Weekly News Digest - 16th December 2024
Welcome to the Bastion Weekly News Digest in which, every Friday, we provide an overview of the biggest news and stories affecting the video game industry.? ?
UK gamers spend ￡540 a year on in-game purchases and subscriptions – Esports News? A recent TSB study revealed UK gamers are spending more than ever on subscription services, averaging ￡25 per month. This highlights a shift towards services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus as games staples. ?
Google is experimenting with AI tools to provide real-time assistance for gamers, including gameplay strategies and troubleshooting. This initiative could redefine how players engage with difficult games, offering innovative support systems.?
The creators of Wallace and Gromit are teaming up with The Pokémon Company for a new project. While details are scarce, the collaboration promises a creative twist combining iconic Pokémon charm with Aardman’s signature animation style.?
Indie Phenomenon Balatro Passes Another Impressive Milestone – Push Square? The card-based roguelike Balatro has achieved another major sales milestone, further solidifying its status as an indie success story. Its unique mechanics and community engagement have helped it stand out in a crowded market.?
In other news…?
A teen has been given a dream game rig intended to not only entertain him, but also enrich his life.??Blair Haslam, 18, lives with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a degenerative disease which affects mobility.
He is passionate about video games and with the assistance of the Help Fill a Dream Foundation, now has a games system, including high-end monitors, hardware, headset and microphones, and a custom-made chair. The new gear will allow him to play games that wasn't able to play previously, as well as livestream his games.? ? ?
领英推荐
SPOTLIGHT??
By Zac Siena, Account Manager?
In the world of games, a spokesperson is more than just a representative—they are a voice connecting your game to its players. An effective spokesperson can build trust, navigate challenges, and foster loyalty, becoming the personality associated with your game - but this requires thoughtful preparation.?
A key part of this is understanding the audience. Players aren’t just customers - they’re often deeply invested in the success of the games they play. A spokesperson must be able to connect with their excitement, concerns, and preferences. Whether they’re speaking to passionate fans or the broader games public, their message must reflect the language and culture of the community.??
Knowing where players engage—be it Reddit, Discord, or YouTube—is equally important to ensure the message reaches them effectively.?
However, while staying on message is vital, authenticity and transparency are the non-negotiables. Players value honesty and can quickly detect insincerity. A great spokesperson is prepared to address challenges like delays or bugs openly, pairing honesty with solutions. At the same time, sharing their genuine passion for games helps humanise the message and foster a stronger connection with the audience. Avoiding corporate jargon or overly polished statements ensures their words feel real and relatable. After all – a spokesperson is the face of the business.??
Equally critical is preparation for the unexpected. The games industry is fast-paced and often unpredictable, with issues such as delays, bugs, or controversies arising at short notice. A spokesperson must rehearse for these scenarios, crafting clear responses and practising for high-pressure moments such as live Q&As or difficult interviews. By maintaining composure and consistency, they can transform potentially negative moments into opportunities to strengthen credibility and trust.?
Finally, the spokesperson’s role extends beyond launch events and announcements. Ongoing engagement is crucial to maintaining visibility and connection with the community. Sharing behind-the-scenes content, celebrating fan contributions, and participating in social media conversations helps sustain interest in a game and keeps the audience invested in the studio’s journey.?
Your spokesperson can become more than a brand representative. They can act as a trusted bridge between your studio and its players, inspiring confidence and loyalty at every touchpoint. When done right, this preparation creates a spokesperson who can fluidly speak about their game and the wider industry, building deep connections whilst nailing key messages. But if done incorrectly, has the potential to undo a lot of hard work in?as little as a few poorly selected words.?