The Sims 4’s latest update adds new diverse cosmetics
Last year, the game collaborated with two LGBTQ+ organisations on a feature enabling players to explore a fuller range of sexual and romantic identities. In a bid to promote even more inclusivity, its character creator now offers top surgery scars, binders, medical wearables, and more. Ever since The Sims...
Current in Gaming
Epic Games pays $520 million for child privacy violations
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a complaint against Epic Games on Monday on grounds of illegal personal data handling. Epic Games has agreed to pay £520 million in penalties and refunds. Epic Games, publisher of popular games like Fortnite, Rocket League, and Fall Guys, has agreed to pay...
Cryptocurrency Zilliqa is launching a Web3 gaming console in 2023
Popular cryptocurrency Zilliqa is launching its own Web3 games console for 2023. It will reportedly allow players to earn coins while playing its exclusive titles. Does this model have the potential to take off within the industry? While we hear constant talk of the impending Metaverse, Web3 isn’t discussed nearly...
Google finally shuts down game streaming service Stadia
The cloud-based gaming dream is finally dead for Google, as it announces a shutdown of all Stadia services and features. The platform will officially retire in January 2023. Remember when Stadia was touted as the next step for video games? Google’s experimental tread into gaming showed promise. Using cloud-based streaming,...
GTA VI leaks show gaming companies need to improve security
In what’s being described as the biggest game leak of all time, stolen pre-alpha footage of Grand Theft Auto VI totalling 50 minutes was posted online over the weekend. Will this prompt game developers and publishers to finally improve their security measures? Considering Grand Theft Auto VI realistically won’t be...
Activision pulls Call of Duty content over art theft claim
A new cosmetic skin for Call of Duty has been pulled after an independent artist complained that their work had been stolen and repurposed. This isn’t the first time a multi-billionaire corporation has taken assets from creators without permission. Popular first-person shooter franchise Call of Duty has come under fire...
‘PowerWash Simulator’ players are aiding mental health research
PowerWash Simulator players can actively take part in a research project studying the link between gaming and mental health. All they need do, is download the Steam beta titled ‘Research Edition 2022.’ While some publishers are obsessed with pushing new technological boundaries within their games and chasing awards, others are more concerned with helping players relax and unwind for a few short hours. PowerWash Simulator definitely belongs to the latter bracket....
Resale bots are still fuelling next gen console shortages
It’s been more than a year since next gen consoles first launched, and yet their supply still appears extremely limited. This is because aspiring resellers are using purchase bots to instantly gobble up units whenever and wherever they’re restocked. Gone are the days when you could frivolously splash your paycheque on a next gen console. More than a year since their respective release dates, any feasible chance of landing either a...
Stray publisher raises money for actual cat charities
The publisher of new hit video game Stray has partnered with several charities to raise money for real life homeless cats. I’m not crying, you are. If you’ve somehow avoided the constant promos and viral videos of pets acting up at television screens, Stray is finally out on PlayStation and PC. Published by Annapurna, the game puts the player in the furry pads of a cat as it traverses a dystopian...
The continued threat of ‘swatting’ in 2022
Within streaming and gaming ‘swatting’ is largely regarded as the ultimate hoax. Since the infamous 2017 case of Tyler Barris, US states have attempted to stamp out the practice for good – though instances are still occurring in 2022. The gaming community can feel pretty toxic at times. If you’ve played competitive multiplayer games for any significant period of time, you’ll almost certainly have received threatening messages from disgruntled opponents. The levels...
