The 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
Read moreStorytelling in video games remains a challenging endeavor. While a scarce number of studios have attempted to create series of interconnected sagas, most select a path of standalone experiences that employ common elements and threads. Noteworthy examples include Final Fantasy, Legend of Zelda, Assassin’s Creed, Resident Evil, and others. During the Ubisoft Forward presentation, the Far Cry 6 news provided
Read moreRevenue from the video game industry continues to outpace the likes of movies, television, and music. While the collective success is impressive, many leaders are starting to wonder how the industry could improve. Perhaps the most divisive argument is the topic of console exclusive games. In a recent Xbox Live speech, Phil Spencer shared his candid thoughts on console exclusivity
Read moreThe adaptation of video game series to other forms of media does not always yield optimum results. While the Resident Evil movies remain a silver lining, the big screen conversions of Mortal Kombat, Max Payne, Super Mario Bros., and Doom were utter failures. But the recent success of Detective Pikachu and Sonic has given studios the courage to keep trying.
Read moreIn general, society views competition as a positive experience and influence. While passion in the heat of the moment can lead to questionable impulses, competition teaches work ethic, camaraderie, and respect. But under certain circumstances, competition can be detrimental. For example, rivalry among video game companies normally manifests in the form of console exclusives. This result precludes large segments of
Read moreAs the world continues to struggle from the pandemic, video game release schedules remains volatile. Notable 2020 delays include Cyberpunk 2077, Ghost of Tsushima, Final Fantasy VII Remake, The Last of Us 2, and others. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, studios are hesitant to update the community on future video game titles. But on Monday, news leaked regarding
Read moreWith the next console generation launching this fall, the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One will ride off into the sunset. While both consoles have enjoyed relative success, Sony is the clear winner of the eighth console generation. With over 110 million units sold worldwide, the PlayStation 4 has given studios a large pool of diverse players. In turn, studios have
Read moreOver the past decade, the bar by which fans evaluate difficulty is tied directly to a singular franchise: Dark Souls. First released in 2011 by FromSoftware, Dark Souls is an action role-playing game that is as punishing as it is polarizing. As more players overcame the arduous kingdom of Lordran, the game spawned a fan base of “git-gud” gamers. Studios
Read moreAlthough the Entertainment Software Association cancelled the industry’s annual capstone event, E3 2020, Sony and Microsoft each hosted online events. Both companies revealed details on next-generation hardware as well as gameplay trailers for upcoming games. While Sony is a the undisputed winner of the last console generation, fans of both platforms are excited for the future. But in a surprising
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