Noob Shelter Podcast: Episode 6

NS-0005-2019-07-05-Final.mp3
SHOW INFORMATION:
  Show Notes for July 12, 2019
  Episode: 0006
  Show Title: G2Apathy
  Run Time: 1h 10m 23s
Credits
  Executive Producers: None
  Hosted By: Matt Fugitive, John Rythone, & Feyd2Black Mike
  Special Thanks to the following:
  Dave Jones: Freedom Controller
  Adam Curry: Sound Clips
  John Fletcher: Sound Clips
  Anchor.FM: Our MP3 and RSS hosts
  Caster.FM: Our stream/icecast provider
  ZeroNode IRC: IRC Chat Hosts
  Please Donate To The Noob Shelter Podcast!!
TOP 5 GAMING NEWS STORIES:
  5: Epic Will Pay For Shenmue 3 Kickstarter Refunds Related To Exclusivity Deal
    Link to Article
    Source: GameSpot - Game News
    Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:23
    The hotly-anticipated Shenmue III going Epic exclusive has caused a stir amongst PC Kickstarter backers. Developer Ys Net provided an update on the switch, but the studio is still assuaging concerns. Refunds are now being offered to Kickstarter backers who choose to rescind their investment, and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney confirmed the company will take responsibility to avoid impacting Shenmue III's development budget.
    Sweeney took to Twitter to deliver the statement, saying in a tweet, "Epic is funding the cost of all Kickstarter refunds resulting from Shenmue III's move to the Epic Games store." He notes that this decision is to ensure Ys Net's development budget remains unaffected by refunds.
    Epic is funding the cost of all Kickstarter refunds resulting from Shenmue III's move to the Epic Games store, so that refunds won't reduce Ys Net's development funding. https://t.co/mSGdbzYPJ5
    '-- Tim Sweeney (@TimSweeneyEpic) July 2, 2019In a follow-up tweet, Sweeney said that when any other game goes Epic exclusive after offering rewards on separate PC platforms, "We'll either coordinate with colleagues at the other stores to ensure key availability in advance, or guarantee refunds at announcement time." It's worth noting that Sweeney is talking specifically about crowdfunded projects here.
    The options available for Shenmue III Kickstarter backers include a PC physical package, a digital Epic Games Store game key, a PS4 disc, or a PSN code voucher. The PC physical version doesn't actually contain the game on the disc, though; instead it comes with an Epic Games Store installer and a digital Epic Games Store game key. The Steam version will be made available to those who opt for it but will be delivered "one year later."
    Shenmue III isn't the only game to become an Epic exclusive. During the PC Gaming Show, where Shenmue III's Epic Store exclusivity was announced, a handful of games got the exclusive treatment. This includes Cyberpunk 2077, Chivalry II, The Sojourn, Untitled Goose Game, and more. Crowdfunded sci-fi game Outer Wilds also went Epic exclusive, alongside Metro Exodus and The Division 2. Gearbox's upcoming looter-shooter, Borderlands 3, has also announced an Epic exclusivity deal.
    Shenmue III is slated to launch on November 19 for PC and PlayStation 4.
  4: Pokemon Sword & Shield Have Version-Exclusive Gyms
    Link to Article
    Source: GameSpot - Game News
    Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:35
    Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?
    Sign up or Sign in now!
    Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
    This video has an invalid file format.
    Sorry, but you can't access this content!
    Now Playing: Pokemon Sword & Shield Exclusive Pokemon And Gym Leaders Revealed - GS News Update
    The latest trailer for Pokemon Sword and Shield has arrived, and it gives us a look at some more new features and Pokemon from the upcoming Switch games. Just as previous titles, Sword and Shield will each feature a handful of exclusive Pokemon that can only be found in that version, but that isn't the only difference between the two games; each will also have some version-exclusive Gyms.
    As we learned in the new trailer (which you can watch below), some cities in Pokemon Sword and Shield will feature different Gyms depending on which version you're playing. It's unclear how many version-exclusive Gyms there will be in total, but the latest trailer showcases at least one of them. In Pokemon Sword, players will challenge Bea, who specializes in Fighting Pokemon. The same town in Pokemon Shield, however, is home to a Ghost-type Gym led by the creepy Allister. You can take a look at the two Gym Leaders below.
    This isn't the first time Pokemon games have featured version-exclusive Gym Leaders; the Leader of the final Gym in Pokemon Black and White would differ depending on which version you were playing, although in both cases, the trainer would still specialize in Dragon Pokemon. Some cities in Black and White also featured aesthetic differences depending on the version, although it's as-yet unknown if Sword and Shield will implement other version differences.
    Of course, along with version-exclusive Gyms, there will be a handful of Pokemon you'll only be able to catch in either Sword or Shield, and now we've gotten our first glimpse at a couple that will be exclusive to each version. The Dragon Pokemon Deino and Jangmo-o will only appear in the wild in Pokemon Sword, while Larvitar and Goomy can only be found in Pokemon Shield.
    Pokemon Sword And Shield - New Pokemon, Characters And Gigantamaxing
    Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?
    Sign up or Sign in now!
    Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
    This video has an invalid file format.
    Sorry, but you can't access this content!
    That isn't all the latest trailer revealed; we also got a look at another four new Gen 8 Pokemon, as well as a new mechanic called Gigantamaxing. Unlike standard Dynamaxing, only certain Pokemon can Gigantamax, and their size as well as their appearance will be transformed. The trailer also introduced the chairman of the Galar Pokemon League, Rose, and his secretary Oleana.
    Pokemon Sword and Shield launch for Nintendo Switch on November 15. The games will be compatible with the upcoming Pokemon Home service, allowing you to bring over some of your old monsters. However, you won't be able to transfer every old Pokemon to the games. That decision has been so controversial that series producer, Junichi Masuda, issued a statement addressing the drama. For more on the titles, be sure to check out our Pokemon Sword and Shield release date and pre-order guide.
    Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
  3: Bethesda Wants To Make Fallout 76 Easier For New Players
    Link to Article
    Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:34
    Screenshot: Fallout 76Fallout 76's world can be a brutal, especially for players just starting out. Hunger, thirst, disease, radiation'--there's no shortage of maladies in Appalachia. In the game's next big update, Bethesda is determined to dial down the danger, at least early on, so new players can actually spend more time exploring Fallout 76 in peace.
    ''We're looking to make a few adjustments to help new and low-level characters have more gradual introductions to some of the game's mechanics and challenges,'' Bethesda said in a blog post late last week announcing the major changes coming in Patch 11. The biggest of these changes include:
    Reducing the cost to fast travel for players under level 25Giving players under level 15 higher disease resistanceMaking food take 50 percent longer to spoilNo longer wiping out stat bonuses from food and drink after fast travelingMaking encounters with higher level enemies outside of the Forest, the game's starting area, more rareThe studio says it also plans to make rewards from Fallout 76's checklist-driven Challenges completed earlier in the game more useful for low-level players. Right now, a lot of these activities grant ammunition for guns players don't have, or crafting materials for things they can't yet make. New players might racking up high-level ammo while they're hurting for first-aid, fresh water, and food.
    Patch 11 will also make item effects and their descriptions clearer. Screenshot: Bethesda (Fallout 76)These basic necessities can be so scarce early on for players who don't know where to look for them that it's become common practice in Fallout 76 for higher level players to search out those who are still in the single digits and leave them little gift bags full of Stimpaks, Rad-Aways, and grilled meats, and boiled water.
    While players have done a good job of papering over Fallout 76's holes with creative role-playing, making the game's onboarding process a much smoother experience will go a long way toward helping it find new players as Bethesda continues to add post-release content. Patch 11 is supposed to arrive later this month.
  2: Amazon Game Studios to co-develop new The Lord of the Rings MMO
    Link to Article
    Source: VG247
    Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:40
    By Stephany Nunneley,Wednesday, 10 July 2019 15:26 GMT
    Amazon Game Studios has formally announced the new, free-to-play MMO based on The Lord of the Rings.
    A new Lord of the Rings MMO is in the works from Amazon Game Studios and Leyou Technologies. This is the same game that Athlon Games, a subsidiary of Leyou, announced last year in September.
    At the time, the company's publishing partner wasn't known, but now we know it's Amazon.
    The Amazon Game Studios (AGS) team working with Leyou and Athlon Games includes veteran developers who have worked on EverQuest, Destiny, Planetside, World of Warcraft, Defiance, Rift, and other MMOs. This is the same AGS team currently working on the Amazon Prime MMO New World, set in an alternate 17th century world.
    Subscribe to the VG247 newsletter Get all the best bits of VG247 delivered to your inbox every Friday! New Line Cinema
    The co-developed title will be released for PC and consoles and is without a release date. It is unrelated to the Amazon Original TV series based on The Lord of the Rings set to debut in 2021.Information on content, the title of the game, or a release window was not provided. But, it will be based on the world depicted in the trilogy according to the press release.
    ''Set in the world of Middle-earth portrayed in The Lord of the Rings literary trilogy, the game will give fans around the globe a new, immersive game experience for epic exploration of the vast world of Tolkien,'' it reads.
    Amazon will share more information on the title at a later date.
  1:Nintendo Switch Lite
    New Nintendo Switch Lite Coming In September
      Link to Article
      Source: Game Informer News
      Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:37
      Nintendo has announced the Switch Lite, a new Switch that supports handheld mode exclusively. The Lite launches on September 20 for the suggested retail price of $199.99 in three colors: yellow, grey, and turquoise.
      The unit is smaller and lighter than the Switch '' the Lite has a 5.5" touchscreen compared to the Switch's 6.2" touchscreen '' and the Lite's integrated controls mean there are no detachable Joy-Con controllers. It also lacks the Switch's HD Rumble functionality and IR Motion Camera. The Lite does, however, replace the Switch's left-side control buttons with an actual d-pad. Nintendo is also saying the battery life of the Lite lasts longer than the Switch. The company says you can play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, for example, an hour longer on the Lite.
      Reinforcing the purely handheld nature of the Lite, it does not have a kickstand like the regular Switch, nor does it connect to a TV via video output. Owners can play regular Switch games that support handheld mode. For those that don't, users must wirelessly connect sold-separately controllers. Similarly, Tabletop mode games on the Lite must be played with Joy-Cons connected to the Lite. Compatibility information will be listed on the back of game packaging or in the Nintendo eShop.
      The Lite shares the local wireless and online capabilities of the Switch, and up to eight regular Switches and Lites can be linked for multiplayer.
      At the time of this writing, Nintendo's website says pre-ordering is coming soon, and at launch a carrying case and screen protector will also be available.
      Nintendo has also announced a Pok(C)mon Sword and Shield edition of the Switch Lite for November 8.
    Nintendo Switch Lite Will Still Support Amiibo
      Link to Article
      Source: GameSpot - Game News
      Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:36
      Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?
      Sign up or Sign in now!
      Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
      This video has an invalid file format.
      Sorry, but you can't access this content!
      Now Playing: Nintendo Switch Lite Release Date And Price Announced - GS News Update
      Nintendo is releasing a smaller, cheaper Switch model this fall called the Nintendo Switch Lite. The system does away with a number of features found in the base model, so it won't have detachable Joy-Cons, HD rumble, or be able to connect with a television, but one feature it will still have is Amiibo support.
      GameSpot reached out to Nintendo to clarify if the Switch Lite will still be compatible with Amiibo, and a PR representative for the company confirmed the system will indeed work with the collectible figures. Just as with the standard model, you can tap an Amiibo on the right control stick and it will interact with a compatible game.
      The Nintendo Switch Lite launches worldwide on September 20--the same day The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening remake releases. The game will hit stores alongside an adorable new Link Amiibo figure, which will unlock an extra feature for the game's dungeon maker mode. Other Zelda Amiibo will also be compatible with the title.
      At launch, the Switch Lite will be available in three different colors: yellow, grey, and turquoise. Nintendo will also release a special edition Pokemon model on November 8, a few days ahead of the launch of Pokemon Sword and Shield. That version will have a light grey body, cyan- and magenta-colored buttons, and an illustration of the games' Legendary Pokemon, Zacian and Zamazenta, on the back.
      While the Switch Lite won't have detachable Joy-Cons, it will have one improvement over the standard Switch: a proper D-pad. It appears it'll be the only model to boast one, as Nintendo says it has no plans to add a D-pad to Joy-Con controllers. You'll also be able to move your data between the standard Switch and Switch Lite, although Nintendo hasn't shared any details about how this will work yet. Check out our roundup of everything we know about Switch Lite for more on the new system.
      Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
    No Nintendo Switch XL Coming This Year
      Link to Article
      Source: Game Informer News
      Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:36
      Earlier today, Nintendo revealed the Switch Lite, a portable-only iteration of the company's successful console. This streamlined version of the Switch seems to verify half of the rumor from earlier this year: That Nintendo is working on two new revisions of its console '' one simplified, and one upgraded.
      However, don't expect to see the other half of that rumor anytime soon. Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser has reportedly confirmed that the Switch Lite is currently the only revision on the way, with no Switch XL coming yet. According to CNET, "[Switch Lite will] also be the only new Nintendo Switch hardware this holiday, as Bowser says the larger Switch won't get an upgrade right now."
      While you wait for official info about the Switch XL (or whatever it is eventually called), you can read our parody article from Game Infarcer 2017 to see what the unit almost certainly won't be like.
      [Source: CNET]
    Nintendo Denies Another New Switch Is Coming Alongside The Lite This Year
      Link to Article
      Source: GameSpot - Game News
      Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:36
      Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?
      Sign up or Sign in now!
      Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
      This video has an invalid file format.
      Sorry, but you can't access this content!
      Now Playing: Nintendo Switch Lite Release Date And Price Announced - GS News Update
      Nintendo surprised everyone this morning with an addition to the Nintendo Switch family. The Nintendo Switch Lite--a lighter, cheaper version of Nintendo's flagship device--is set to launch this September and makes a few minor adjustments to hit its more affordable price tag. Despite rumors of more Nintendo Switch consoles, the company says there are no other hardware announcements coming this year.
      GameSpot sister site CNET shared the news at the tail end of its report. According to newly-appointed Nintendo president Doug Bowser, the Nintendo Switch Lite is the only new Nintendo Switch console this year. Bowser says the traditional Nintendo Switch won't receive any updates or upgrades. However, there are reports of an upgraded Nintendo Switch console in production.
      Bowser seems to suggest Nintendo is sticking to just two options: the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite. Hardware adjustments are nothing new for Nintendo, as the company is notorious for introducing incremental upgrades to its long-running DS family. The 3DS lineup consists of the 2DS (2013), the 3DS (2011), the 3DS XL (2012), the New 3DS (2014), and the New 3DS XL (2015).
      Though it may be cheaper than the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite will still support Amiibos, features device switching, will receive a Pokemon Sword and Shield model, and comes with a notable controller improvement.
      The Nintendo Switch Lite launches on September 20 for $200 USD / $287 AUD / £160 GBP. You can check out the announcement trailer below.
      Nintendo Switch Lite - Announcement Trailer
      Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?
      Sign up or Sign in now!
      Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
      This video has an invalid file format.
      Sorry, but you can't access this content!
      Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
    Nintendo Switch Lite FAQ
      Link to Article
      Source: GameSpot - Game News
      Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:36
      Here's everything we know about Nintendo's new Switch model.By Chris Pereira | @TheSmokingManX and Kevin Knezevic | @kevknez on July 10, 2019 at 12:30PM PDT
      Reports had been circulating that Nintendo was working on a smaller, cheaper iteration of the Switch, and sure enough, the company has finally pulled back the curtain on the Nintendo Switch Lite. Designed strictly for portable play, the system launches this September with a lower price point and some pared back features, making it a more affordable alternative to the standard Switch model.
      While there are still some questions lingering around the Switch Lite, Nintendo has revealed a number of details about the new system, including its release date, specifications, what games it will be compatible with, and more. If you're curious about how it compares to the original Switch, we've rounded up everything we know about the new system so far below.
      Release Date And PriceThe Nintendo Switch Lite launches worldwide on September 20, 2019. In the US, the system will retail for $200 USD--$100 cheaper than the standard Nintendo Switch. International pricing details have not yet been announced. Amazon UK has the system listed for £200, although that price point could be a placeholder.
      How Is Switch Lite Different?While the standard Nintendo Switch can function either as a portable or home console, the Switch Lite is tailored specifically for handheld use. As such, the system cannot be docked or played on a television. It is also smaller and lighter than the base Switch, with a 5.5-inch touch screen (compared to the standard 6.2-inch screen), and it features 20-30% better battery life than the original console.
      Unlike the existing Switch model, the Switch Lite will also have a solid body, meaning it won't come with detachable Joy-Con controllers. It will also be missing some other features, such as rumble and the IR sensor. Because it is designed for handheld play, it will also lack a kickstand. However, it will boast a true D-pad, rather than the directional buttons found on a standard Joy-Con. That makes it the only Switch model to come with a proper D-pad, as it appears Nintendo has no plans of adding one to Joy-Con controllers. Joy-Cons will still be compatible with the Switch Lite, and in fact will be the only way to play certain titles that typically don't support handheld play (more on that below).
      Nintendo Switch Lite - Announcement Trailer
      Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?
      Sign up or Sign in now!
      Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
      This video has an invalid file format.
      Sorry, but you can't access this content!
      Can I Transfer My Data Between Switch And Switch Lite?While Nintendo has not yet announced specifics, the company says it is planning a transfer feature that will let you move data between the standard Switch and Switch Lite. It's unclear as of yet how this will work, but more details will be shared at a later date.
      What Colors Will Be Available?The Switch Lite will launch in three different color schemes: yellow, turquoise, and grey. Nintendo is also releasing a special edition Pokemon model on November 8, just ahead of the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield. This version will feature a light grey body with cyan and magenta buttons, while the back the back is adorned with an illustration of the games' Legendary cover Pokemon, Zacian and Zamazenta.
      Will It Work With All Switch Games?Not quite. Switch games will need to support handheld mode in order to function on Switch Lite, given that it's the only mode the system supports. Specifically, Nintendo Labo will have issues due to the device itself being a different size. Other games, such as 1-2-Switch and Super Mario Party will require the purchase of Joy-Cons, as neither can be played in handheld mode with the controllers attached.
      What Else Doesn't Work?Nintendo has yet to provide a comprehensive list of supported games and accessories, but we can surmise at least some that won't work. For instance, the vaunted Flip-Grip, which allows you to turn the original system sideways and attach Joy-Cons (ideal for playing vertical shooters such as Ikaruga) won't work, given the system's smaller size.
      Can I Use Amiibo With It?Yes, while the Switch Lite drops some features from the base model, the system will still support Amiibo figures. Just as with the standard Switch, you can tap an Amiibo on the right control stick and scan it in a compatible game such as Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or the upcoming Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening remake, which is launching alongside a new Link Amiibo figure.
      Does It Support Bluetooth Headphones?No, like the original Switch, the Lite does not offer support for connecting headphones via Bluebooth. It does have a standard headphone jack, but those hoping for a Switch to finally allow the direct use of Bluetooth headphones are out of luck. In fact, the Lite is worse than the original Switch in this regard; without the use of the USB ports on the old Switch's dock, the Lite won't even be able to rely on third-party solutions to this problem.
      Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
    Nintendo Switch Lite Pre-Order Guide
      Link to Article
      Source: GameSpot - Game News
      Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:35
      Nintendo finally confirmed the next iteration of the Switch console family: the Switch Lite, which arrives on September 20. The very first pre-order pages have gone up, so it will soon be possible to reserve your own, including the slick, Pokemon Sword and Shield-themed Zacian and Zamazenta Edition.
      The Switch Lite costs $200, versus the full price of a regular Switch at $300. In exchange, the Lite is smaller, can't dock to the TV, and has no detachable Joy-Cons or rumble. It does add a real d-pad, however, which fans have been requesting on the regular Switch since it came out. It seems the new system is a great as a substantially cheaper entry-point into the Switch ecosystem, as well as being more conveniently portable for players that prefer the console's handheld mode anyway. For more details on things like Amiibo support and transferring between consoles, check out everything we've learned about the Switch Lite.
      Here's where you can pre-order every version of the Nintendo Switch Lite. Currently, Best Buy has only posted placeholder pages, so you can only sign up for notifications of when it will go live, but we'll update this article as more retailers open up pre-orders.
      Switch Lite pre-ordersNintendo Switch Lite - Turquoise -- $200
      Get it at Best BuyNintendo Switch Lite - Gray -- $200
      Get it at Best BuyNintendo Switch Lite - Yellow -- $200
      Get it at Best BuyNintendo Switch Lite - Zacian and Zamazenta Edition -- $200
      Get it at Best BuyGot a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
    Nintendo Switch And Switch Lite Comparison: Specs, Dimensions, Battery Life, And More
      Link to Article
      Source: GameSpot - Game News
      Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:31
      Want us to remember this setting for all your devices?
      Sign up or Sign in now!
      Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos.
      This video has an invalid file format.
      Sorry, but you can't access this content!
      Now Playing: Nintendo Switch Lite Release Date And Price Announced - GS News Update
      Nintendo made a big splash with the announcement of the Switch Lite, which is a handheld-only version of original system's model. While this means that it'll be limited in some aspects--no docking or detachable Joy-Con, among other things--it comes at a lower cost and a slightly smaller design. And what you can immediately see in the first photos of the Switch Lite, is a traditional directional pad.
      The Nintendo Switch Lite hits store shelves on September 20, 2019 alongside the launch of The Legend Of Zelda: Link's Awakening remake. While you can choose from a yellow, gray, or teal color scheme, a special Pokemon Sword and Shield edition will hit November 8, 2019 just ahead of the game's launch.
      Below, we compiled some of the important specs and features for both the original Switch and new Switch Lite for a simple comparison between the two.
      Switch (original)Switch LiteScreen Size6.2 inches5.5 inchesResolution720p (undocked)720pDimensions (H x W x D)4" x 9.4" x 0.55"3.6" x 8.2" x 0.55"Weight0.88 lbs / 399 g0.61 lbs / 277 gBattery Life Range2.5 - 6.5 hours3 - 7 hoursGraphics ProcessorCustom Nvidia Tegra GPUCustom Nvidia Tegra GPUInternal Memory32 GB32 GBDetachable Joy-ConYesNoTV Mode / DockingYesNoHD RumbleYesNoKickstandYesNoAmiibo SupportYesYesPrice$300$200So, while you don't get some notable features, like HD rumble or the bigger screen, the Switch Lite comes as a cheaper, more portable option with slightly better battery life--it's attractive for those who would primarily play in handheld mode. However, by design, there will be a few games that won't work with the new Switch Lite, such as the Nintendo Labo Kits or 1-2 Switch.
      In addition to the Switch Lite reveal, Nintendo said that it has plans for a method to transfer files, useful for existing Switch owners who would move to the new system, though there aren't any details on it quite yet. If you're excited about the new Switch D-pad and want to see it on a Joy-Con for the original model, you might be disappointed. Those hoping for a sort of "Switch Pro" model with higher-end features should note that the Switch Lite is the only new version planned for this year. For everything else you need to know about the new system, check out our Switch Lite FAQ.
      Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
G2Assholes:
  Pirate our games, don't buy them from key resellers, say indies - BBC News
    Link to Article
    Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:44
    Image copyright No More Robots Image caption The campaign's organiser is behind titles including the cycling game Descenders Small video games studios are asking the public to stop buying their titles from "unauthorised" markets, saying the sales cost them more than they earn.
    Several have said it would even be better if consumers pirated their games rather than purchased discounted unlock codes from the "key resellers".
    One label is running a petition calling on the biggest such market - G2A - to halt sales of indie games outright.
    But G2A has defended its business model.
    It said the indies benefited from its policy of sharing a cut of sales made by third parties.
    "Hundreds of developers earn money from selling their keys through marketplaces such as G2A," head of communications Maciej Kuc told BBC News.
    "We don't plan on taking away that possibility anytime soon, as it would be hurtful not only to our customers but also to the many developers who use our platform to their benefit."
    He added that G2A already took measures to tackle illegal sales.
    And he said developers were partly responsible for some of the scams on its site because of the "thousands of free keys" they had created for giveaways.
    The campaign's organiser, however, has dismissed this defence.
    "They are harming our industry and the value of our games," Mike Rose, from the Manchester-based publisher No More Robots, told BBC News
    Several other industry insiders have also tweeted concerns.
    Chinese salesThe attraction for consumers of buying from key resellers is they typically offer titles at a fraction of the price they are available via either the games studio's own sites or through online stores such as Steam, with which the publishers have a direct relationship.
    Studios have complained for some time about the trade. But tensions rose after G2A increased its social media activity and online ads to promote special deals tied to its fifth anniversary.
    G2A does not buy and sell second-hand codes itself. Rather, it compares itself to other online marketplaces such as eBay, which provide a place for third-parties to sell goods.
    But Mr Rose claimed it did not do enough to combat dishonestly obtained keys.
    When sellers received an order, for example, they bought a code via Steam's Chinese store, where the keys were often sold at a quarter of their normal price.
    To bypass Steam's own ban on such keys being passed to gamers in other markets, purchasers were told they must add another account to their friends list to receive the details, Mr Rose said.
    This new "friend" was in fact a bot, he said, which generated a link to a separate site where the Chinese code could be transferred without the exchange being detected.
    And the result was the publisher received a fraction of their normal cut, while the fee they had wanted to charge became seen as too high.
    In other cases, Mr Rose said, dealers cancelled the credit card transaction with which they had bought a key, after selling it on.
    By the time Steam chased this up and voided the sale, gamers may have tried the title out and moved on, never noticing they had lost access as a consequence, he said.
    But as a result, the publisher was not paid.
    "I'm seeing my sales happening - and then at the end of the month 30% of them are disappearing," Mr Rose said.
    "I would rather people pirate the game."
    'Face the consequences'For its part, G2A said most keys on its market were sold by wholesalers who had bought large quantities directly from publishers at a discount.
    It said only 1% of the transactions on its site were problematic in any way and it was easy for users to report suspect parties.
    "If any key was illegally obtained, we'll remove it, block the seller and provide their personal data to the proper authorities," it said.
    Image copyright G2A Image caption G2A says it gives developers a percentage cut of all sales of their games sold by third parties on its site Furthermore, it said, a combination of the rating systems it provided and the anti-money laundering processes it employed acted as a deterrent.
    "If someone wants to do something illegal, they know they will have to face the consequences," it said in a statement.
    The site said it would also start offering developers refunds worth 10 times the sum lost if they could prove keys had been sold on G2A after being bought with stolen credit card details.
    This offer is limited to cases in which the initial purchases were made on the developers' own stores and had resulted in the payment provider having to be reimbursed.
    "We're not doing this because we're the ones to blame but because we want to finally stop the accusations we've been getting," G2A said.
    And it suggested studios providing keys to "fake influencers" was a bigger problem.
    "If the developer doesn't check them thoroughly, the keys sometimes end up in scammers' hands," it said.
    "That's why all the developers who participate in G2A Direct have access to our database and can check on their own whether a review key ended up on G2A or not."
    Fuelling demandMr Rose responded saying most developers relied on sales via Steam and other third-party stores rather than their own sites, so G2A's refund offer was a "red herring".
    And he said the problem of fake influencers existed only because they had places to sell on the codes they had obtained in bulk.
    "Literally in the time I've been talking to you, two of them have appeared in my inbox," he told BBC News.
    "So much time in our job is taken up trying to deal with these people."
  How The Controversial Steam Key Marketplace G2A Got So Big
    Link to Article
    Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:31
    Illustration by Sam WoolleyThere's a few reasons you might have heard of G2A, one of the Internet's most popular spots to sell an extra Steam key. One, it's been the subject of intense criticism for not doing enough about fraud. Two, you can't watch a YouTube video or a Twitch stream without running into someone who's taking money to promote them. From PewDiePie down, G2A is everywhere.
    G2A is not the only key-selling marketplace on the Internet, but it has locked up many of the Internet's most popular personalities, who include links to G2A on their videos and streams.
    Few advertisers seem to divide streamers more than G2A. And when I went looking for people to speak with about what goes into picking and choosing advertisers to partner with, emails to video creators currently partnered with G2A went unanswered. I regularly heard back from those who'd moved on, folks who often had pointed and passionate feelings about the company.
    ''[They've] always been shady in my eyes,'' said a popular streamer, who asked to remain anonymous and has explicitly decided to never run ads by G2A. ''With streaming, there's a question of morality everyone has to make. Do you want to just say, 'Fuck it,' and say yes to every sponsor, or do you want to have some morality in what you do?''
    A list of Overwatch key sellers on G2A.It's understandable why a lot of people who play video games like G2A: cheap prices. Overwatch: Origins Edition costs $59.99 through Blizzard, but it's as low as $46 on G2A. It's cheaper because individuals are selling the keys, not Blizzard. But it also means you don't know where the keys came from. Did someone simply have an extra key, or did they use stolen credit cards to defraud a game developer? There's no way to know, and unlike other prominent marketplaces, G2A doesn't automatically provide consumers with insurance for their purchases. To get covered, you need to pay for a $1 per month service called G2A Shield. All of this has created an air of distrust around the popular marketplace.
    ''We welcome this opportunity to further educate people on G2A,'' said a company spokesperson to Kotaku over email, ''what we have to offer and the tools we have in place to ensure a safe and secure marketplace experience. G2A is open [sic] appreciates and welcomes input and feedback from buyers and sellers in the marketplace'--we listen and want to make the G2A marketplace better each day. We invite those people to meet us, and maintain an open door attitude for co-operation.''
    On the company's website, G2A boasts about a number of high-profile YouTube and Twitch partners:
    PewDiePie: 46 million subscribers on YouTubeLirik: 1.4 million followers on TwitchMatroix: 8.3 million subscribers on one YouTube channel, 3.5 million on another.PhantomL0rd: 1.4 million followers on Twitch. (He was recently banned over the Counter-Strike ongoing gambling scandal, but at the time, was still promoting G2A.)KSIOlajidebtHD: 4.4 million subscribers on YouTubeJackFrags: 1.7 million subscribers on YouTubePewDiePie is far and away the most popular video personality on YouTube, Twitch, or otherwise. Several of PewDiePie's most recent videos have a G2A promotion to win a gift card. When asked about how he chooses his promotions, PewDiePie declined to comment. I contacted more than a dozen video creators currently running G2A promotions, but my questions went unanswered.
    In the last month or so, however, two heavy-hitters'--JackFrags and LIRIK'--have dropped G2A for various reasons. One of those heavy-hitters cited a recent string of controversies surrounding the key retailer.
    ''G2A is working successfully with over 500 partners including 70 e-Sport teams and 100 events,'' a G2A spokesperson told me over email. ''A few partners, ten in total, took a break, some to renegotiate their contracts, some for various other reasons. The real story here however is that 490 partners chose to stick with us.''
    Update 6:35pm: Some video creators seen and featured on G2a's website'--including Spamfish'--have informed me they're no longer partnered with the company.
    ''With streaming, there's a question of morality everyone has to make. Do you want to just say, 'Fuck it,' and say yes to every sponsor, or do you want to have some morality in what you do?'' JackFrags didn't publicly comment on why he was moving away from G2A, only saying he was ''parting ways'' in the next month. LIRIK was more explicit during one of his streams.
    ''I've been with them for a long time, because they were fucking cool-ass people, and everything worked out,'' said LIRIK in a somewhat rambling explanation on Twitch about moving on from G2A. ''I kept chilling with them and never changed it up. As you guys know, some...stuff happened. There's so much news. There's been like 10 different things that happened this week.''
    That ''stuff'' was a public fight that indie developer TinyBuild picked with G2A in late June. The Punch Club studio published a blog alleging the so-called eBay of game keys was ''facilitating a fraud-fueled economy.'' TinyBuild argued G2A made it easy to sell fraudulent keys obtained with stolen credit cards. In a story last week, I outlined how a hacker allegedly used stolen credit cards to run off with keys that he quickly turned into hundreds of dollars by selling them through G2A.
    While G2A admitted it was working on providing new tools for developers concerned about fraud, the company pointed to ongoing security issues with developer payment processors'--the financial institutions that handle online transactions'--as an important issue that had little to do with them. G2A itself isn't committing the alleged fraud; the concern is how easy their business model can make it to profit off fraud committed elsewhere.
    ''We'd like to be clear that the origin of fraud is not theft of the game codes themselves, but rather stolen credit cards used to purchase codes,'' said a G2A spokesperson.
    What really turned heads was an influential late June video about G2A from LevelCapGaming called ''Den of Thieves.'' It is a 15-minute scathing critique outlining the fraud allegations against G2A and what the company has done to push back. It may not be new to anyone who's been following the G2A story already, but for many, it was revelatory. Part of what makes the video unique is the aggressive and downright accusatory description of G2A's practices, likening the company to being the getaway driver during a bank heist.
    In the days after LevelCapGaming's video was published, JackFrags and LIRIK dropped G2A. Neither responded to my request for comment, but LevelCapGaming, aka Charlie Goldberg, did.
    ''I blame a lot of YouTubers''myself included''for massive brand integration of G2A,'' said Goldberg. ''We helped create a brand that gamers associate with cheap legitimate games. Too many of us are young and easily swayed by money. We don't have managers or a team of people seeking out advertising deals. It's just us.''
    Goldberg used to partner with G2A, too, and cited PewDiePie being on-board as one of the primary reasons he joined up. PewDiePie's name meant legitimacy. ''That had a large impact for me personally since I have always associated PewDiePie with being a decent guy,'' he said.
    Choosing to partner with G2A doesn't mean PewDiePie is suddenly not a decent guy, though. It's understandable why so many choose to partner with G2A: it turns a decent profit for the video creator and the viewer can buy games for cheap. That sounds like a win-win situation, and given that G2A sells plenty of legitimate keys, too, it'd be unfair to say the service isn't without positives. Ultimately, it's providing a service for people who want to pay for games, not pirate them.
    How much a video creator makes off G2A varies, depending on two variables: popularity and their ability to push viewers to use a unique referral code. A smaller streamer'--we're talking in the hundreds of thousands of subscribers'--told me they were offered $400 per month, which was compelling because it could ''pay various bills in a household, so it's one less headache.''
    PewDiePie is one of several large video creators who regularly work with G2A. He's hardly alone, however; he's merely the biggest.A larger streamer, pulling in millions of viewers, briefly partnered with G2A and was guaranteed $1,500 per month and, on average, made another $1,500-$2,000 from their referral code.
    ''This income would have grown exponentially had I stayed with them longer or promoted them harder,'' said the anonymous streamer. ''Four video mentions a month and four social posts is all it took to get that much money coming in and those who promoted harder earned more.''
    It's easy to see how that money might scale with video creators commanding tens of millions of viewers.
    Pushing back on G2A isn't new, and other voices have been saying it for a while. So far as I can tell, no other advertising partner has caused as much division among creators as G2A.
    ''I'm ending my partnership with G2A due to the confusion and controversy over their Marketplace system,'' said streamer Cohh Carnage in 2015. ''Our dropping of G2A does not reflect on other streamers. Good friends of mine still use G2A.''
    And it's not like consumers are running away, either; G2A says they're still growing rapidly.
    ''We are always looking to improve our processes,'' said the company in a statement. ''Every day we get better. Every day we get faster. Every day we serve more customers. Every month 250,000 new customers arrive on the G2A Marketplace.''
    While reporting this story, I found it difficult to get streamers on the record defending G2A.
    ''G2A and their ilk are unauthorized key resellers who at best source from cheaper regional markets,'' said John ''Total Biscuit'' Bain on Twitter in 2014. ''Use them at your own risk.''
    ''We are always looking to improve our processes. Every day we get faster. Every day we serve more customers. Every month 250,000 new customers arrive on the G2A Marketplace.'' ''Please do not believe that just because G2A threw out a bunch of sponsorships to streamers that they are above board,'' he said in 2015. ''They are not.''
    Bain also claimed he received ''10 emails from them before I told them to fuck off.''
    There's no smoking gun with G2A. Though the website may have facilitated the selling of fraudulent keys, G2A is not alone; fraud is part of selling goods on the Internet. But for some, G2A has an unmistakable stink.
    Several streamers I talked to cited the recent Counter-Strike gambling controversy as a reason to be incredibly cautious about who you partner with. In a moment, your credibility can vanish.
    Phantoml0rd, a top Counter-Strike gambling streamers, was recently banned from Twitch. The incident has put some video creators on edge.IIJERiiCHOII, whose real name is Tucker Boner (yes, really), has nearly 900,000 followers on Twitch and 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube. In 2015, Jericho joined Bain in shunning and criticizing G2A.
    ''Key resellers are very rarely fun to work with,'' said Jericho in an interview with me recently. ''Most people knew or at least were pretty sure of G2A and other key sellers' involvement with fraud/illegal keys, etc.''
    Jericho says G2A still reaches out several times a month, asking if he would like to join again. And though he won't work with G2A, he doesn't blame people looking for cheap games.
    ''I mean, their success is because they are a platform where you never pay full price for a game or keys,'' he said. ''It's filling a space where there was demand. I don't think that key reselling is inherently bad, nor do I think that all key selling sites are bad. That said, G2A and other notable sites have done a good job to tarnish the rest of them, and while I agree that promotion from top personalities helped growth, there's really nothing to blame them for. G2A gave me a bad vibe.''
    MrMattyPlays, a YouTube creator with nearly 300,000 subscribers, dropped G2A as a sponsor in late June ''because of the negative association,'' as his channel focuses on a ''love for games.''
    ''When I have a sponsor that is being accused and essentially proven of hurting developers; that contradicts what I believe in,'' he said. '' [...] It was very hard to walk away from G2A. They were easy to work with, paid me well for 10 five-second promotions a month, and removed a lot of financial concerns in my life. The deal allowed me to experiment more on my YouTube channel because I was receiving revenue from another source which was also quite liberating.''
    Even after G2A rolled out some of their changes, he still walked away. It wasn't enough.
    MrMattyPlays says he gets ''thousands of dollars worth of offers each month'' but passes on most opportunities. Viewers are conceptually skeptical of promotions, so he chooses partners carefully.
    ''For me, when I actually go through with a paid promotion,'' he said, ''it is only because I can legitimately get behind that product I'm talking about or it's something I know that my audience will appreciate.''
    For G2A, the company says all of this is merely ''feedback that makes us stronger and better.''
  Shady Market G2A Offers To Pay Journalists To Run Pre-Written Article Defending Them
    Link to Article
    Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:32
    Image: G2AG2A, a third-party gray market for game keys, doesn't exactly have a sterling reputation, given the accusations of sub-par security, developer disenfranchisement, and fraud that have surrounded it for years. Today, someone from the company tried to take control of the narrative surrounding its shady public image'--by sending out a ''transparent'' and ''unbiased'' pre-written article about stolen game keys and asking sites to publish it ''without being marked as sponsored or marked as associated with G2A.'' A representative for the marketplace then blamed this move on an ''employee without authorization,'' calling it ''unacceptable.''
    The email in question, which Kotaku has viewed, was sent to multiple members of the media, including one who posted a screenshot of it on Twitter earlier today, sparking widespread discussion and anger. The email asked press to cooperate with G2A in the name of improving ''our brand awareness and public image, especially among the indie and smaller game developers.'' In other words, whoever sent the request wanted to con people into thinking that the article had been written by an independent reporter.
    ''We have written an unbiased article about how 'Selling stolen keys on gaming marketplaces is pretty much impossible' and we want to publish it on Your website without being marked as sponsored or marked as associated with G2A,'' said the email. ''It is a transparent and just review of the problem of the stolen keys reselling.''
    This all came in the wake of new controversies swirling around G2A, which initially centered onaround the company's practice of buying up Google ads for individual games. This prompted some developers to say they'd rather people pirate their games than buy them on G2A, because they wouldn't see a cent either way, and they don't want to see that money go to such a dodgy operation. In turn, G2A said last week that it'll work with an independent auditor to look at its own store and those of other developers. Depending on the outcome of this process, the company said it'll ''pay developers 10 times the money they lost on chargebacks after their illegally obtained keys were sold on G2A,'' but only if they can ''prove such a thing actually happened.''
    Today's email also included a sample of the article publications were being asked to publish, which'--somewhat counter-productively'--says that, ''with some luck,'' you can probably ''sell one or two, even ten keys'' on G2A ''without triggering any other security measures,'' as all you need to provide to make an account is your phone number and a social media account. The problem, according to this article that only mostly reads like it was written by a G2A employee, is in collecting your money. To do that, you've got to provide your bank account info, which will apparently ''make you an easy target for the police.''
    It then makes an incredible leap to drive the point home: ''It's like walking into a police station and pointing a gun at the officers there. OK, you got in, but will you get out of there alive?'' And that, whoever from G2A wrote this article argued, is why selling stolen keys on the marketplace is impossible.
    Yet people have claimed that G2A has allowed them to profit off stolen game keys, so this system does not seem ironclad, to say the least.
    The email concludes by asking for ''pricing and details about Your options for such content publication.''
    It almost immediately earned the ire of developers and fans on Twitter, who pointed out that it was the shadiest way possible for G2A to inform people that it's not shady. In response, G2A said on Twitter that the email was the work of a rogue individual within the company.
    ''These e-mails were sent by our employee without authorization, for which we apologize to [Indie Games Plus] and the 9 (!) other media outlets he sent this proposal to,'' said G2A's official account. ''He will face strict consequences, as this is absolutely unacceptable.''
    Kotaku reached out to G2A and the employee in question for more information, but neither immediately responded to a request for comment.
    What's ironic for G2A isn't just how tremendously this move has backfired, it's that the act of even making a request this shady will forever raise questions about anyone who now defends the company.
Other Gaming Stuff:
  Rewind Feature Coming To Nintendo Switch Online
    Link to Article
    Source: Game Informer News
    Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:39
    Donkey Kong 3 and Wrecking Crew are coming to Nintendo Switch Online on July 17, but this month's update to the service doesn't just add new NES games. Nintendo has announced that a new rewind feature will be debuting on the same day.
    This function allows players to rewind and retry a section of gameplay, similar to the capability of the SNES Classic Edition '' though SNES games are not available on the Nintendo Switch Online service.
    The rewind feature is compatible with the full Nintendo Switch Online library of retro games (not with modern Switch titles).
  Matt Fugitive reviews Dr. Mario World
    Dr. Mario World released a day early on July 9th. It was not scheduled to be released untill July 10th.
    DMW is a new and somewhat familiar take on the Dr. Mario game
    Single Player: You're objective is to venture through various levels and clear out the viruses. Difficulty increases as you go through. So far the three types of gameplay identified are clearing viruses, finding purple coins, and time limits.
    PVP: You can play against other people in Versus Mode. The objective is to clear as much of your board as you can and as you do so, you bombard your opponent with more viruses. The first one whos board crosses the line, loses.
    So far, you can play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, Yoshi, Toad, Toadette, Bowser Jr, Ludwig Von Koopa, Wendy Koopa. At the start, midway through finishing the tutorial, You can select Bowser, Peach, or Mario to continue to play with. After you do, you have to unlock the rest. You earn tickets to unlocking by finishing worlds or you can spend your coins or diamonds for a shot at unlocking them. You can also unlock helpers that offer special abilities that help with your gameplay.
    The main currency is diamonds which can be used to use special power-ups, roll for characters, and continue through the game. Other than purchasing, I haven't seen any other way to acquire diamonds. The less amount you can buy is 75 for 5 bucks. The most are 1050 for 70.
    You earn coins by playing the game, doing orders, or receiving a timed free reward which takes 20 hours to be available after you receive it.
    Gameplay: Different from normal Dr. Mario. You go from bottom up (not top down) and you move the capsules with your finger. You do have the ability of placing capsules in specific locations as well as leftover pieces of capsules.
Digital Capitalism:
  Ebay Sale Might Have You Rooting For Amazon To Crash During Prime Day
    Link to Article
    Source: GameSpot - Game News
    Mon, 08 Jul 2019 22:22
    Ebay is holding a sale to compete with Amazon's Prime Day, and it isn't being shy about the comparison. The "Ebay Crash Sale" will take place on July 15--and the deals will get even better if Amazon happens to crash during its big sale date.
    Ebay states plainly that the sale is named after Amazon's tech troubles last year, and that additional deals will activate if the competition crashes. The Ebay advertisement promises deals on Apple, Samsung, Garmin, Dyson, and more. The company also promised additional discounts going up daily as part of its "Hot Deals for Hot Days" sale lasting through July 22. You can find the daily discounts on Ebay's Deals page.
    Some of today's deals include Sea of Thieves for $22, a Halo 5 Guardians controller for $63, and an Apple iPad Air for $620. Many of Ebay's sale items include free shipping and returns with no membership needed--another distinction it touts with Amazon Prime Day.
    "Ebay is primed to deliver exactly what shoppers want during this year's crash (sale)," said Ebay Americas COO Jay Hanson in a statement. "July has become a massive shopping season, and our summer sales include blockbuster deals that will not disappoint."
    Of course, you can also partake in Amazon Prime Day deals, which will begin on July 15. And other retailers are stepping up their own efforts to compete with Amazon, including a GameStop Summer Sale and Target Deal Days.
    Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
Movie Sewage:
  Detective Pikachu is now the second highest grossing video game movie of all time '' and it's in striking distance of the top spot
    Link to Article
    Source: VG247
    Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:48
    By Alex Donaldson,Wednesday, 10 July 2019 09:37 GMT
    Pokemon: Detective Pikachu has racked up enough box office takings to make it the second highest earning video game movie ever '' and it's painfully close to first place.
    According to takings tracker Box Office Mojo, the last few days saw the Pokemon spin-off adaptation hit $429 million in worldwide box office takings '' pushing it past a lesser thought-of but wildly successful video game movie '' 2018's Rampage.
    Rampage has an unfair advantage in that it has The Rock, of course, but it's also based off a much less well-known gaming franchise '' Midway Games' brawler that sees players take control of giant monsters inspired by classic monster movie beasts. Rampage topped out at $428 million in box office takings, so Detective Pikachu has now slipped comfortably into second place.
    Subscribe to the VG247 newsletter Get all the best bits of VG247 delivered to your inbox every Friday!Top of the video game movie box office takings remains Warcraft, which isn't actually all that far ahead: the epic-scale retelling of Blizzard's iconic world ended its theatrical run with takings of $433 million and change.
    Detective Pikachu is still running in a limited number of screens worldwide '' so there's yet an admittedly slim chance for the film to take the $4 million it needs in order to mark itself out as the top-performing video game movie of all time. Warcraft ultimately had far lower domestic US takings than Pokemon '' less than a third, in fact '' but it had particularly strong performance internationally, especially in China.
    To put it further into perspective, the 2018 Tomb Raider reboot topped out at $274 million, while Assassin's Creed managed $240 million. If we look at some older movies, Pokemon: The First Movie, the animated feature released at the height of nineties Pokemania, grossed $163 million ($251 million adjusted for inflation). 1995's Mortal Kombat hit $122 million ($205 million after inflation).
    The only real contender on the chart would be 2001's Lara Croft: Tomb Raider '' that Angelina Jolie vehicle grossed $274 million back in 2001, which would be $396 million when adjusted for inflation '' but movie takings charts typically don't take inflation into account.
    Regardless of if it manages to topple Warcraft's record, Pokemon: Detective Pikachu can definitely be said to have been successful in translating the Pokemon world to live action and the big screen. In the VG247 review we described it as the best video game movie ever made, and most critics agreed. Hopefully this combines with the strong performance to ensure we have another cinematic visit to the world of Pokemon soon. Cheers to ResetEra for pointing out this milestone.
QUICK SHOTS:
  $60,000 Pokemon Card Goes Missing In The Mail
    Link to Article
    Source: Kotaku
    Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:49
    In August 2018, someone on eBay paid $60,000 for a very rare Pokemon card. It's now almost a year later, the card still hasn't arrived, and nobody knows where it's got to.
    YouTuber and Pokemon card collector smpratte has the story (via CNET), as he claims to know both the buyer and seller personally. What appears to have happened, smpratte says, is that having sold the card for $60,000 last year to someone outside the US, the seller posted it domestically, after which the card was forwarded to a Global Shipping Program centre in New York City.
    The card was signed for, valued at $50,000 for insurance purposes'--the highest figure possible'--and was supposed to then be sent on its way. However that's where the card's journey ends, as no further tracking was ever noted, and no trace of it has turned up since.
    The card in question is a ''Trainer No.3" (left), one of the rarest in existence, which was given out to third-place finishers at a ''Secret Super Battle'' in Japan in 1999. smpratte guesses that the card went missing at the New York GSP office when someone noted the insured value of the package, but there's no proof of that; the video instead seems mostly geared towards warning whoever is in possession of it now that, thanks to the card's rarity, there's no way it can be sold without attracting the attention of people who know what it is and who legally owns it.
    The buyer is now offering $1000 for information that can help track down the card's whereabouts (you can contact smpratte for more details).
    You may leave any and all Detective Pikachu jokes below in the comments.
  Persona 5 is being turned into a stage play.
    Link to Article
    Source: Kotaku
    Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:47
    Persona 5 is being turned into a stage play. Called Persona 5: The Stage (clever!), it will run this December in Tokyo and Osaka with actor Hiroki Ino starring. The full cast will be announced at a later date.
  Enormous Flight Simulator Installed In Tokyo Hotel
    Link to Article
    Source: Kotaku
    Wed, 10 Jul 2019 20:47
    Photo: All images Haneda Excel Hotel TokyuIf you like airplanes, then this is the hotel for you. The Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu, which is connected to Terminal 2 of Haneda International Airport in Tokyo, will offer a room outfitted with a full-sized flight simulator. Fittingly, it's called the ''Superior Cockpit Room.''
    The cockpit is based on a Boeing 737-800.
    The hotel offers a couple of different plans. For example, you can book an afternoon 90-minute block with an instructor for 30,000 yen ($275) and experience flying from Haneda to Osaka International Airport.
    The double room is also available for the night at 25,300 yen ($232), sans instructor.
    At the Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu, you can apparently see the runway from the rooms, so even if you don't book the flight sim, you can still enjoy plane spotting.