I give you an exclusive first look at the Tempest Tower Demo Preview, a unique tower defense game with an action-packed twist! 🏰🛡️
Join me as I dive into the game’s mechanics, explore the vertical mazes, and engage in thrilling combat against endless hordes of Creepers. Plus,
I’ll share my personal observations and thoughts on the game’s stunning graphics and immersive sound design.
Disclosure: I received a free review copy of this product from https://www.keymailer.co Don’t forget to subscribe, hit the like button, and activate notifications to stay updated with our latest content!
Hey, fellow muñaños gamers! I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news—I’m making a comeback to the gaming live streaming world on both Twitch and YouTube! I’m eager to reconnect with all of you after taking some time off due technical issues, offline work taking over before vacation and be as much as possible available to my family during the holidays/Christmas season.
As you may know, I’ve always strived to provide the best TRUE gaming content with no IRL unneeded/unhealthy drama and an engaging community experience. But unfortunately, while I was making progress in my first walkthrough with Resident Evil during last quarter of 2024, OBS stared acting up to the point that troubleshooting while streaming became a reason to feel early burnout and I decided to stop until I could deal with all the technical issues, which later I found out more Twitch to be at the majority of fault.
I am not a OBS detractor, but definitely my introduction to Meld Studio came with a link from Killswitch from RegimentGG and then Meld Studio’s Community manager iSageSen invited me to the BETA no question asked to try things and while things improved TREMENDOUSLY at YouTube side, Twitch for some reason kept acting up.
A little fast forward before needing to pause thing because to avoid a total burnout-rage-quit, I decided to wait for Meld Studio’s support on verifying my logs to check what was going on with Twitch and apparently, the acting up was coming from how Twitch network is interacting with my Internet connection and decided to go exclusively on YouTube which I did and I assumed this would be the thing after Christmas vacation, been streaming exclusively at the red platform.
But yes, Meld Studio asked me to give Twitch a chance to actually test some improvement and that’s why I’ve decided to give Twitch another shot, based on their glowing recommendation. Also, they recently rolled out some updates in the last quarter of 2024 along with the January 2025 update, incorporating feedback from yours truly and so much needed improvements in general.
So keep in mind that while Twitch will be a trial run, I’m optimistic about the potential for an enhanced streaming adventure on the purple platform.
🌟 Stream Schedule 🌟
BEFORE ANYTHING about my schedule, I want to clarify a few important points. While I am up for providing consistent and high-quality content, my primary focus remains on maintaining a healthy balance in my life. This means that my family’s needs will always come first, as that is non-negotiable. In addition, my offline work can sometimes extend beyond regular hours, though I will do my best to manage this and avoid overtime as much as possible.
Health is another crucial aspect. If I’m not feeling well, I won’t risk going live just to stick to a schedule. It’s essential for me to be in good health so that I can engage and interact with all of you in the best possible way. Your understanding and support in this regard mean the world to me.
With that being said… I am increasing to 2 more days instead of Monday and Thursdays and will go as follow:
Monday & Wednesday: Dive into our main walkthrough sessions starting at 8 PM GMT-4. These streams will feature in-depth gameplay, immersive storytelling, and lots of fun!
Tuesday: Get the latest scoop with our Gaming News content. This 2-hour stream kicks off at 5:30 PM GMT-4, where we’ll discuss the hottest updates, releases, and trends in the gaming world.
Thursday: Gear up for Multiplayer Nights starting at 8 PM GMT-4. Join me and the community for thrilling multiplayer matches and cooperative gameplay.
Except for Tuesdays, all streams will last a minimum of 2 hours, with a maximum duration of 3 to 3.5 hours. So, there’s plenty of time for epic adventures and interactions!
Now, if there are moments when I’m not able to start streaming punctually, it doesn’t mean that I won’t be going live at all. Please understand that unforeseen situations may arise despite my best efforts to avoid last-minute disruptions from offline life. I will do my best to ensure that any delays do not exceed 30 minutes. If I do need to forego a stream, I will provide updates through my social network channels.
About weekends…
I’m open to doing some collabs if the opportunity arises, but it will NOT be a focus and more importantly, I won’t be actively looking to stream on weekends, as Saturdays and Sundays are convenient for me to have the strong part of life balancing including spending time with my family, catch up on TV/Movies/Anime, and create some on-demand content.
Actually, I’ve tried occasional Saturday morning streams in my early years, but they didn’t yield the desired results. Much respect to those who can actually have great weekends, GG!
🎮 Gaming Lineup 🎮
What’s a return to streaming without an exciting lineup of games? Here’s what you can expect in the short-term:
Resident Evil: We’re finally going to wrap up this iconic game. I don’t like unfinished game despite the long time it took a game that can be finished in less than an hour for speedrunners and perfect players traying to nail high rank in less than 3 hours. Of course I have been having a blast as a Resident Evil/Biohazard fan that I am, but evidently, I need to circle my game backlog and go to a next game after the unfinished walkthrough, so definitely, a will do a New Game+ at a later time during the year.
Anima Flux: Next and in fulfillment of a promise to the developers (which actually motivated me on giving another chance content creation in general), we’ll dive into this intriguing game. I can’t wait to explore its unique mechanics and story further and yes; I will begin a brand-new game from start to finish.
Dynasty Warriors Origins: By the time you are reading this, I am probably done in my first run, but will gladly focus a new game for gaming live streaming purposes.
Indie Games: After Anima Flux and DWO, we’ll shift our focus with a indie game as I am currently evaluating some indie game invitations. There’s a treasure trove of hidden gems out there, and I’m excited to discover them with you.
In the long-term for 2025, I am foreseeing continuing my unfinished Black Myth: Wukong, Unicorn Overlord Walkthrough, revisit Destiny 1 and 2 with a new class (I am Hunter since day 1 and haven’t progressed my warlock at D1 and never tried Titan), Palworld, Overdungeon and in retro gaming scene with a probable back-seated The Elder Scrolls Arena and Daggerfall sessions, Fallout 1-2, Warcraft and Diablo GO games and try going as back as to play with some Playstation and Nintendo 64 games (no emulation).
Of course, this is a brainstorming, I can add andor switch games in this preliminary list, but all depends on the circumstances, but hey, I got an “new game” backlog building up since the later days of Playstation 3 so pretty much I got material for the long term.
Importantly, this journey is all about sharing my love for gaming with an amazing community. Your support and enthusiasm have always been my greatest motivators. Let’s make this comeback a memorable one filled with laughter, excitement, and epic gaming moments.
Remember both 🟣 https://twitch.tv/geezusgg & 🔴 https://www.youtube.com/@GeeZusGG
I can’t wait to see you all in the chat and embark on these new adventures together. Let’s get ready to game on! 🚀🎉
Returning with Anima Flux gaming streaming…
I’m excited to share some thrilling news! The developers of Anima Flux, a captivating co-op metroidvania game, have officially invited me to join their Steam Co-op event. This is a fantastic opportunity to dive into the dystopian world of Anima Flux, where two genetically enhanced soldiers fight through swarms of mutants to save humanity’s last stronghold in a desolate space city.
This invitation is truly special as it allows me have a more engagement opoprtunity and of course, the first time yours truly have the ooppportunity on goaing for a official stream event with Steam.
Anima Flux is a highly detailed game world and stunning hand-drawn animated cutscenes, Anima Flux promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
Join me and the Anima Flux community as we embark on this epic journey aboard ARK, humanity’s last bastion against extinction. Let’s fight to ensure the survival of human civilization together!
Some updates for my social networks interactions
Now that I am in the mood of extending this announcement/editorial, I want to address a topic which I find important.
GG to Bandai Namco as #Tekken8 has reached its first round to the sun. 🥋 🎂I guess that I should press hard as part of my gaming streaming content with rising Hwoarang's stats!#Gaming #VideoGames #YouTubeGaming 🕹 🎮
As you can see, I’ve restarted my efforts to post quick news updates across all my social media channels. This approach helps maintain engagement, and while some might view it as counterproductive to my freelance blogging efforts, the reality is different. A decade ago, this strategy might have seemed ill-advised, but today’s fast-paced internet culture favors quick, bite-sized news. This allows me to decide whether a piece of news deserves a full article or just a brief note.
Speaking of social networks, I mentioned a few months ago that I was probably done with X. I tried to be optimistic, hoping that the chaos of an election period might bring some sanity back, even with its erratic owner. Unfortunately, that hope didn’t pan out, and the lack of sanity is my biggest concern.
Therefore, I’m focusing my efforts on building my community on other platforms:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeeZusGG (While Mark Zuckerberg got looney too, I am confident that he is more adulterated than Elon Musk as long I am not going back to Instagram and not going to use Threads anytime soon.)
I understand that I might not succeed in fully transitioning away from X and might end up staying. Elon Musk took over an established platform, making it hard to build comparable numbers on other networks in a desired short-term. However, I’ll treat Bluesky as my primary social network and Mastodon as a secondary channel.
Side note: I’m curious about exploring Nostr further and am considering it as a third streaming channel through zap.stream. This might remain a “long-term idea” for now that I revisit one day in the future.
At the end of the day, what matters is building and maintaining a strong connection with you my audience that wants plan and simple, VIDEO GAMES!!!
As we are already at first half of the first month of 2025, I think is time to bring up the notion that the gaming industry is poised for a transformative year filled with groundbreaking advancements and exciting trends. From cloud gaming to virtual reality, mobile gaming to artificial intelligence, the landscape of gaming is evolving rapidly, promising gamers an unparalleled experience.
Let’s delve deeper into each aspect with supporting data and trends that highlight this evolution.
1. Rise of Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming is expected to revolutionize the way we play games by eliminating the need for high-end hardware. According to a report by Newzoo, the cloud gaming market was valued at approximately $1.6 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to $6.5 billion by 2025. This growth is driven by the widespread adoption of 5G technology, which provides the necessary bandwidth and low latency required for a seamless gaming experience.
Services like NVIDIA GeForce NOW, and Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Cloud (formerly Project xCloud) are at the forefront, offering expansive libraries of titles that can be streamed to various devices including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. This accessibility is democratizing gaming, making it more inclusive for a broader audience.
…And yes, in an alternate universe, Google Stadia leaded this segment of the gaming industry as even after its demise, its tech stack remains unmatched and DO NOT CHANGE MY MIND!
2. More Immersive Virtual Reality
Honestly, I am not into Virtual reality (VR) but of course, I will not ignore that this segment of the gaming industry continues to push the boundaries of immersive gaming.
The global VR gaming market was valued at $11.56 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach $92.31 billion by 2027, according to Grand View Research. This exponential growth is fueled by advancements in VR headsets such as the Oculus Quest 2 and the PlayStation VR2, which offer enhanced graphics, more intuitive controls, and improved comfort. Developers are leveraging these advancements to create rich, interactive stories and social experiences that allow players to explore virtual worlds together.
Titles like “Half-Life: Alyx” and “Star Wars: Squadrons” showcase the potential of VR to deliver deeply engaging narratives and gameplay. As VR technology continues to evolve, we can anticipate even more innovative and immersive experiences.
3. On the Rise: Mobile Gaming
Despite my admittedly original dislike on how he mobile gaming gained momentary a front seat ahead of console and PC gaming in the previous decade and how embarrasing its was “the leadership” (thanks for nothing people like Konami), but data suggest that the sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, driven by the increasing power of smartphones and the release of high-quality titles.
According to a report by App Annie, mobile gaming revenue reached $98 billion in 2021, surpassing both console and PC gaming.
In 2025, this trend is expected to continue with the release of games like the BETA of “Destiny Rising ” and “Need for Speed Mobile,” which offer console-quality experiences on handheld devices. The convenience of playing games on the go, combined with the accessibility of smartphones, ensures that mobile gaming remains a dominant force in the industry.
4. Integration of Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence (AI) is in indeed a “11 bullet shirt” of a topic depending on who you are talking about it, but it indeed transforming the gaming landscape by enhancing gameplay mechanics and creating more dynamic environments.
AI-driven non-playable characters (NPCs) are becoming more sophisticated, capable of reacting to player actions in real-time and providing more realistic interactions. According to a study by PwC, the AI market in gaming is projected to grow from $3 billion in 2020 to $87 billion by 2025.
This growth is driven by the demand for personalized gaming experiences, where AI tailors challenges and content to individual players’ preferences and skill levels. Games like “Red Dead Redemption 2” and “The Last of Us Part II” demonstrate the potential of AI to create immersive and engaging worlds.
5. Esports Expansions
In my blog, I will try to covert a little bit more of Esports as a FGC competitor myself and while some view that the 2010’s explosive growth reached its peak, some view that a ressurgance is being observed, taking in account on millions of viewers and participants worldwide.
The global esports market was valued at $1.1 billion in 2021 despite the break that the recent pandemic of 2020 brought, and is projected to reach $1.9 billion by 2025, according to a report by Newzoo.
This growth is fueled by the increasing popularity of competitive gaming and the rise of mobile and cloud gaming platforms, which provide greater accessibility for players. Major tournaments, leagues, and sponsorships are emerging, contributing to the expansion of the esports ecosystem. Esports is not just a form of entertainment; it’s a cultural movement that brings people together from all corners of the globe.
—
As we look ahead to 2025, the gaming industry is on the brink of a new era of innovation and immersion. With advancements in cloud gaming, virtual reality, mobile gaming, artificial intelligence, and esports, gamers can expect an exciting and dynamic year ahead. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gamer, there’s never been a better time to be part of the gaming community.
BioWare has recently released Patch 3 for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, introducing a host of new features and fixes to enhance the gaming experience. This update includes 57 improvements and bug fixes, making it a substantial update for fans of the game.
Among the notable changes, players can now enjoy new filters in Photo Mode, making it easier to capture stunning in-game moments. Additionally, the file naming system for Photo Mode screenshots has been simplified, now including the date the photo was taken. This should help players keep their screenshots organized and easily accessible.
The patch also includes several quality-of-life updates, such as the ability to bind arrow keys to input mappings and new icons for some weapons. Players can now more easily identify where enchantments have been applied to their companions’ equipment. Another handy feature is the notification that appears when the Crossroads’ Spirit Merchant is available.
On the bug-fixing front, BioWare has addressed various issues, including game crashes, unexpected character behavior during cutscenes, and instances where companions would get stuck on balance beams. These fixes aim to provide a smoother and more enjoyable gaming experience for all players.
BioWare has also mentioned that there will be another patch coming soon, indicating their commitment to continually improving Dragon Age: The Veilguard. Fans can look forward to more updates and enhancements in the future.
For a detailed list of all the changes, players can check out the full patch notes on the official Dragon Age: includes:
Quality of Life Changes:
Arrow keys can now be bound to input mappings.
Filters added to Photo Mode.
Screenshot file names from Photo Mode have been simplified, showing the date the photo was taken.
The File Path where screenshots are saved is now shown in game when a screenshot is taken through Photo Mode.
It is now easier to identify where an Enchantment has been applied to a companion’s equipment.
Adjusted the Glint option description in Settings.
New rings can now be compared against both equipped ring slots.
A notification now appears when the Crossroads’ Spirit Merchant is available.
Added new icons for some weapons.
Bug Fixes:
Eliminated the causes of a small number of crashes.
Rook’s body shape no longer changes unexpectedly after a cutscene with Emmrich.
Adjusted an odd facial expression when Rook first meets Emmrich.
Fixed a rare issue where some of an existing Rook’s settings got unintentionally reset after making and saving a new Rook. This fix is now also on consoles and retroactively affects saves on all platforms.
Adjusted the volume level of Spite’s voice in some scenes.
Fixed some instances where music would incorrectly stop playing.
Fixed some instances where unintended music or sound effects would play.
Antaam Champions now correctly do slightly more damage.
Mage Rooks no longer shift to the right awkwardly after performing an extended dodge.
The Rogue Skill “Underdog’s Bite” now correctly lists “Enhanced Damage” instead of “Empowered Damage.”
Fixed some instances where enemies could get stuck or were unreachable in some areas.
Fixed some instances where companions could get stuck on balance beams.
Bellara can no longer endlessly charge Rook’s Ultimate outside of combat.
Emmrich’s attack stat is now displayed correctly at the start of the Where the Dead Must Go quest.
Fixed a bug where Emmrich was sometimes not available on the ability wheel during the Where the Dead Must Go quest.
Companions’ revives are now correctly refilled at the start of The Last Gambit quest.
The Kataranda now has its correct unique coloring.
Fixed an issue with the critical hit and penetration modifiers on the “Twin Edged Pick” Warrior weapon.
Taash’s cape on the “Rivain’s Legacy” armor no longer stretches in cutscenes.
The Grey Warden “Recruit’s Simple Tunic” appearance no longer clips uncomfortably through Rook’s neck.
The “Mythals’ Light” Mage weapon now does the intended amount of physical base damage (0).
The “Mythal’s Light” Mage weapon now does physical damage to enemy health if a physical damage enchantment is applied.
Fixed instances where stat bonuses from some Treviso valuables were applied incorrectly.
Fixed instances where valuables with stat increases were not all visible in merchant stores.
Improved textures on various characters and environment objects.
Fixed an issue where VFX could become extremely bright.
Fixed several distance “pop-in” issues.
Fixed an issue that caused the camera to stutter when closing the eluvian interface.
Fixes several instances where quest objectives would not update correctly during some quests.
The On Deadly Wings quest can now be completed even if the A Slow Poison quest has not been fully completed.
The Mayor of D’Meta’s Crossing no longer appears in two places at once during the Lives Spared quest.
One of the Revenants will no longer fail to appear in the Crossroads.
Fixed an issue where a door would not open during the Heights of Athim memory in the Regrets of the Dreadwolf quest.
The intended 2D cinematic scene now plays after the Shadows Crossing quest.
Fixed an issue where the path forward could become blocked in the A Murder of Crows quest.
Fixed a blocking issue during the In Entropy’s Grasp quest.
Companions are now present when loading the first autosave made in the Isle of the Gods quest.
The HDR Calibration setting is now saved correctly between game sessions.
Prevented multiple instances where Rook could get stuck while exploring Thedas.
One of the “Watcher’s Robe” appearance variations is now correctly granted after completing the Disrupt and Conquer memory.
Fixed a place in Arlathan Forest where Rook could get stuck in a drowning loop.
Fixed instances where Rook forgot they already had the lyrium dagger and could not interact with treasure chests and altars.
Codex entries that were already read will no longer be re-marked as unread.
Fixed an issue where the scrollbar could get stuck in the Codex screen.
Enchantments on abilities are now reset correctly when Skill Tree nodes are reset.
The Crossroads’ Spirit Merchant now shows the intended faction reputation gained for whichever city was blighted when selling valuables.
Fixed a rare issue where some Skill Tree nodes were sometimes unable to be unlocked.
Sega has announced an exciting remaster of the classic fighting game, Virtua Fighter 5, now titled Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O.! This remaster is set to launch on Steam this winter, bringing the legendary fighting series to PC for the first time.
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. is based on the PlayStation 4 version, Virtua Fighter 5: Ultimate Showdown, and includes several enhancements. Players can expect rollback netcode support, gorgeous 4K visuals, and updated character models, stages, and cinematics. The game will support up to 60 frames per second, providing a smooth and visually stunning experience.
The remaster will feature all the beloved game modes, including Arcade, Rank Match, Training, and Versus. Additionally, players can create custom online tournaments and leagues with up to 16 players, making it perfect for competitive play. With 19 playable characters, each with unique fighting styles, there’s plenty of variety and customization options to keep the battles fresh and exciting.
Nintendo Switch Online subscribers have a new treat to enjoy as Donkey Kong Land is now available on the subscription service! This classic Game Boy title, originally released in 1995, brings the beloved side-scrolling adventure of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong to the Nintendo Switch.
Donkey Kong Land offers a condensed version of the gameplay found in the SNES classic Donkey Kong Country, with unique level designs and boss fights. Players will team up with Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong to defeat King K. Rool and collect bananas scattered across Donkey Kong Island.
This addition to the Nintendo Switch Online library is part of Nintendo’s ongoing effort to bring nostalgic titles to modern platforms. Fans of the Donkey Kong series can look forward to even more content, as Donkey Kong Country Returns HD is set to launch on the Switch in January 2025.
Apparently, neither V and Johnny Silverhand got the memo that Sony was going to launch a mid-gen upgrade for Playstation now known as PS5 Pro, and with the technical appealing that Sony wants to sell to developers, many believes that Cyberpunk 2077 could be a good example on the new graphical peaks consol speaking.
But it will not be the case at least in the short term.
In a recent announcement, CD Projekt Red has confirmed that there are no plans to release a PS5 Pro patch for Cyberpunk 2077. This news comes as a disappointment to many fans who were hoping for enhanced performance and visuals on Sony’s latest console.
The studio shared the update via a tweet, stating simply, “We currently have no plans for PS5 Pro patch.” While the game runs well on the PS5, many fans were optimistic about the potential improvements a PS5 Pro patch could bring.
CD Projekt Red is currently focusing on other projects, including the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 sequel and The Witcher 4. These projects are likely taking precedence over further updates to the original game.
Despite the lack of a PS5 Pro patch, Cyberpunk 2077 remains a visually stunning and engaging experience on the PS5, and it’s also available on PC and Xbox Series S/X. The game’s Phantom Liberty expansion continues to offer new content and adventures across all platforms.
While it’s a letdown for PS5 Pro owners, the future looks bright for fans of CD Projekt Red’s games with exciting new titles on the horizon.
It is once again that year were gamers unite to see the equivalent of the Grammy and Oscar for the gaming industry and recognizing the best from December 2023 through November 2024, and yes, I am talking about The Game Awards.
The Game Awards 2024 is just around the corner, and the nominations are in! This year’s show promises to be a thrilling celebration of the best games released in 2024. With a diverse range of titles vying for top honors, it’s shaping up to be one of the most competitive years yet.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most hotly contested categories and their nominees:
Game of the Year
Astro Bot
Balatro
Black Myth: Wukong
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Best Narrative
Astro Bot
Balatro
Black Myth: Wukong
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Best Performance
Ashley Johnson (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)
Ayaka Asai (Final Fantasy VII Rebirth)
Callum Keith Rennie (Metaphor: ReFantazio)
Ella Freya (Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II)
Jason Isaacs (Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree)
Yuri Lowenthal (Metaphor: ReFantazio)
Best Music/Sound Design
Astro Bot
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Silent Hill 2
Best Art Direction
Astro Bot
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
Silent Hill 2
Innovation in Accessibility
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred
The Last of Us Part I
Dragon Age: Veilguard
These are just a few of the many exciting categories and nominees for The Game Awards 2024. Be sure to check out the full list of nominees on the official website and cast your vote for your favorites.
The Game Awards 2024 will be broadcast live on December 12th, 2024. Stay tuned for more updates on this year’s show and get ready for a night of epic gaming celebrations!
By the way, I made my voting as part of this week’ s YouTube Gaming Channel content and let me know in the comments if you agree, disagree or your thoughts.
Another legendary frasnchi9se that celebrates their rounds to the sun is Half-Life 2, which has already reached 20 years since it was originally launched and Valve decided to give us some never seen before perspectives and details.
Above, you can see the Half-Life 2: 20th Anniversary documentary which of course, follows the development of the 2004 PC game and features interviews with the majority of the game’s development team.
One important (and sad for many) aspect of the documentary is, that shown off development footage of the cancelled Half-Life 2: Episode 3.
Half-Life 2 is a 2004 first-person shooter game developed and published by Valve Corporation. It was published for Windows on Valve’s digital distribution service, Steam.
There has been a talk about Microsoft Gaming and Xbox in general and not for the good in terms on how plausible will be to maintain its position as part of the “big three” along Sony (with PlayStation) and Nintendo and how futures look blurry.
To mitigate this blurriness, Microsoft Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer, took advantage on the proper media tour post-Microsoft earnings to give some visualization on the state of the gaming market for Xbox.
Xbox is NOT quitting hardware business
Hardware historically hasn’t been a great forte in terms of Xbox Earnings, and of course, with the entry of Activision Blizzard as part of the earning has not helped matters at all.
Added to the fact that the current Game Pass Cloud push includes resorting in partners had ware like Amazon’s Fire TV devices.
Burt despite on how the public perception might be, for Phil Spencer, is all part of the plan.
We’ll definitely do more consoles in the future, and other devices.
We think about hardware that can create unique value for our players or creators on our platform. We don’t need to do incremental hardware for our own benefit.
Does a new device really give you a unique experience on screen in some way? [It’s] less like the old days, going from the original Xbox to 360 – that was standard definition to high definition. No [it’s] arder ti show té Benefit.
Also, Spencer admitted that Microsoft is working heavily on one of the poor kept-secret, the Xbox device that will challenge the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch in the portable gaming market, but we are still years away from a proper release, so chances about what “Microsoft wants to talk at The Game Awards” in terms of hardware…might be safe to not go high on expectations.
More releases outside Xbox and PC aren’t ruled out
Early this year, Microsoft surprised the gaming world releasing four games of Xbox Game Studios in other platforms, after a big push on exclusivity.
Phil Spencer, this time told Bloomberg that they are not feeling limited on approaching other platforms after being brought the possibility of the next Halo game available on Playstation5.
I do not see sort of red lines in our portfolio that say ‘thou must not.
Also, Spencer said to Bloomberg that Spencer said Xbox is still open to more acquisitions following last year’s $69 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard.
Methodical on expansion and debunking an Avowed theory
Finally with Game File, there was an opportunity to have Phil Spencer talk about how Microsoft Gaming and Xbox Game Studios sees the development of expansions for their first party games.
While there is no rulebook and developers are not obligated to add expansions, personally he dislikes “manipulative” expansions in terms of the expansion doesn’t serve the whole experience of the game to the user and for example, it is used to “fill a cliffhanger” technically speaking.
Finally, it was time to acknowledged what happened to Avowed that was delayed until February 2025.
And no, there were not a technical thing or anything, just that this Holiday season will be a busy one with Diablo IV new expansion, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Indiana Jones & The Great Circle, and Xbox felt that Avowed could just be lost in the “new game” backlog unneedled.
