2023 has really been all about bringing back the classics. Remakes, remasters, and ports are totally ruling the gaming scene right now. Can you believe that these kinds of games snagged nine of the top ten spots in the highest-rated games list from March through June? They were also some of the most eagerly awaited releases.

The Nielsen report shows that the cashflow from the top video game remakes nearly doubled in 2020 when you compare it to 2018. That’s why everyone’s calling it the golden age of remakes and remasters.

But why are these game makeovers killing it in today’s super-competitive market? Let’s take a look into what gamers and game-makers think about the whole trend.

Millennials are right at the heart of this big comeback. According to a report by Newzoo, 80% of millennials are gamers. They grew up with the classic video games from the 80s and 90s, which are now getting a fresh coat of paint.

It’s more than just playing games for them; it’s about reliving those epic childhood moments. Now that they’ve got money to spend, millennials are a big reason why remakes and remasters are so popular. They’re not just stuck in nostalgia; they’re actively shaping the market. And it’s not just a passing phase – studies like the one from ExpressVPN show that their love for gaming is here to stay, even outpacing the enthusiasm of the Gen Z crowd.

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Challenges in the gaming industry

The gaming industry has faced mounting pressures due to escalating consumer expectations for high-quality content delivered quickly, driven by rapid technological advancements and fierce competition. Developers now need larger teams and more time to produce content that meets these expectations.

In response to the industry’s overgrowth during the Covid-19 pandemic and the current economic challenges, developers and investors have adopted a more conservative financial approach. This cautious stance has led some to focus on game renewals to mitigate development risks while still delivering high-quality products.

The Last of Us, developed by Naughty Dog and Sony Interactive Entertainment, serves as a prime example of the longevity that remakes and remasters can offer. Launched in 2013, the game has seen updated versions released with each new console generation, ensuring it remains relevant and accessible to gamers on any platform. This strategy has kept The Last of Us in the spotlight, contributing to its enduring success and even inspiring a hit television series in 2023.

Analyzing the optimal timing for game renewals

Likewise, game renewals offer other developers a way to keep their franchises relevant, expand their consumer base, and build anticipation for future titles. Beyond their direct sales and engagement benefits, remakes, remasters, and ports can reinvigorate interest in the original games, as shown in a Newzoo study. This was evidenced by the launch of the Resident Evil 4 remake in March 2023, which led to a significant spike in monthly active users for the original 2005 version on Steam. These benefits demonstrate the positive impact of well-executed game renewals on a franchise.

Virtuos, in collaboration with IDG Consulting and Strategic Game Consulting (SGC), compiled a comprehensive dataset of over 200 remakes and remasters, complete with sales figures dating back to 2012. Utilizing “Owners,” a metric provided by SGC indicating the number of unique players with a game in their library, as a proxy for sales, this study provided deep insights by cross-referencing this data with consumer reviews and developer interviews of prominent game renewals.

The initial question facing many in the industry is whether to opt for a remake or a remaster. The popularity of remasters surged in 2014, coinciding with the release of the PS4 and Xbox One. Developers leveraged the enhanced graphical capabilities of these new consoles to update the visuals of their most successful and beloved titles, resulting in a positive reception from players, as indicated by strong sales figures for remasters in that year. Noteworthy remasters from this period include Grand Theft Auto V, The Last of Us Remastered, and Halo: The Master Chief Collection, all launched relatively close to their original releases.

How the remakes and remasters perform over time. (Source – Virtuos).

But the excitement for remasters began to wane in subsequent years. The transition to the PS5 and Xbox X|S in 2020 did not replicate the 2014 success, partly because graphical enhancements were less impactful due to higher expectations and the prevalence of backwards compatibility, diminishing the appeal of purchasing essentially the same game for new hardware.

With the next console generation anticipated around 2028, and rumors of the Nintendo Switch 2 releasing in early 2025, there’s potential for further expansion and success for remakes. The future of remasters, however, hinges on the technological advancements these new consoles offer.

The analysis reveals that remasters launched shortly after their original games tend to perform better, benefiting from the titles’ continued relevance and competitive edge. The most successful remasters, averaging 13.8 million sales, were those released within five years of their originals, primarily in 2014, to capitalize on the new console generation.

This strategy was less prevalent in 2020-2021, with developers choosing to remaster older titles from the PS3 and Xbox 360 era for the latest consoles, resulting in a longer average gap between original and remastered versions. Despite this, the remasters of 2020, such as Saints Row: The Third Remastered and Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered did not replicate the success of their 2014 counterparts, largely due to their focus on graphical improvements over gameplay enhancements. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, released two years after the original, was a notable exception, achieving significant sales.

Remakes, though, tend to succeed when enough time has passed to allow for significant technological and gameplay improvements. The dataset shows that remakes generally involve games over a decade old, with only a small fraction involving shorter intervals between original and remake versions. Successful remakes often follow a gap of at least 9 years, as seen with The Last of Us Part 1 and Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir. But for games less than a decade old, developers must carefully assess whether the remake will add enough value to justify its purchase.

Nostalgia’s crucial role in video game remakes and remasters

Studies have shown that the appeal of remakes and remasters to gamers often lies in the nostalgia they evoke, allowing players to revisit the fond memories associated with the original titles. For example, a significant portion (36.5%) of players of Black Mesa, a 2020 remake of Half-Life, had also experienced the original Half-Life game on Steam.

The success of a game renewal hinges on the developer’s ability to pinpoint, examine, and highlight the elements that trigger nostalgia among players.

The aspects of a game that players remember most fondly tend to be its standout moments or levels, rather than an all-encompassing recollection of the entire game. These memorable elements can range from the initial discovery of a unique location to an unforgettable line spoken by a favorite character.

Black Mesa (a 2020 remake of Half-Life). (Source – Virtuos).

This understanding was pivotal for the team behind the Resident Evil 4 remake in 2023. To maintain the game’s nostalgic value, they paid homage to iconic moments, including the Del Lago Easter egg and memorable lines like “Where’s everyone going? Bingo?”

Feedback from players indicates that the Resident Evil 4 remake was well-received by both newcomers and veterans, showcasing the development team’s ability to effectively capture the original game’s spirit. Successfully recreating key moments is crucial for appealing to returning players, ensuring they have a satisfying experience that honors their memories of the original game.

Remakes and remasters offer the benefit of having existing content and the wisdom of hindsight, which is not available when creating new IPs. Developers can use this to their advantage by analyzing the original game’s reception, identifying the aspects that resonated with audiences, and integrating these elements into the remake or remaster.

Therefore, it is essential for developers working on game renewals to conduct research to identify and preserve the elements most valued by players, ensuring these are maintained in the updated version. Do that, and it looks like game remakes are here to stay.

If you’re going to remake a game, think more Free Guy than Pixels. Thanks, The Entire Gaming Community.

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The Nintendo Switch is a massive hit. It’s sold over 130 million units, beating the Wii and catching up to the DS handheld. That means everyone’s wondering – what’s Nintendo’s next move?

Well, Nintendo’s making it clear that the Switch is still its main focus going into 2024, despite all the buzz about a next-gen console. During its latest earnings call, Nintendo’s president, Shuntaro Furukawa, talked about this but remained tight-lipped on a successor to the super popular Switch. But, fingers crossed, we might get some juicy details about what’s next, maybe even a hint at a Switch 2, in its next earnings update in early May.

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Rumors and speculations: the Nintendo Switch 2 release date

Speaking of the Switch 2, there’s a lot of gossip going around. Initially, people were saying it would drop in fall 2024, just in time for the holiday shopping craze. But now, some insiders chatting with VGC are hinting at a release date in the first quarter of 2025.

And guess what? VGC’s not the only one hearing these rumors. A video from a Brazilian journalist and some buzz picked up by Eurogamer are pointing to early 2025 as well. Seems like we might have to wait a bit longer for the next big thing from Nintendo.

If the Switch 2 (which is just a tentative name) launches in early 2025, it’ll be hitting the shelves around the same time as its predecessor, which debuted in March 2017. Two sources close to VGC have even confirmed they’re working on games for this new console, targeted for an early 2025 release.

This “later” release date could be a blessing in disguise for developers, giving them extra time to polish up their launch titles.

Take Metroid Prime 4, for example. Announced way back in 2017, its development hit a reset button in 2019, and we’ve been in the dark about it for five years. There’s some chatter, especially from folks at Polygon, that Nintendo might be saving this big title for the launch of their new console.

The Switch 2, whenever it arrives, is definitely going to have big shoes to fill. Its predecessor isn’t just Nintendo’s top-selling console; it’s also outperformed the latest from Sony and Microsoft.

The financial impact of a delayed Switch 2

In the world of finance, Nintendo’s shares took a 6% dip recently on the 19^th of February, 2024. This came after reports from various gaming media, and Bloomberg, suggested that Nintendo’s next-gen console might be pushed back to early 2025 instead of launching later this year.

Though Nintendo hasn’t dished out specifics about a new console, the company has made it clear that it is always cooking up new hardware and software. The gaming giant is expected to eventually launch a new device to take the baton from the aging Switch.

Nintendo even boosted its sales forecast for the Switch earlier this February, as reported by Reuters. Despite nearing its eighth year, the hybrid home-portable device is still attracting consumers. “We want to maintain the momentum of the Switch business,” said Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa during an earnings briefing.

Nintendo’s upcoming Direct

Looking ahead, Nintendo is gearing up to reveal part of its 2024 Switch lineup. On the 21^st of February at 9AM ET, Nintendo is hosting this year’s first Nintendo Direct. The Verge has reported that it is expecting a 25-minute showcase featuring games from Nintendo’s publishing and development partners, all slated for release in the first half of 2024.

It wasn’t exactly a secret that a Nintendo Direct was around the corner. Microsoft and PlayStation have already shared their upcoming releases, and a quick glance at Nintendo’s pattern shows it likes to kick things off in early February.

Nintendo Direct 2024 is set to air on the 21st of February. (Source – X).

After many rumors and even a data miner’s report, the Nintendo Direct might be when Tango Gameworks finally announces that Hi-Fi Rush is coming to the Switch – especially since Phil Spencer, the head of the Xbox brand and leader of the global creative and engineering teams responsible for gaming at Microsoft, has confirmed that four previously Xbox-exclusive games will be hitting other platforms like the Switch and PS5.

And in the realm of long shots, but still holding onto hope, it’s been half a decade since Nintendo said Metroid Prime 4 was getting a reboot and moving over to Retro Studios, who worked on the first three Primes. It’s been seven years in total since the company announced the game, but let’s not dwell on that too much. Maybe this Direct will shed some light on that, or perhaps Nintendo’s playing it close to the chest for the eventual Switch 2 reveal.

The delay in the Switch 2’s release, though a source of disappointment for eager fans, offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics of game development, market expectations, and corporate strategy. As Nintendo navigates these waters, the gaming community watches with bated breath, curious about the future, yet appreciative of the present era of the Switch.

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The esports industry is soaring, capturing widespread attention as more individuals consider gaming as a viable career option, largely due to the significant rewards on offer.

Recent research has identified the most lucrative esports games, with Dota 2 leading in terms of tournament payouts.

This study, conducted by CSGO gambling site CSGOLuck, analyzed the top 500 esports tournaments with the biggest prize pools. The data was grouped by game, totaling the winnings from all tournaments, and the average potential earnings were calculated by dividing this sum by the number of tournaments.

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Analyzing esports tournament winnings: from Dota 2 to CrossFire

Dota 2 has emerged as the top earner in these tournaments, boasting a total prize pool of approximately US$273,424,334. The game has hosted 59 events with over 3,790 participants. The average prize for Dota 2 tournaments stands at around US$4,634,310, the highest in the world. Additionally, it’s one of the most popular games globally, with about 435,000 monthly players as of December 2023.

Fortnite ranks second, awarding US$95,364,800 in total winnings. Since its 2017 release, the game has seen 63 tournaments and over 6,800 players. Fortnite tournaments offer an average of US$1,513,726, more than 65% less than Dota 2‘s average.

PUBG Battlegrounds holds the third spot, with an average winning of US$2,033,634 across 40 tournaments and a total prize pool of US$81,345,392.

In fourth place is Arena of Valor, distributing US$71,999,058 in total, with an average top prize of US$2,249,970.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has given away US$60,771,952 across 70 tournaments, the highest number of any game. The average top prize is US$868,170.

League of Legends, a game with over 140 million monthly players, ranks sixth. Its average tournament winnings are around US$1,525,444, with a total prize pool of US$53,390,571.

Call of Duty, a veteran in the esports realm, has awarded over US$39,954,000 across 36 tournaments, making it the seventh-highest-paying game. The game’s Modern Warfare III re-release was the second-best-selling game of 2023.

Overwatch, with US$21,360,000 in total payouts, claims the eighth spot. Since its 2016 launch, the game has attracted over 20 million monthly players and hosted 13 tournaments.

Rainbow Six Siege is the ninth highest-paying game, with 11 tournaments totaling US$20,461,709 in prizes, averaging US$1,860,155 per tournament.

Lastly, CrossFire is tenth, with US$12,337,483 distributed across 17 tournaments. This game is particularly popular in Asia and offers an average prize pool of US$725,734.

The top ten games with the highest total prize pools are as follows:

Top ten games with the highest total prize pools.

The global impact of esports tournaments

A spokesperson from CSGOLuck commented on esports’ growing popularity, attributing it to a perfect mix of strategy, skill, and entertainment. They said that esports attracts a global audience through accessible online platforms and high-stakes competitions. The integration of technology and competitive gaming has propelled players to celebrity status and drawn massive viewership.

The spokesperson added that esports events have become cultural phenomena, thanks to sponsorships, substantial prize pools, and mainstream acceptance, reflecting the changing landscape of digital gaming media and consumption in this century.

It’s important to note the rise in mobile esports, driven by the increasing accessibility and power of smartphones. This sector has grown significantly, with tournaments offering million-dollar prize pools and attracting substantial viewership numbers. The past few years have marked mobile esports as an industry to watch.

Mobile esports: the rising star of tournament gaming

As 2024 progresses, there’s much anticipation for the mobile esports scene. Despite the general esports winter, mobile esports has remained popular, especially in developing regions less affected by the current macroeconomic climate.

2024 is set to be a pivotal year for mobile esports, partly due to the establishment of the Esports World Cup as a critical event. This development, reported by Esports Insider, signifies a significant shift in the industry.

Replacing Gamers8, the Esports World Cup will feature a range of esports titles across PC, console, and mobile, making it a significant event for mobile esports. Many major mobile esports titles are expected to participate in the World Cup.

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has already confirmed its Mid Season Cup at the event, with hints that PUBG Mobile and Free Fire might also participate. PUBG Mobile‘s mid-season tournament is set to take place in Saudi Arabia, and Free Fire‘s roadmap suggests its involvement in a global esports tournament in July, likely the Esports World Cup.

Thus, 2024 is a crucial year for establishing the Esports World Cup as a major recurring event in mobile esports. With its existing experience and infrastructure from hosting Gamers8 in the past years, Riyadh is set to host an even bigger Esports World Cup.

This anticipated event is expected to significantly impact the mobile esports landscape, highlighting the sector’s growth and potential. With various titles across multiple platforms participating, the Esports World Cup is poised to become a landmark event in the esports calendar, particularly for mobile gaming enthusiasts.

Overall, the evolution of esports, especially in the mobile domain, reflects a dynamic shift in the gaming industry. It underscores the growing significance of mobile platforms in the competitive gaming space and the expanding opportunities for players and viewers alike. 2024 promises to be a transformative period for mobile esports, with the Esports World Cup leading the charge in elevating the status and reach of these competitions on a global scale.

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Here we go again – another round of layoffs is hitting the gaming industry. Microsoft just dropped the news that it’s cutting 1,900 jobs from its video game division, a decision that comes shortly after their massive US$69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Microsoft: the major job cuts in the video game division

In a memo from Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft Gaming, it’s clear that the cuts will primarily affect Activision Blizzard, the creators of hit games like Call of Duty and Guitar Hero. But employees at Xbox and ZeniMax will not be spared from these layoffs. This move signifies a nearly 9 percent reduction in Microsoft’s 22,000-person video game division, though it accounts for less than 1 percent of the company’s approximate 220,000 employees.

Spencer’s memo, obtained by The Verge, reveals a balance between strategic planning and empathy for the affected employees. He highlights the integration of the Activision, Blizzard, and King teams into Microsoft and the company’s strategy for sustainable growth. Spencer states, “we have made the painful decision to reduce the size of our gaming workforce by approximately 1900 roles out of the 22,000 people on our team.” He assures that support will be provided during the transition.

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Further details about the situation at Blizzard were shared in an internal memo by Matt Booty, Microsoft’s game content and studios president. Booty addressed the Blizzard team directly, acknowledging the challenge of saying goodbye to colleagues and emphasizing the company’s commitment to delivering ambitious games. He mentioned that the layoffs were part of a focused strategy across Microsoft Gaming aimed at sustainable growth and aligning talent with top priorities.

Booty’s memo also confirmed the departure of Blizzard’s president Mike Ybarra, and chief design officer Allen Adham. Ybarra, who had been with Microsoft for over two decades, played a pivotal role as Blizzard’s president during the acquisition process. Booty thanked him for his leadership and partnership. One of Blizzard’s co-founders, Adham, left a lasting impact on the company’s games and plans to continue mentoring young designers in the industry.

Looking ahead, Spencer expressed optimism about Microsoft’s gaming business, emphasizing continued investment in areas that will broaden their reach to more players globally. Despite the challenges, he remains confident in the team’s ability to deliver engaging gaming experiences.

This layoff trend isn’t exclusive to Microsoft. The industry is reeling from a wave of job cuts as the pandemic-driven surge in gaming recedes.

Tencent’s Riot Games, for instance, is laying off 11% of its workforce, totaling around 530 jobs, including a scale-back in its independent game publishing division. Amazon’s Twitch is reducing its workforce by 35%, impacting around 500 employees, and Unity Software plans to cut a quarter of its staff, approximately 1,800 jobs. Notably, these companies also experienced layoffs last year.

Should staff at all video game companies be worried? (Source – X).

Piers Harding-Rolls, a gaming analyst at Ampere Analysis, observed that some layoffs at Activision Blizzard were expected post-acquisition. However, the scale and extent of the cuts across the industry have been unprecedented, particularly with many companies initiating them in January.

The bigger picture: Microsoft’s gaming business and future outlook

Gaming has become a key component of Microsoft’s consumer business, generating over US$15 billion in annual sales, primarily under the Xbox brand. The acquisition of Activision Blizzard, announced two years ago, was a strategic move despite concerns over Activision’s workplace culture at the time. The deal faced intense regulatory scrutiny, causing delays in its completion. As pandemic restrictions eased and consumer habits shifted, Microsoft reported a 5 percent drop in gaming revenue, amounting to US$764 million, in the last fiscal year.

Layoffs have become a recurring theme this month across various companies in the tech and gaming industries, including Google, Discord, eBay, and others.

Following the completion of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October, after overcoming regulatory hurdles in the UK and US, former CEO Bobby Kotick stepped down at the end of December. Now, a suite of Activision Blizzard executives report directly to Matt Booty.

Recently, there have been significant leadership changes at Xbox, with Sarah Bond being promoted to Xbox president, overseeing platform and hardware operations. Booty was also promoted to game content and studios president, managing Bethesda, ZeniMax studios, and Activision Blizzard.

Microsoft’s last major layoff round was a year ago, affecting 10,000 employees. The company is poised to release its fiscal Q2 2024 earnings soon, including the financial effects of the Activision Blizzard acquisition for the first time.

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Palworld is really making waves – big time. Searches for ‘Palworld‘ skyrocketed by 708% during the first weekend after it launched worldwide.

Palworld‘s rise in popularity

On release, Palworld quickly achieved a milestone by selling 4 million copies within the first three days, alongside reaching a peak of 1.29 million concurrent players on Steam. This prompted an in-depth analysis of its rapid online popularity growth.

Gaminggadgets.de conducted research on Google Trends data over the past month, uncovering a significant spike in searches for ‘Palworld‘ right after its launch on January 19, 2024, and during the first weekend it was accessible to the public.

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The search interest for ‘Palworld‘ soared by 708% in just three days and is expected to continue its upward trend over the next week, driven by the extensive coverage it’s getting on streaming platforms such as Twitch.

TwitchTracker data illustrates this trend, showing that Palworld livestreams attracted a peak viewership of 432,308 on the platform on launch day, with an average of 123,047 viewers over the past seven days.

Developed by Pocketpair, Palworld is an action-adventure survival game set in an expansive world filled with animal-like creatures called ‘Pals.’ Players engage in battles, capture Pals, and utilize them for various activities, including base building, moving around, and fighting.

A representative from Gaminggadgets.de commented, “It is incredible to see just how quickly the player base for Palworld has grown in such a short period of time. Influences from Pokémon, Ark: Survival, and a multitude of recent open-world games are evident throughout its gameplay and general design, so it is likely drawing attention from all over the place.

The sudden exposure to it from popular channels on Twitch and YouTube, with some receiving early access to show off gameplay ahead of its public release, has surely helped its successful debut. It will be interesting to see whether Palworld can maintain these high player counts in the upcoming weeks or whether it will fade in popularity as the trend comes to an end.”

Google Trends data.

Controversy and success: the Palworld phenomenon at the start of 2024

Recently, Palworld has been embroiled in controversy due to its similarities with Pokémon, particularly regarding AI usage. This controversy has reignited concerns over deceptive AI practices. Allegations of plagiarism in Palworld‘s character designs, which closely resemble Pokémon characters, have sparked debates on social media, with users scrutinizing Pocketpair’s history with generative AI tools.

Despite these controversies, Palworld achieved impressive success in early 2024, selling 2 million copies within the first 24 hours of its early access release on PC and Xbox. However, this success has also brought renewed attention to the similarities between Palworld‘s ‘Pals’ and Pokémon characters.

Key takeaways:

• Takuro Mizobe, Palworld‘s director and CEO of Pocketpair, issued a statement urging an end to online abuse towards the game’s artists.
• In the same statement, Mizobe acknowledged the influence and inspiration from Pokémon.
• The controversy is further fueled by Pocketpair’s previous engagement with generative AI tools.

“AI usage continues to draw scrutiny, raised attention, and consumers eager to point out each and every perceived act of deceptions,” states Chelsea Alves, a consultant at UNmiss. “This has been made evident by the recent AI misuse callouts from other renowned businesses such as Sports Illustrated and the New York Times lawsuit against OpenAI. It’s becoming more clear than ever before that companies must become attuned to the needs and desires of consumers around AI usage to avoid negative media attention.”

Pocketpair has previously faced criticism for using generative AI tools in its earlier game, AI: Art Imposter, which heavily relied on an AI image generator. Historical posts by Mizobe, where he lauded the potential of AI image generators for content creation and discussed using AI to generate Pokémon designs, have added to the speculation.

While these posts don’t confirm the use of AI in Palworld‘s designs, they have fueled speculation, particularly considering the relatively inexperienced team behind Palworld, some of whom were just beginning their careers before joining the project.

Despite the plagiarism accusations, Palworld, billed as an “action-adventure survival game,” has garnered very positive reviews on Steam. Players engage in battles and capture “Pals” for various activities, including base building and combat.

In the context of the EU’s move to regulate generative AI in Europe and Valve’s recent policy change on disclosing AI-generated assets on Steam, the gaming industry faces increasing pressure to judiciously use AI amid growing concerns about such technologies.

The video game industry will continue to evolve

The video game industry is set for a rebound in 2024, bolstered by robust console sales, despite recent setbacks, including the controversies surrounding Palworld and the unfortunate layoff announcement from Riot Games. Reuters, citing a research report from NewZoo, predicts a promising upturn for the global video-game market, fueled by strong sales from Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation 5 consoles.

This year, the market is poised to expand by 2.8%, reaching a total value of US$189.3 billion. This growth follows a modest increase of around 0.6% last year, signaling an end to the post-Covid downturn that led to job cuts across various video-game companies, according to NewZoo‘s analysis.

The gaming market, which experienced a surge during the pandemic, witnessed a 4.3% decline in 2022. An earlier report by NewZoo attributed this downturn to high interest rates, persistent inflation, and a scarcity of major game releases, all of which impacted gamers’ spending.

However, the recovery seen in 2023 was largely driven by the launch of several major titles. Notable releases included Electronic Arts’ Star Wars Jedi: Survivor and the FC 24 football game, along with Hogwarts Legacy from Warner Bros. Discovery.

NewZoo‘s latest report indicates that while the lineup of new releases in 2024 might not be as packed with eagerly awaited titles as the previous year, the growth in console sales will be propelled by live-service games and ongoing sales of existing game catalogs.

This projection aligns with Sony’s expectations, which anticipate selling 25 million units of the PlayStation 5 in the 12 months ending in March, thanks in part to the release of a new, slimmer version of the console.

Live-service games like Epic Games’ Fortnite have emerged as significant contributors to gaming revenue in recent years. Their free-to-play model and continuous content updates attract and retain a large user base.

However, NewZoo‘s report notes a shift in user preferences. Engagement data from 2023 suggests a trend from live-service games to premium games.

The report also points out that the growth of gaming subscription services such as PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, which offer users access to a wide range of titles for a fee, is expected to decelerate this year.

“2024 should not be marked by as many major disruptions and should instead remain in a form of continuity with what has already been observed recently,” Romain Bingler, market strategy manager at Ubisoft Entertainment, commented on the report’s findings.

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The gaming industry is facing a wave of significant layoffs in early 2024, marking a continuation of the cost-cutting trend that began last year. Tencent’s Riot Games, a prominent player in the sector, recently announced a substantial workforce reduction. The company plans to eliminate 11% of its staff, totaling around 530 jobs. This move also includes scaling back Riot’s division, which publishes independent developers’ games.

2024 layoffs rock gaming industry

Dylan Jadeja, the CEO of Riot Games, conveyed the decision in a letter to employees, later shared on the company’s blog. Jadeja emphasized the need for strategic adjustments and operational streamlining to ensure Riot’s future sustainability.

The company’s current situation stems from ambitious 2019 expansions aimed at enhancing the player experience. Riot Games ventured into new experiences, leading to rapid growth and transforming it into a multi-game, global entity. This expansion doubled the company’s size, driven by operational changes and new talent acquisitions.

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However, Riot now grapples with a lack of clear focus, as numerous projects have not met expected returns, leading to unsustainable costs. These financial challenges have restricted the company’s capacity for experimentation, a vital aspect of Riot’s creative ethos.

In response, Riot implemented measures such as project prioritization, hiring slowdowns, and focusing on cost control. Despite these efforts, it became apparent that more significant changes were necessary. So the company reduced its workforce to concentrate on projects delivering the most player value.

Jadeja stressed that this decision was crucial for Riot’s long-term health and was not driven by shareholder interests or short-term financial goals.

The layoffs include reductions in staff for Riot’s game Legends of Runeterra, launched in 2020. Subsidizing this title’s development through other games was deemed unsustainable. Eric Shen will assume the role of executive producer for Legends of Runeterra, replacing Dave Guskin, who announced his transition to other Riot projects in a blog post. Riot’s Forge division, which focuses on publishing indie games, will also experience cutbacks.

Tencent, a major player in the gaming industry and Riot’s parent company since 2015, has faced its challenges. Tencent’s involvement began with an initial investment in Riot Games in 2011. The company, headquartered in Los Angeles, has witnessed changes in the broader gaming landscape.

Riot Games community shows solidarity for the Rioters (Source – X).

For instance, Microsoft’s plan to acquire Activision Blizzard in 2022 positioned it as the third-largest gaming company, trailing Tencent and Sony. Microsoft, too, has encountered hurdles, cutting 10,000 employees amid slowing revenue growth.

Tencent, known for its widely used WeChat app in China, has seen revenue fluctuate for seven consecutive quarters following a pandemic-era growth spurt. Tencent-backed Epic Games reduced its staff by 16% in September. Moreover, Tencent’s shares fell 12% in late December after China introduced new regulations to limit excessive gaming.

Pony Ma, Tencent’s co-founder and CEO, indicated a strategic shift in November, moving away from less scalable activities and focusing on artificial intelligence investments.

Amazon’s Twitch joins layoff trend early in the year

This trend of workforce reduction extends beyond Riot Games. Amazon’s Twitch, another significant entity in the streaming and gaming sector, announced a 35% reduction in its workforce, impacting around 500 employees.

Twitch publicly addressed the layoffs in a blog post, including an email from CEO Dan Clancy to staff. Clancy expressed disappointment that the news leaked before the official announcement. The layoffs were part of an effort to develop a more sustainable business model for Twitch, despite distributing over US$1 billion to streamers last year.

The past year saw Twitch grappling with leadership changes, rising operational costs, and community dissatisfaction. These challenges led to the layoffs of 400 employees after Emmett Shear handed the CEO role to Clancy. Amazon further reduced the workforce by closing the Crown channel and its Game Growth group.

Twitch also announced the shutdown of its services in South Korea, one of the most prominent esports markets, citing high network fees. Despite user growth since the pandemic lockdowns, Twitch has struggled to achieve profitability. The platform’s shift to ad revenue has not yielded the expected results, and Bloomberg reports that Twitch remains unprofitable nearly a decade after Amazon’s acquisition.

Operating large-scale live streaming content is costly for Twitch. In 2022, Clancy revealed that each high-volume streamer costs the company about US$1,000 per month, primarily due to Amazon Web Services’ rates.

“Delivering high definition, low latency, always available live video to nearly every corner of the world is expensive,” Clancy said, highlighting the financial challenges of Twitch’s operations.

Why are continuous layoffs occurring in the industry?

This analysis is based on commonly observed reasons and is purely an opinion. One classic strategy to boost short-term profit margins involves layoffs. Although it’s a controversial practice, it’s not unusual for executives to improve their quarterly numbers by reducing staff. The rationale is that the company can always rehire if necessary later.

A notable trend is the timing of these layoffs, often occurring right before Christmas, primarily driven by this financial strategy – or even early in the year.

Rapid growth or poor decision-making also contribute to layoffs. The concept of infinite growth, often championed by economists, doesn’t always hold up in reality. The gaming industry, for example, experienced a surge during the pandemic due to increased indoor activity. However, as people spend less time indoors post-pandemic, companies anticipate a downturn and preemptively reduce their workforce.

In some instances, companies make strategic errors. The Embracer Group, for example, aggressively acquired companies in anticipation of Saudi investment that never materialized. On the other hand, Unity has been losing money for a prolonged period and further alienated its community by introducing a fee for each installation of games developed using its engine. Such missteps have led to layoffs.

Another factor could be the potential shift towards AI, specifically Large Language Models (LLMs). Businesses globally aspire to increase production with fewer employees; AI integration could be a step in that direction. The move towards AI, however, raises concerns about copyright issues and moral and ethical implications, making this a complex and potentially contentious development to observe.

The gaming industry’s recent wave of layoffs reflects various factors, from strategic shifts to economic pressures. As the industry continues to evolve, companies are navigating the complexities of technological advancements, shifting consumer habits, and economic uncertainties, all of which shape their operational decisions and workforce management.

The post Tencent’s Riot Games announces 2024 layoffs to ‘create focus’ – cutting 11% of its staff appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

The iconic Nintendo game, Pokémon, is currently in the limelight, but not for reasons related to a new game update. Instead, it’s because of a new game named Palworld, which resembles Pokémon in many ways, but with a twist—it’s labeled as ‘Pokémon with guns.’

Palworld‘s unassuming debut and meteoric rise

Initially, Palworld made a quiet entry into the gaming world about a year ago through a teaser. This first glimpse failed to garner significant attention, as many in the gaming community brushed it off as just another clone of the beloved Pokémon series, likely to fade into obscurity. But Palworld defied these early expectations with its recent Early Access release.

The game has not only captured gamers’ interest but has also shattered sales records, selling millions of copies in a remarkably short period. This sudden surge in popularity indicates a latent demand for a game that captures the essence of the Pokémon experience but innovates on the concept in a modern context—a demand that the original Pokémon franchise has been slow to fulfill.

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The success of Palworld has far exceeded the expectations of its developers, the Japanese gaming company Pocketpair, previously known for its title Craftworld. The game’s impressive sales figures in its first week, with over 5 million copies sold and a peak of 1.5 million concurrent players on Steam, have placed Palworld among the most successful AAA games in recent years. This accomplishment is particularly notable given the initial skepticism surrounding the game’s potential.

What makes Palworld stand out is its ability to resonate with many gamers. Its appeal stems from various factors: the genuine interest of Pokémon enthusiasts in a similar yet distinct gaming experience, the challenge it poses to the established norms set by Nintendo and Game Freak, the curiosity it incites among gamers, and its attractive price point, which is set under US$30. This combination of factors has contributed to the game’s widespread popularity and commercial success.

Palworld dominating the gaming market

In the competitive gaming market, Palworld has made a notable impact.

The game recently topped Steam’s bestseller list, outperforming significant releases such as Call of Duty and Baldur’s Gate 3. Its popularity extends beyond PC gaming, as Palworld is also available on Xbox consoles through the Game Pass subscription service. This broad availability has played a significant role in the game’s rapid ascent in the gaming world.

Despite its commercial success, Palworld has not been immune to controversy. The game’s initial trailer, which depicted a dystopian world with parallels to Pokémon, drew skepticism and ridicule. In response, Pocketpair, the Tokyo-based studio behind Palworld, had to clarify that their creation was a legitimate endeavor and not a scam.

The controversial trailer presented a striking contrast between serene fantasy activities like farming, and shepherding, and intense gun battles, where animals were used as shields. Early descriptions on Steam even highlighted the role of creatures in automated factory settings, working tirelessly throughout their lifespans.

The version of Palworld released last weekend, however, has shifted the focus towards the domestication and interaction with over a hundred different creatures in the wild. This change in the game’s direction showcases the evolving nature of Palworld and its ability to adapt to player feedback and market trends.

How is Palworld similar to Pokémon?

Palworld‘s resemblance to Pokémon has been a topic of significant debate within the gaming community. Takuro Mizobe, CEO of Pocketpair, addressed these comparisons in a 2021 interview with The Gamer, emphasizing that Palworld was more akin to a survival game, drawing inspiration from various popular titles like Minecraft, Dragon Quest, and Grand Theft Auto.

More recently, Mizobe confirmed in an interview with Automaton that the game had successfully undergone legal review, highlighting Pocketpair’s commitment to respecting the intellectual property rights of other companies.

Despite Mizobe’s statements, the debate continues, with gamers and critics alike comparing Palworld and Pokémon. Some users have pointed out similarities not only with Pokémon but also with other franchises and even ancient Egyptian mythology, which appears to have influenced character designs in both games. This ongoing discussion reflects the complex nature of creative inspiration and the fine line between homage and imitation in the gaming industry.

Palworld has already got a Pokémon mod in the game. (Source – X).

Adding to the controversy surrounding Palworld is the speculation that its creators may have utilized generative AI to create its creature designs. While there is no concrete evidence to support this claim, the possibility has been acknowledged by various sources, including TechCrunch.

The idea that AI tools could have been used to generate Pokémon-like designs is not far-fetched, considering the advancements in AI technology and the availability of text-to-image generators like Stable Diffusion, which have made the creation of custom Pokémon a reality for many enthusiasts. This speculation adds another layer to the debate about Palworld‘s originality and the ethical implications of using AI in game design.

The industry’s response and player reactions

In response to the ongoing discussions about Palworld, The Pokémon Company has chosen to remain silent, while Pocketpair has not provided immediate comments.

However, the gaming community continues to draw parallels between Palworld and Pokémon, with numerous content creators discussing and analyzing the topic on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. The debate has extended beyond the gaming industry’s confines, capturing a wider audience’s attention and sparking conversations about creativity, intellectual property, and the evolution of gaming.

The controversy surrounding Palworld‘s launch has also highlighted a darker aspect of the gaming industry: harassment and toxicity towards developers. IGN reported that the game’s release was marred by death threats against its developers, a disturbing trend that has become increasingly prevalent in the gaming world.

This issue was further underscored in a recent Game Developers Conference survey, where a staggering 91% of the 2,300 developers surveyed identified player harassment and toxicity as a significant problem, with 42% considering it “very serious.” This situation underscores the need for a more respectful and constructive dialogue within the gaming community.

Despite its remarkable success, Palworld faces several challenges as it navigates the complex landscape of the gaming industry. The Xbox version of the game lags in features and updates compared to the Steam version, highlighting the difficulties of maintaining parity across different platforms. Additionally, the game’s massive launch has put a strain on its servers, a common challenge for popular online games that experience a sudden influx of players.

Palworld‘s journey from an overlooked teaser to a best-selling game is a testament to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the gaming industry. Its parallels to Pokémon have sparked widespread debate and discussions about creativity, inspiration, and the boundaries of intellectual property.

As Palworld continues to navigate the complexities of success and controversy, it stands as a prominent example of the ever-evolving landscape of video games and the enduring influence of iconic franchises like Pokémon.

The post Palworld: The ‘Pokémon with Guns’ phenomenon facing backlash appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

In online gaming, latency and ping are critical factors that significantly influence a player’s experience. These terms, which might not always be at the forefront for casual gamers, are essential in shaping the game’s responsiveness, fairness, and overall enjoyment. Addressing these vital aspects, Nvidia Reflex emerges as a game-changing technology.

By significantly reducing system latency on GeForce graphics cards and laptops, Nvidia Reflex ensures that players’ actions are registered and reflected on-screen more quickly. This enhancement is particularly beneficial in multiplayer matches, where having a competitive edge is crucial, and it also makes single-player titles more responsive and enjoyable.

Since its introduction in September 2020, Nvidia Reflex has revolutionized system latency reduction in over 100 games. It has become a widely adopted feature, with over 90% of GeForce gamers enabling Reflex in their settings. The technology is not limited to competitive shooters like Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, and Fortnite; it also extends to critically acclaimed titles across various genres, such as Cyberpunk 2077, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Red Dead Redemption 2.

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Nvidia Reflex’s widespread adoption in competitive and single-player games underscores its effectiveness in tackling the challenges of latency and ping, elevating the gaming experience to new heights.

In 2023, gamers equipped with GeForce graphics cards devoted over 10 billion hours to playing their favorite games, enjoying a noticeable enhancement in responsiveness thanks to the implementation of Nvidia Reflex’s system latency reduction technology.

Latest game titles embracing Nvidia Reflex

The trend toward adopting Reflex shows no signs of slowing, and we can expect to see its integration in a growing number of eagerly awaited games throughout 2024. Since Nvidia’s previous update, games such as Layers of Fear, SCUM, and Squad have embraced Reflex technology. Additionally, at CES 2024, it was revealed that Horizon Forbidden West and NAKWON: Last Paradise will include Reflex support from their respective launches.

Players anticipating the Horizon Forbidden West Complete Edition will find it launches with Reflex support integrated from day one. This sequel to Horizon Zero Dawn, highly regarded for its expansive world and narrative depth, invites players to explore new territories, confront formidable machines, and interact with diverse tribes. The game’s narrative centers on a land plagued by devastating storms and an unrelenting blight, posing a threat to the remnants of humanity. As the protagonist, Aloy, players will seek to unravel the mysteries behind these threats and strive to restore balance to the world. The Complete Edition also features the Burning Shores story expansion and additional content.

The psychological horror game Layers of Fear has received an update to include Nvidia Reflex, significantly reducing system latency and enhancing the gaming experience. This title, known for its impact on the narrative-driven horror genre, combines the original Layers of Fear, its sequel, and all downloadable content into a comprehensive package. This package now benefits from the latency-reducing capabilities of Reflex, ensuring a more immersive and responsive gameplay experience.

NAKWON: Last Paradise, an upcoming game by Mintrocket, is set in a post-apocalyptic Seoul overrun by zombies. This third-person stealth survival game emphasizes stealth and survival in a city where firearms are scarce, but hiding spots abound. Players must rely on their wits to survive against both AI-controlled zombies and other players in a PvPvE format. When it launches, NAKWON: Last Paradise will feature Reflex support from the outset, offering players enhanced responsiveness and performance.

SCUM, developed by Gamepires and Jagex, offers a unique survival experience where prisoners fight for survival and fame in a dystopian future. The game balances hardcore survival mechanics with optional PvP events, blending intricate planning and intense action. Recently, SCUM incorporated Reflex technology, significantly reducing system latency and improving the overall player experience.

Offworld Industries’ Squad, a large-scale multiplayer shooter, focuses on realism and team coordination. The game was recently upgraded to include Reflex support, reducing system latency and enhancing the responsiveness of its combat gameplay. This update is particularly beneficial in Squad‘s large-scale battles, where quick reactions and precise actions are essential.

The introduction of Reflex technology extends beyond game titles to gaming hardware. For instance, the launch of the HyperX Pulsefire Haste 2 Mini – Wireless Gaming Mouse, compatible with the Nvidia Reflex Analyzer, represents a step forward in gaming peripherals. This lightweight mouse, designed for optimal performance, can be used to measure system latency accurately, offering gamers insights into their setup’s responsiveness.

As Nvidia Reflex continues to expand its presence in the gaming world, more games and compatible devices are expected to be announced.

GeForce RTX 4070 Super game ready driver is out now

The introduction of Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4070 Super, alongside the GeForce RTX 4080 Super and 4070 Ti Super, marks a significant enhancement in the GeForce RTX 40 Series. The GeForce RTX 4070 Super, available now, is designed to deliver exceptional performance, especially in graphically demanding games. Its launch is accompanied by the availability of a new game ready driver, essential for harnessing the full potential of this advanced GPU.

The GeForce RTX 4070 Super stands out for its significant core increase compared to the GeForce RTX 4070, making it a compelling choice for gaming at 1440p with maximum settings. Its performance, surpassing that of the GeForce RTX 3090 while being more power-efficient, is further enhanced by the inclusion of DLSS 3. This makes it an attractive option for gamers and creators upgrading from the GeForce RTX 3070 or RTX 2070, offering a significant leap in frame rates and overall gaming experience at 1440p.

RTX 4070 SUPER – 20% more cores (Source – Nvidia)

Media reviews of the GeForce RTX 4070 Super highlight its efficiency, performance, and quiet operation, underscoring its prowess as a 1440p gaming GPU. Available in both Founders Edition and custom models from various add-in card providers, the GPU caters to a range of preferences and requirements.

In addition to the hardware advancements, Nvidia’s focus extends to gaming experiences, exemplified by the upcoming Palworld game. Set to enter early access, Palworld is a multiplayer, open-world survival and crafting game featuring a unique monster-collection element. GeForce RTX gamers will have the advantage of activating DLSS 2 to enhance game performance, ensuring an optimal gaming experience.

GeForce Experience continues to support gamers with one-click optimal settings for over 1,000 titles, including recent additions like Apocalypse Party and Escape from Tarkov: Arena. This feature, along with the ability to capture and share gaming moments, underscores Nvidia’s commitment to enhancing the gaming experience.

The new GeForce game ready driver is available for download, providing the necessary support for the latest hardware and games. Nvidia encourages users to provide feedback on the driver through the GeForce.com driver feedback forum, ensuring continuous improvement and addressing any technical issues.

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In the rapidly evolving gaming space, a new controversy has emerged: prominent voice actors are voicing their displeasure over a significant yet opaque agreement concerning the use of AI-generated voices. This technology, which has the potential to revolutionize voice acting in games, is at the center of a heated debate between actors and industry stakeholders.

This deal, forged between the US actors’ union SAG-AFTRA and AI company Replica Studios, aims to ensure “fully informed consent and fair compensation” for union members.

However, many voice artists, already wary of AI replacing their roles, have vehemently opposed the agreement. According to the BBC, SAG-AFTRA communicated to its members via email that the deal was negotiated by a committee comprising actors with extensive experience in gaming. The union emphasized that the contract was designed to cater specifically to voice actors, offering terms for informed consent and appropriate compensation.

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SAG-AFTRA’s strike and AI

The roots of this controversy can be traced back to SAG-AFTRA’s prolonged 2023 strike, where the focus was on advocating for protections against AI usage by film and television studios. This historical context is crucial in understanding why the current agreement has sparked a strong reaction among voice actors.

Numerous voice actors view this new deal as contradictory to the goals of that strike. Sunil Malhotra, known for his work in Fallout and Mortal Kombat, mentioned he had participated in the strike last year to preserve his profession, not to facilitate the use of his AI-generated voice.

SAG-AFTRA, in a blog post announcing the deal, stated that it was ratified by members of the union’s voiceover community who are impacted by this technology. The union’s chief negotiator, Duncan Crabtree-Ireland, highlighted the importance of protecting voice talent rights, especially with game studios increasingly exploring AI for efficiency. He asserted that the agreement secures informed consent and fair compensation for the usage of members’ voices and performances.

What will happen to gaming voice actors in the future? (Source – X).

Despite these assurances, notable voice actors have strongly criticized the deal. Steve Blum, recognized by Guinness as a prolific video game voice actor, stated that he was unaware of anyone who had approved the agreement. According to SAG-AFTRA, the agreement details the terms for using AI-generated voices in video games, which Replica Studios can license for gaming and other media. It requires the AI firm to obtain consent from actors before using their voice likenesses and allows actors to refuse perpetual usage of their voices without consent.

This agreement has been met with dissatisfaction from various performers. Andrew Russell, a voice actor for World of Warcraft, labeled it “garbage,” while Shelby Young, who will voice Yuko in Persona 3: Reload, expressed disappointment in the union. The criticism extends beyond gaming, with Joshua Seth from Digimon and audiobook narrator Paige Reisenfeld also voicing discontent. Veronica Taylor, the voice of Ash in Pokemon, questioned how the deal was finalized without a vote.

In contrast, SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher praised the deal as a positive example of AI integration. At the same time, Replica Studios CEO Shreya Nivas described it as an “ethical approach” to AI, highlighting the potential benefits for significant studios in accessing AI voice technology with the assurance of fair talent compensation.

AI technology in gaming: A case study

The controversy extends beyond union agreements to actual game releases. Take, for example, the recently released Naruto x Boruto Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections. This game has become a focal point of debate due to allegations that generative AI tools were used for its English dub voice lines. Such technology, while innovative, raises ethical questions about authenticity and the preservation of artistic integrity in voice acting.

These claims, unproven as of now, have yet to receive a response from publisher Bandai Namco and developer CyberConnect2, igniting significant discussion within the gaming community.

Players began voicing concerns on social media shortly after the game’s November 17 release, pointing out several unnatural and poorly executed lines in the English dub. This led to speculation about AI involvement, especially after recent controversies surrounding AI voices in other games, like the multiplayer shooter The Finals.

The controversy intensified with input from voice actors associated with Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections. Maile Flanagan, the English voice of Naruto, responded to a fan’s query on Twitter, insisting she did not deliver a contentious line in the manner it was presented in the game. While Flanagan refrained from directly accusing the developers of using AI, she was adamant about her non-involvement in the line’s delivery. This situation reflects a broader industry debate, with prominent actors like Jennifer Hale and David Hayter criticizing AI voice generators in gaming.

Michael Schwalbe, another voice actor from the game, revealed on Twitter that he had analyzed suspicious voice clips using AI-detection software, which purportedly found a mix of human and AI elements. However, the accuracy of such AI detection tools remains a matter of debate.

If Bandai Namco did use generative AI tools in this context, it could lead to significant backlash, particularly as Schwalbe highlights the unionized nature of the project, which typically prohibits generative AI use. This issue was a catalyst for recent considerations of strike actions by video game voice actors in solidarity with Hollywood actors and writers.

Bandai Namco has since released a statement addressing the AI allegations in Ultimate Ninja Storm Connections, clarifying that the controversial voice lines were not AI-generated but rather the result of inconsistencies in the editing and mastering process. The company expressed regret for any concerns raised and committed to fixing the disputed lines through an upcoming patch.

This incident adds to the growing list of AI-related disputes in the gaming industry, with increasing prevalence and mainstream adoption of generative AI tools. The ethical and exploitative use of these tools continues to be a contentious topic, raising questions about future commitments from major studios to mitigate potential harm.

In a separate but related incident, Ned Luke, known for his role as Michael in Grand Theft Auto 5, called out a chatbot using his voice without permission. Based on his character from GTA 5, the chatbot was removed following Luke’s criticism of the voice generator as “garbage” on X. Luke’s frustration echoes the concerns of many gaming actors facing similar unauthorized use of their voices.

The chatbot creator, WAME, acknowledged the issue but stopped short of apologizing to Luke. WAME expressed understanding and concern in a statement, committing to ethical AI practices. This unfolding scenario underscores the complex challenges voice actors face in the gaming industry amid rapid advancements in AI technology.

Ethical considerations and future directions

It’s a clear indicator that as we move forward, the industry must navigate a delicate balance between embracing technological innovation and preserving the irreplaceable human element in voice acting. The need for comprehensive ethical considerations, transparent agreements, and robust legal protections is more pressing than ever in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.

The post Gaming voice actors rally against the rise of AI technology appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

The gaming industry is experiencing a surge of revolutionary updates, and it’s only the second week of the new year. Amid this excitement, anticipation is growing for the predicted release of the Nintendo Switch 2. Adding to the buzz, Nvidia, a leading GPU provider, has recently unveiled a new addition to its GeForce RTX family.

Introducing the Nvidia GeForce RTX 40 Super series GPUs

Nvidia’s latest announcement introduces the GeForce RTX 40 Super series family of GPUs, including the GeForce RTX 4080 Super, GeForce RTX 4070 Ti Super, and GeForce RTX 4070 Super. These GPUs, which form the backbone of AI-powered PCs, supercharge the latest games and facilitate the creation of new entertainment worlds and experiences. The GeForce RTX 4070 Super, starting at US$599, is set to transform gaming and content creation with impressive capabilities.

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The new Nvidia Ada Lovelace architecture-based GPUs deliver up to 52 shader TFLOPS, 121 RT TFLOPS, and 836 AI TOPS, significantly enhancing gaming and creative processes. With these GPUs, developing novel entertainment experiences becomes more accessible and powerful.

PC gamers who prioritize top-notch visual quality will find the AI-powered Nvidia Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) Super Resolution, Frame Generation, and Ray Reconstruction, coupled with ray tracing, deliver stunning worlds in games like Diablo IV, Pax Dei, and Horizon Forbidden West. DLSS allows for AI generation of seven out of eight pixels, accelerating full ray tracing by up to four times while maintaining superior image quality.

GeForce RTX 40 Series laptops image – Slide image featuring new laptop announcements from major manufacturers including Acer, ASUS, DELL, HP, Lenovo, MSI, Razer and Samsung. (Source – Nvidia).

Matt Wuebbling, vice president of global GeForce marketing at Nvidia, notes, “For everyone from gaming enthusiasts to creative professionals, GeForce RTX Super GPUs are simply awesome upgrades. GeForce RTX Super cards support over 500 RTX games and applications and will have users prepared for the wave of generative AI apps coming to PC.”

The GeForce RTX Super GPUs mark a significant advancement in AI-powered PC computing. Specialized AI Tensor Cores deliver up to 836 AI TOPS, revolutionizing AI applications in gaming, creativity, and everyday productivity. The rich software ecosystem built on RTX GPUs further accelerates AI’s potential.

Nvidia TensorRT, a high-performance deep learning inference software suite, includes an inference optimizer and runtime that ensures low latency and high throughput. The open-source library TensorRT-LLM for Windows optimizes large language model inference performance. In AI tasks, the GeForce RTX 4080 Super generates video over 1.5 times faster and images over 1.7 times faster than the RTX 3080 Ti.

AI-powered DLSS enhances in-game immersion for gamers, while creative professionals, such as those using Adobe Photoshop, benefit from Tensor Cores for increased productivity. Nvidia Broadcast also improves productivity by removing background noise and offering seamless virtual backgrounds. GeForce RTX Super GPUs enable users to harness the full potential of AI on Windows PCs.

The GeForce RTX 4080 Super, available from January 31 starting at US$999, is basically a powerhouse for 4K gaming. It outperforms the GeForce RTX 3080 Ti by 1.4 times without DLSS Frame Generation and doubles its speed with this technology. With more cores and faster memory, it offers a significant performance edge.

The RTX 4070 Ti Super, ideal for high-frame-rate gaming at 1440p and up to 4K, surpasses the RTX 4070 Ti with more cores, a 16GB frame buffer, and a 256-bit memory bus. This boosts memory bandwidth to 672 GB/sec, making it 1.6 times faster than the RTX 3070 Ti and 2.5 times with DLSS 3. It will be available starting January 24 at US$799.

Launching on January 17 at US$599, the RTX 4070 Super offers a 20% increase in cores over the RTX 4070, outperforming the RTX 3090 with lower power consumption. With DLSS 3, its performance lead extends to 1.5 times faster.

Nvidia unveils ACE: a leap in interactive gaming

Nvidia also introduced production microservices for its Nvidia Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE), enabling game developers, tool creators, and middleware integrators to incorporate cutting-edge generative AI models into digital avatars in their games and applications.

ACE microservices allow developers to build interactive avatars using AI models such as Nvidia Audio2Face (A2F), which animates facial expressions from audio sources, and Nvidia Riva Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR), for customizable multilingual speech and translation applications.

Nvidia ACE microservices demo (Source – Nvidia).

Game development companies like Charisma.AI, Convai, Inworld, miHoYo, NetEase Games, Ourpalm, Tencent, Ubisoft, and UneeQ are already using ACE to enhance their gaming experiences.

Keita Iida, Nvidia’s vice president of developer relations, highlights the transformative impact of generative AI technologies in game creation and gameplay. With Nvidia ACE, developers can populate their worlds with lifelike digital characters, moving beyond pre-scripted dialogue and creating more immersive in-game interactions.

Transforming gaming characters with Nvidia ACE

Top game developers and interactive avatar creators are pioneering new ways to use ACE and generative AI technologies, transforming how players interact with non-playable characters (NPCs) in games and applications.

Tencent Games, a significant player in the gaming industry, acknowledges this as a pivotal moment for AI in games. They believe that Nvidia ACE, in collaboration with Tencent Games, will set a foundation for introducing digital avatars with unique, lifelike personalities and interactions into video games.

Nvidia ACE is bringing a new dimension to game characters. Traditionally, NPCs were designed with predetermined responses and animations, limiting player interactions to short, transactional exchanges often overlooked by players.

Purnendu Mukherjee, founder and CEO at Convai, points out the immense potential of generative AI-powered characters in virtual worlds. Convai uses Riva ASR and A2F to create NPCs with low-latency response times and high-fidelity, natural animations, enhancing the gaming experience.

Nvidia’s collaboration with Convai to expand the Nvidia Kairos demo showcases the transformative capabilities of ACE. In this enhanced version, Riva ASR and A2F are extensively used to improve NPC interactivity. Convai’s framework allows NPCs to engage in conversations, interact with objects, and guide players through game worlds, creating a more dynamic and interactive gaming environment.

This latest iteration of Kairos demonstrates how generative AI can revolutionize NPC interactions. NPCs can now converse among themselves, recognize and manipulate objects, and even guide players to objectives, offering a more immersive and interactive gaming experience.

The Nvidia GeForce RTX Super GPUs and ACE microservices are set to revolutionize gaming and PC computing. By harnessing the power of AI, Nvidia is creating a future where gaming and creative processes are more immersive, efficient, and engaging than ever before.

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