- Minecraft Realms servers face downtime issues: Minecraft Realms servers have been down for almost a week, causing frustration among players.
- PS Plus player count is up in August 2024: The number of players using PS Plus increased in August 2024.
Web3 Blockchain Games
- Off The Grid completes first playtest on PS5: Off The Grid has successfully completed its first playtest on the PS5, marking a significant milestone in Web3 gaming.
- Immutable integrates Fireblocks to harden security for its devs: Immutable has partnered with Fireblocks to enhance security for developers in the Web3 space.
- Dr Disrespect deleted his confession post from X: Dr Disrespect recently deleted a confession post from X, leading to speculation among fans.
- ‘Ragnarok: Monster World’ beta launches on Ethereum network Ronin: The Ragnarok: Monster World beta has launched on the Ronin network, offering a new experience for players.
- Why a crypto startup acquired a popular ‘Roblox’ stock trading game: A crypto startup has acquired a popular Roblox stock trading game, reflecting the growing intersection between traditional and blockchain gaming.
- Nexus raises $2 million for Everdawn Champions and NXI token launch: Nexus has secured $2 million for the development of Everdawn Champions and its associated NXI token.
- Pixelcraft’s members-only L3 Gotchichain renamed as Geist: The members-only L3 Gotchichain by Pixelcraft has been rebranded as Geist.
- Soulbound raises $4M for Web3 social gaming ecosystem: Soulbound has raised $4 million to develop a Web3 social gaming ecosystem.
- Gate Ventures and The Blockchain Center in Abu Dhabi launch $100M Falcon Gate Ventures: Gate Ventures and The Blockchain Center have launched a $100 million fund to support Web3 innovation.
- Gamee receives investment from TON Ventures to make Telegram mini-apps: Gamee is expanding its Telegram mini-apps with new funding from TON Ventures.
- Project Kyzen launches with custom Bruce Lee avatar: Project Kyzen has launched, featuring a custom Bruce Lee avatar as part of its unique offering.
- PlaysOut to bring thousands of Web3 mini-games to Telegram via TON blockchain: PlaysOut plans to introduce thousands of Web3 mini-games to Telegram users through the TON blockchain.
- GMGames becomes official media partner of InnoBlock 2024: GMGames is proud to be the official media partner for InnoBlock 2024, an event focused on innovation in Web3 applications.
- InnoBlock 2024: Early bird tickets and speaker lineup announced: InnoBlock 2024, a major Web3 event, has announced its first wave of speakers and is now offering early bird tickets
Gaming Insight & Trends
- SteamWorld Heist 2 is a multi-classing masterwork of strategy: SteamWorld Heist 2 has been praised for its strategic depth and innovative multi-classing system.
- Kwalee releases Arabic version of mobile game platform for MENA devs: Kwalee has launched an Arabic version of its mobile game platform, catering to developers in the MENA region.
- Nintendo’s creepy game takes a neat approach to demos: Nintendo’s latest game features an innovative approach to demo distribution.
- Valve’s Deadlock is a bold experiment in soft-launching: Valve’s not-so-secret game Deadlock is making waves as a bold experiment in soft-launching games.
- Valve cracking down on joke reviews flooding Steam: Valve is taking measures to control the influx of joke reviews on Steam to ensure content quality.
- Film and TV production firm Phipen Studios launches games publisher: Phipen Studios, known for its work in film and TV, is entering the gaming industry with its own publishing arm.
- Pantaloon helps out indie devs with free resource hub: Pantaloon has launched a free resource hub to support indie game developers.
- You can play the OG Diablo in your browser for free: The original Diablo game is now available to play for free in your web browser.
- Tactical Breach Wizards shows how strategy games can tickle the funny bone: Tactical Breach Wizards demonstrates how humor can be effectively incorporated into strategy games.
- Survey reveals devs consider genAI a double-edged sword in game development: A survey shows that developers view generative AI as both beneficial and potentially risky in game development.
- Almost 90% of developers surveyed say premium games don’t need microtransactions: A significant majority of developers believe that premium games should not rely on microtransactions for monetization.
- Game performers demand more support from studios over ‘graphic’ scenes: Performers in the gaming industry are calling for more support from studios when dealing with graphic and intense scenes.
- Rockstar Games urged to reignite forgotten franchises: Fans and industry insiders are urging Rockstar Games to revisit and revive some of its older, beloved franchises.
Gaming Industry News
- Ubisoft cuts 45 jobs in its U.S. offices: Ubisoft has laid off 45 employees in the U.S. as part of recent changes within the company.
- Tim Sweeney admits some Epic Games Store exclusivity deals “were not good” investments: Tim Sweeney has acknowledged that many of the exclusivity deals on the Epic Games Store were not financially successful.
- Riot Games shuffles leadership for esports and entertainment roles: Riot Games has made significant changes to its leadership, particularly in esports and entertainment, to better align with its strategic goals.
- Blacknut partners with Ubisoft in cloud gaming deal: Blacknut has partnered with Ubisoft to expand its cloud gaming offerings.
- Gamescom Opening Night Live 2024: Start time, how to watch and what to expect: Gamescom 2024 is set to be a major event, with details on how to watch and what to expect.
- Gamescom scraps best Nintendo game award for 2024 due to ‘too few submissions’: Gamescom has decided not to present a best Nintendo game award this year due to a lack of submissions.
- ESL FACEIT Group announces partnership extension with DHL delivery: ESL FACEIT Group has extended its partnership with DHL, continuing their collaboration in esports.
- How Midwest Games wants to spread the joy of game development: Midwest Games is on a mission to make game development more accessible and enjoyable.
- Sporty Group moves into games with Sociable Soccer acquisition: Sporty Group has acquired Sociable Soccer, marking its entry into the gaming industry.
- Devcom opens with indie game awards and survey results from 300 speakers: Devcom 2024 kicked off with indie game awards and insights from over 300 industry speakers.
Esports News
- League of Legends patch 14.17 preview: Whopping 13 champions nerfed in preparation for Worlds: The latest League of Legends patch introduces significant nerfs to 13 champions ahead of Worlds 2024.
- Vitality overcome NAVI to win IEM Cologne 2024: Team Vitality emerged victorious at IEM Cologne 2024, defeating NAVI in an intense final.
- ALGS Split 2 playoffs: Where to watch, full schedule, and groups: The ALGS Split 2 playoffs are approaching, and we’ve got all the details on where to watch and who to follow.
- Leaked Riot video suggests pro VALORANT events in 2025—including Canada: A leaked video from Riot Games hints at upcoming VALORANT events in 2025, possibly including locations in Canada.
- T1’s World’s 2023 winner skins now available in League of Legends: T1’s Worlds 2023 winner skins are now available for purchase in League of Legends.
- 100 Thieves open playoffs with sweep at LCS Summer Split: 100 Thieves dominated the LCS Summer Split playoffs, starting off with a clean sweep.
- Shanghai Major qualifier super-week set to start: The Shanghai Major qualifiers are set to begin with a super-week of intense competition.
- BOOM Esports drops entire Dota 2 roster after disappointing season results: BOOM Esports has released its entire Dota 2 roster following a challenging season.
- 8 large US universities create new collegiate esports conference: Eight major U.S. universities have joined forces to create a new collegiate esports conference.
- All Valorant offseason tournaments (2024): Americas, EMEA, APAC & CN details revealed: Details for the 2024 Valorant offseason tournaments have been released, covering all major regions.
- Esports World Cup final week schedule now available for all participants: The final week schedule for the Esports World Cup is now available, with exciting matches ahead.
- Former Counter-Strike pro S1mple breaks silence on his return to competing: Former Counter-Strike pro S1mple has spoken out about his return to competitive play.
- How Intel Extreme Master Cologne became the Cathedral of Counter-Strike: Intel Extreme Master Cologne has solidified its reputation as the “Cathedral of Counter-Strike,” thanks to its storied history and iconic moments.
Gaming News Continued
- Silent Hill 2 remake will have a ‘reworked’ soundtrack: The upcoming Silent Hill 2 remake will feature a reworked soundtrack to complement its updated visuals and gameplay.
- NESMaker shows off version 5, announces SNES tools: NESMaker has unveiled version 5 of its game development tool and announced new tools for the SNES.
- Black Myth: Wukong delivers a stunning high-end PC experience: Black Myth: Wukong has been praised for its impressive performance on high-end PCs.
- Kong: Survivor Instinct announced for PC and consoles: Kong: Survivor Instinct has been announced, bringing the iconic character to a new gaming adventure on PC and consoles.
- Kingdom Come Deliverance II showcases world in new trailer: A new trailer for Kingdom Come Deliverance II offers a glimpse into its expansive world and deep narrative.
- Sniper Elite: Resistance announced: The next chapter in the Sniper Elite series, Resistance, has been announced.
- For The Stars announced for PC and consoles: The sci-fi open universe game For The Stars has been announced for PC and consoles.
- FC 25 devs discuss career mode and Football Manager influences: Developers of FC 25 discuss the game’s career mode and its inspirations from Football Manager.
- September packed with pleasant game releases: September 2024 is shaping up to be a great month for gaming, with a variety of exciting titles set to release.
- Call of Duty is replacing its UI before Black Ops 6 release: The Call of Duty franchise is overhauling its UI ahead of the release of Black Ops 6.
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