Category Archives: News

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Sony knew Astro Bot long-term Playstation benefit

Evidently, despite claiming not to have a major launch for 2024, Sony and PlayStation Studios achieved unexpected success with the surprise announcement and release of Astro Bot. This established a new IP star, the first original PlayStation IP since LittleBigPlanet and its success, including winning The Game Awards’ Game of the Year title. This success suggests that PlayStation’s dormant IPs might receive a renewed focus and potentially benefit from a similar long-term strategy.

In a detailed interview with Famitsu, PlayStation co-CEO Hermen Hulst discussed Sony’s openness to reviving its classic game franchises.

Hulst emphasized that PlayStation aims to offer a broad range of experiences by leveraging both its first-party studios and external developers. He highlighted the importance of PlayStation’s extensive IP portfolio and the company’s goal to publish games by the world’s best creators.

Of course, Hulst took the opportunity to praise the success of Astro Bot, which has sold 1.5 million copies in its first nine weeks. He noted that nearly 40% of those sales came from players who were either purchasing a PlayStation game for the first time or for the first time in two years.

This success has contributed significantly to the expansion of the PlayStation community, attracting younger players and families.

Hulst also reflected on the legacy of PlayStation’s classic IPs, mentioning titles like Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and God of War as major inspirations for the company’s future direction. He acknowledged the challenges of the live-service model, referencing the infamous launch and quick shutdown of Concord this year.

Overall, Hulst’s vision for PlayStation involves a balance of honoring its rich history while continuing to innovate and collaborate with top developers to create new and exciting gaming experiences.

Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

26 years of Halo gems went unhidden

Christmas Day brought an unexpected surprise to the Halo community: a massive data leak revealing a treasure trove of unreleased content, development builds, and internal documents spanning nearly three decades of the franchise’s history.

The leak, believed to stem from a collaboration between Halo Studios and the Digsite modding team, has sent shockwaves through the community. Digsite, renowned for their work in recovering lost or discarded content from Halo games, appears to have gained access to a wealth of previously unseen materials.

Early reports suggest the leaked data includes:

  • Unfinished game builds: Offering a glimpse into the evolution of classic Halo games, showcasing features that were cut or altered before release.
  • A long-lost third-person demo: A fascinating artifact that sheds light on an early, unexplored direction for the franchise.
  • Internal documents and concept art: Providing unprecedented insight into the creative process behind the Halo universe, from initial brainstorming to final implementation.

The impact of this leak is still unfolding. For hardcore fans, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeper into the history of their favorite franchise, uncovering hidden gems and gaining a newfound appreciation for the development process. However, the leak also raises concerns about data security and the potential misuse of unreleased materials.

Halo Studios has yet to officially comment on the situation. As the community continues to sift through the leaked data, one thing is certain: this event will have a lasting impact on the Halo universe, forever changing the way fans interact with and understand the iconic franchise.

Business, Games, Gaming, Hardware/Console, News

Sega is looking to its future but not everything you expect will end to be

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Sega’s CEO, Shuji Utsumi, emphasized that the company is not a retro company and wants to focus on modern gaming experiences. While Sega values its legacy, they believe that continuing to produce mini consoles would not align with their goal of staying relevant and innovative.

In other words, Sega has announced that they are not planning to release any more mini consoles. This includes consoles like the Sega Saturn or Dreamcast, which many fans were hoping to see as mini versions.

A few years ago, Sega admitted that there were researching on how to make both a Sega Saturn and Dreamcast mini with the scale of a minimized hardware, but as powerful or more than their predecessors, but as evident, this will remain in just like that a research concept.

Instead of focusing on retro hardware, Sega is considering launching a Netflix-like subscription service. This service would provide access to both retro and modern Sega titles, allowing players to enjoy a wide range of games in one place. This move is part of Sega’s strategy to attract today’s gamers and create new experiences that still capture the essence of their classic games.

Despite the shift away from mini consoles, Sega has been active in releasing new games and content. They have announced new entries in popular series like Jet Set Radio, Streets of Rage, Golden Axe, Shinobi, and Crazy Taxi. Additionally, Sega is working on a new Virtua Fighter game and has seen success with recent titles like Metaphor: ReFantazio and Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble.

Yes, Sega’s decision to move away from mini consoles is a disappointment for us fans of retro gaming, mainly their massive gaming catalog, but it reflects their commitment to innovation and staying relevant in the fast-changing gaming world. By focusing on new projects and exploring a subscription service, Sega aims to continue its legacy while appealing to modern gamers.

Editorial, GeeZus, News

Merry Christmas and Happy Gaming New Year 2025!

Good morning, Muñaños.

Unfortunately, I need to extend my forced AFK for a while longer.

As I mentioned a few days ago, I fell seriously ill, worse than I have in years, mainly with breathing issues. Although I am feeling much better now, I’m still not 100%. I easily get fatigued, short of breath, and constantly feel tired and drowsy.

It’s clear that I’m not in a condition to stream properly. I know my Resident Evil walkthrough has been inconsistent and lengthy, but at this time, I need to focus on fully recovering. Since it’s Christmas week, I don’t think taking a break until the start of 2025 will further harm my already shaky consistency.

This break also applies to on-demand content, as I can’t do voiceovers right now. I was in the middle of editing a special project from my trip to NY, but I’ll likely resume that before deciding on a new return-to-stream date.

Stay tuned to my blog GeeZusGG.xyz for gaming news, information, and some original editorials over the next few days.

Finally, I hope you’re all having a great week. Merry Christmas and Happy Gaming New Year!

GG!

Gaming, News, Playstation

Sony became a big shareholder of Kadokawa

Sony Group Corporation and Kadokawa Corporation have announced a strategic capital and business alliance, which will see Sony acquiring 12,054,100 new shares of Kadokawa for approximately 50 billion yen (around $318 million).

This deal, set to be finalized on January 7, 2025, will make Sony the largest shareholder in Kadokawa, holding approximately 10% of its shares.

This alliance aims to maximize the value of both companies’ intellectual properties (IPs) globally. Sony and Kadokawa have a history of collaboration, and this new partnership will further strengthen their cooperation. The two companies plan to work together on various initiatives, including:

  • Adapting Kadokawa’s IPs into live-action films and TV dramas globally.
  • Co-producing anime works.
  • Expanding the global distribution of Kadokawa’s anime works through Sony’s extensive network.
  • Further expanding the publishing of Kadokawa’s games.
  • Developing human resources to promote and expand virtual production.

Takeshi Natsuno, CEO of Kadokawa, expressed his enthusiasm for the alliance, stating that it will strengthen Kadokawa’s IP creation capabilities and increase their IP media mix options with Sony’s support for global expansion. He believes this will greatly contribute to maximizing the value of their IP and increasing their corporate value in the mid- to long-term.

Hiroki Totoki, President, COO, and CFO of Sony Group Corporation, also commented on the alliance, highlighting that it will allow Sony to become the largest shareholder of Kadokawa, which consistently creates a wide variety of IPs, including publications, books, games, and anime. He emphasized that by combining Kadokawa’s extensive IP and IP creation ecosystem with Sony’s strengths, they aim to realize Kadokawa’s ‘Global Media Mix’ strategy and Sony’s ‘Creative Entertainment Vision’.

It was heavily suggested that Kadokawa was not interested on selling portions of its assets and wanted a full buyout from Sony if a deal in that height would have been in the table, because apparently Sony was just interested on all anime entertainment portion and FromSoftware, but evidently, this wasn’t the case.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Killzone has made its return but as a collab with Helldivers 2

The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as Helldivers 2 announces a thrilling collaboration with the iconic Killzone series! This crossover brings together the intense, cooperative gameplay of Helldivers with the gritty, futuristic world of Killzone, creating an unforgettable experience for fans of both franchises.

The collaboration features a range of Killzone-inspired armor sets, weapons, and cosmetics. Players can now gear up with the StA-52 Assault Rifle, AC-1 Dutiful Helmet, and AC-1 Dutiful Armor, all reminiscent of the Helghast faction from Killzone.

The collaboration also includes a high-capacity StA-11 SMG and a powerful PLAS-39 Accelerator Rifle, adding new layers of strategy and firepower to the game.

Community Feedback and Adjustments

Initially, the collaboration faced some backlash due to the high prices of the items. However, Arrowhead Game Studios listened to the community’s feedback and decided to offer some of the items for free. Players can now enjoy the StA-11 SMG and PLAS-39 Accelerator Rifle without spending any in-game currency. Additionally, the duration of items in the Superstore has been extended to reduce the fear of missing out (FOMO) effect.

The collaboration is just the beginning, with Arrowhead Game Studios planning more exciting updates and events. The developers are committed to bringing more content and ensuring that the collaboration remains a valuable addition to the game.

Meanwhile…

Sony announced a special Helldivers 2 Limited Edition of the PS5 DualSense controller that will be sold exclusively on the PS Direct on US market.

The controller will cost $84.99

Games, Gaming, News

Marvel Rivals gains first main event after beating the 20 million users’ mark

Since its launch just a few weeks ago, Marvel Rivals has taken the gaming world by storm, amassing an impressive 20 million players! Developed by NetEase Games in collaboration with Disney’s Marvel Games, this superhero team-based player versus player (PVP) shooter has quickly become a favorite among fans of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and comic book enthusiasts alike.

Rapid Rise to Fame

Marvel Rivals hit the 10 million player mark within just 72 hours of its release. This rapid growth is a testament to the game’s engaging gameplay and the enduring popularity of Marvel superheroes. The game features iconic MCU heroes like Iron Man, Hulk, and Scarlet Witch, alongside comic book favorites such as Cloak and Dagger, Iron Fist, and Squirrel Girl.

Celebrating Success

To celebrate reaching 20 million players, NetEase Games has introduced a special celebratory spray featuring Galactica, which players can earn by logging in between December 20th, 2024, and January 10th, 2025. This milestone is a significant achievement, especially considering the game’s fresh entry into the hero shooter genre.

Marvel Rivals offers a deep and varied roster of Marvel heroes and villains, allowing players to assemble unique teams and devise countless strategies by combining powers to form team-up skills. The game’s destructible, ever-changing battlefields keep the action fresh and exciting, ensuring that players remain engaged.

With its current success, Marvel Rivals is poised to become a major player in the competitive gaming scene. The game’s developers are already planning future updates and events to keep the momentum going, including the upcoming Winter Celebration event with new gameplay modes, hero costumes, and bountiful rewards.

Marvel Rivals has truly proven that the superhero power still reigns supreme in the gaming world. As the game continues to grow, it will be exciting to see what new heights it will reach and how it will shape the future of hero shooters.

Games, Gaming, News, Xbox

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella Reaffirms Xbox’s Multiplatform Strategy

In a recent annual shareholder meeting, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella doubled down on the company’s multiplatform strategy for Xbox. This approach aims to make Xbox games accessible on a wide range of devices, not just Xbox consoles. The strategy is powered by Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming, allowing players to enjoy Xbox games on PCs, mobile devices, handhelds, and even TVs.

Nadella emphasized that being an Xbox fan today means playing your favorite games anywhere, whether on an Xbox console or not. This shift is part of Microsoft’s broader vision to leverage AI, cloud, console, and PC innovations to build the best games for gamers everywhere.

The company’s “This is an Xbox” marketing campaign highlights this vision, showcasing how Xbox games can be played on a wide range of devices. Despite this shift, Microsoft remains committed to its console hardware business and plans to release future Xbox consoles.

Nadella’s comments came in response to questions about Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the company’s overall gaming strategy. He expressed confidence in the company’s position in the gaming market and highlighted the success of recent releases like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Nadella also mentioned that Microsoft’s strategy with Activision content is now in full force, and the company aims to bring the best of AI, cloud, console, and PC innovation to build the best games that can be enjoyed by gamers everywhere.

Gaming, News, PC, Technology

Intel found its unlikely hero with Arc

In a year where Intel faced numerous challenges, the launch of their new Arc B580 Battlemage GPU has turned out to be a surprising triumph. Released just in time for the holiday season, the Arc B580 has quickly captivated the gaming community, selling out at major retailers such as Amazon and Newegg within mere days of its release.

Priced at an affordable $249, the Arc B580 has managed to offer a competitive edge in a market typically dominated by Nvidia and AMD. This GPU packs a punch with its impressive specifications, featuring 12GB of GDDR6 VRAM, a 256-bit memory interface, and a boost clock of 2.3 GHz. These features enable it to deliver a robust performance in 1440p gaming, rivaling the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 and AMD Radeon RX 7600, but at a more budget-friendly price point.

Performance and Features

One of the standout features of the Arc B580 is its efficiency in balancing power consumption with performance. Intel’s Xe-HPG architecture, the backbone of the Battlemage series, has brought significant improvements in ray tracing and AI-based supersampling. Early benchmarks indicate that the Arc B580 performs exceptionally well in modern titles like Cyberpunk 2077, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II, and Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, maintaining a consistent frame rate even at high settings.

The gaming community’s reception to the Arc B580 has been overwhelmingly positive. Reviews praise its value for money, performance per watt, and the effective cooling solution that keeps the GPU running at optimal temperatures even under heavy load. Moreover, the GPU’s support for the latest DirectX 12 Ultimate and Vulkan APIs ensures that it remains future-proof for upcoming game releases.

This unexpected success couldn’t have come at a better time for Intel, which has faced significant hurdles in the CPU market and organizational changes, including the recent departure of CEO Pat Gelsinger. The Arc B580’s success has provided a much-needed morale boost and renewed confidence in Intel’s ability to innovate in the GPU space.

Intel has announced that they are ramping up production and working closely with partners to ensure steady inventory replenishments. This move aims to meet the high demand and prevent prolonged shortages that have often plagued new hardware launches.

Looking Ahead

As we approach CES 2025, the industry buzz is already building around Intel’s roadmap for their Battlemage GPUs. With Nvidia gearing up to launch their RTX 5000 series, it will be fascinating to see how Intel’s Battlemage series stands against the competition. Rumors suggest that Intel is also preparing to introduce even more powerful variants of the Battlemage GPU, which could further solidify their position in the market.

Intel’s Arc B580 Battlemage GPU has not only met but exceeded expectations, proving to be a formidable contender in the competitive GPU market. Its blend of performance, affordability, and advanced features make it a compelling choice for gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. This launch marks a significant milestone for Intel, signaling a potential shift in the landscape of the graphics card industry.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Capcom Revives Classic IPs: Okami and Onimusha Lead the Charge

Capcom has officially announced plans to revive several of its dormant franchises, starting with the highly anticipated sequels to Okami and Onimusha. This exciting news was revealed during The Game Awards 2024, sending waves of nostalgia and excitement through the gaming community.

During The Game Awards 2024, Capcom unveiled teaser trailers for both Okami: Way of the Sword and Onimusha: Way of the Sword. These announcements mark the return of two beloved franchises that have been dormant for nearly two decades.

The trailers showcased stunning visuals and hinted at the return of iconic gameplay elements that fans have been eagerly waiting for.

In a press release, Capcom stated that it is focusing on re-activating dormant IPs that haven’t seen new titles in recent years. This initiative aims to leverage Capcom’s rich library of content to continuously produce highly efficient, high-quality titles. The company plans to bring back more classic IPs in the coming years, although specific properties have yet to be named.

The announcement has been met with overwhelming excitement from fans who have longed to see their favorite franchises return

Surveys conducted by Capcom earlier this year indicated high interest in reviving titles such as Dino Crisis, Mega Man, Darkstalkers, and Breath of Fire.

Fans are hopeful that Capcom will continue to bring back more beloved games from its extensive catalog.

The Future of Capcom’s Classic IPs

With the revival of Okami and Onimusha, Capcom has set a precedent for bringing back other dormant franchises. The company’s commitment to re-activating these IPs signals a bright future for fans of classic Capcom games. Whether it’s the return of the Blue Bomber in Mega Man or the survival horror thrills of Dino Crisis, the possibilities are endless.

Capcom’s decision to revive its dormant franchises is a win for gamers everywhere. The return of Okami and Onimusha is just the beginning, and fans can look forward to more nostalgic adventures in the years to come. With Capcom’s rich history of iconic games, the future looks promising for the revival of many beloved franchises.