Tag Archives: News

Breaking, Gaming, News, Technology

What means for gamers that Net Neutrality is no more?

In a significant legal decision, the Sixth Circuit Court has struck down the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality rules. This ruling, influenced by the recent end of Chevron deference, means that broadband providers are no longer required to treat all internet traffic equally.

While this decision has broad implications, it’s particularly impactful for the gaming community.

The Impact on Online Gaming

Net neutrality was designed to ensure that internet service providers (ISPs) couldn’t prioritize certain types of traffic over others. Without these protections, ISPs could potentially throttle or block gaming traffic, leading to slower load times and laggy gameplay. This could be especially detrimental for online multiplayer games, where a stable and fast connection is crucial.

Without net neutrality, ISPs might also introduce tiered pricing models, where gamers would have to pay extra for a “gaming package” that ensures better performance. This could increase the overall cost of gaming, making it less accessible to some players.

The gaming community has been a strong advocate for net neutrality, recognizing its importance in maintaining a fair and open internet. Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) and the Internet Association have been vocal in their support for net neutrality, emphasizing its role in fostering innovation and competition in the gaming industry.

While the recent ruling is a setback, the fight for net neutrality is far from over. Advocates are calling on Congress to pass legislation that enshrines net neutrality principles into law, ensuring that the internet remains a level playing field for all users, including gamers.

Breaking, Business, Featured, Gaming, News

Tango Gameworks confirms its return under Krafton

The new year 2025 will be big for the future of once Xbox Game Studios and now, a Krafton (PUBG current developer) as Tango Gameworks, the creative minds behind the acclaimed Hi-Fi Rush, is officially back and seems to aim to be better than ever!

After a rollercoaster of events in 2024, the studio has been revived under new ownership by Krafton and is now known as Tango Gameworks Inc.

In August 2024, Krafton acquired Tango Gameworks following its closure by Microsoft in May. This acquisition has breathed new life into the studio, giving them a fresh start and a renewed sense of purpose. The rebranding to Tango Gameworks Inc. marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

John Johanas, the creative director, couldn’t contain his excitement about the studio’s rebirth. He called this moment “truly a new start” and emphasized the team’s dedication to creating games that bring joy and excitement to players worldwide.

Looking Ahead

Krafton is committed to maintaining the legacy of Tango Gameworks and has big plans for the future. They have expressed a strong interest in continuing development on the Hi-Fi Rush IP, with a sequel already in the works. This commitment to preserving and expanding the studio’s creative vision is a promising sign for fans.

One of the most heartwarming aspects of this revival is the rehiring of many staff members who were laid off by Microsoft. Tango Gameworks Inc. is not only rebuilding its team but also looking to expand, bringing in fresh talent to contribute to their future projects.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Playstation, Xbox

Two Myths About Black Myth: Wukong Debunked

I guess that timing is something to be decided internally despite the convenience of it and final Game Science, the developer behind the popular action RPG Black Myth: Wukong, has recently clarified the reasons behind the game’s delayed release on Xbox platforms.

The game, which has been a massive success on PC and PlayStation 5, has not yet launched on Xbox and it was finally confirmed by its developer that is due to technical challenges with the Xbox Series S, which in retrospective is not a good narrative for Microsoft and its quest of Xbox Series S to be taken as important as Series X.

The main issue stems from the Xbox Series S’s limited memory. The console has 10GB of shared memory, which is lower than the Xbox Series X’s 16GB. This has caused significant optimization challenges for Game Science, leading to memory leaks and performance issues

Initially and at the same situation when Baldur Gate 3’s Xbox version, Microsoft suggested that the delay was due to internal quality concerns and denied any inherent limitations of the Xbox platform.

However, Game Science’s director, Feng Ji, recently contradicted this by explicitly blaming the Series S’s memory limitations

Despite the delays, Game Science is committed to ensuring that the game meets their quality standards before releasing it on Xbox. They are working on optimizing the game to provide a smooth and enjoyable experience on all Xbox models.

There was speculation that the delay might be due to an exclusivity deal with PlayStation, but Feng Ji’s recent statement has put those rumors to rest. The primary issue remains the technical limitations of the Series S.

Indeed, Xbox fans have expressed disappointment over the delay, as they have been eagerly awaiting the game’s release on their platform. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges developers face when creating graphically intensive games for different console hardware.

Business, Games, Gaming, News

Hideo Kojima confirm setback due the SAG-AFTRA Strikes

Saying good-bye to 2024, Hideo Kojima revealed that the development of his highly anticipated games, OD and Physint, has been internally delayed due to the ongoing SAG-AFTRA strikes. Of course, this development is going to left fans eagerly awaiting updates on these more or less mysterious projects and probably the wait could be longer than expected.

For a reminder and starting with OD, short for “Overdose,” is an upcoming horror game developed by Kojima Productions in collaboration with filmmaker Jordan Peele.

The game aims to explore the concept of testing one’s fear threshold and what it means to “OD” on fear.

The project was first announced during an Xbox event and is expected to be an Xbox exclusive. The game stars notable actors like Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier, but unfortunately, the SAG-AFTRA strike has halted the scanning and filming processes, causing delays in the game’s development.

As for Physint, or a play of the words “physical intelligence,” is an upcoming stealth action game being developed by Kojima Productions and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment.

This game marks Kojima’s return to the action espionage genre since his acclaimed Metal Gear series.

The project is described as a “next-generation action espionage game” and aims to blur the lines between cinema and video gaming. The collaboration with Sony hints at a deep integration of resources, including Columbia Pictures.

However, the SAG-AFTRA strike has also impacted the casting process for Physint, leading to further delays.

Despite these setbacks, Kojima remains optimistic about resuming work on both games in 2025. Fans of Kojima’s innovative storytelling and unique game design can look forward to more updates as the situation progresses.

The SAG-AFTRA strikes have had a significant impact on the gaming industry. The strike, which began on July 26, 2024, was called after more than 18 months of unsuccessful negotiations with some of the largest video game companies.

The main issues at stake include consent, compensation, and transparency around the use of AI in video games.

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