In The News
Microsoft launched a “gaming cloud division,” The Verge’s Tom Warren writes. “Microsoft’s new gaming cloud division is headed up by Kareem Choudhry, a 20-year Microsoft veteran that has worked on Outlook, DirectX, and Xbox engineering.”
In 2017, the French game industry “grew 18% … to €4.3 billion ($5.3 billion),” GamesIndustry.biz’s Christopher Dring reports. “Console hardware, PC hardware and accessories grew 22% over 2016.”
Jack Tretton, formerly of PlayStation, “and Studio Wildcard CEO Doug Kennedy have started Interactive Gaming Ventures, a company that aims to invest money in budding indie games,” Gamasutra’s Alissa McAloon reports.
BitGuild has $20 million to work toward its creation of a “decentralized platform for gamers,” VentureBeat’s Stewart Rogers reports.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds topped 5 million players on Xbox One.
E3 plans now include a massive 50 vs. 50 celebrity/pro player showdown. “Epic Games announced it’s throwing a big party at E3, hosting 50 celebrities and 50 pro Fortnite Battle Royale players for the first ever Fortnite Celebrity Pro-Am,” PC Gamer’s James Davenport reports.
DreamHack CEO Marcus Lindmark did an interview with The Esports Observer’s Trent Murray. Here’s a snippet: “‘It’s always been about the long run. It’s about how we can grow together. Just as with the Corsair agreement we have now, it’s not only a one-year deal, it’s actually…’”
EA created “a portal website catered to guiding disabled gamers,” Game Informer’s Robbie Key reports.
Hearthstone posted “Hearthside Chat with Dean Ayala: Even & Odd.”
United Kingdom news:
Omega Labyrinth Z has been banned in the UK.
Lockwood Publishing is opening a new studio in the UK, GamesIndusrty.biz’s Haydn Taylor reports. “Lockwood Newcastle already has six staff, many of whom previously worked with him at Ubisoft.”
Capcom Pro Tour 2018 is partnering with Facebook and YouTube to expand streaming options, Murray reports.
How does collegiate esports work? Blitz Esports’ Sharon Coone interviewed Harrisburg University members to find out.
Team Liquid added “@SurgicalGoblin, @Azilysgames, and @TheAceRoyale” to their Clash Royale roster.
Happy birthday to Jamie “Peppy” Austin!