General Gaming News.

[hanselthecaretaker]

Max Dood, don’t tease us like that if it’s not 110% true…!

Well it looks like that’s a big “Nope”.

 

[Gyrobot]

I remember when Movie games were the worst games on the market. I remember mocking and scoffing everytime I would see a pointless movie tie-in pile of shit on the store shelf.

Thing is with media companies buying up devs with experience and giving themore money there is an improvement in either cash flow or quality. In this case, Warner Brothers can now tie in some ips they own as a promotion vehicle. Meanwhile TLOU is making the most of the fact it's a movie pretending to be a game and making a script for it is a no brainer

 

[BrawlMan]

Horizon Forbidden West’s DLC appears to suggest Lance Reddick’s character will lead the next game | VGC

The conclusion to Horizon Forbidden West’s expansion has suggested that Lance Reddick’s character was planned to once again take a central focus in the third Horizon game.

www.videogameschronicle.com

Call of Duty, Apex Legends Veterans Reveal Kaidro Web3 Game on Immutable - Decrypt

Gadget-Bot’s Peggy Chung and Robert Simons are bringing their Kaidro webcomic to life as a Web3 game and animated TV series.

decrypt.co

PS5 Passes Key PS4 Sales Milestone In US, Hogwarts Legacy Still No. 1 For 2023

The latest US video game industry numbers are in.

www.gamespot.com

‘A space to feel at ease with dying’: how video games help people through grief

Players have long found a refuge from grief in video games – and a recent wave of games is tackling this difficult theme head-on

www.theguardian.com

Techland asks players who they’d like to see as the hero in Dying Light 3 | VGC

“Disclaimer: This is not Dying Light 3 announcement”…

www.videogameschronicle.com

Representation of Black women in video games is on the rise, but there is still room to grow | Opinion

Forspoken is one of the few AAA video games within the past five years to have a Black female protagonist. Despite the …

www.gamesindustry.biz

Forspoken is one of the few AAA video games within the past five years to have a Black female protagonist.

Despite the warm reception for Alfre 'Frey' Holland, the game's energetic and sharp-witted heroine, games publishers and stakeholders still need to reassess their apprehensions and invest in publishing Black-led characters — especially Black women. If there continues to be slow growth in the development of Black-led characters, the AAA sector of the games industry will continue the fragmentation of its Black consumers.

While Black female characters exist in games, they are not often the main characters. For example, 2022 had the release of major titles with Black characters (i.e., Angrboda from God of War: Ragnarok and Sojourn from Overwatch 2). Angrboda is relevant to the narrative in God of War: Ragnarok, but she is still a supporting character the player interacts with via a separate protagonist. Sojourn is a playable character in team-based shooter Overwatch 2; however, there are no protagonists or main characters in team-based games. Both these characters are utilized differently as a part of the player experience — and either way, the player is not adopting the digitized lens of a Black female protagonist.

Black female leads are not entirely unheard of in video games — but they rarely headline the AAA blockbusters

It is not as if gaming studios no longer have room for Black women as lead protagonists in certain genres. The shooting game genre is a prime example. We have games based around military vs. military conflicts (Call of Duty franchise), military vs. aliens (Halo franchise), military vs. robots (Overwatch franchise), military vs. dinosaurs (2020's Second Extinction), and military vs. demons from hell (Doom franchise). If a person did not know any of these franchises, what would be the assumed gender of the protagonists? I argue most would still see an image of a male figure as the main protagonist.

Now, women are represented in action-centric games such as Kait Daiz from Gears of War 5, Dani Rojas from Far Cry 6, and Bayonetta from Bayonetta 3. The issue remains that Black women are not just underrepresented in the shooting genre, but in many other genres as well.

Black female leads are not entirely unheard of in video games — they can be found as far back as (likely further back than) 1999's Urban Chaos and its heroine D'Arci Stern. But they rarely headline the AAA blockbusters.

Dandara's titular character, Children of Zodiarcs' Nahmi, and Subnautica: Below Zero's Robin Ayou are from indie titles, albeit ones that gained critical acclaim. Assassin's Creed, Uncharted and Dishonored relegated their Black female leads to expansions and side stories, such as Assassin's Creed: Liberation's Aveline, Uncharted: The Lost Legacy's Nadine Ross and Dishonored: Death of the Outsider's Billie Lurke. Even Half-Life fan favourite Alyx Vance was only playable in her VR spin-off. The mobile market has begun to showcase more black women such as Insecure: The Come Up Game, based on the hit HBO show, Insecure.

The NPD Group (now Circana) has published the Top 20 best-selling games in the US every year since 1995. Within this 27-year time frame, there has never been a Black-female-led video game listed on the Top 20 best-selling video games list. (An argument can perhaps be made for Niobe in 2003's Enter The Matrix, but even then, she's one of two main characters)

Black men are represented in recent years, but not by much with characters such as Franklin Clinton from Grand Theft Auto V, Jameson Locke from Halo 5: Guardians, Bayek from Assassin’s Creed: Origins, and Colt from Deathloop. This highlights that games with Black characters typically involve them doing some violent action.

The Madden and NBA 2K franchises also typically make the Top 20 list every year, so apparently in the absence of violence Black characters are most likely to sell if they play sports. They are relegated to certain archetypes to ensure the game sells to a mostly White male cishet audience. This audience is willing to continue investing in a game, just as long as the changes are not too radical — just look at the backlash against EA and DICE when Battlefield V prominently featured women.

So Forspoken and its Black female protagonist is a notable rarity. Unfortunately, the game released to the public in an underwhelming state.The initial quality of the game does not necessarily determine its overall financial performance. No Man’s Sky and Cyberpunk 2077 went from glitchy messes to playable titles, thus leading to new sales.

Black characters should not be thought of as some random component, but an ideological position in which to say all walks of life belong in video games

Black-led games should have the same opportunities for representation and maturation of the gameplay experience as any other game. And if the character’s identity is salient to the narrative, then let their identity be informed by individuals who live and hold those identities — race, gender, religion, and so on.

Forspoken may have left many wanting more, but the developers are committed to giving more, although given Square Enix's decision to fold Forspoken developer Luminous Productions into its main organisation after what it deems to be lacklustre sales, it remains to be seen whether the game gets a second chance.

Square Enix deserves kudos for positioning a Black woman to take the lead in introducing players to its fictional world of Athia. Regardless of sales performance, incorporating Black characters should not be thought of as some random component. Rather, an ideological position in which to say all walks of life belong in video games.

 

[FakeSympathy]

Hell to the Yes!

 

[BrawlMan]

Hell to the Yes!

That was fast. Not a fan, but I am slightly intrigued to try the first title, when I find the time.

 

[FakeSympathy]

I don't know how to feel about this.

 

[Dalisclock]

That was fast. Not a fan, but I am slightly intrigued to try the first title, when I find the time.

If you like Metriodvania's but wish they had more religious(specifically Catholic) Horror, then buddy is Blasphemous the game for you.

 

[CriticalGaming]

Representation of Black women in video games is on the rise, but there is still room to grow | Opinion

Forspoken is one of the few AAA video games within the past five years to have a Black female protagonist. Despite the …

www.gamesindustry.biz

Tell me you didn't play Forspoken without telling me you didn't play Forspoken.

Notice how they don't count any AAA game where the player is in complete control of their character. Mass Effect, Elder Scrolls, Saints Row, people have plenty of opportunities to be a badass black chick main character if they want.

 

[BrawlMan]

Tell me you didn't play Forspoken without telling me you didn't play Forspoken.

The "you" you're are referring to is the writer of the article, right? Because I know I never played Forspoken.

Notice how they don't count any AAA game where the player is in complete control of their character. Mass Effect, Elder Scrolls, Saints Row, people have plenty of opportunities to be a badass black chick main character if they want.

Those are characters the player can create, and change the gender, race, or species of the character as they see fit. They technically don't count, because they're glorified create-a-characters without consistent features, because the Shepard or The Boss are whoever player see themselves as. They're nice options, while you have a point, it doesn't make Javon Gordon's point any less relevant. We've already been over this before, so don't even try it. If fantasy and fiction books for kids, teens, and young adults can get this right, then there is no excuse for gaming not do the same.

Another problem is Gordon shoots his point in the foot, saying that Frey had a "warm" reception. No she did not. People like her voice actress, but that is as nice as it gets.

It sucks he doesn't mention characters such as Elena, Laura, Menat, or the upcoming Kimberly from multiplayer games like Street Fighter. Or Cherry Hunter from Streets of Rage 4. While he has a point that these aren't central or main characters in MP games, they still contribute an important factor to gaming. I disagree when it comes to SOR4, if I ever talk to him (he never name drops the game), but Cherry is a central character in the story, being the daughter of Adam Hunter and all. But she shares her story equally with everyone else. I get what Gordon is saying, there can and should be more games where a Black or African woman is the main protagonist, front and center, but done well, right, and most importantly, better. It would have been nice had Gordon named dropped Dandara as well. That's an indie game, but I going to assume he doesn't know that one. Still wouldn't hurt to do some extra research, Gordon.

 

[CriticalGaming]

The "you" you're are referring to is the writer of the article, right? Because I know I never played Forspoken.

Yes I was refering to the article .

It sucks he doesn't mention characters such as Elena, Laura, Menat, or the upcoming Kimberly from multiplayer games like Street Fighter

He says that multiplayer games don't count because they aren't protagonists. So basically if it isn't a single player story game it doesn't count. Which kind of undermines a lot of characters throughout gaming.

The reason why I point out the player created things is that it really doesn't matter how much representation exists, there is always a new goalpost. The same way you just pointed out Kimberly, the article dismisses because she isn't the star of her own game, the same way you can't point to anyone from Overwatch because there are no stars.

So now the criteria for counting is you must be the STAR, your game must be single player, and your character cannot share the spotlight, and also they can't be player made because that doesn't count even if that character is still a fully voice protagonist with a set story.

Does Kassandra from AC Odyssey count, she's brown but unfortunately the player can also pick a boy instead so I guess she's not technically the star.

Another problem is Gordon shoots his point in the foot, saying that Frey had a "warm" reception. No she did not. People like her voice actress, but that is as nice as it gets.

Also I don't understand how this author is even trying to defend Frey as some sort of beacon. She's literally the most racist stereotype of a black girl as she possible could be. I'm surprised the article isn't about how racist Square is to make the black girl a petty thief with a big criminal record making black people look like criminals as a trope.

It would have been nice had Gordon named dropped Dandara as well. That's an indie game, but I going to assume he doesn't know that one.

My default is to assume these writers don't know shit about shit and research is far too difficult a task for them.

 

[BrawlMan]

He says that multiplayer games don't count because they aren't protagonists. So basically if it isn't a single player story game it doesn't count. Which kind of undermines a lot of characters throughout gaming.

I know. I mentioned that part about how they "don't count" under his standards, rules, port whatever.

The same way you just pointed out Kimberly, the article dismisses because she isn't the star of her own game, the same way you can't point to anyone from Overwatch because there are no stars.

What's funny is that the I or he mentioned don't act like gender or racial stereotypes, further shooting his point in the foot.

So now the criteria for counting is you must be the STAR, your game must be single player, and your character cannot share the spotlight, and also they can't be player made because that doesn't count even if that character is still a fully voice protagonist with a set story.

I wouldn't mind any of those things, and I get his reasoning, but goal posting is not the way to go. Though as I said before, I don't mind seeing more black women in lead roles of gaming. Whether it's single player, multi-player, fighting games, etc. So long as they're not negative stereotypes or so poorly written, then I don't give a damn.

Does Kassandra from AC Odyssey count, she's brown but unfortunately the player can also pick a boy instead so I guess she's not technically the star.

As much as I hate AC, Kassandra does count. Her and Alexio have their own stories, diverging paths, and love interest(s). They go through similar beats, but both of their stories have completely different endings based on the player's choice. I am only going by what I know, because I've only seen some story gameplay.

Also I don't understand how this author is even trying to defend Frey as some sort of beacon. She's literally the most racist stereotype of a black girl as she possible could be. I'm surprised the article isn't about how racist Square is to make the black girl a petty thief with a big criminal record making black people look like criminals as a trope.

Beats me. The man has a point in using better representation, but how or why he thought Frey is a shining beacon shows that he either didn't play the game, ignored most people's negative attitudes towards her, or Gordon can't read the room and living in his own fantasy land. Once again shot himself in the foot....with a shotgun.

My default is to assume these writers don't know shit about shit and research is far too difficult a task for them.

I've noticed a pattern with some of them as well.

 

[CriticalGaming]

I wouldn't mind any of those things, and I get his reasoning, but goal posting is not the way to go. Though as I said before, I don't mind seeing more black women in lead roles of gaming. Whether it's single player, multi-player, fighting games, etc. So long as they're not negative stereotypes or so poorly written, then I don't give a damn.

Right, exactly. I don't think the idea that these characters have to also be the "joel's" in their own TLOU's type games should count. So long as diverse characters are spread throughout the gaming landscape I really don't think it matters if they are flying solo or not. Besides a lot of even multiplayer driven game characters have far better stories than a lot of single player dipshits.

As much as I hate AC, Kassandra does count. Her and Alexio have their own stories, diverging paths, and love interest(s). They go through similar beats, but both of their stories have completely different endings based on the player's choice. I am only going by what I know, because I've only seen some story gameplay.

I wanna go back at some point and play the game as Alexio because I only played Kassandra before. But the fucking size of that game puts me off replaying it tbh. I'm also suffering a bit of open-world fatigue at the moment. I'll have to see how I feel after FF16.

 

[BrawlMan]

Besides a lot of even multiplayer driven game characters have far better stories than a lot of single player dipshits.

True dat. I care more about Elena's, Kimberly's, or Master Raven's story, than whatever Joel, Ellie, or shaved head/brown haired dudes from many shitty seventh generation shooters are doing.

wanna go back at some point and play the game as Alexio because I only played Kassandra before. But the fucking size of that game puts me off replaying it tbh.

Don't blame you. Besides, most players say Kassandra has more interesting story and character interactions.

I'm also suffering a bit of open-world fatigue at the moment.

Outside of a few exceptions, I already got bored of them by the time Saints Row III came out. Then again, I didn't care for many of them during the PS2 era.

I'll have to see how I feel after FF16.

Square's got this. They actually know what the fuck they're doing this time. SE can't afford to screw this up.

 

[CriticalGaming]

Square's got this. They actually know what the fuck they're doing this time. SE can't afford to screw this up.

I dont mean it like that. I just mean that i would see how i feel about open world games after the fairly linear FF game. I plan on playing D4 before that so thats kind of open worldish.

 

[BrawlMan]

I dont mean it like that. I just mean that i would see how i feel about open world games after the fairly linear FF game. I plan on playing D4 before that so thats kind of open worldish.

Alrighty then.

 

[FakeSympathy]

Live service keeps killing modestly successful multiplayer games, and it doesn't have to be this way

It's time to buy videogames again.

www.pcgamer.com

 

[BrawlMan]

Live service keeps killing modestly successful multiplayer games, and it doesn't have to be this way

It's time to buy videogames again.

www.pcgamer.com

Didn't we already have this conversation two months ago? The article really isn't say anything new that hasn't already been said at this point.

 

[meiam]

Didn't we already have this conversation two months ago? The article really isn't say anything new that hasn't already been said at this point.

I think article like that need to keep appearing until they stop with the damn live service crap. So many ruined game. Maybe they're rescuing that suicide squad game behind the scene?

Actually, I wonder what the sales number are between the square marvel crap and the single player guardian of the galaxy game that came out around the same time.

 

[BrawlMan]

I think article like that need to keep appearing until they stop with the damn live service crap. So many ruined game.

Don't get me wrong, but all I am saying is that PC Gamer is late to the party. We've already seen some companies stop with the live-service or least not put so much focus on it. EA was one of the first to actually scale back on this, only because of their bottom line, yet I will give them a little credit. Ubisoft hasn't learned a damn thing by tripling down on it. To the point that a lot of their programmers quit or went on strike. I am all for the programmers.

Actually, I wonder what the sales number are between the square marvel crap and the single player guardian of the galaxy game that came out around the same time.

GOG did slightly better than Avengers, but SE consider both games failures.

Marvel's Avengers Sold Below Expectations, Square Enix Confirms

A transcript of a Square Enix investor briefing reveals that the superhero action game sold below the publisher's expectations.

www.gamespot.com

Marvel's Avengers to be killed off in September

Crystal Dynamics, Eidos Montreal and crew are ending support for the game and removing it from stores, but it'll at least stay online a little while longer.

www.gamereactor.eu

Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy disappointed Square Enix

According to the latest financial reports from publisher Square Enix, Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy was a major sales disappointment.

www.gameshub.com

Eidos Montreal Has 'No Regrets' About Guardians of the Galaxy Sales - IGN

In a new interview, senior creative director Jean-Francois Dugas reflected on the challenges facing its version of Guardians of the Galaxy, saying that the studio has "no regrets" in its handling of the IP.

www.ign.com

 

[FakeSympathy]

Dead Island 2 reviews are out; Seems everyone agrees that it's your standard zombie mayhem game, filled with hidden secrets and wacky/quirky characters. It's a dumb fun game, and you shouldn't expect any deep narrative driven experience or complex game mechanics




Personally, I would prefer Dying Light 2 instead, because that game at least has parkour for fun movements.

And I just realized; Why is it called dead "island" 2 if it's taking place in LA? Is it a symbolic thing representing how cut-off the player is from the rest of the world in the game?