Most of the video game industry continues to reel from the impacts of the pandemic; however, CD Projekt Red is thriving. Although the Polish developer delayed Cyberpunk 2077 until November, the year 2020 has been a resounding success. Rebounding sales of The Witcher 3 recently catapulted the franchise to over 50 million copies sold. The Netflix television adaptation also became
Read moreThe price of AAA games has remained constant over the last two decades; however, the cost of developing modern games continues to increase. As such, developers needed a creative method of increasing a game’s earning potential. The solution is additional downloadable content (DLC), which has quickly become a staple in the video game industry. FromSoftware, the creators of the Dark
Read moreTelevision and movie adaptations of video game franchises have troubled past. While Pokemon and Resident Evil remain constant beacons of success, other franchises, such as Super Mario Bros., Mortal Kombat, and Final Fantasy, have struggled. But the positive reception for The Witcher and Castlevania series on Netflix has rekindled hope for the video game industry. On Thursday, Geoff Keighley revealed
Read moreRoutine software updates and downloadable content are routine practices for the video game industry. Although studios desire to launch a finished product, feedback from communities often informs post-release corrections and expansion packs. Sony and Microsoft adhere to this traditional approach; however, Nintendo embraces a different approach. On Tuesday, the hybrid console owner announced another new Animal Crossing update, which is
Read moreChallenge modes and boss rushes are commonplace updates following the successful launch of modern games. While dedicated fans appreciate increased difficulty settings, casual players enjoys a more carefree experience. On Monday, SuckerPunch Productions announced an update for Ghost of Tsushima that is sure to appease both audiences. Let’s dive in. Opposite Ends of the Spectrum Difficulty in video games remains
Read moreThe Nintendo Switch is equally frustrating and polarizing. While the video game community lauds the portability of AAA titles, critics often cite the system’s compromised graphics and frame rate. Performance challenges are a struggle not only for large studios but also for smaller independent developers. But the indie studio behind a critically acclaimed action role-playing game recently polished a few
Read moreThe worst lies are the ones that we tell ourselves. What often begins as an innocent misrepresentation slowly transitions into willful denial. Until eventually, the architect is no longer able to decipher between fiction and reality. In that moment, salvation is only possible through the outstretched hand of another. Such is the story of Cloud Strife in Final Fantasy VII
Read moreFew video game companies generate fan excitement quite like Nintendo. From animated exhibits at E3 to quirky video presentations staring former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime, the Nintendo community embraces the unorthodox. Despite a peculiar approach, one constant throughout the industry is the frequency of Nintendo Direct presentations. But 2020 remains full of surprises. On Monday, fans expected the
Read moreOn Monday, Nintendo released its 2020 annual investor report and proudly revealed many impressive metrics. Not only did net profit increase by 33 percent but other key factors, such as cash flow and year-over-year sales, also indicated strong growth. While the statistics are impressive, the staff at GamingROI uncovered a key cause for concern. Problems with the Nintendo Switch supply
Read moreThe balance between expectation and reality is a pendulum that video game studios struggle to navigate. Trailers and reveal events increase anticipation; however, failure to deliver on assumed promises can lead to anger and resentment. For over two decades a single website has been a constant and trusted source for video game reviews: Metacritic. But recently, the industry has scrutinized
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