With the next generation of console wars now underway, Sony and Microsoft continue to focus on consolidating the video game industry. Sony remains the leader in first-party exclusives with iconic studios such as Naughty Dog, Sucker Punch Productions, and Insomniac Games; however, Microsoft is not far behind with the likes of Obsidian Entertainment, Rare, and soon-to-be Bethesda Game Studios. The
Read moreAward shows provide an outlet for fans to celebrate the most prominent works from the entertainment industry. From the Grammys to the Academy Awards and Golden Globes, audiences have multiple venues to express their appreciation for music, television and film. Over the past five years, another segment of the entertainment industry has gained popularity for its annual awards show: The
Read moreThe holiday season is a time to celebrate time-honored traditions with family and friends. Feasts and gift exchanges are the hallmark of the next few weeks; however, the global pandemic threatens to cancel most conventional gatherings. While many are struggling to find a silver lining, video game fans can still look forward to the industry’s staple ceremony: The Game Awards.
Read moreMost video games lose popularity a few weeks after launch; however, Animal Crossing: New Horizons continues to trend worldwide. From the start of the pandemic, Nintendo’s cutesy social simulation game remains a global phenomenon. With the help of new customization tools, New Horizon players have overcome the depression of social distancing by expressing their innovating sides. From hosting online weddings
Read moreDespite unprecedented levels of success, the Nintendo Switch is underpowered in comparison to PlayStation and Xbox. While Nintendo has optimized most first-party offerings, third-party developers have struggled with performance issues on the hybrid console. The result is a library graphically inferior games that cannot achieve the most basic level of HD quality at 720p. As Sony and Microsoft prepare to
Read moreThe last few days have been tumultuous for the video game community. Numerous Twitch streamers received Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) notices, and content creators removed countless non-complaint Videos on Demand (VOD). The DMCA violations pertained to background music, which creators typically play during “in real life” (IRL) streams. As the online community scrambled to remove years of content, a
Read moreThe timeless adage is strike while the iron is hot, and few developers are blazing quite like Naughty Dog. Fresh off the resounding success of The Last of Us Part II, the Santa Monica studio will not adopt complacency. Simultaneously, Hollywood’s most prominent superhero actor is also refusing to rest on his laurels. The two worlds collided when Naught Dog
Read moreDespite the economic challenges of the global pandemic, the video game industry remains strong. Global sales will likely surpass $160 billion in 2020, and U.S. sales should reach $50 billion by the end of December. While both statistics represent double-digit percentage increases over last year, not all companies are reaping the benefits. One particular technology giant continues to struggle; however,
Read moreFor a plumber who specializes in collecting gold coins, Mario has not upgraded his appearance in several years. Since the release of New Super Mario Bros on the Wii in 2009, the Nintendo staff has not considerably altered Mario’s character model. Speculation across the industry quickly arose, and fans criticized the franchise’s lack of innovation. But during an interview shortly
Read moreIn business and everyday life, timing is everything. While the video game industry has enjoyed record sales in 2020, publisher 2K Games continues to struggle. Traditional moneymakers, such as NBA and WWE 2K, feel stagnant, and fans responded accordingly by refusing to purchase the games. Despite multiple setbacks, a recent announcement from Gearbox Software could propel 2K Games to success
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