Dive into the latest gaming news from November 6 to 10, 2023. Get caught up on the most anticipated game releases and key shifts shaping the gaming industry. Our summary brings you essential news and notable developments in gaming this week, all in a brief and easy-to-understand format.
Arkansas Family Sues Gaming Giants Over Video Game Addiction Claims
An Arkansas family is taking legal action against major video game publishers. This includes gaming giants like Activision Blizzard, Microsoft, Epic Games, Electronic Arts, and Ubisoft. The lawsuit, which focuses on the companies’ alleged “predatory” design and monetization strategies, claims these practices foster addiction in minors.
The complaint alleges that these companies use addictive features and technology in their games. Such features allegedly target young children and encouraging spending on microtransactions. The family’s suit points out the lack of consumer warnings about the addictive nature of these games.
At the center of this lawsuit is the family’s son, who reportedly played video games like Fortnite, Call of Duty, and others for approximately 13 hours daily. The family claims this led to a range of negative consequences for their son, including physical pain, obesity, social withdrawal, academic struggles, depression, and emotional distress. The family has incurred expenses for counseling, medication, and homeschooling as a result.
Sony Adjusts PlayStation Game Release Schedule
Sony has announced a significant change in its PlayStation game release strategy. Initially planning to launch over ten live service games by March 2026, the company has now decided to release only half its 12 planned titles by Fiscal Year 2025. Hiroki Totoki, Sony’s CFO, shared this update in a recent earnings call.
This shift follows Sony’s acquisition of Bungie, the creator of Destiny 2, for $3.6 billion in early 2022. Bungie’s involvement in evaluating PlayStation’s game development projects, including Naughty Dog’s Last of Us multiplayer project, has influenced this strategic pivot.
Totoki emphasized the company’s commitment to ensuring these games are well-received and enjoyed by gamers over a long period. He stressed the importance of game quality over quantity, indicating that the six remaining titles are still under development. This decision underscores Sony’s focus on delivering high-quality gaming experiences, even if it means a slower release pace
Nintendo and Sony Partner for Live-Action ‘The Legend of Zelda’ Movie
In a groundbreaking collaboration, Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment have announced the development of a live-action movie based on the iconic video game series “The Legend of Zelda.”
Nintendo legend and “The Legend of Zelda” creator Shigeru Miyamoto will oversee the film’s production alongside Marvel Studios’ Avi Arad. The directorial helm has been handed to Wes Ball, known for directing The Maze Runner trilogy and the upcoming Planet of the Apes film, “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes.”
In a statement, Nintendo expressed its commitment to being deeply involved in the movie’s production, aiming to delight audiences globally. The company views this project as a way to reach people worldwide through entertainment channels beyond its dedicated game consoles.
Snoop Dogg and Son Launch Gaming Studio Focused on Diversity
Hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg and his son Cordell Broadus have launched Death Row Games, a new game development studio. This venture aims to empower minority creators in the gaming industry, particularly within the Fortnite ecosystem, using the Unreal Editor. Death Row Games extends the duo’s earlier collaborations in various tech ventures.
Both Snoop Dogg and Broadus have had previous engagements in the gaming world. Snoop Dogg was featured as a playable character in the popular game ‘Call of Duty,’ while Broadus was the creative director for the crypto gaming game ‘Doge Dash.’ Their joint ventures have also delved into other tech domains, including an NFT comic book called ‘SUPERCUZZ’ and a unique interactive dessert restaurant in partnership with Food Fighters Universe.
Death Row Games is set to provide a platform for underserved creators, allowing them significant control over their creative output. The studio’s mission is to narrate and shape the future of gaming by focusing on stories and talents from diverse and often overlooked communities.
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That’s all the most exciting gaming news from November 6-10, 2021! Missed the gaming news last week? Click here for the gaming updates from October 30 to November 3, 2023.
