Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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Hogwarts Legacy has now sold over 34 million copies.
It has become one of the best-selling new releases of this decade.
A sequel’s development is fully underway.
Avalanche Studios did a commendable job delivering the best Harry Potter experience in a video game. Hogwarts Legacy’s success story continues and is by far the only title holding Warner Bros.’ gaming division.
The game has now sold over 34 million copies, making it one of the best-selling releases of this decade.
Why it matters: Hogwarts Legacy was a fresh take on the Harry Potter world, acting as a prequel to the movies. It’s great to see the concept paying off well for Avalanche Software.
Hogwarts Legacy Sequel Development Is Fully Underway.
The sales figures were revealed in a new article by Bloomberg. As per the last update, the game sold 30 million copies in November 2024, which brings us to 4 million additional copies sold in the last 4 months.
Hogwarts Legacy’s sales aren’t stopping anytime soon as it shatters multiple records. The title was also 2023’s best-selling game, the first for any non-Call of Duty or Rockstar game in over a decade and a half.
However, it’s unfortunate that Warner Bros. couldn’t capitalize further on the title by introducing a much-needed expansion and features for the game.
Warner Bros. recently canceled an unannounced DLC expansion and definitive edition for the game, which they had planned for release this year.
The Canceled DLC For The Game Would’ve Added A Cut Storyline Surrounding One Of The Main Characters.
A sequel for the game is currently underway and is a big priority for Warner Bros. Despite earlier remarks, Hogwarts Legacy still won’t take the live-service approach despite the publisher’s push toward the model.
Still, analysts predict that Avalanche Software won’t be able to hit the mark again with the sequel since the hunger for a Harry Potter game has already been satiated.
Moreover, the studio would need to innovate further on the concept, which seems quite difficult with the bar already set too high.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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Warner Bros has canceled an unannounced DLC and definitive edition for Hogwarts Legacy.
The publisher didn’t feel the considered price was justifiable for the content.
The new content is speculated to be the previously leaked director’s cut.
Warner Bros.’s gaming division has seen only one major success this decade with Hogwarts Legacy, which is widely regarded as the best Harry Potter game to date.
Building on this strong start, developer Avalanche Sofware had plans to expand the game with additional content. However, those post-launch plans have now been scrapped.
An unannounced DLC and a definitive edition were in the works for Hogwarts Legacy, but both have now been canceled.
Why it matters: Hogwarts Legacy was a smash hit and a dream come true for Harry Potter fans. Since its release, fans have been waiting for more content for the game. However, Warner Bros. canceling the DLC expansion would be disappointing for them.
Warner Bros. Will Focus Majorly On Hogwarts Legacy And Mortal Kombat Moving Forward
According to a new report by Bloomberg, the DLC expansion would introduce brand-new storylines for the game, and it was planned for release this year alongside the game’s definitive edition.
The decision resulted from Warner Bros.’s gaming division restructuring just last month, which also caused the cancelation of Wonder Woman. Additionally, Warner Bros. didn’t feel that the considered price for the new content was justifiable for the amount of content.
The definitive edition and DLC are suggested to be part of the director’s cut that was planned for the game. Being developed alongside Rocksteady, the DLC expansion was said to add a cut storyline tied to one of the characters from the game, alongside new features.
Hogwarts Legacy Sequel Unlikely To Meet Expectations, Says Analyst
Following such setbacks, Warner Bros. is fully committed to Mortal Kombat and Hogwarts Legacy as a franchise, with a new sequel planned and marked as a “big priority“.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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Ubisoft forms a new subsidiary with Tencent.
Following this new affiliation, the company’s employees worried they might face layoffs.
The employees feel uncertain about their future unless they’re working on core franchises.
Regardless of Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ performance, Ubisoft’s outcome was set in stone. While earlier reports revealed that the French publisher would sell its major IPs, it has now taken a safer approach by forming a new subsidiaryworth over $4 billion with gaming giant Tencent.
The new subsidiary would focus on Ubisoft’s core franchises, such as Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Rainbow Six Seige, and more. While this approach may benefit Ubisoft as a company, the same cannot be said for the employees, who now fear being laid off.
Why it matters: Layoffs have become a huge problem in the gaming industry. Ubisoft has become infamous for cutting down its workforce, and another wave of layoffs is the last thing the company needs when its reputation is at an all-time low.
Ubisoft’s Employees Worried About Layoffs Following New Subsidiary || Source: X
A new report suggests that Ubisoft employees who are not working on these major franchises are now worried they might be laid off. Ubisoft has canceled more than 5 AAA projects recently, leaving employees not working on the core franchises uncertain about their future in the company.
Even though the Chief Studio at the company reiterated that the work of those not working on these core franchises is still appreciated, the employees still don’t feel safe.
Anonymous employees have now reached out to the media outlet with their thoughts on the ongoing situation.
We feel [expletive] if we’re not on the big three
Another employee stated:
We just want to know what’s going on
Ubisoft hasn’t been transparent to its employees or investors, who previously also threatened to drag the French publisher to court.
Ubisoft Stock Increased By 5% Following AC Shadows’ Positive Reception
Mostly, employees have expressed optimism that the once-renowned publisher would get back on its feet following this business affiliation. However, they can’t help but feel scared about losing their jobs.
With Ubisoft’s focus on its core franchises, they’ll likely halt or even cancel other projects to bounce back towards profitability, something they’ve done in the past. Anyhow, the French publisher’s future remains uncertain, for now.
At T4G, my task is to cover the latest news around the gaming globe ASAP and with the utmost precision. I adore all the games and respect all the devs behind the amazing games that we get all year. So, whether it’s a PC or a Console game, I got it all covered.
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Ubisoft has formed a new subsidiary that includes Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and more.
Tencent is investing €1.16 billion in it, accounting for around 25% of the stock.
The company is thrilled with the partnership and expects to be more ambitious.
Once a huge name in the industry known for outstanding projects, Ubisoft has come a long way down. Recent years have been so crushing for the company that it was pushed to the brink of bankruptcy. Now, to save its IPs, Ubisoft has partnered with Tencent.
Ubisoft revealed today that it is forming a subsidiary with a value of around $4 billion, which will include most of its popular franchises. Chinese giant Tencent will own a massive 25% stake of the subsidiary.
Why it matters: With falling stocks and fear of losing its IPs, Ubisoft has been actively looking for investors, and it seems to have found them in the form of Tencent.
Ubisoft is partnering with Tencent for a new subsidiary
According to Investing.com, Ubisoft’s new subsidiary is valued at $4.3 billion and includes its popular franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six. In addition, Tencent is investing €1.16 billion, accounting for 25% of the shares.
Today, Ubisoft is opening a new chapter in its history. This is a foundational step in changing Ubisoft’s operating model that will enable us to be both agile and ambitious.
– Yves Guillemot
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows was supposed to be a make-or-break game for Ubisoft
Ubisoft’s CEO, Yves Guillemot, showed his delight at this new development, stating that this is the start of something new for the studio. This will change the company’s operating model and enable it to be more ambitious.
The gaming giant hoped Assassin’s Creed Shadows would save it from the current situation, but this partnership now seems like the right move forward. However, the newly formed subsidiary will work on the aforementioned and upcoming games.
What are your thoughts on Ubisoft partnering with Tencent to keep its IPs afloat? Let us know your opinions in the comments, or join the discussion at the official Tech4Gamers Forum.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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Assassin’s Creed Shadows now boasts 3 million players.
The game achieved this milestone in just one week.
Gamers have also spent over 40 million hours on the RPG, making it the series’ 2nd biggest launch.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been out for a full week now, and Ubisoft continues to share encouraging updates about the AAA title. The game previously reached 2 million players, beating Assassin’s Creed Origins and Odyssey to this milestone.
A few days later, Ubisoft states that the 3 million milestone has also been achieved, making the latest RPG Assassin’s Creed’s second biggest in terms of day one sales.
Why it matters: This success has given Ubisoft some breathing room after constant disappointments recently. The French gaming giant’s stock is also showing signs of life.
As per Ubisoft, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has made a new record on PlayStation. The game marks Ubisoft’s biggest launch on the PlayStation Store, even beating out Assassin’s Creed Valhalla.
On that note, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla continues to lead the franchise. Addressing this success, the French gaming giant stated that the success was mainly due to the pandemic in 2020, giving the series an extra edge that is no longer present.
Because gaming interest is no longer as high today, the launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a major feat for Ubisoft. The company also confirms that gamers have spent over 40 million hours in Feudal Japan in a matter of a week.
Feudal Japan Is A Strong Setting For Assassin’s Creed
What the future holds for the studio after this success is still a mystery, but it’s safe to say that Assassin’s Creed is here to stay. If the latest entry proves anything, it’s that gamers are still interested in the IP, whether through the RPG format or the more classic stealth gameplay.
Currently serving as a News Reporter at Tech4Gamers, I have the privilege of combining my love for gaming with the art of storytelling. My role involves crafting engaging narratives that keep our audience abreast of the latest developments in the gaming world.
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Metroid Prime 4 Beyond will be released sometime in 2025.
It is the first mainline entry in the series after 17 years.
Gameplay details reveal new psychic abilities and the setting of planet Viewros.
The latest Nintendo Direct started strong with new footage and key details for Metroid Prime 4 Beyond. First announced 7 years ago, the game’s development history was rocky before finally landing the right spot with Retro Studios.
Nintendo has just released some footage for the upcoming FPS. Metroid Prime 4 Beyond will be released sometime in 2025.
Why it matters: Metroid Prime is undoubtedly one of Nintendo’s most beloved FPS franchises. Still, the series hasn’t seen a new entry in over a decade. The release date for the next Metroid Prime title will surely please the series’ fans.
Metroid Prime 4 Beyond will drop players into the unknown planet of Viewros. As Samus, players will interact with unknown alien species and try to survive the planet’s surprises as Samus tries to escape home.
The game also features psychic abilities from which players can operate mechanisms to open pathways and move forward. Moreover, these psychic abilities can also be used to control the trajectory of her beams and hit multiple enemies at the same time.
Metroid Prime 4 Stuns In New Gameplay Footage
The short video shows fast-paced gameplay reminiscent of the DOOM games. However, every bit of the DNA from the older Metroid Prime games is still very much present in the new entry.
Expect more details on the game before launch in the upcoming Nintendo shows, as the release date and platforms’ release are still indefinite.
What are your thoughts on Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, judging by the gameplay footage? Will you buy the game when it releases this year? Let us know in the comments below or head toward the official Tech4Gamers Forums.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
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Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s director left EA after the game failed to meet sales targets.
Director Corrine Busche is now working under Wizards of the Coast, the company that owns Baldur’s Gate.
The developer is leading an unannounced project under an internal studio formed recently.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard’s failure led to major changes at BioWare. Following this release, director Corrine Busche departed the studio, leading to uncertainty about the future.
While BioWare is now planning a comeback with Mass Effect, Corrine Busche has already moved on to a new project. According to new reports, the director is now leading a brand new game for Wizards of the Coast, the same company that owns the Baldur’s Gate IP.
Why it matters: Despite the unprecedented success of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios will not develop the next game. Instead, Wizards of the Coast is leading the charge for the IP.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard Failed To Meet Sales Targets
Wizards of the Coasts’ Dan Ayoub recently spoke about Corrine Busche’s position as a lead developer at the newly formed Skeleton Key studio. The team has yet to release anything but worked on two projects until recently.
While one has now been cancelled, Corrine Busche is leading the game that survived, bringing most of the other developers to the surviving project. Because of the director’s past, this project is also expected to be yet another RPG.
Although many believed Corrine Busche would be involved in Baldur’s Gate 4, this does not seem to be the case for now. Wizards of the Coast has yet to say anything substantial regarding the franchise for now, although it is likely to be searching for partner developers.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Broke Many Records In 2023
As per Dan Ayoub, the company is dedicated to building RPGs and single-player experiences for players around the globe.
We want to build worlds, story-driven, single-player character games.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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2015 was filled with incredible games like Arkham Knight, Bloodborne, Yakuza 0, etc.
Today, the gaming industry is filled with monotony and specific agendas, with some exceptions.
The fact that gaming was better a decade ago is quite concerning.
Over the years, video gaming as a medium has evolved in more ways than one, and for someone who has witnessed it all, it has been a sight to behold. From two pixels on the screen to intricate gameplay mechanics and photorealistic visuals, gaming has come a long way.
However, recently, I have been feeling stagnant. A few years ago, gaming was the embodiment of innovation. Now, it’s the pursuit of hyperrealistic visuals, even though we’re pretty much already there. Yes, plenty of mind-blowing games exist now, too, but the last massive generational leap was way back in 2015.
Why it matters: Gaming has changed a lot in modern times; a decade ago, games were pushing the boundaries of possibilities, but today, they have become a rare occurrence.
The Unrivaled Lineup Of 2015
Don’t believe me? You will when you see the cracked lineup that 2015 brought with it. I remember it was the year I got my PS4, and man, the games looked good compared to the PS3. When I booted up Batman Arkham Knight for the first time, I knew this was the peak of video game visuals.
Looking back, I wasn’t entirely wrong. Batman Arkham Knight, a 2015 game, looks better than many games today. 2015 already perfected video game graphics, and Arkham Knight is living proof of that.
If Batman had visuals going for it, The Witcher 3 and Bloodborne were engaging gameplay at its best. Witcher 3 is still one of the best RPGs around, and don’t even get me started on my beloved, Bloodborne. I still consider its innovative take on the standard Souls gameplay, bewitching environments, and level design unmatched.
And this is just the beginning. We have Metal Gear Solid 5, a masterpiece stealth action that has aged beautifully; the legendary origin story in Yakuza 0; Tekken 7, which needs no introduction; Rise of the Tomb Raider; Fallout 4; Dying Light; Undertale; Just Cause 3; Life is Strange; and much much more.
2015 was one hell of a year for video games.
My apologies for not writing detailed praise for the last few entries, but that doesn’t change the fact that they were absolute powerhouses.
The Problems Of Today’s Gaming
It pains me to admit that things went downhill afterward. The 2015 me wondered, “If it’s this good now, what is waiting 10 years later?” Unfortunately, it wasn’t the creative explosion I hoped for but an oversaturation of a handful of concepts.
The thing I find the most illogical is the obsession with extreme photorealism. Video games are about entertainment, not a competition of what looks the most realistic. As long as I have fun, visuals honestly don’t mean a thing to me. Regrettably, the pursuit of visual fidelity and blockbuster cinematics still continues.
Visuals aren’t the only thing. Hero shooters, microtransactions, live services, cinematic games, every game adopting the action formula, and Soulslike combat. Each had a “boom period,” when everything tried to imitate these popular concepts.
And now, we’re seeing an abundance of specific agendas and thought processes in games when stuff like this has no place in an entertainment medium. I pick up games to relax and have a good time, not to be fed some form of politics or agenda.
This is exactly why I hate modern gaming.
A Lesson From 10 Years Ago
Don’t get me wrong; masterpieces exist today, no doubt. Certain developers have upheld the mantle of creativity and excellence and have my utmost respect. We’ve had some pretty solid years after 2015. 2017 was just as impressive, if not better, for gamers around the globe.
However, a contrast between 2015 and the 10-year-later 2025 period shows how things have slowly deteriorated. You’ll see that 2015 was filled with masterpieces in every genre and category. You had brawlers, beat ’em ups, stealth, survival, RPG, platformers, and moreover, creative gameplay, impactful stories, mind-blowing visuals, everything.
Today, quality games like Elden Ring, Yakuza, Astro Bot, Split Fiction, Monster Hunter, etc., have become the exception. It’s mostly just a reiteration of popular concepts. Some think blockbuster AAA’s and “movie games” are the way to go, others opt for a God of War-style action, while some big companies are obsessed with microtransactions.
This quality needs to become consistent (Image by Tech4Gamers)
All this makes me miss the times when gaming was all about blind fun. If it were up to me, I’d give the PS2 era the crown, but since we’re talking about modern gaming, 2015 is some of my most fun. Compared to that, the PS5 era, especially 2024-25, has been pretty dull. How I wish the glory days would return.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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The iconic action JRPG series Tales is bringing back its classics with remasters.
The PS2 gem featuring a unique battle system, Tales of Legendia, deserves a chance.
Rather than Abyss and Xilia, the older Legendia will benefit the most from an upgrade and exposure.
JRPG is a genre that is very close to my heart. I started my humble gaming journey with it, and it has been one hell of a ride so far. Ever since I played Final Fantasy 6 way back in the day and sat there in awe and admiration, I’ve explored the vast world of JRPGs to my heart’s content.
I was there whether it be action, turn-based, hybrid, or tactical JRPGs. It’s hard to explain, but everything about the genre—from gameplay elements to world-building, character stories to voice acting—is a treat to watch unfold. Many long-running series still go strong, one of which is my topic today: The Tales series.
Why it matters: Rather than the apparent choice like Tales of the Abyss, the older, more underrated Tales of Legendia needs a mechanical upgrade and modern recognition.
The Revival Of Tales’ Classics
No JRPG fan has not heard of the Tales of series. It’s the flagbearer of action JRPGs in the modern era, alongside Ys, and features some of the genre’s most beloved and renowned entries.
Action JRPGs at their finest (Image by Tech4Gamers)
The JRPG series mostly features standalone games, but one thing’s for sure. The quirky characters, strong plotlines, and highly entertaining anime-style Skits featuring hilarious character interactions will make your day. The unique combat system involving Arts and directional mobility is a true treat.
This massive series has had games on multiple platforms over the years, many of which are now obsolete. To salvage these gems, Namco is slowly returning the series’ classics with remasters. First, it was Tales of Symphonia, and now Tales of Graces f, which is a fantastic game you should try.
Now, the question arises: What’s next? Of course, Tales of the Abyss and Xilia are the most obvious choices. Luke’s phenomenal journey of redemption and self-discovery in Abyss which introduced the free run mechanic is still my favorite Tales game ever, and fans have been asking for Xilia and Graces f ports for years now.
Tales of the Abyss is a must-play (Image by Nintendo)
Since Graces f is here, Xilia must be close behind, and Tales of the Abyss has fans all over. But I’m here with a hot take today. As much as I love Abyss, I think the more deserving contender is Tales of Legendia. Now, before you decide to come after me, let me explain my stance a bit.
Tales of Legendia is probably the most underrated entry of the series. I think it’s not as popular because of the different battle systems. Tales series generally features a 3D battle arena with linear motion and directional mobility on command. Tales of Legendia does things differently.
On top of the random encounters, the combat system is in 2D, similar to a fighting game. The Tekken and Soulcalibur developers working on it might be the reason. Yes, it can be a little awkward and hard to learn, but trust me, don’t let this minor inconvenience stop you from witnessing a splendid game.
Legendia Deserves The Recognition
Besides, the combat is not necessarily bad. Instead of tactical movement around the enemy, you must time your backsteps and maintain a calculated distance while closing in strategically. It’s worth learning, especially when you enjoy a solid game.
I had a great time with Tales of Legendia (Image by u/AfrowJow)
The game follows Senel and his sister as they land on a mysterious ship/island. When the sister is called a “savior” and kidnapped, a journey of rescue and uncovering the secrets of this enshrouded place begins. The story pacing has some issues, but the overall plot, especially the voice acting and hilarious character interactions, make up for it.
The only qualm I have with the game is the frustrating random encounters. But as Namco is creating remasters with improved quality of life, I believe Legendia’s random encounters can be replaced with on-screen enemy sprites, similar to Symphonia and subsequent games.
In a nutshell, Tales of Legendia is a beautiful game underneath its flaws and deserves a lot more than being abandoned on the PS2. Yes, Tales of the Abyss and Xilia are more fan-favorite. Still, both being on later platforms and the fact that Legendia needs a mechanical upgrade the most make them a slightly lower priority.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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Gacha games investing in greed-free single-player titles like Stellar Blade and Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a respectable move.
However, some developers like Hoyoverse continue to create one Gacha after another.
It’s only right for profitable gachas to create a monetization-less game occasionally.
Gacha games is a concept that has only recently gained mainstream attention but has existed for years. You might not have heard of it before Genshin Impact, but they have a rich history on the mobile platform. Getting your favorite characters and their equipment is truly an adrenaline rush, which is what these games count on, you emptying your wallets.
But my point today is what they decide to do with this revenue. Some fail to maintain their charm and shut down, others invest it cleverly per popular demand and continue to grow, and some decide to prepare a non-predatory present for their loyal fans—my favorite kind.
Why it matters: If Nikke’s developer Shift Up and Granblue Fantasy’s Cygames can make purely entertaining single-player games, I see no reason other big gacha developers can’t.
Stellar Blade and GBF: Relink, A True Treat
What is this present I speak of? Well, of course, single-player games. Certain gacha devs decided to reward their loyal fans for all they spent on their games with an awesome single-player game free of microtransactions and full of love and dedication. What better reward could a gamer ask for?
The first such example is Granblue Fantasy: Relink. GBF is one of the oldest gacha games, with a strong, dedicated fanbase, and Relink isn’t the first time it invested in a non-gacha treat.
Hats off to Cygames; Relink is amazing.
From the fighting games GBF Versus to the latest Relink, Cygames sure knows how to put a smile on my face. These titles, especially Relink, are just pure fan service overload. From an All-Stars fighting game to a full-blown JRPG complete with complex and entertaining gameplay, a short but sweet story, and a ton of replayability, it’s all I ever wanted.
And how could I not mention Stellar Blade? Korean developer Shift Up truly outdid itself. After the success of Nikke, it humbly decided to give something gacha-free to its fans: Stellar Blade. An action game inspired by Nier filled with slick combat, an engaging story, attractive characters, and exciting collaborations. I genuinely love gestures like this.
It takes a lot of guts to invest a huge sum in a single-player game that won’t earn nearly as much as a gacha. They could just make another gacha game, doubling the profit. Why produce single-player titles when gachas can earn for years? Just look at Mihoyo (now Hoyoverse).
Genshin Impact was the explosion that started the mainstream gacha trend. Hoyoverse’s Honkai Impact 3rd was doing well, but it was nowhere near what Genshin made. People came to its support one after another, and Hoyoverse became one of the biggest companies around. What did it do next? Make two more big-budget gachas, of course.
Don’t get me wrong, Hoyoverse knows how to please its fans. It has invested more wisely and grown its titles than any other gacha developer. But there’s no denying that money-making is one of its biggest priorities with 3 gacha games, growing powercreep, and manipulation of the game’s mechanics to favor newer characters.
Was one profitable gacha not enough? (Image by Tech4gamers)
Generosity Goes A Long Way For A Gacha
Besides, Hoyoverse isn’t the only one. Look at Kuro games, coming up with Wuthering Waves as a Genshin Impact competitor after Punishing Gray Raven. Similarly, the Arknights developer is also working on an open-world gacha game, which is a waste if you ask me. Arknights is probably the most unique and one of the best gacha games around.
Interesting characters, amazing stories, highly entertaining combat full of tactical depth, the need to understand the mechanics, and a less-predatory gacha system that does not promote excessive power creep. And now the developer is funding a “same-old” open-world gacha as if the concept hasn’t been exhausted enough.
Another needless gacha from an established dev (Image by IMDB)
My point is that no matter how lenient, a gacha will always remain a money-making business more than a game. However, as long as it occasionally rewards its players, an understanding can be reached. Even now, player happiness is through the roof when a gacha game issues free pulls.
Imagine the hearts a gacha can win with a solid, agenda-free single-player to reward fans for their consistent support. Stellar Blade and GBF did it, and trust me, it is the greatest form of care a gacha company can show. Other gacha games have enough funds for this, especially Hoyoverse, and it’s time for a hearty reward.
I’ve previously worked for eXputer as a Senior News Writer for several years. Now with Tech4Gamers, I love to devoutly keep up with the latest gaming and entertainment industries. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and years of experience reporting on games and breaking exclusive stories. Besides my passion for gaming journalism, I love spending my leisure time farming away in Stardew Valley. VGC, IGN, GameSpot, Game Rant, TheGamer, GamingBolt, The Verge, NME, Metro, Dot Esports, GameByte, Kotaku Australia, PC Gamer, and more have cited my articles.
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The co-CEO of CDPR, Michal Nowakowski, says that the game price hike across AAA titles will benefit the studio.
As per experts, the potential price hike is expected with GTA 6’s launch, but nothing has been confirmed officially.
CDPR will quickly adopt a more expensive pricing structure for its upcoming AAA single-player titles.
As the AAA scene struggles to grow after years of thriving, many analysts and developers are expecting a big push to cause a potential price hike across the industry. GTA 6 is expected to cause this speculative price increase in AAA games, as per the experts.
Now, CDPR wants to be among the first AAA studios to take full advantage of the price hike if it happens. The co-CEO, Michal Nowakowski, says the game price hike will only benefit the studio in the end.
Why it matters: The remarks by CDPR’s co-CEO suggest that it will be among the first studios to adopt the expected game price hike. This development has concerned gamers, especially those waiting for the team’s AAA projects.
Michal answered a question during a webcast for last year’s earning results, clarifying that CDPR will evolve with the standard price changes for the market instead of sticking to the $70 figure in the future.
Our stance is that if the standard price changes for the market, it will work towards our benefit for sure. That’s where we sit.
However, no concrete evidence suggests that the base GTA 6 will cost more than $70 and lead to a price hike across the whole industry. Still, CDPR is wholly cautious and ready to adapt if such a speculation becomes a reality.
The opinion is that we’re going to find out soon what’s going to happen, there is likelihood for sure it’s been indicated but it’s pure speculation to be honest.
This means that the upcoming single-player CDPR projects, such as The Witcher 4 and the Cyberpunk 2077 sequel, will potentially drain our pockets of more than $70 in the future.
Additionally, CDPR’s adoption of a new pricing standard will also push other AAA studios to make their upcoming games more expensive, which has worried gamers greatly across various social media sites.
Do you think GTA 6 will cause a massive price hike across the entire AAA gaming industry? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
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Story Highlight
Many Assassin’s Creed Shadows have taken to social media to discuss hidden mechanics that Ubisoft failed to explain clearly.
Players who spent over 50 hours in the game did not know they could customize individual parts of weapons.
Others also had no idea you could change the aesthetics of what you wear, which is unlocked after you find a blacksmith for the forge.
Many Shadows players—some with over 50 hours—have now taken to social media to discuss many of the game’s hidden features that they’ve just found through hearsay. They have blamed Ubisoft for failing to reveal these mechanics clearly.
Why it matters: While Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been praised for delivering a better experience than most expected, the game still fails to clearly disclose some of its most impressive qualities.
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Many players were taken aback by the mechanic to customize parts of weapons after Ubisoft failed to clearly explain it.
Players are only finding about it after spending over 50 hours playing the game.
Players are also sharing other mechanics that are not well-explained.
Some commenters argue that these players are to be blamed instead for being oblivious.
On a popular Reddit post, a surprised player with 55 hours in Assassin’s Creed Shadows said he just learned that you can customize individual parts of weapons. Many other users were also shocked to learn about the mechanic in the comments.
Most players have been customizing the entire weapon without exploring the new feature too deeply. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the first title in the franchise to let you customize individual parts of weapons, after all.
The title also has other small yet unique features players have found after spending hours in the game. For instance, you can transmog armor to change the aesthetic to your liking. This can only be done after you get a forge in the hideout and find a blacksmith.
Some have criticized Ubisoft for failing to reveal these mechanics more clearly, but the other side argues that these players are to be blamed for not reading up on tutorials.
Do you think Ubisoft is to blame for not making these features more obvious to players during gameplay, or should players pay more attention? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.
