Amber Newsletter | December 2023

Season's Greetings from all of us at Amber! ??

Wishing you blissful holidays and endless gaming adventures! See you in 2024!

Amber's Latest Release: Invincible Unleashed in The Sandbox!

Big News! Invincible is officially LIVE in The Sandbox Metaverse, and we couldn't be more thrilled. Our team poured their heart and soul into making this happen, marking a significant moment as we released it on The Sandbox platform during the comic's 20th anniversary.

Join us in guiding Mark Grayson through his superhero journey in a world turned topsy-turvy. Will he step into his father's legendary shoes as the most powerful hero on the planet?

Calling all adventurers, starting today, a fresh heroic escapade awaits you in The Sandbox Multiverse. Suit up and get ready for an epic ride! Explore the game in the Sandbox Multiverse by following this link.

Breaking Ground with GENNIE: Amber's Next Frontier in AI Innovation

We're thrilled to unveil our latest project, GENNIE, a cutting-edge generative AI platform set to redefine how we approach creativity. This revolutionary tool empowers users with a customizable, modular text-to-3D asset pipeline, opening up new possibilities in game development.

Join Marty Caplan , our Amber Evangelist for Innovation, as he guides us through an edifying webinar, providing insights into the groundbreaking features of GENNIE and its potential to transform the game development landscape.

GENNIE is poised to revolutionize how we create games, promising a faster, easier, and more affordable approach. While we're still in the early stages of development, the anticipation is palpable as we work tirelessly to unlock GENNIE's full potential.

Stay tuned for more updates on GENNIE in the coming months as we embark on this exciting journey of innovation and creativity.

Spreading Joy: Class with a Cause Toy Delivery Update!

Exciting news! The latest update on our "Class with a Cause" initiative toy delivery is brimming with positivity. Your generosity has truly made a significant impact, transforming our collective effort into meaningful joy for those who need it most.

Thanks to your contributions, the entrance to the Class with a Cause was adorned with treasures that were eagerly delivered this month to the children at the Special Education Center Antonio Alcalde. The result? Moments of pure happiness and smiles that reached from ear to ear.

We firmly believe in the power of small actions, and each one of you played a crucial role in making this beautiful journey possible. Your generosity has created tangible differences in the lives of these little ones, reminding us all of the positive ripple effects of kindness.

Here's to the joy we've collectively spread and the impact we continue to make. Thank you for being a part of this wonderful journey!

Amber Mexico: Defenders Against the Rise of Artificial Intelligence

Ever wondered what would happen if AI took over the planet? Well, fear not! Our resilient Amber Mexico team recently faced this imaginary crisis head-on, turning it into an epic tale of collaboration, innovation, and triumph.

Led by Alvaro Jáuregui Dávalos , our Art Guild Lead, the team showcased their prowess in a simulated battle against artificial intelligence. Jauregui's strategic leadership transformed the battleground into a stage where resilience and victory danced hand in hand.

But it wasn't all seriousness on the battlefield. Amidst the intense conflict, there were moments of camaraderie, laughter, and a collaborative spirit that reflected the true strength found in unity. And here's the plot twist – the entire ordeal was part of a team-building activity crafted to bring our collaborators together.

These activities extend beyond mere defense strategies; they represent a celebration of the human spirit. As we navigate the challenges of technology, these simulations serve as a poignant reminder that our ability to unite and stand together for a shared purpose is unyielding.

The Battle for Humanity concluded in victory, leaving the soldiers of Amber Mexico standing tall and prepared for whatever challenges the future may bring.

Celebrating Achievements: Unreal Engine 5th Generation Training Culmination

The curtains have drawn on a chapter of learning, growth, and creativity as we celebrate the successful culmination of the training program for the fifth generation in Unreal Engine. Held at the prestigious Unreal ECHO Training Center of Arden Asociación Civil, this event was a showcase of brilliance, highlighting the outstanding projects created by our talented students.

Our heartfelt congratulations go out to the graduates who, through their hard work and dedication, have reached this significant milestone. Amber takes great pride in championing initiatives like these and collaborating with institutions as forward-thinking as Arden.

As we bid farewell to this group, we look ahead with excitement to witness the lasting impact and continued growth of these individuals within the realm of digital creativity.

This moment is not just an end, but a beginning – a stepping stone for our graduates into a future filled with possibilities and creative triumphs.

INDUSTRY SNEAK PEEK - December 2023

While in 2023, the gaming industry struggled with challenges, a standout genre emerged: hybrid-casual games. These games surged ahead, growing revenues by 30%, set to surpass $2.1 billion by year-end. The rise was most notable in action-based and puzzle hybrid titles, nearly quadrupling earnings since 2019. Notably, China witnessed a massive shift, with hybrid-casual games dominating 43% of the top mobile earners.

This surge contrasted with a decline in hypercasual games in China. Despite its success, the genre's growth rate slowed from 60% in 2022 to 30% in 2023, raising questions about sustainability. Voodoo, a French developer, exemplified this shift, experiencing a 250% revenue increase after embracing hybrid-casual. As the industry watches the genre's trajectory, the potential parallels between hybridcasual and hypercasual's fate loom, prompting speculation about the genre's future in 2024 amidst evolving player preferences.

Data.ai’s report for 2024 forecasts a $111.4 billion rise in gaming revenues, especially in Match, RPG, party, and casino games, marking a 4% increase from previous years. High inflation and market adjustments caused a decline in 2022 and an expected 3% drop in 2023 to $107.5 billion, impacting consumer spending. However, 2024 promises a turnaround with the US, Japan, and South Korea contributing significantly to this growth. The report predicts a return to moderate growth in the mobile gaming industry if China's licensing situation remains stable.

Additionally, AI's continued rise will introduce new app functionalities, with Generative AI apps expected to grow by 40% year-on-year, while TikTok is projected to outshine Candy Crush as the top-grossing app at $14.6 billion. Pokémon Go, Roblox, and Genshin Impact are also anticipated to make substantial revenue strides in 2024. The report emphasizes consumer demand for authenticity, video-centric content, and control over social media experiences, pointing towards a surge in AI-driven innovations.

In less than three months since its launch, Monster Hunter Now has crossed the $100 million revenue mark on both the Apple App Store and Google Play.

Initially raking in $31.44 million in its first month and hitting 10 million downloads within 35 days, the game's revenue has soared, showing sustained momentum. Japanese players have been particularly engaged, contributing 70% of the revenue from 35% of the downloads, aligning with Sensor Tower's belief that it might outdo Pokémon Go in Japan.

Niantic's journey to replicate Pokémon Go's success seemed improbable, but Monster Hunter Now, an AR game featuring Japanese monster battles, appears to have caught lightning in a bottle once again after seven years.

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