You know, there once was a time when handheld gaming devices ruled the scene. Remember the PSP, GameBoy, and Nintendo 3DS era? It seemed like those days had faded into nostalgia, but recently, there’s been a resurgence. Lenovo, not one to be left behind, has jumped into the fray with an eye-catching and sleek device.

The Lenovo Legion Go is something to behold. It marks its territory in the realm of handheld gaming with the prowess to run high-quality AAA games on a Windows 11 platform. Under the hood, it boasts AMD’s latest Ryzen Z1 Extreme processor and RDNA 3 graphics, promising a remarkable power-to-size ratio. The generous 8.8-inch QHD+ clarity display delivers stunning visuals and fluid gameplay. And the durability and responsiveness of the Hall effect joysticks are nothing short of impressive.

For those marathon gaming sessions, the device includes a kickstand and two USB 4.0 ports for easy docking and expansion. However, what really sets it apart is its detachable controllers, introducing a unique FPS mode that’s a game-changer. Not to overlook the Legion Space software launcher, which simplifies accessing and managing games.

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How do we review the Lenovo Legion Go?

Having Windows 11 on such a device feels slightly unconventional, admittedly. It lacks the seamless, portable gaming experience that Valve’s Steam OS provides. Nonetheless, the Legion Go shines as a versatile portable PC capable of delivering solid gaming performance, making it a worthy consideration for Windows enthusiasts.

Regarding pricing, the Legion Go competes closely with the Asus ROG Ally, yet it’s brimming with features that set it apart. It essentially functions as a potent Windows tablet, enhanced with detachable controllers reminiscent of the Nintendo Switch, and is supported by a handy kickstand. The inclusion of two USB-C ports, each offering extensive bandwidth, facilitates the connection of a wide array of peripherals without the hassle of unplugging your charger—a notable advantage over the single USB-C port found on both the Steam Deck and ROG Ally.

The device’s screen size is particularly striking. An 8.8-inch display on a handheld device is a rarity, providing ample visual real estate that negates the need for squinting, which is common with smaller screens.

Comparing the Legion Go’s screen to the Steam Deck OLED, it’s clear that the OLED model offers unparalleled color richness, deep blacks, and striking HDR, ideal for dim environments. Meanwhile, the ROG Ally’s smooth variable refresh rate ensures that games not only look but also feel quicker, even if the Legion Go pushes more frames per second.

Yet, the Legion Go’s display is in a league of its own. With a resolution of 2560 x 1600, a 144Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, and a 97% DCI-P3 color gamut, all protected by tough Gorilla Glass 5, it excels not only in gaming but also in web browsing, reading, and video streaming. This, combined with the fact that it minimizes the need for squinting during gameplay, adds to its appeal.

Legion Go hero controls and ports map full size with labels (Source – Lenovo)

Performance and usability

However, the device’s weight presents a challenge. At 1.88 pounds, it’s significantly heavier than its counterparts, a factor that becomes noticeable during extended use. Fortunately, the lighter controllers help distribute this weight more evenly when held with both hands, though the abundance of additional buttons Lenovo included can lead to accidental presses.

For longer gaming sessions, I find myself preferring to use the device propped up with its detachable controllers, much like one might with a Nintendo Switch. This setup not only alleviates the weight issue but also introduces an added level of comfort and flexibility in how the device can be enjoyed.

Yet, Lenovo may have attempted to integrate too much into these controllers. The combination of a detachable mouse, Joy-Con-like controllers, a touchpad, and extra buttons, while innovative, can feel overwhelming. The joystick and buttons perform adequately, and the triggers are satisfying to use, but the small trackpad and merely adequate D-pad and speakers leave room for improvement.

Lenovo Legion Go in action

Delving deeper into the controllers, Lenovo’s launch emphasis on FPS mode was notable. Transforming the right controller into a makeshift mouse is particularly useful in scenarios where a traditional mouse isn’t available. This feature significantly enhances the experience of navigating Windows and playing strategy games like Frostpunk.

Despite the odd button layout in FPS mode, the true value of these detachable controllers lies in their contribution to the device’s overall comfort. Mimicking the convenience of a Nintendo Switch, the Legion Go establishes itself as one of the most user-friendly handhelds I’ve had the pleasure of using.

Lenovo’s innovative design allows for the controller to be rotated 90 degrees, aligning the buttons with your fingers and thumb to emulate a five-button vertical mouse, complete with a 1,800 DPI optical mouse sensor and a compact scroll wheel. Although the process of transforming the controller into a mouse involves a few steps, the functionality it provides is undeniable.

Despite the appeal of this feature for Windows navigation, I’d personally prefer improved speakers for a better overall experience.

Balancing power with portability

When it comes to performance, the Legion Go stands out from its competition, offering the flexibility to boost performance at the expense of battery life—a trade-off that may not suit all users. The device’s battery life is a notable concern, especially as it diminishes more rapidly when nearing depletion.

While a step in the right direction, the Legion Space software still lags behind in terms of features and customization options compared to alternatives. Achieving full-screen game launches on Windows remains a challenge; a frustration echoed by many users seeking a seamless gaming experience.

Avoiding a rehash of the “Windows vs. gaming handhelds” debate, it’s clear the Legion Go’s large screen and detachable controllers offer significant advantages, simplifying navigation and interaction within Windows. This makes the device particularly appealing for casual use and browsing from the comfort of your couch.

Personally, I’d lean towards not purchasing a Legion Go. My preference sways more towards gaming on a laptop, where the larger screen and more intuitive control layout enhance my gaming experience. It might seem a bit unfair to compare a handheld device directly to a laptop, as they serve distinct purposes and offer different experiences. However, I have a fondness for the classic feel of handheld devices like the PSP or GameBoy. There’s a nostalgic simplicity to them that I really appreciate, where everything feels straightforward and uncluttered.

Despite not acquiring the device immediately upon release, feedback suggests that subsequent updates have significantly improved its performance and user experience, indicating that Lenovo has addressed initial concerns to deliver a more polished product.

The post What do we think about the Lenovo Legion Go? The review appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

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.

The post A change in the Nintendo Switch 2 release date? Delayed even further? appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

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.

The post Esports tournaments break records: a new era of prize pools and opportunities appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

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.

The post Microsoft announces major cuts in video game division following Activision Blizzard deal appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

The story of the 18-year-old hacker who last year illegally accessed and distributed numerous Grand Theft Auto 6 clips and was consequently sentenced to lifelong confinement in a hospital prison has resurfaced. This resurgence of interest is linked to recent developments involving an individual known as ‘Florida Joker,’ who has threatened to collaborate with the GTA 6 hacker in a campaign against Rockstar Games, demanding a staggering US$10 million.

Who is Florida Joker? And what’s with the legal standoff with Rockstar Games?

Lawrence Sullivan, better known as the Florida Joker, has been garnering significant attention on social media following his threat to take legal action against Rockstar Games. Sullivan became infamous for vocally criticizing Rockstar Games for including a character in GTA 6 resembling him. He is seeking US$10 million from Rockstar Games and has set a payment deadline of January 14, 2024.

Failure to meet his demands, he warns, will result in a lawsuit against the game studio for defamation. Sullivan recently elaborated on social media about the distinctions between his case and that of Lindsay Lohan, asserting that Rockstar owes him millions. To date, Rockstar has not publicly addressed his allegations.

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However, Sullivan’s demands might not be entirely unreasonable, especially when considering the GTA franchise’s immense popularity and profitability. Here are several reasons that might justify his position:

• GTA 6 has been reported as the most costly game ever developed, with an estimated US$2 billion spent on its development.
• With approximately 190 million copies sold, GTA 5 is the second highest-selling video game in history, and expectations are that GTA 6 will exceed these sales figures.
• The reveal trailer for GTA 6 broke records as the most viewed and liked gaming tweet ever, achieving over a million likes and 80 million views within just five hours of its release.
• As of the latest update, the reveal trailer has accumulated an impressive 165 million views.

Initially, the self-styled Florida Joker demanded US$2 million from Rockstar Games. This figure subsequently escalated to US$5 million and currently stands at US$10 million. Sullivan initially set a January 11, 2024, deadline for payment, which he later extended to January 14, 2024.

He remains firm in his resolve to initiate legal proceedings if Rockstar Games fails to respond. Sullivan alleges that the game studio subjected him to harassment by featuring a character resembling him in the game and is seeking compensation for defamation and emotional distress. To reinforce his claim, Sullivan recreated the character from the GTA 6 reveal trailer in a video he posted on TikTok.

In his video, Sullivan expresses his frustration with the continual public harassment he faces, directly addressing Rockstar Games with a demand for compensation for using his likeness in the GTA 6 trailer. He emphasizes his distress and suffering, insisting on a US$10 million compensation. Furthermore, he threatens radical measures if his demands are not met, hinting at plans to liberate the hacker, as mentioned earlier, from the hospital.

Florida Joker giving his final warning. (Source – X).

The legal saga of Arion Kurtaj, the GTA 6 hacker, due to leaked gameplay clips

This reference pertains to Arion Kurtaj, the hacker behind the 2022 leak of GTA 6 footage. According to reports by the BBC, Kurtaj’s release is contingent upon medical assessments determining that he no longer poses a threat to the public. He was arrested in Oxford by London police in September 2022 following a hacking spree that culminated in the release of a large amount of in-development footage from Rockstar Games.

Initially pleading not guilty, Kurtaj was later tried for a series of cybercrimes linked to the hacking group Lapsus$, which had also targeted companies like Uber and Nvidia, in addition to leaking GTA 6. Due to his acute autism, Kurtaj was deemed unfit for a conventional trial, but a jury found him responsible for the hacks. The court discovered that Kurtaj had managed to breach Rockstar’s systems from his hotel room using an Amazon Firestick, later threatening to release GTA 6 source code unless Rockstar negotiated with him.

During sentencing, as reported by the BBC, a mental health assessment determined that Kurtaj harbored intentions of returning to cybercrime at the earliest opportunity, deeming him highly motivated. Testimonies during the trial also indicated that he had exhibited violent behavior while in custody. Consequently, he has been sentenced to remain in a secure hospital for life.

The GTA 6 hack is among recent cyberattacks targeting major gaming studios and publishers, including CD Projekt Red, Capcom, and Insomniac Games. Unlike other breaches that exposed personal employee information, the GTA 6 incident mainly leaked gameplay clips.

Though these clips revealed aspects of the highly anticipated game, Kurtaj’s legal team argued that the overwhelming success of the official GTA 6 reveal trailer, now the most watched on YouTube, suggested that the leak did not significantly hinder the game’s sales prospects, contrary to what Rockstar Games and others initially believed.

Arham, a writer at The Solitaire, reflected on the situation involving Lawrence Sullivan and Rockstar Games, pointing out a contemporary challenge in video game character design: discerning the fine line between inspiration and direct infringement.

The future of character design and legal boundaries in video games

This case illustrates a complex and evolving issue in the digital age, where character designs in video games can potentially mirror real-life individuals, either intentionally or coincidentally. Arham suggests that the Sullivan versus Rockstar Games situation could set a precedent for how the gaming industry addresses and resolves such disputes in the future.

This evolving landscape of character rights in video games raises crucial questions about intellectual property, personal likeness, and how game developers can draw from real-world influences without crossing legal boundaries. The debate intensifies when considering the commercial success and cultural impact of games like GTA 6, where character designs contribute to the game’s appeal and have a far-reaching influence on gaming communities and popular culture.

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The ongoing controversy surrounding Lawrence Sullivan and Rockstar Games serves as a poignant example of the challenges the gaming industry faces in an era where the lines between virtual and real worlds are increasingly blurred.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Rockstar Games will respond to Sullivan’s demands and what implications this case will have for future character designs in video games.

This scenario highlights the need for clearer guidelines and more nuanced understandings of character rights and intellectual property in gaming, ensuring that creators can innovate without overstepping legal and ethical boundaries.

The post GTA 6 leaked gameplay triggers controversy appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

Video game leaks tend to have a bigger impact on society compared to data breaches involving personal data, simply because most of the games that end up being leaked are popular titles, which are favorites among gamers around the world.

Recently, the trailer of the popular video game Grand Theft Auto (GTA) 6 was leaked onto X. The leak resulted in shares of the video game publisher, Take-Two Interactive Software, dropping 2%. Eventually, Rockstar Games, a subsidiary of Take-Two published the GTA 6 trailer on YouTube. X also suspended the account that posted the leak. But the damage had already been done.

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However, the leak of the GTA trailer is not nearly as bad as what is happening to Sony right now. Sony’s Insomniac Games’ internal data has made its way to the dark web following the passing of a ransom deadline. The Rhysida ransomware gang has leaked 1.67 terabytes of data, which contains more than 1.3 million files, onto the dark web.

The gang said in its leak post that “No sold data was uploaded, data hunters, enjoy,” and it appears some data was, in fact, sold to an enterprising bidder. Only 98% of the full dataset has been uploaded.

The ransomware gang had initially threatened to publish the data on December 12th, after publishing limited proof-of-hack material, including passport scans. While the ransom figure remains uncertain, the cybercriminals were selling the data for around US$2 million. Any buyer, including Sony, was welcome to bid.

Concerning times for Insomniac after the loss of internal data.

What video games were affected by the leak?

Bloomberg reported that the data leaks included game road maps, budgets, and detailed information about Insomniac’s upcoming Wolverine game. The game was slated to be released in 2026. The files also include yet-to-be-released Marvel-inspired titles in the next decade. This includes Spider-Man 3 which is based on Venom and X-Men games as well as a reference to a new Ratchet & Clank game slated for a 2029 release.

While Sony has yet to respond to the leak, other details that were compromized included information on dozens of current and former employees. The information included compensation, personal information and photos on executive cards. Contracts showing multimillion parachute payments to executives upon the studio’s sale to Sony were also leaked along with historical financial agreements with games publishers including Oculus and EA Games.

Cyber Daily, which first reported the leak, said that Sony and Insomniac were specifically targeted by the cybercriminals. A spokesperson for Rhysida said they knew who they were attacking in an email.

“We knew that developers making games like this would be an easy target.”

It also turns out that the hack itself did not present much of a problem, with the spokesperson saying, “We were able to get the domain administrator within 20–25 minutes of hacking the network.”

The Insomniac hack is just one of the few cybersecurity incidents that have affected Sony in the past decade. (Image generated by AI).

Not Sony’s first time at the ransomware circus

The Insomniac hack is just one of the few cybersecurity incidents that have affected Sony in the past decade. While the current incident may not be as big as the 2014 Sony Pictures hack, the scenario does paint a similar picture.

Back in 2014, Sony Pictures suffered one of the worst hacks in the film industry. North Korean hackers claimed responsibility for the hack after Sony released a film that was mocking their leader. The threats not only succeeded at disrupting the premier of the film but also affected other films being planned by Sony.

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The hackers released scripts of unreleased films as well as personal data and private emails from top executives of Sony. But that wasn’t by any means the last time Sony would suffer a cybersecurity incident.

Earlier this year, according to a report by Bleeping Computer, Sony notified current and former employees and their family members about a cybersecurity breach that exposed personal information. About 6,800 individuals have been compromised after an unauthorized party exploited a zero-day vulnerability in the MOVEit file transfer platform.

The Cl0p ransomware leverages the zero-day vulnerability for large-scale attacks that have compromised organizations worldwide. The Cl0p ransomware gang added Sony Group to its list of victims in late June, but the firm hasn’t given a public statement on the incident until now.

That’s not all. Reports show that Sony experienced another cybersecurity incident. Allegations on hacking forums show that 3.14GB of data was stolen from Sony’s systems. While Sony has responded to the claims, stating an ongoing investigation, Bleeping Computer noted that the leaked data set contains details for the SonarQube platform, certificates, Creators Cloud, incident response policies, a device emulator for generating licenses, and more.

The video game industry is an increasingly popular target for hackers. (Image generated by AI).

Video game industry continues to be a target

The video game industry itself has witnessed increasing cybersecurity incidents. Capcom, another game developer, fell victim to a massive data leak three years ago. It was only recently that law enforcement agencies were able to apprehend the ransomware group responsible.

Another incident involved major game publisher Electronic Arts. The hackers claimed to have downloaded the source code for several popular games. After failing to extort the company, the hackers released the entire cache of stolen data to the dark web.

Earlier this year, Riot Games revealed that hackers had compromised its development environment with a social engineering attack. The company reassured users that no player data or personal information was compromised, but the hackers did manage to get access to the source code of several popular titles by Riot Games.

Activision also experienced a cybersecurity incident earlier this year when hackers stole internal data. Screenshots of the data, which included planned content of popular games, were published online.

The post Hackers leak Sony’s video game plans appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

The gaming industry has seen a surge in growth over recent years, particularly in the Asia-10 region. It is projected that this region’s PC and mobile game market will generate US$ 35.9 billion in 2022 and reach US$ 41.4 billion by 2026. A significant contributor to this growth is the increasing popularity of mobile gaming and the expansion of the e-sports industry. Along with this growth, there is increasing demand for innovative and seamless payment solutions in the gaming industry.

Niko Partners define Asia-10 as Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Korea, and India.

BUILDING A “GAMING STATION” THAT GOES BEYOND MALAYSIA’S GAMING SPACE

Muhammad Zulhusni | 15 August, 2022

Companies like Xsolla offer many monetization solutions, including payment processing, fraud prevention, and user account management, to help developers and gamers easily purchase and access their favorite games. To expand its services to even more game companies worldwide, Xsolla has opened its largest office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The move will help the company to offer its innovative products to an even broader audience.

Who Xsolla is, and how its payment system works with a game.

“We’ve worked with thousands of companies worldwide, from very large to very small companies like Roblox, Electronic Arts (EA) and many more,” said Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla. “We work with them to help them with the commerce of their video games. And part of that means that we develop technologies and solutions that help these companies go directly to the consumer worldwide.”

Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla (Source – Xsolla)

Xsolla has developed various technologies to help companies with the commerce of their video games. One of these technologies is the payment system, which includes a Payments API that can be integrated into a game or any part of a game’s commerce, whether on a website, in-game or elsewhere. This API grants access to over 700 different payment methods in over 200 regions globally. This is crucial as it helps Xsolla’s partners access the most players possible and get their games in players’ hands everywhere.

Xsolla also boasts great anti-fraud technology. The company tailors its technology to the video game industry and actively understand players’ spending behaviors. This commitment allows Xsolla to minimize the amount of false or fraudulent transactions that can hinder a company’s business. Less fraud means higher margins for companies that work with Xsolla. The company also handles customer support and customer service, acting as the merchant. If players have an issue with their transaction, they can reach out to Xsolla, and the company will handle the situation.

“We have a whole host of other solutions and technologies. We help with subscriptions and websites, while also developing new things, getting into the world of Web 3.0, NFTs, metaverse, and regulated payments, all important things for the new and growing creator economy. That is all part of this trend that we see game companies developing direct relationships with their players,” added Hewish.

What does the expansion mean for Xsolla?

According to Hewish, Xsolla chose to open an office in Malaysia due to its rapidly growing gaming market and strong gaming ecosystem. Malaysia is the third-largest market in Asia and offers many opportunities for growth in the gaming industry. Furthermore, the market and appetite for games are strong, featuring a thriving e-sports scene. The country also boasts a talented workforce, making it an ideal location for Xsolla’s office.

“Additionally, the support from MDEC and the government’s initiative to grow games as an industry was also important to us. We wanted to be in a place where, as the company grows its office, the business will be supported, and the market could grow with it,” he continued.

When asked about expanding to other industries, Hewish said Xsolla focuses highly on the games industry. The company often receives requests to expand to other sectors, but it has always declined. The reason is simple – if Xsolla expands into other sectors, it loses its focus on games. For example, if the company becomes more generalized, it won’t be able to do anti-fraud and customer support well for the games industry.

Hewish also mentioned that being a gamer is a part of Xsolla’s ethos, and the company truly believes in and lives that. Xsolla chooses to stay focused on the games industry and would instead go deeper with its different technologies and grow from there.

“We are making great strides around the world to help our partners market, sell and monetize their games in over 200+ regions,” said Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla. “As a global company, this office opening will continue our mission of helping our game partners achieve even greater success in this ever-evolving market.”

The post Xsolla expands into Malaysia, streamlining game purchases with innovative payment solutions appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.

The third person solo adventure game is tipped to be released on the PC platform, and the creators are suggesting a possibility that in could turn up on Sony’s Playstation 4, Microsoft’s Xbox One gaming consoles.

A preview of the adventure video game of a cat roaming the streets of Hong Kong.

However, the game, currently known simply as ‘HK project’, is not expected to hit the game store shelves anytime soon, as it was currently in its research and development and pre-production stages. The development of the game began late last year.

“Our team is composed of two humans and two cats, unfortunately one of these cat is reponsable of (sic) the communication,” the creators, Koola & Viv, said in their website in response to questions on why they have not been updating their website often.

Here is a video of the game’s development phases.

The game takes the now-demolished anarchic Kowloon Walled City enclosure as an inspiration, but is not based on any particular time period.

“We want to create our very own unique dystopian city,” said Koola & Viv, who are from South of France.

SEE ALSO: 5 great reasons to pursue a career in the gaming industry

The post French game developers are creating a ‘dystopian’ Hong Kong cat adventure appeared first on Tech Wire Asia.