Challenges and Changes in the Gaming Industry
It’s a tough time in the gaming industry with numerous layoffs and project cancellations. Companies at all levels are retrenching to survive. Not only are businesses facing challenges, but players are also experiencing the impact as games and gaming-related services are becoming more expensive.
Microsoft recently announced a price increase for Xbox Game Pass, including new tiers that offer different benefits. The service’s PC and Ultimate tiers are seeing an increase in price, and a new “Standard” tier is introduced without day one games. These changes coincide with Microsoft’s plan to include Activision Blizzard titles in the service, targeting gamers eager to play those titles upon release.
EA and Respawn also made changes to the Apex Legends battle pass, requiring real money for purchases and altering the pass structure. The community’s reaction has been less than favorable, with negative feedback and review-bombing on platforms like Steam.
Despite the challenges, there are still exciting games to look forward to. As new releases may be sparse this week, taking the opportunity to enjoy some old favorites and cozy titles can be a refreshing break. Personally, I’m planning to replay some classic games before the Xbox Game Pass price hike on September 12.
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What to Play This Week
What’s new:
- Darkest Dungeon II
- Anger Foot
- Once Human
- Death Game Hotel
- Zero Caliber 2
- Kaku: Ancient Seal
- Hamster Playground
New on subscription services:
- Cricket 24 (Xbox Game Pass)
- The Case of the Golden Idol (Xbox Game Pass)
- Neon White (Xbox Game Pass)
- Tchia (Xbox Game Pass)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge (Prime Gaming)
- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II — The Sith Lords (Prime Gaming)
- Alex Kidd in Miracle World DX (Prime Gaming)
- Samurai Bringer (Prime Gaming)
- Densestu no Starfy (Nintendo Switch Online)
- Densetsu no Starfy 2 (Nintendo Switch Online)
- Densestu no Starfy 3 (Nintendo Switch Online)
