Dive into the latest gaming news from November 20-24, 2023. Keep up to date with the most anticipated game releases and key developments shaping the gaming industry. This week’s roundup offers insights and major highlights from the world of gaming.
Fortnite Amplifies Excitement with Eminem’s Virtual Arrival and Big Bang Event
Eminem, the celebrated Grammy-winning artist, is set to join the virtual world of Fortnite. This collaboration marks another instance of Epic Games’ strategy to feature renowned real-world personalities in their blockbuster game. Eminem’s arrival in Fortnite’s item shop is scheduled for November 29. This will introduce three distinct avatars of the rapper: Rap Boy, Slim Shady, and Marshall Never More.
The release precedes Fortnite’s Big Bang event slated for December 2, where Eminem will perform a live concert. Attendees of this event will be awarded the Big Bang loading screen. Additionally, Fortnite has been in the limelight with the introduction of Fortnite OG, a nostalgic throwback to the game’s earliest maps.
A Plague Tale Creators Announces Exciting New Gaming Project
Asobo Studio, renowned for their captivating A Plague Tale series, is embarking on a new venture. On November 23, 2023, the Bordeaux-based game developer announced their collaboration with Focus Entertainment on a “major new project.” This development signifies a renewed partnership between Asobo and Focus Entertainment, promising another groundbreaking addition to their already impressive portfolio.
The anticipation for this project is high, given Asobo Studio’s track record of delivering immersive gaming experiences. Both A Plague Tale games have garnered critical acclaim for their storytelling and gameplay.
Report Reveals Thailand’s Current Gaming Market
The Thailand Games Market Report highlights Thailand’s significant position in the Southeast Asian gaming market. As of November 23, 2023, Thailand’s large population and robust economic growth have led the region in gaming revenue. Key factors propelling this success include widespread smartphone adoption and the availability of affordable mobile internet, which have mainly boosted the mobile gaming sector.
Furthermore, Thailand is rapidly emerging as a regional esports hub. The country hosts more major international esports tournaments and fosters world-class teams. This makes it an important market for companies looking to expand in Southeast Asia. The growth in esports aligns with the global trend of increasing popularity and investment in competitive gaming.
The report provides an in-depth look at various aspects of the gaming industry in Thailand, including the most popular game genres, the dynamics of e-sports, payment methods, and gamer preferences. It offers valuable insights for stakeholders in the gaming industry, particularly those interested in understanding and tapping into the burgeoning Southeast Asian market.
YGG Summit Unveils New Era of Filipino Web3 Games
The YGG Web3 Games Summit, held in Taguig City, marked a significant moment in the gaming industry with the introduction of two groundbreaking Filipino Web3 games. The event’s highlights were Ragnarok Landverse, a modernized version of the beloved Ragnarok Online, and Anito Legends, a game deeply rooted in Filipino folklore.
Ragnarok Landverse, evolving from its 21-year-old predecessor, breaks new ground by removing the need for in-game payments. The game’s free-to-play model allows for cross-country trading, enabling players to monetize their gaming experience by trading items. Anito Legends, another key player in this digital revolution, is a Web3 game incorporating Filipino folklore elements. It featurs mythical creatures like tikbalang, saranay, and alan. The game is widely available on various platforms, including PC, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Web3 technology in gaming, as explained by Fernandez, parallels the traditional practice of trading physical cards. This technology allows players to own and trade digital assets, creating a vibrant marketplace for in-game items and characters. This shift from one-time in-app purchases to a dynamic ecosystem represents a significant change in the gaming industry.
Despite the potential for financial gains, Fernandez underlines that the primary purpose of gaming is enjoyment. Anito Legends, for instance, has implemented stringent security measures against hacking and bots, ensuring a secure and enjoyable gaming environment.
Major Games Departing from PlayStation Plus This December
In December 2023, PlayStation Plus members will experience a significant change in their gaming library. Sony is removing 11 titles from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, effective December 19. This update affects both PS5 and PS4 games. While the monthly lineup of “free” games for PS Plus Essential members will remain unchanged, as these titles remain accessible as long as the membership is active, the scenario differs for PS Plus Extra and Premium subscribers. The Game Catalog for these tiers frequently rotates games in and out.
The list of games departing from the catalog includes a mix of genres and popular franchises. Notably, the acclaimed Yakuza series will lose two titles, “Yakuza 6: The Song of Life” and “Yakuza: Like a Dragon.” Fans of the Middle-Earth series will also miss out, as “Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor” and “Middle-Earth: Shadow of War” will also leave. Other titles being removed are “Caladrius Blaze,” “Damascus Gear: Operation Tokyo HD Edition,” “El Hijo – A Wild West Tale,” “Foreclosed,” “Friday the 13th,” “Legends of Ethernal,” and “The Escapists 2.”
This shift signifies a significant change in the PlayStation Plus offering, particularly for gamers who have grown accustomed to the diverse titles available in the Game Catalog. These games, while valuable to the PS Plus experience, are somewhat dated, possibly influencing their removal decision. For those looking to keep these games in their collection, there is an option to purchase them from the PlayStation Store, likely at a reasonable price
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That’s all the most exciting gaming news from November 20-24, 2023! Missed the gaming news last week? Click here for the gaming updates from November 13-17, 2023.
