BGM Daily Download DLC - 9 February 2024
Big Games Machine
PR and marketing agency for the global video games industry, covering both B2B and B2C audiences
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It’s that time again! Welcome to The Daily Download DLC.?
The game has reset, and a new week brings a set of sensational stories that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
This week’s headlines pack a punch more powerful than the Infinity Gauntlet as Xbox exclusives like Starfield could soon expand to rival platforms, tearing down walls between console kingdoms. Meanwhile, workers at IGN are uniting to demand better conditions from their corporate overlords. Even the House of Mouse is making an epic $1.5 billion investment into Fortnite creator Epic Games to build a mind-blowing new entertainment universe.
You won’t find health bars or combo moves here. Your journey for knowledge awaits, and the next level is just a scroll away!
According to anonymous sources cited by XboxEra, Microsoft plans to release Bethesda’s space RPG Starfield on PlayStation 5 as part of an initiative to bring more Xbox-exclusive games to other consoles. Hi-Fi Rush and Sea of Thieves are reportedly being considered for release on Sony’s console. The sources claim that Microsoft will launch Starfield for PlayStation 5 after the game’s upcoming Shattered Space expansion, which is set to arrive on Xbox and PC later this year. To support the development process, Microsoft has reportedly invested in additional PlayStation 5 dev kits. Microsoft is also considering launching Indiana Jones on the PS5. Amid all the rumours, Phil Spencer, head of gaming at Microsoft, announced on social media that Microsoft will reveal its “vision for the future of Xbox” at a business event next week.
Roblox has made a breakthrough with an AI-powered real-time chat translation feature that aims to promote worldwide communication and inclusivity, solving the problem of language barriers. The feature supports 16 languages, allowing users to communicate seamlessly in their preferred language. This innovative technology is the first of its kind to be used in games. The technology is built on Roblox’s proprietary artificial intelligence, enabling instant translation of text chat messages among users. With this breakthrough, users worldwide can now effortlessly communicate with fellow community members in their native languages. For instance, a Korean user can type a message in Korean, and an English-speaking user will view it in English, while a German-speaking user will read and respond in German.
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The newly formed IGN Creators Guild announced that over 85% of eligible members have signed union authorisation cards. The group is comprised of more than 80 IGN employees who are seeking unionisation under the NewsGuild-CWA. The guild is hopeful that IGN’s parent company, Ziff-Davis, will voluntarily recognise the union, just as its fellow workers at Mashable and PCMag did when they formed the Ziff Davis Creators Guild in 2018. In the press release, IGN senior reporter Rebekah Valentine stated that while IGN is an incredible place to work, many talented creators require more support, especially regarding competitive pay and adequate time off.
The Walt Disney Company has decided to invest $1.5 billion to acquire an equity stake in Epic Games. As per the announcement made on Wednesday, the two companies are also joining forces to create an entirely new games and entertainment universe that will be connected to Fortnite. Disney further stated that the new persistent universe would not only offer a world-class gaming experience and interoperability with Fortnite but also provide numerous opportunities for consumers to play, watch, shop and engage with content from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar and more.
Take-Two, the parent company of 2K Games, has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit claiming unlawful business practices related to virtual currencies. The company argues that virtual currencies are fictions created by game publishers, not the player’s property. The motion also cites the company’s license agreement, which states virtual currency purchases are final and non-refundable, non-transferable and non-exchangeable. A hearing regarding the motion to dismiss is scheduled for 14 March 2024. Take-Two also revealed it’s working on ‘significant cost reductions’ but has ‘no current plans’ for layoffs.?
Game over.
We’ve dashed through shocking headlines, pressed buttons on big business deals and powered up our insider knowledge as we confront the gaming industry’s final bosses. But for now, it’s time to end the game.?
See you soon, BGM.