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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Astro Bot is the highest-rated PlayStation game on Opencritic.
It is also amongst the top 2 top-rated games for 2024 on Metacritic.
Team Asobi’s platformer has shown the industry what it was missing out on.
Astro Bot just delivered the industry a breath of fresh air that it so dearly wanted. The review scores are phenomenal, with many even calling it Mario of PlayStation. It has even become PlayStation’s highest-rated Opencritic game ever.
Why it matters: Astro Bot was already shaping into a great release. Sony marketed the game as their next big project, which seems to have paid a lot.
Astro Bot has the highest Opencritic score for a PlayStation game ever
Astro Bot debuted with a score of 95 on Opencritic, making it the best-rated PlayStation game to date on this platform. The crown for the top still remains with Super Mario Odyssey, which has a ridiculously great score of 97.
Other PlayStation releases with relatively high scores include Uncharted 4 (93) and God of War (94). Astro Bot is now the undisputed king at the top, with these scores making it a must-play for all fans.
Even on Metacritic, while it is not at the top, it boasts a score of more than a decent 94. It also gives Sony a significant boost at the top. Now, amongst 2024 releases, 2 of the 3 highest-rated releases on Metacritic are PlayStation’s.
Astro Bot feels like a love letter to PlayStation fans
This also gives a great idea of what exactly the fans want. After the absolute disaster that was Concord, Astro Bot must feel like an absolute comeback. This clearly suggests fans want more creative single-player games rather than the same old live service.
Team Asobi has a development team of a mere 60 people who worked on the platformer for 3 years. It didn’t have a gargantuan budget either, which speaks volumes as to what the industry has become. Players want creative games rather than the same thing all over.
This also led to the failure of games like Star Wars Outlaws, which relied too heavily on budget and played it too safely, leading to their failure, which led to Ubisoft stocks hitting a 10-year low. We hope more studios learn from Team Asobi’s work on Astro Bot.
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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Credible sources have revealed a release window for the highly awaited PS5 Pro.
Sony could launch the new model in the coming November this year.
A slew of rumors have suggested that it will have incredibly powerful specs.
The PS5 Pro rumors have slowly become rampant since they began showing up as early as 2021. There’s always been a buzz in the industry, whether it revolved around the specifications or possible release dates.
Now, a credible report has affirmed that the new PS5 model is slated for a November 2024release window. While no exact release date has been revealed, we may learn more about it as the month draws near.
Why it matters: A plethora of rumors have previously revealed plenty of details about the PS5 Pro. The latest report adds to these rumors with additional information.
Astro Bot is the latest Sony exclusive to make use of the PS5 hardware.
A report by Insider Gaming alleges that its sources have confirmed a November launch window for the PS5 Pro.
The prolific industry insider and leaker Tom Henderson has corroborated this rumor to further seal its legitimacy amidst conflicting speculations. Only a few official details are known about the awaited console. However, Sony may have just teased a pretty fascinating tidbit about its design.
In an image celebrating PlayStation’s 30th anniversary, a new console can be spotted with multiple lines in the middle. This tidbit about the multiple lines on the PS5 Pro was also affirmed by popular dataminer Billbil-kun last week on Twitter.
The image reveals the highly rumored design for the PlayStation 5 pro | Image Source: Billbil-kun
These findings suggest that the design has started appearing on the back end of retailer websites, which provides further evidence that an official announcement might be imminent.
All in all, the report’s credibility looks solid, but we still suggest taking it with a grain of salt.
There’s always a possibility that Sony could move the launch window for the PS5 Pro, but a notable analyst in the past also suggested that Sony would hold a showcase in September 2024 for the console, so we may soon learn more about it.
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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The Xbox 360, released in 2005, became Microsoft’s most successful console ever, outshining Sony’s PS3 in the early years of the console wars.
Xbox Live and titles like Halo and Call of Duty made this console the best platform for multiplayer games.
Accessories like the Xbox Kinect only made the platform stronger.
The Xbox 360/PS3 era is the best console generation, and the conversation isn’t even up for debate. Despite that, the PS3 was Sony’s worst console release ever, and simultaneously, the Xbox 360, Microsoft’s best console ever.
There are many reasons why the console is dubbed the greatest Xbox console ever. Now that Microsoft has shut down the Xbox 360 marketplace after almost two decades, let’s take a deep dive into the platform’s history, what made the console so great, and whether Microsoft would be able to replicate its success with future consoles.
Why it matters: Whether you feel nostalgic about the console or not, there’s no doubt that the Xbox 360 changed the face of gaming forever and single-handedly revolutionized multiplayer gaming.
Xbox 360 Was Basically Handed The Crown
The Xbox 360 Pulled Ahead Very Early On
While PlayStation has had the upper hand against Xbox for the last two generations, the same wasn’t the case before 2010 since the competition was way closer.
At the time, Sony just came from its biggest success to date, which was the PS2, regarded as the best-selling console. Microsoft had just entered the gaming competition with the Xbox, one of the most powerful machines at the time with unmatched features.
Still, the PS2 outclassed its competitors because of exclusives like the God of War series, the Dualshock 2 controller, and its ability to double as a cheap DVD player. Everyone had higher expectations for Sony and Microsoft’s next-generation consoles.
The Xbox 360 finally released in 2005, was priced at just $400 and featured state-of-the-art hardware. In comparison, the PS3 was released a year later with an incredibly egregious price point: 20GB for $499 and 60GB for $699.
The console’s launch was underwhelming, with a disappointing controller, a lack of good first-party releases, and a half-cooked online infrastructure. This meant that many immediately chose the Xbox 360 as their preferred platform.
Why The Xbox 360 Was So Good
The Xbox 360 Was The Home of Call of Duty
The Xbox 360 would then be unstoppable for years to come. Microsoft’s first-party releases like Halo, Gears of War, and the Forza games showcased the hardware’s capability, while Xbox Live kept everyone hooked on multiplayer sessions.
This was a game changer for the brand and changed online multiplayer for consoles. The multiplayer experience was unparalleled at the time, and Call of Duty, one of the biggest IPs, was best played on Microsoft’s hardware.
Xbox Live also helped popularize digital game purchases, leading to instant access to massive libraries that could be bought at the push of a single button. Party chats, avatar customization, and being part of an online community felt like an incredible experience at the time.
Heavy hitters like Mass Effect, GTA 4, and more also often played best on the Xbox 360. While the PS3 was more capable on paper, its complex hardware meant that most third-party developers found it easier to make games for Microsoft’s platform.
This resulted in more stable frame rates, though games on both consoles frequently ran below 30FPS.
The Kinect Add-on
The Kinect was released midway through the console’s lifespan and was the direct answer to the PlayStation Move and Nintendo Wii. I also liked it way better.
The Xbox Kinect sensed movements and had a built-in camera that could be used for facial and voice recognition, a technology that was groundbreaking in 2009. It was used to play friendly games, fitness, sports, and even education, making it a versatile accessory.
Despite its merits, the Xbox 360 generation wasn’t perfect. If many users remember the red ring of death, this was a major problem for Microsoft early on and almost led to the company’s early gaming demise.
Fortunately, the console itself was ahead of its time, so fans were happy to forgive a few major missteps. Looking at the gaming giant today, I wonder if we’ll ever get to witness a generation like this from Microsoft again.
The Xbox One and Series S|X haven’t lived up to expectations. New hardware is currently in development, but it’s hard to get excited again after so many disappointments and broken promises in a row.
At Tech4Gamers, I contribute as a Senior News Reporter, combining my skills and gaming enthusiasm to keep our audience updated on the latest developments.
[Press Release] Alphacool is set to debut the ES 2U reservoir, an accessible and versatile cooling solution for servers.
The ES 2U is Straight-forward And Easy To Use
The ES 2U’s hallmark feature is its compact design. Its easy-to-use design enables nearly instant filling and venting. An illuminated inspection window also allows immediate checking of the fill levels.
Alphacool includes two sensors on board. The temperature sensor can record readings between -40 and 125°C, while the flow sensor allows uninterrupted water flow monitoring.
Alphacool recommends pairing the ES 2U with D5 format pumps like the VPP Apex. To purchase the reservoir and learn more, head over to the official website.
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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PlayStation exclusives are dominating the top Metacritic games for 2024.
Astro Bot joins Final Fantasy Rebirth and Shadow of The Erdtree among the top 3 releases.
This is big for Sony, considering it was criticized for not having any exclusives this year.
Astro Bot reviews just dropped, and it already looks like a solid nominee for the Game of The Year 2024. Following this release, two of 2024’s top 3 Metacritic titles are PlayStation exclusives.
Why it matters: Multiple times this year, the criticism has been raised that PlayStation lacks exclusives or a roadmap. Astro Bot seems like the answer to those.
The current top 3 releases for 2024 on Metacritic are Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Elden Ring’s Shadow of The Erdtree, and Astro Bot, which we predicted could be Sony’s dark horse for this year.
Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth isn’t technically from a first-party studio. However, considering that Square Enix has a deal with Sony, it is highly unlikely we’ll see it on other platforms anytime soon, even though more Final Fantasy games are coming to Xbox.
Despite this achievement, there’s no denying the fact that Sony hasn’t had much to show for 2024. While there are hits like Stellar Blade and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Astro Bot seems like the title it was really looking for.
Astro Bot shows why the industry needs different and unique ideas to succeed.
There is no doubt that Astro Bot is one of the greatest platformers we’ve seen in years.
It will make Microsoft question its decision to cancel the Crash Bandicoot game. Microsoft is now turning into more of a publisher and despite some good releases, it doesn’t have any game in the top Metacritic list this year.
This also makes PS5 the only platform where all the top 3 games are playable. Out of the three, Shadow of the Erdtree is the only one you can play on Xbox, and this is a DLC rather than a full game.
Anyhow, Sony will be glad to see these results. The gaming giant has been marketing Astro Bot as its next big title, which might cement the tiny robot as PlayStation’s mascot of this generation.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
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The majority of the big publishers are only focusing on AAA games.
A developer recently stated that AA or indie games will never return because everyone is chasing Fortnite’s success.
He talked about how Warner Bros doubled down on live service titles despite the recent success of Hogwarts Legacy.
There have been many AA hits in recent years, like Remnant 2, Lies of P, Hi-Fi Rush, and Palworld. Despite seeing great results, the AA and indie games haven’t been big publishers’ ambitious projects, as most of the big studios are chasing the success of games like Fortnite.
This trend of chasing a popular game might not end anytime soon. A developer has also talked about how indie games remain underrated while the big guns keep focusing on unrealistic success.
Why it matters: The industry has seen major layoffs and studio closures over the recent period, as the budgets have gone way higher.
Hi-Fi Rush Was The Highest Rated Xbox Title Last Year
In a recent podcast with Limit Break Network, Xalavier Nelson, who worked on many titles, including Pace Warlord Organ Trading Simulator, discussed why the industry doesn’t see more mid-budget games.
He says that a major reason we cannot have an AA revolution is the money, and people who could fund one would rather bet on Suicide Squad-sized games.
Everyone who has the money to do a AA revolution instead wants to make a new Fortnite, and that new Fortnite might get canceled before it ever gets released.
-Xalavier Nelson
Since the publishers who could invest in AA and indie games are taking big bets and chasing Fortnite success, it’s likely that we won’t see an AA revolution, and the industry will see more big-budget titles.
Hogwarts Legacy Was The Most Successful Release of Last Year
Nelson further discussed how Warner Bros. also doubled down on live service titles despite the massive success of Hogwarts Legacy. Therefore, he says that the industry will see some releases like Palworld that could go massive, but there won’t be many.
We also agree with the developer, as recent releases like Skull and Bones, Concord, Suicide Squad, and many others have had disastrous results.
Nonetheless, it remains to be seen how the industry will evolve in the coming years. However, releases like Elden Ring, Stellar Blade, and Black Myth: Wukong suggest that single-player games can still be very successful.
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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Black Myth: Wukong has officially sold about 18 million copies.
Game Science confirms that this project required six years of development and a $70 million budget.
The team has already made 10x as much money through initial sales, so it will expand the IP with DLC in the future.
The Black Myth: Wukong success story continues. A new report from Bloomberg confirms official details on the action RPG after it broke records across Steam and earned very positive review scores.
Game Science has confirmed that 18 million units have been sold so far. Moreover, the team has confirmed that it spent about $70 million on this release.
Why it matters: Gaming budgets are growing out of control today. A release like Black Myth: Wukong shows how the gaming industry can solve this problem.
Black Myth: Wukong Has Already Became A Fan-Favorite
According to Game Science, this action RPG was created in about six years. During these six years, the team went through various changes to expand the studio and prepare for AAA development.
The $70 million figure is interesting since many AAA productions usually cost a lot more. Despite its limited budget, fans found the action RPG quite enjoyable and rivaling many other releases that cost upwards of $100 million.
Because the budget was relatively low, Black Myth: Wukong has been highly profitable. The 18 million sales have translated to nearly $1 billion in revenue. Consequently, the studio has confirmed the development of DLC.
Nobody Expected China’s First AAA Release To Do So Well
Game Science is moving forward with the same ambition that made Black Myth: Wukong such a standout hit. It intends to provide even more immersive experiences for fans in the future.
Because of its recent success, the developer’s name is now edged in everyone’s mind. Fans are looking forward to seeing where the Destined One’s journey will take him next.
At Tech4gamers, I cover all sorts of gaming news. Whether it’s a leak of any upcoming game or an update, an announcement, or a rumour, I like to write about it all. Over the weekend, I sit and write features where I talk about games that I miss or want to see return.
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Concord will be completely shut down tomorrow.
The team behind this project recently shared their thoughts on the situation, stating they would always be proud of their work.
Other developers are also rallying in support of Firewalk.
Concord has become the industry’s latest disappointment. Despite being in development for around a decade, the hero shooter launched to under 1,000 players on Steam.
Just two weeks after its launch, PlayStation started refunding the game and confirmed that the servers would soon be shut down. Although the team’s eight-year work has gone in vain, the developers say they are still proud of Concord.
Why it matters: Live service releases are almost always a hit or miss, and Concord is the latest example of why developers should consider the market before embarking on new projects.
Concord Is The Biggest Disappointment of The Year
Soon after it was confirmed that the hero shooter’s servers would be shut down, many developers from Firewalk shared heartfelt messages on Twitter. PlayStation Visual Arts’ senior artist Hugh Chew tweeted that he will always be proud of himself and the team for their accomplishments.
Will always be proud of what was accomplished for myself, for Firewalk, and for the PSVA team.
-Hugh Chew
Another developer stated that Firewalk is full of tenacious fighters. He believes the team’s ability to release the hero shooter despite multiple issues, such as the pandemic, various acquisitions, a switch from Unreal Engine 4 to 5, and more, is commendable.
Other industry developers were also quick to appreciate Firewalk. One of Arkane Lyon’s developers offered his condolences, stating that all humans make mistakes. All in all, it’s clear that the industry is backing Firewalk.
Concord Servers Will Go Offline From Tomorrow
Though it is not yet known what’s next for the team, we hope they move on from recent events as soon as possible. Perhaps the studio can put its talents to good use on a different type of game.
It was reported that the game sold just 25K copies before its closure, which meant that PlayStation lost nearly $200 million on the hero shooter. Therefore, seeing how the company plans to recover from here will be interesting.
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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It has been said that GTA 6 could change gaming prices for good.
In my opinion, Rockstar is far too smart to make such a mistake, especially since the team can easily offer an early-access edition that serves a similar purpose.
Fans are already against the idea of $70 AAA releases, so this move would not bode well for Take-Two and its biggest studio.
The Grand Theft Auto franchise truly stands in a league of its own today. As one of the biggest products in all of entertainment, this series has made a name for itself for being innovative, engaging, and often shocking.
With GTA 6 coming next year, the stage is set for Rockstar to do something truly groundbreaking in the industry. However, with this excitement comes fear. As fans count the days toward the pre-order announcement, there is visible concern about the launch price.
It has been said that Rockstar could change gaming prices as we know them today, potentially opening the floodgates for $80-100 AAA releases. While these concerns aren’t unwarranted, I believe the developer will do no such thing.
Why it matters: Pricing in the AAA industry is a delicate subject since many believe very few AAA releases justify the current asking price.
A PR Nightmare For Everyone Involved
The First Trailer Showed Lucia And Jason’s Dynamic Duo
The first studio to push for games priced at more than $70 is almost guaranteed to face pushback from the community.
Take-Two and Rockstar would need to come up with a thousand different explanations to justify GTA 6’s pricing, especially since former developers have argued the game will be more of the same.
Audiences have just begun to accept $70 as the new standard, but PlayStation faced its fair share of backlash for leading this transition. Many still believe that most AAA productions don’t justify the $70 price point.
A higher praise would lead to exponentially higher expectations from GTA 6. While I don’t doubt Rockstar’s ability to deliver, a $80-100 price tag could hurt the bottom line, something you probably don’t want for the first Grand Theft Auto entry in over ten years.
Early Access For $80-100 Would Be 10x More Practical
Everyone Has High Hopes For Grand Theft Auto’s Return
The biggest reason I think Rockstar won’t go for a base price higher than $70 is the fact that a solution already exists.
Publishers and developers are increasingly charging consumers a higher-than-standard price for just a few days of early access. With Rockstar’s next release being GTA 6, almost everyone would leap at the opportunity to play the game early, if only for a few days.
With the right marketing, the studio could see most of the initial sales coming from a premium edition that guarantees a few days of early access. At the same time, the developer would avoid the PR nightmare that would follow a higher-than-usual base price.
This strategy would effectively allow the company to kill two birds with one stone. At the time of writing, the likes of Ubisoft are already practising this trend, with Star Wars Outlaws being the most recent example of a game that shipped with early access options.
GTA 6 Doesn’t Need To Cost More
The Current Pricing of AAA Releases Is Already Controversial
This goes without saying, but GTA 6 will be the most significant release this industry has ever seen. A billion-dollar launch is practically a given, with more money to be made through post-launch live service support.
As such, Rockstar can ignore temporary revenue for long-term gain. If GTA 6 ends up being as impressive as it is being made out to be, fans will gladly fork over extra cash to support the studio.
The goodwill earned from a traditional price would be worth more to the studio since the community would be inclined to support the online aspect of GTA 6 through microtransactions.
From everything I’ve seen so far, Rockstar has no real reason to even consider a price over $70. I understand the developer’s recent antics with GTA Online have left the community in doubt, but all signs point to the team following industry trends.
If worst comes to worst, I’m sure the most dedicated of fans would still pay $100 or more for the game. However, I’m confident we’ll be buying GTA 6 for just $70 in 2025, at least for those of us who usually stick with the standard edition.
At Tech4Gamers, I mainly cover new gaming news, leaks, and rumours. Aside from that, I love to write features about my favourite games while inserting my opinion about their different aspects.
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Black Myth: Wukong is either too hard or too easy, depending on how you play it.
Some bosses in the game are almost impossible to beat without certain items.
However, the fight dynamics completely change once you have access to these items.
Fans can expect seven additional chapters featuring more content than the base game offered. That said, I have seen some people say the game is too easy while others complain it is too hard.
Neither side is incorrect since you can make the experience easy or hard based on how you play. You need specific items to comfortably beat certain bosses, and missing them is not difficult at all.
Why it matters: Black Myth: Wukong has great bosses, but some are really annoying. However, their gimmicks can be dealt with via certain items.
Black Myth: Wukong is Too Easy
Black Myth: Wukong Has Some Bosses That Are Almost Impossible To Beat Without Certain Items
Starting the game, you might encounter the first skill check by Wandering Wight. This boss didn’t give me a hard time, but it was a pretty ruthless fight. You can also clear the early-game areas pretty easily. However, things get interesting when you beat the secret bosses in Chapter 2.
Things get a little harder here, but using everything you have will make sure you don’t fail. Many bosses might feel like they are unfair, and Yellowbrow is one such example. However, using the Spell Binder can make your experience much better.
Also, knowing not to use Immobilize and A Pluck of Many is quite helpful. Elsewhere, the final boss of chapter 4, Hundred-Eyed Daoist Master, is almost impossible to take on if you don’t have the item to beat him.
The boss’ second phase will take away most of your stamina, and you won’t be able to transform into a spirit. However, if you have the weaver’s needle, you will be able to force him out of that phase. This makes the whole fight 100 times easier.
Another great example would be the Supreme Inspector. If you are not using the Plantain Fan during the second, this boss might just make you quit for good. Using this item, on the other hand, makes the battle much more manageable.
Also, using all spells in your arsenal, along with the transformation, will make the game easier. You just have to select the best transformations for the fight.
Black Myth: Wukong is Too Hard
Saying Black Myth: Wukong is Too Hard is Also Fair, As Some Bosses Are Poorly Designed
While many players were able to get all those items and use them on bosses to make the experience easier, some couldn’t. For those players, of course, the title is ten times harder.
Fighting the Hundred-Eyed Daoist Master without the Weaver’s Needle or the Supreme Inspector without the Plantain Fan can be quite the task. These bosses have phases that are practically unfair, but you are given items to avoid this unfairness.
I personally am not a fan of such a mechanic, but it does seem cool to force a boss out of a phase. Also, if you are not going to utilize your spells correctly, you will have trouble with the mini-bosses.
I have seen many people fighting the Wandering Wight without the Red Tides spirit. The spirit is very easy to get and makes your whole battle much easier. Spirits give you a separate health bar that helps you tank damage and deal plenty of damage back.
Correct Way To Play?
The correct way to navigate through the Destined Ones’ journey, of course, is to get the necessary items and use them against the bosses. They are meant to make your trials easier and help you beat bosses.
Black Myth: Wukong is meant to be an action RPG, not a Soulslike, so make sure to use everything in your arsenal when facing the most formidable foes. However, you can still avoid relying on these items for self-imposed handicaps.
My point is that Black Myth: Wukong isn’t necessarily hard or difficult. Like anything in life, it can be made easier or harder with the right approach. The right approach, in this case, would be to use the proper tools.
Overall, the action RPG remains satisfying no matter how you play. If you’ve been put off by the difficulty, I suggest exploring and trying different abilities when a boss seems unbeatable. Chances are, you just needed to alter your game plan a bit.
At Tech4Gamers.com, I cover the latest news and rumours in the gaming industry, from new game releases to hidden gems and video game leaks. Furthermore, I occasionally write tech articles about video game consoles, providing insights into the hardware and software that powers our gaming experiences.
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Concord quickly flopped and was shut down due to several factors.
Sony’s upcoming live-service title Fairgame$ faces similar risks if it doesn’t learn from Concord’s mistakes.
Haven Studios should at least make the game free to play so that it can survive in a competitive market.
The recent failure of Concord serves as a grim warning for Fairgame$, another upcoming PlayStation exclusive. Looking at what went wrong with this hero shooter, it’s obvious that Fairgame$ could be in trouble unless major changes are made.
Concord launched in August 2024 with big hopes since it was made by Firewalk Studios, which includes former Bungie and Activision veterans. However, the hero shooter quickly flopped.
Within just over a week, Concord was removed from stores, making it one of the fastest failures in gaming history. Fairgame$ could face similar problems if it doesn’t make some important changes quickly.
Why it matters: PlayStation has clarified that it’s quite confident in Haven Studios’ work. Yet, the marketing seems non-existent for now.
Over-Reliance on Live-Service Elements
Concord’s $40 price point failed to attract and retain players.
One big reason Concord failed was its heavy focus on live service elements.
Unlike successful titles like Destiny 2 and Fortnite, Concord couldn’t attract and keep players. It was priced at $40, a mistake since its main competitors were free-to-play. Players had no reason to buy a new release that didn’t offer something unique.
The generic and uninspired gameplay also made it difficult to keep players engaged. Fairgame$ might face similar issues if it makes the same mistakes. Sure, its competitive heist premise sounds exciting, but it has identical risks.
The team at Haven Studios aims to make an inclusive multiplayer experience, but it needs to do more than just offer flashy visuals. With so many multiplayer releases appearing and disappearing, Haven Studios’ work has to stand out with unique gameplay and regular updates to avoid failing.
Lack of Market Differentiation
Haven Studios must avoid repeating mistakes if it wants the game to be successful.
Another big problem with Concord was that it didn’t stand out in a crowded shooter market. Even though the hero shooter was made by experienced developers, it was quickly overshadowed by other franchises with larger player bases and better promotion.
Fairgame$ could face the same issue. While a heist multiplayer experience sounds interesting, it’s not entirely new. The likes of Payday 2 have already made a mark in this genre. To avoid being seen as just another generic multiplayer release, the title needs to offer something truly unique.
It faces an even bigger challenge because it’s coming out in a very competitive market. With big games like GTA 6 and Monster Hunter: Worlds on the horizon, Fairgame$ might get lost in the shuffle.
Sony will need to invest in a strong and ongoing marketing effort to ensure that it stays in the spotlight.
Misaligned Expectations
A key issue with PlayStation’s latest failure was that it didn’t match what players were expecting.
Early trailers and gameplay footage looked promising, but when the hero shooter came out, it felt empty and disappointing, leading to a strong negative reaction. Fairgame$ faces a similar risk.
While the early previews highlight its heist and team-based features, the game must deliver on these promises. If it falls short, players may react just as harshly. Haven Studios must be clear and honest about what to expect and ensure the final launch meets the hype.
Fairgame$ Needs To Be Different
As it stands, Fairgame$ could very well suffer the same unfortunate fate as Concord.
To avoid the problems that hurt Concord, Fairgame$ needs some key changes. First, Haven Studios should focus on making the core gameplay exciting and unique. The heist idea is interesting but needs strong mechanics and regular updates to keep players hooked.
Second, pricing is important. Concord’s $40 price was off-putting, especially with free-to-play options available. Fairgame$ might do better with a more affordable pricing model, possibly going free-to-play with optional in-game purchases.
Finally, staying in touch with the community will be critical. Concord failed partly because the developers didn’t communicate too well. Haven Studios must actively listen to player feedback and make changes based on the community’s wishes.
This approach will help build trust and keep players interested in the project.
Concord’s failure is a warning for all game developers, but it’s especially relevant for PlayStation’s next big live service project. For this live service heist-based title to succeed where Concord didn’t, Haven Studios must reflect on the recent failure and ensure these missteps are never repeated.
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.
Story Highlight
Black Myth: Wukong has sold like hotcakes to earn over $879 million in revenue on Steam.
The entry has enjoyed a highly positive player reception, hitting an average playtime of 31.9 hours.
It came out on August 20, 2024, for PC and PlayStation 5, with an Xbox Series X|S release still underway.
Many tidbits have already confirmed that Black Myth: Wukong has been a massive success in every sense of the word. However, a new report by Video Game Insights further corroborates that notion.
It suggests that Game Science’s first AAA production has already made nearly $1 billion.
Why it matters: Black Myth: Wukong’s profits almost guarantee that a full franchise will follow. While the action RPG was always expected to succeed, nobody expected it to be this big.
Black Myth: Wukong features nearly 100 boss battles
The RPG has now apparently earned$879 millionin gross revenue on Steam alone, with an astounding average playtime of 31.9 hours at the time of reporting.
It has also managed to maintain active player counts in hundreds of thousands at any given moment. The report estimates around 18 million total sales, so an official sales update could follow soon enough.
According to SteamDB statistics, the all-time high active player count reached 2.4 million 14 days ago. Regardless, the 24-hour active player counts have consistently hit over a million, with the highest figures being observed during the weekends.
Additionally, more data shared on X reveals that China currently accounts for 76% of Black Myth: Wukong sales, which stood at more than 80% when the entry launched.
Playing Black Myth Wukong is a tough yet highly rewarding experience | Image Source: Steam
For those not in the know, Black Myth: Wukong already showed signs of success before its launch, with admirable pre-release sales and millions of wishlists. It then shattered the $10 million milestone in only its first three days, making it one of the fastest-selling titles to ever come out.
Therefore, the new report about the $850 gross revenue earned from Steam alone does not seem that far-fetched. However, we still suggest taking the figures with a pinch of salt.
After what felt like eons of anticipation, Black Myth: Wukong saw a spectacular launch on August 20, 2024, for PC and PlayStation 5, with an Xbox Series X|S release yet to be announced. However, the tale of the monkey king is still not over, as two DLCs are already rumored to be in the works for the RPG.
