If you are not first, then you are last. While crossing the finish line before the competition is essential in most industries, the global pandemic continues to overturn the paradigm. The entertainment sector is no different, and the uncertain landscape has forced most studios to delay projects. But a highly anticipated film is challenging the status quo by moving its
Read moreVideo game fans will always remember the year 2020 for delayed releases and next-generation console launches; however, another narrative is quickly grabbing headlines: consolidation. As the industry continues to process Microsoft’s blockbuster acquisition of Bethesda Game Studios, another technology giant quietly partnered with a Triple-A studio. On Thursday, Amazon announced a special partnership with Ubisoft Entertainment for its new cloud
Read moreSingle-player games continue to be a topic of conversation within the video game industry. Although online multiplayer games extend the life of popular franchises, a large segment of the industry still prefers solo experiences. Because most single-player games enjoy the highest percentage of lifetime sales within the first few weeks, the primary concern among the publishing community is the condensed
Read moreWhen Crytek unveiled plans to release Crysis Remastered earlier this summer, fans of the first-person shooter were ecstatic. The original version released in the 2007 and revolutionized the genre with its open-ended gameplay approach. However, the Crytek engine proved especially taxing for even the most powerful PC hardware at the time. Thirteen years later, the remastered version is running at
Read moreNot long ago, fans basked in the glory of printed video game mangas and strategy guides. After renowned publisher Prima Games closed its doors in 2019, a large void emerged across the industry for material prose. While most companies transitioned exclusively to online or virtual forums, Insight Editions remained focused on hardcover print. On Sunday, Amazon announced that preorders of
Read moreMost 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 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
Read moreThe history of console exclusives is one of sadness and melancholy. What began as a means of protecting first-party titles has progressed into backroom negotiations between console owners and third-party studios. Mergers and acquisitions also continue to exacerbate the situation. In the end, the video game community suffers as studios pursue exclusivity for corporate gain. While this approach temporarily increases
Read moreFocusing on strenuous tasks for prolonged intervals of time is challenging; therefore, everyone deserves the occasional repose. From the daily grind of the workplace to prolonged extracurricular activities, we all need a break from monotony. The video game solution to lengthy and mundane narrative has been the side quest. Classified as a non-essential part of the game, side quests offer
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