In The News
Today’s top story can be found in the Extra Esports News section.
Sony:
Oh goody, PlayStation 5 details. You can find the juicy details here. “Since it has a similar architecture to the PS4, it will be able to play games designed for the current-gen console and will also be compatible with the current version of PlayStation VR,” Engadget’s Mariella Moon writes. “Sony intends to use PS4 games to encourage early adopters, which it says are critical for the PS5’s success. In fact, it promises more AAA games for the PlayStation 4 … PS5 will use SSDs for storage instead of hard drives. The SSD, along with its other components, lead to a significant speed bump.”
Sony employees reportedly were unaware of the partnership with Microsoft on AI, Bloomberg’s Yuji Nakamura and Dina Bass report. “Negotiations with Microsoft began last year and were handled directly by Sony’s senior management in Tokyo, largely without the involvement of the PlayStation unit, according to people familiar with the matter. Staff at the gaming division were caught off-guard by the news. Managers had to calm workers and assure them that plans for the company’s next-generation console weren’t affected.”
Xbox head Phil Spencer posted a series of pieces yesterday about video games being “a unifying force for the world.” He discussed methods of combating toxicity, involving a commitment to be “vigilant, proactive, and swift” and to “safeguard your gaming experience the way you want.”
A new report from IHS Markit shows cloud gaming “is forecast to grow to $2.5 billion in 2023” with a worth of “$387 million in 2018.”
Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin consulted “on an upcoming video game currently being developed in Japan,” Variety’s Emily Gera reports. “While no details have been offered to specify what game this may be – or whether it is in fact a game within the ‘Game of Thrones’ universe – it was previously rumored that Martin was teaming up with Japanese developer From Software.”
Garena Free Fire, a free mobile battle royale, “scored its best quarter yet in Q1 2019, generating a record $90 million in global player spending and adding an unprecedented 73 million first-time users across the App Store and Google Play,” Sensor Tower writes.
Tyffon raised $7.8 million “to expand its free-roam virtual reality experience locations from Japan to the U.S.,” VentureBeat’s Dean Takahashi writes. “The company will open a Tyffonium venue later this year in Los Angeles.”
God of War ticked over 10 million units sold since its April launch in 2018.
Nintendo is removing mobile games Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp and Fire Emblem Heroes in Belgium “at the end of August. Both are being pulled over the ‘current unclear situation in Belgium regarding certain in-game revenue models’. In other words, the country’s recent stance on loot boxes,” Eurogamer’s Tom Phillips writes.
IN: MLG co-founder Sundance DiGiovanni joined Lightstream.
Extra Esports News:
Turner “Tfue” Tenney is suing FaZe Clan, alleging the organization restrained “his business opportunities — and taking up to 80 percent of his earnings — in a complaint that argues esports players’ representatives should be regulated like agents of film and TV stars,” The Hollywood Reporter’s Ashley Cullins writes. He sued FaZe Clan Monday “for allegedly limiting his ability to pursue his profession in violation of California law, passing on a lucrative brand deal because of a conflict of interest, and failing to pay him his share of sponsorship earnings.”
FaZe Clan responded by releasing a statement refuting Tenney’s allegations: “We’re shocked and disappointed to see the news of Tfue’s press article and lawsuit. Over the course of our partnership with him, which began in April 2018…”
OpTic Gaming CEO Hector “H3CZ” Rodriguez tweeted some additional details on what’s going on with the potential Immortals acquisition: “I’m trying, have been trying, and will continue to try, until the final ‘no’. But know that my commitment to my teammates and the #Greenwall remains true … Vlogs and eavesdrop will resume next week. I have to put all of my efforts and focus on the task at hand.”
Complexity Gaming’s GameStop Performance Center is now open. “Designed by firm ICRAVE, the center comprises of performance facilities for Complexity Gaming’s players, as well as a public area and retail space for fans and visitors,” Esports Insider’s Adam Fitch reports.
Askott Entertainment launched “its Chameleon Gaming Platform, which is said to enable companies to launch their own esports-first gambling brand or to expand their current offering,” Fitch writes.
Mediapro acquired the final shares of “Liga de Videojuegos Profesional (LVP) owner Fandroid, taking full control of the company. The deal is reportedly valued at €22M ($24.6M USD). Mediapro previously acquired a majority share in Fandroid in 2016. The LVP operates the Spanish Superliga Orange league, which includes League of Legends and Call of Duty competitions, among others,” TEO’s Andrew Hayward reports.
Interviews: Frankie Ward (VaKarM).
Happy birthday William “Blitz” Lee!