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Indie Game Funding: A Shift in the Landscape

Making cool video games is awesome, but it takes money to turn those ideas into reality, especially for independent (indie) developers who don’t have giant companies backing them up. In the past few years, some indie devs found success with funding deals from services like Xbox Game Pass and exclusive deals with the Epic Games Store. But according to the creators of hit indie games like Slay the Spire and Darkest Dungeon, those days might be over.

Finding Funding: A Challenge for Indie Developers

At a recent gaming conference, Casey Yano, co-founder of Mega Crit (the studio behind Slay the Spire), spoke about the difficulties facing many small game development teams. He mentioned hearing stories of studios having funding cuts, deals falling through, and overall anxieties about securing the money needed to create their games.

“We’re lucky to be able to fund our own projects,” Yano admitted. “But for many other studios, things are tough right now.”

The Rise (and Fall?) of Big Deals for Indie Games

Both Slay the Spire and Darkest Dungeon were successful after launching on Steam Early Access, a program that allows players to buy and play games while they’re still under development. These games are also available with a PC Game Pass subscription. However, Chris Bourassa, director at Red Hook Studios (creators of Darkest Dungeon), says that the kind of deals Microsoft offers for Game Pass have gotten smaller since the service started.

“Epic Games deals are also not what they used to be,” Bourassa added. He compared the situation to a gold rush, where the initial excitement and big opportunities have faded.

While these changes might sound discouraging, Bourassa remains optimistic. He believes there might be a new way for indie devs to find success, just like how diamond discoveries shifted the focus away from gold mining in the past.

Epic Exclusives: A Double-Edged Sword

Red Hook Studios took a controversial approach with Darkest Dungeon 2, making it an exclusive title on the Epic Games Store when it launched in Early Access. While these exclusive deals can upset some players who prefer other platforms, they also offer a safety net for indie developers. The upfront payment from the deal can help cover development costs, giving the studio some breathing room before the game is even finished.

This financial security can be crucial for small teams, where a single unsuccessful game could mean the end of the studio.

The Indie Scene Unites: A Showcase for New Talent

Despite the challenges, the creative spirit of the indie game development world remains strong. To give smaller studios a boost, Red Hook Studios and Mega Crit have joined forces with Evil Empire (creators of Dead Cells DLC) to host a special online event called the “Triple-I” showcase. This event, happening on April 10th, will feature upcoming games from talented indie developers, including studios behind hits like Terraria (Re-Logic) and Vampire Survivors (poncle).

Showcases like these can help bring attention to promising new games and give indie developers a platform to connect with players.

The Future of Indie Games: Challenges and Opportunities

The landscape of indie game funding might be changing, but that doesn’t mean the dream of creating successful indie games is dead. There are still ways for passionate developers to get their projects off the ground. Here are some key takeaways:

• Indie game development can be tough, especially when it comes to funding.
• Big deals from services like Game Pass and the Epic Games Store might not be as common as they once were.
• Early Access can be a valuable tool for indie developers.
• Indie exclusives can offer financial security but might upset some players.
• Events like the “Triple-I” showcase can help promote new indie games.

Despite the current challenges, the creativity and dedication of indie developers is what keeps the gaming world exciting and diverse. By working together and finding new ways to connect with players, the future of indie games remains bright.

Owlcat Games CEO Discusses RPG Budget Challenges and Larian’s Influence on the Genre

Role-playing games (RPGs) have long been recognized as one of the most complex and financially risky genres in game development. Oleg Shpilchevskiy, the founder and CEO of Owlcat Games, recently shared his insights on the escalating costs of producing RPGs, as well as the impact of Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3) on the industry.

Breaking Down RPG Budget Tiers: A Reality Check

Shpilchevskiy highlights the different budget tiers for games, noting that there’s usually a correlation between production costs and expected revenue:

• AAA games typically have budgets ranging from $50-70 million, with expected revenues of around $300 million.
• AA games have smaller budgets, usually between $5-15 million, with a revenue expectation of $50 million.
• A games have even lower budgets, around $1-2 million, with no specific revenue expectations mentioned.

These figures can vary based on factors like studio location and employee costs. For instance, major US-based companies like EA and Sony often have much higher production costs.

Owlcat’s previous titles, such as the Pathfinder series, fall into the AA category. However, Shpilchevskiy emphasizes that increasing the budget doesn’t always lead to success. The studio’s new unannounced game involves a larger team and budget, presenting new challenges in terms of workflow and communication.

The Phenomenon of Baldur’s Gate 3 and Its Industry Impact

Shpilchevskiy refers to BG3 as a “phenomenon” due to its substantial investment in the isometric RPG genre. He acknowledges that few studios can afford such a budget and that it sets a new benchmark for quality and execution in RPGs.

This success has implications for other RPG developers, who now face the challenge of making their content presentation more cinematic, including aspects like cutscenes and voice acting. Shpilchevskiy admits that full voiceover is becoming a must-have feature, despite the cost and complexity it adds to development.

Adapting to New Realities in RPG Development

The success of BG3 is pushing companies to reevaluate their production values. Developers must now meet higher standards to stay relevant and competitive in the RPG market. This means finding creative solutions and adapting to the evolving expectations of players and the industry.

In conclusion, while the success of games like BG3 sets new benchmarks, it also presents challenges for other studios. Companies like Owlcat Games must navigate these challenges to continue producing engaging and successful RPGs within their budgetary constraints.

Another week, another controversy surrounding a botched video game launch. This time, the heavy criticism is being leveled at Capcom and its long-awaited action RPG Dragon’s Dogma 2.

Having benefited from a plethora of positive previews in mainstream gaming publications, the hype for Dragon’s Dogma 2 was in full effect prior to its launch.

As many expected, the game received positive reviews across the board. Naturally, this elevated players’ expectations even higher. But all was not as it seemed.

In a dramatic turn of events on release day, it was revealed that Dragon’s Dogma 2 includes a curious collection of 21 microtransactions. Disappointingly, these microtransactions grant more frequent access to features many gamers deem essential for any action RPG. This includes fast travel and character customization.

Upon learning that information about these microtransactions was included in the review guide provided to publications covering the game, we decided to investigate how many outlets chose to make mention of the paid DLC in their review.

As we have reported, one publication has already admitted to not looking at the review guide prior to playing Dragon’s Dogma 2. But what about other popular gaming publications – did they reveal and explain the game’s microtransactions?

How many reviews mention Dragon’s Dogma 2 microtransactions? Out of the 25 English language reviews of Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s PC version on Metacritic, only two mention the microtransactions.

It’s worth pointing out that both of these reviewers (from XboxEra and TouchArcade) said they didn’t find it necessary to purchase the paid DLC to enjoy the game.

Despite this, players have the right to know exactly what they’re getting when they buy a full-priced title. And if a game deliberately holds content back so it can be offered as paid DLC, that may be a dealbreaker for some.

Given that Capcom informed gaming outlets that Dragon’s Dogma 2 would include microtransactions, it is unclear why so many failed to highlight it.

Why critics should rescore Dragon’s Dogma 2 In light of the revelations of Dragon’s Dogma 2‘s microtransactions, it is reasonable for gamers to expect outlets to rescore the game.

The PC version of Dragon’s Dogma 2 currently has an impressive “metascore” of 90, which indicates “Universal Acclaim”. When taken at face value, this could be more than enough to encourage people to purchase the game.

Similarly, the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions also have positive metascores and many critic reviews for those platforms fail to mention the microtransactions.

Because the majority of reviews haven’t factored the microtransactions into their scores, they can’t be considered reflective of the state of the final product.

Therefore, it is only reasonable for reviewers to revisit their assessments of Dragon’s Dogma 2 and incorporate the paid DLC into their scores. That way, potential buyers can get the full picture of the product they are purchasing and know exactly what to expect once they get stuck in.

It’s time for gaming outlets to take a stand against unsavoury business practices and reconsider their scores. After all, how can it be that a game is “universally acclaimed” among critics but considered “mixed” by players – something isn’t adding up.

The video game industry, valued at $183 billion, has seen a significant shift in revenue generation, with microtransactions playing a pivotal role. Companies like Electronic Arts and Take-Two Interactive now derive a majority of their income from live-service games, subscriptions, and in-game purchases. Microtransactions, which include subscriptions, virtual currencies, and character customization options, have become a staple in popular live-service titles such as Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, and Clash Royale.

The concept of live service in gaming involves providing continuous updates to retain player engagement, with gamers often funding these updates through season passes or subscriptions. The industry has adapted its approach to microtransactions following initial backlash, moving towards battle pass systems or packages of seasonal content, which have been more favorably received due to their perceived value.

In-game spending has become a high-stakes and lucrative aspect of the industry. For instance, Electronic Arts’ live services operations generated $5.6 billion in a recent quarter. The legal battle between Epic Games and Apple over Fortnite’s in-game payment system highlights the significance of these revenue streams. In Europe, tech regulators are closely examining app stores and loot boxes, which are a form of in-game purchase.

Microtransactions have transformed the industry’s revenue model, with major titles like GTA V, NBA 2K, and Fortnite utilizing battle passes, membership programs, and virtual currencies. This trend has persisted despite criticism and the rising costs of game development. The shift towards digital downloads and subscription services has been facilitated by the increased connectivity and the proliferation of smartphones, expanding the reach of mobile gaming and live service models.

The industry’s response to regulatory scrutiny includes implementing measures to enhance player protections, such as making loot boxes unavailable to children without parental consent and ensuring transparency about spending controls. Several countries have enacted regulations requiring probability disclosure for loot boxes, with some, like Belgium, imposing outright bans.

The financial viability of microtransactions and subscriptions is crucial for recouping the escalating development costs of modern video games. As the industry continues to evolve, the shift towards cloud-based gaming and the expansion of live service offerings are likely to shape the future of gaming revenue models.

In an exciting turn of events, Sony and Nintendo are now leading the charge in the ever-evolving console wars, as Microsoft hints at stepping back after 23 thrilling years. This shift is reigniting Japan’s role as the console gaming powerhouse, sparking a mix of nostalgia and fresh excitement among gamers and industry watchers alike.

The gaming world is abuzz with the possibility of a new chapter in the console wars, one that harkens back to the golden days when Japanese companies ruled the roost. However, this development also prompts us to ponder the future of dedicated gaming hardware, a segment that has defined the industry for decades.

Microsoft’s gaming chief, Phil Spencer, recently dropped a bombshell, announcing plans to bring Xbox exclusives to rival platforms. This move, part of a broader strategy to embrace cloud-based gaming, signals a significant shift in Microsoft’s focus away from traditional console battles.

The implications of Microsoft’s new direction are profound, particularly for Sony and Nintendo. These two Japanese giants, known for their iconic franchises like Super Mario and Final Fantasy, might soon find themselves as the sole standard-bearers of the traditional console market.

Analysts like Serkan Toto from Kantan Games see this as a pivotal moment. According to Toto, we might be on the brink of a nostalgic return to an era dominated by Japanese consoles, reminiscent of the 1990s. This shift could represent a massive win for Japan, reaffirming its status as the spiritual home of console gaming.

However, this resurgence of a Japan-centric console industry raises questions about the viability of dedicated gaming machines in an increasingly digital and cloud-focused world. For Sony, this comes at a challenging time, as it recently announced significant job cuts within its gaming division, underscoring the industry’s uncertainties.

Nintendo, on the other hand, is dealing with its own set of challenges. The company’s Switch console, while successful, is starting to show its age, especially when compared to modern smartphones. Rumors of a next-generation successor are swirling, but details remain scarce, leaving fans and analysts eagerly waiting for what’s next.

David Gibson from MST Financial highlights the unique challenges and opportunities facing both Sony and Nintendo. As cloud gaming technology matures, the landscape of console gaming is poised for significant change, potentially ushering in a new era dominated by these two Japanese powerhouses.

Despite these uncertainties, the enduring appeal of console gaming—bolstered by the loyalty of passionate gamers—suggests that the sector may continue to thrive, albeit in a transformed landscape. Microsoft’s pivot towards cloud gaming could, paradoxically, create a “win, win, win” scenario, as Atul Goyal from Jefferies suggests, benefiting all players by diversifying the gaming ecosystem and reducing direct competition.

As we witness these dramatic shifts, it’s clear that the console wars are far from over. Instead, they’re evolving, with Sony and Nintendo poised to lead the charge into the next era of gaming, an era that promises to blend tradition with innovation, captivating gamers around the world.

Starbreeze Announces CEO Departure Following Payday 3 Launch Challenges

In a pivotal move signaling a new direction, Starbreeze has announced the departure of CEO Tobias Sjögren, marking a significant leadership change in the aftermath of Payday 3’s troubled release. The board of directors believes this shift is essential for steering the company towards a brighter future.

Leadership Transition at Starbreeze: A Fresh Start

Tobias Sjögren, who took the helm as acting CEO in October 2020 and was confirmed in March 2021, has parted ways with Starbreeze. This decision comes on the heels of the problematic launch of the anticipated heist-shooter game, Payday 3, which faced critical reception and technical setbacks. Starbreeze’s board has expressed the need for a new leadership approach to fulfill the company’s ambitious strategy of delivering engaging games based on both original and licensed intellectual properties.

A Strategic Shift for Enhanced Game Development

Starbreeze’s commitment to creating captivating gaming experiences remains unwavering. Chairman Torgny Hellström highlighted the board’s consensus on the necessity for leadership that aligns with the company’s strategic execution goals. Despite the departure, Hellström extended gratitude to Sjögren for his contributions over the past three years, signaling a respectful transition.

The Impact of Payday 3’s Launch on Leadership Decisions

While the announcement did not directly attribute Sjögren’s departure to Payday 3, the connection is evident. The sequel to the popular Payday 2 encountered significant hurdles at launch, including technical issues and gameplay criticisms, which hindered player engagement and sales performance. Despite efforts to revitalize the game, its current player count pales in comparison to its predecessor, indicating the need for a turnaround strategy.

Looking Ahead: Starbreeze’s Search for New Leadership

As Starbreeze embarks on a search for a new CEO to guide the company into its next chapter, Juergen Goeldner, with his experience as CEO of Focus Home Interactive and a board member of Starbreeze, steps in as interim CEO. This transition period marks a crucial time for Starbreeze as it seeks to recover from recent setbacks and capitalize on its strong foundation in game development.

Starbreeze’s leadership change reflects a strategic move to address the aftermath of Payday 3’s launch and reposition the company for future success. With a clear focus on developing attractive and engaging games, Starbreeze is poised to navigate through this transition and emerge stronger.

Arrowhead Game Studios, the developer behind Helldivers 2, has been the subject of rumors regarding a potential acquisition by Sony. However, these speculations have been dismissed by Johan Pilestedt, the CEO of Arrowhead, who clarified on Twitter that the rumors are unfounded and that the studio remains independently owned.

Pilestedt also addressed a circulating image that falsely claimed to announce the acquisition, noting that it featured an outdated logo from 2008, a time when the studio was newly established. This response came shortly after he debunked another rumor suggesting that Arrowhead was already under Sony’s ownership.

Despite the success of Helldivers 2, Arrowhead Game Studios seems content with its independent status, which has been maintained for over a decade. Although the studio’s achievements might attract interest from major publishers like Sony, Pilestedt’s swift reactions to rumors indicate that an acquisition is unlikely in the near future.

The original post that sparked the rumor, along with its associated account, has since been deleted, serving as a reminder of the unreliability of social media information.

In other news, Helldivers 2 has recently received a new balance patch, as announced by Patrik Lasota, head of product testing at Arrowhead. The update addresses heavy armor, introduces meteor swarms, and extends the duration of Eradicate missions, showcasing the studio’s commitment to maintaining game balance.

Despite the rumors, Arrowhead Game Studios remains focused on its current projects, including the ongoing war in Helldivers 2. As the studio continues to make strides in the gaming industry, fans can look forward to more exciting developments from the independent powerhouse.

Nintendo has recently taken legal action against the creators of the popular Nintendo Switch emulator, Yuzu, and the Nintendo 3DS emulator, Citra, leading to a significant development in the world of gaming emulation. The lawsuit, which accuses the developers of facilitating piracy on a massive scale, has resulted in a settlement that will see the shutdown of both emulators.

Tropic Haze, the company behind Yuzu, has agreed to pay $2.4 million to Nintendo and cease all activities related to the development, distribution, and promotion of Yuzu. This includes shutting down the yuzu-emu.org domain and removing all related software and tools that could circumvent Nintendo’s copyright protection. The agreement also extends to Citra, affecting its development and support.

The developers of Yuzu and Citra have stated that piracy was never their intention. They began these projects out of a passion for Nintendo’s games and consoles, not to cause harm. However, they acknowledge that their emulators have facilitated piracy and have therefore decided to discontinue their projects immediately. This includes pulling their code repositories offline, discontinuing their Patreon accounts and Discord servers, and shutting down their websites.

The proposed final judgment and permanent injunction have been signed by Judge John J. McConnell, with no changes, marking a significant moment in the battle against video game piracy. While it’s unclear if this is the end for Yuzu and Citra, as copies of their emulators and source code are still out there, this settlement sends a strong message about the consequences of creating tools that can bypass copyright protections.

This legal action by Nintendo could also have implications for other emulators beyond Yuzu and Citra. The outcome of this lawsuit highlights the importance of respecting copyright laws and the potential legal risks associated with developing emulation software that circumvents a company’s technological protection measures.

Neil Druckmann, the visionary director behind The Last of Us and the president of Naughty Dog, has teased the gaming community with hints of the studio’s next undertaking. Known for their narrative depth and engaging gameplay, Naughty Dog’s forthcoming project is touted to be their most ambitious yet, signaling a challenging journey ahead for its development team.

Naughty Dog Sets Sights on Groundbreaking New Project Post-The Last of Us Series

Following the discontinuation of The Last of Us Online, Naughty Dog’s pivot back to single-player narratives has sparked intrigue and speculation among fans. While the studio remains secretive about the specifics of their next title, potentially leaving room for The Last of Us Part 3, Druckmann’s insights suggest a groundbreaking endeavor is on the horizon.In a candid discussion with Logically Speaking, Druckmann shared his perspective on the challenges and aspirations driving the project. Emphasizing the ambitious nature of the game, he acknowledged the significant effort required from the entire team, coupled with a determination to ensure the process remains a fulfilling experience for all involved.Central to Druckmann’s leadership is his commitment to fostering creativity and growth within his team. He expressed particular admiration for Kurt Margenau, co-game director of The Last of Us Part 2, highlighting his recent contributions that have left a lasting impression on the project and its direction. Druckmann’s joy derives not only from steering the project but also from mentoring his team and witnessing their artistic expressions come to life.Despite Druckmann’s pivotal role in Naughty Dog’s success, he has hinted at a future where he may step back from leading large-scale projects, indicating a shift in his career trajectory. This revelation comes amidst industry-wide discussions following Sony’s announcement of significant layoffs affecting Naughty Dog and other major PlayStation studios, shedding light on the volatile nature of the gaming industry.

Embarking on a Survival Journey in the Dune Universe

The harsh, desert world of Dune provides the ultimate backdrop for a survival game experience. Imagine a realm where every element, from the brutal environment to the innovative technology of suits recycling waste into vital resources, crafts a survivalist’s nightmare and dream in equal measure. With the intricate dance of factions and the ever-present threat of gigantic creatures beneath the sands, the stage is set for an unparalleled adventure.

Dune: Awakening: A Blend of Visual Splendor and Survival Tactics

“Dune: Awakening” takes inspiration from the cinematic world crafted by Denis Villeneuve, infusing it with elements familiar to fans of “No Man’s Sky” and “Rust,” to forge a survival game brimming with promise and breathtaking visuals.

As players find themselves marooned on the unforgiving sands of Arrakis, devoid of water or the crucial Stillsuit, the immediate quest for survival begins. According to Funcom, the game’s developer, securing shelter and water represents one of the game’s most formidable challenges.

The quest for hydration introduces players to the game’s intricate dynamics, from consuming scarce plant fibers at the risk of illness to engaging in PvP confrontations for precious water. Funcom teases a world where alliances and conflicts over resources like water shape the early experiences of newcomers.

Innovations and Political Intrigue in the Desert

Beyond survival, “Dune: Awakening” offers sophisticated base-building capabilities, paired with quality-of-life features that prioritize player convenience over strict realism. The ability to access resources across your owned chests for crafting, regardless of your physical location, exemplifies this approach.

The game further enriches player engagement through a dynamic in-game economy, allowing for the trade and acquisition of blueprints. This system enables players to construct and own everything from simple shelters to grand palaces, designed by fellow adventurers or themselves.

Incorporating lore and visuals from the current Dune films, Funcom also emphasizes their collaboration with Frank Herbert’s estate to ensure the game respects and expands upon the Dune universe. “Dune: Awakening” unfolds within an alternate timeline, enriching the lore with what-if scenarios that delve into the consequences of pivotal decisions from the Dune saga.

As players advance, they transition from mere survival to becoming key political players on Arrakis. The game evolves into a complex narrative of power and influence, where your actions can sway the fortunes of the great houses and the planet’s economy.

The introduction of the Coriolis Storm PvP zone adds a layer of high-risk, high-reward gameplay, challenging players to brave the most perilous parts of Arrakis for exceptional loot, with the catch of potentially losing everything upon death.

“Dune: Awakening” promises to redefine the survival game genre, offering a meticulously crafted journey through the iconic world of Herbert and Villeneuve. With its combination of survival mechanics, political intrigue, and a deep respect for the source material, it stands as a testament to the potential of blending cinematic and gaming experiences into a cohesive and immersive world.