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...
Current in Gaming
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...
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...
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...
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...
China continues its tirade against youth gaming & streaming
As part of its two-month campaign to clean up the ‘chaos’ around gaming and livestreaming, China is continuing to place restrictions on young people. It appears the nation with the single largest gaming market, isn’t all that pleased with its accolade. The growing list of internet restrictions within China could honestly do with its own A-Z at this stage. More than 8,000 websites are blocked throughout the country, including TikTok, Twitter...
Blizzard hires female Vice President of Culture to overhaul toxic values
Since countless accusations of misogyny and sexual misconduct broke last August, Blizzard has been working to improve its toxic culture. Jessica Martinez has now been hired to oversee the transition towards a ‘more diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.’ Blizzard has taken a PR battering in recent years, and rightfully so. While the company has had no qualms about disregarding the gaming community in favour of maximum profits over the last decade,...
Unlocking this trophy in Horizon Forbidden West will plant an actual tree
As Horizon Forbidden West players fight to save the planet from a rogue terraforming system, they will also simultaneously help the planet in real life. Every time the trophy ‘Reached the Daunt’ is unlocked, Sony will plant a tree. The widely anticipated sequel to Guerrilla Games’ flagship title is now right on the horizon… thank you, I’m here all week. With rave reviews across the board, Horizon Forbidden West will see...
Is Microsoft creating a monopoly after Activision Blizzard deal?
Microsoft is on the brink of acquiring Activision Blizzard for a record fee of $68.7bn. Having already landed the Bethesda deal last year, is the conglomerate potentially underway with a full-scale gaming monopoly? If the cringe, social media driven console wars are even still a thing, this is the equivalent of a nuke. Throughout the pandemic, general interest in game showcases has dwindled with schedules thrown off kilter and physical attendances...
