Noob Shelter Podcast: Episode 9

NS-0009-2019-08-02-Final.mp3
SHOW INFORMATION:
  Show Notes for August 9, 2019
  Episode: 0009
  Show Title: Ninja Wumpa Coin
  Run Time: 1h 03m 57s
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: Nintendo Joy-Con issue
    Nintendo offers free Joy Con repairs as firm is struck with class action lawsuit | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
      Link to Article
      Fri, 02 Aug 2019 06:44
      Nintendo has reportedly started offering free Joy Con repairs after issues surrounding the controllers surfaced.
      An internal memo acquired by Vice states that Switch customers will no longer be charged for repairs and refunds will be given for those users who have already paid.
      The decision comes after the company was struck with a class action lawsuit over widespread problems with the controllers.
      Reports emerged earlier in July that users were facing Joy Con drift issues that would see the controller's joystick move on its accord.
      Law firm Chimicles Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith has put together a lawsuit to tackle the issue while asking other US Switch owners to join the case.
      ''Take great pride''
      ''At Nintendo, we take great pride in creating quality products and we are continuously making improvements to them,'' a Nintendo representative told Kotaku in response to the defect.
      ''We are aware of recent reports that some Joy-Con controllers are not responding correctly. We want our consumers to have fun with Nintendo Switch, and if anything falls short of this goal we always encourage them to visit http://support.nintendo.com so we can help.''
      Around the same time that the issues became apparent, Nintendo unveiled a new Switch model with increased battery life, however no information on whether the new system would prevent Joy Con drift was given.
    Nintendo is facing a class-action lawsuit over a Joy-Con design issue?
      Link to Article
      Source: VG247
      Mon, 22 Jul 2019 17:07
      By James O'Connor,Monday, 22 July 2019 06:08 GMT
      A law firm in the US is filing a lawsuit against Nintendo for the Joy-Con's 'drifting' issues.
      As reported by Go Nintendo, the law office of Chimicles, Schwartz Kriner & Donaldson-Smith is filing a class action lawsuit against Nintendo, citing a common problem for many users.
      Joy-Con 'drift' is when the sticks on the little controllers start to automatically drift in one direction after extended use. Sometimes this issue can be fixed with calibration, but many users report that their Joy-Cons have become unusable over time.
      CSK&D was seeking testimonials from the public before moving forward, and has now decided to file their suit.
      Subscribe to the VG247 newsletter Get all the best bits of VG247 delivered to your inbox every Friday!
      The full thirty page complaint can be viewed here.
      ''CSK&D has filed a class action lawsuit against Nintendo of America, Inc. (''Nintendo'') for claims relating to alleged defects in the Joy-Con controllers that are part of Nintendo Switch gaming consoles'', their website reads. ''The complaint, filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, alleges that the joysticks on Joy-Con controllers are defective, leading users to experience drift issues.''
      ''Specifically, the complaint alleges that the joystick on the Joy-Con controllers will automatically register movement when the joystick is not being controlled by the user and interfere with gameplay. The complaint, filed on behalf of purchasers of Switches and Joy-Con controllers, brings claims under various consumer protection statutes as well as various warranty and common law claims.''
      Players in the US looking to take part in this lawsuit can fill in their information on the firm's website.
    LINK DROP PLZ: https://chimicles.com/cskd-files-class-action-lawsuit-against-nintendo-of-america-inc-relating-to-joy-con-drifting-issues/
  4: Ninja Moves to Mixer
    Link to Article
    Source: The Verge - Gamings
    Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:11
    Tyler ''Ninja'' Blevins said goodbye to Twitch today, announcing that he is moving exclusively to the Microsoft-owned streaming platform Mixer. But what, exactly, is Mixer?
    It's not a household name in the same way that Twitch and YouTube are, and its user base is much smaller than the aforementioned sites. Mixer, which was originally called Beam, was acquired by Microsoft in 2016, and it has existed as a potential competitor to Twitch and YouTube Gaming ever since. Like Twitch, it's mostly used for gaming, and it plays host to both amateur streamers who just want to test the waters as well as professional e-sports players and verified content creators. Its biggest draw is being integrated with Xbox One and Windows 10 dashboards, making it easier for people on those platforms to stream.
    Mixer also boasts monetization options for streamers similar to Twitch. There are channel subscriptions (that are slightly higher priced at $7.99, compared to Twitch's $4.99), and a tipping-like tool called Embers. Embers are similar to Twitch's Bits, which allow fans to essentially purchase digital emotes that they can then donate to their favorite streamers. Mixer also uses a site-wide currency called Sparks. Essentially, people passively earn digital points just by watching streams. Those Sparks points are then transferred to a streamer, and, once they hit a certain threshold, they can turn that into actual revenue. Mixer currently doesn't have third-party advertising on the platform, but streamers can earn ''synthesized ad revenue'' through display ads on their page.
    ''There are about 69,000 streamers on Mixer compared to the more than 1.5 million on Twitch.''
    Not everyone who joins Mixer can start earning revenue as a partner, though. Mixer's rules state that a streamer must have an account for at least two months. Once that milestone is reached, they must maintain at least 2,000 followers and stream for at least 12 days every month for a minimum of 25 accrued hours to start earning revenue. That's similar to what Twitch has now. Although there are quite a few differences between Twitch and Mixer, there are some major advantages to the platform '-- especially for a streamer like Blevins.
    There are about 69,000 streamers on Mixer compared to the more than 1.5 million on Twitch, according to a report from analytics firm Streamlabs earlier this year. While Twitch is still the biggest streaming platform for gaming, Microsoft has made strides with Mixer: the platform's concurrent viewer count increased by 195 percent in 2018, according to Streamlabs.
    All of these factors make Mixer a much more appealing place for Blevins to stream. Twitch has become oversaturated with streamers all vying for people's attention, jumping onto popular games like Fortnite and Apex Legends as a way to propel their careers forward. Even superstars in the industry feel like they can't take any time off because of the constant competition. Blevins deciding to move over to Mixer exclusively '-- a move that many streamers and insiders have wagered netted him a seven-figure deal '-- could be the start of more people experimenting with Mixer.
    ''Given the current frustrations part of the Twitch community has now, it could be the beginning of migration to or at least dabbling with Mixer,'' longtime YouTube commentator Philip DeFranco tweeted. ''There is risk outside of the what I imagine has to be just crazy money they gave him to switch, but I think the possible reward for everyone involved is way way, way higher.''
    Certain streamers can make the move to Mixer and not have to worry about losing a big potential audience for people who just visit Twitch and stumble upon a stream. Blevins is one of them. His subscriber growth on Mixer is already skyrocketing, and his chat is incredibly active '-- even though he hasn't started streaming yet. He's also someone who can secure a major financial deal that allows him to not have to worry about these types of metrics. One of Blevins' closest friends, fellow streamer Timothy ''TimTheTatman'' Betar, spoke about Blevins' move to Mixer during a stream on Twitch today. Betar suggested that Blevins can start to take vacations now and not worry about losing subscribers or money.
    It's been a concern for a while now, and Blevins is likely burned out. He told The New York Times in December 2018 that the longest vacation he ever took was his honeymoon '-- six days in total '-- and called it ''devastating,'' adding that it was ''a calculated risk.'' He added that even taking a couple of hours to talk to the Times or even just relax on his couch means losing 200''300 subscribers each hour. Prior to that interview, Blevins broke down his intense streaming schedule on the H3H3 podcast.
    ''The minimum is 12 hours a day, and then I'll sleep for less than six or seven hours.''
    ''The schedule is: 9:30 is when I start in the morning and then I play until 4, so that's like six, six-and-a-half hours,'' Blevins said. ''Then I'll take a nice three- to four-hour break with the wife, the dogs, or family '-- we have like family nights, too '-- and then come back on around 7 o'clock central until like 2, 3 in the morning. The minimum is 12 hours a day, and then I'll sleep for less than six or seven hours.''
    It's not like Blevins can just stop streaming, nor does he want to. His announcement video about moving to Mixer included a message about returning to the good old days of streaming, back before he was Twitch's number one superstar. What Mixer does give him, however, is a potentially extremely lucrative deal to not have to worry as much. It also gives him less competition on a platform that isn't as saturated. Mixer isn't for everyone right now. Twitch and YouTube still offer larger audiences and better monetization options for creators. But it has been identified as a less toxic space, and it gives Blevins the opportunity to establish himself on another platform.
    Maybe he'll team up with Drake again '-- but this time, it'll be on Mixer.
  3: GameStop Lays Off Dozens Of Regional Managers
    Link to Article
    Source: Kotaku
    Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:13
    Photo: Al Powers/Invision (AP)On Tuesday, several GameStop employees took to Reddit to report that their regional sales supervisors had been laid off. These anecdotal reports, combined with tips to Kotaku about some layoffs, have since been bolstered by an email from GameStop management, whose authenticity Kotaku has confirmed, that surfaced stating more than 50 people had been let go across the company's regional sales teams.
    ''As part of our continued GameStop Reboot transformation initiative, a dedicated team, including the Retail Vice Presidents, HR, LP. and the U.S. Store Operations leadership team, have been working diligently to realign our current field regions and districts in an effort to reduce our cost structure and build efficiencies into our field leadership organization so that we can reinvest in the business,'' reads an email sent to employees at affected stores on behalf of Gary Riding, the company's senior VP of US stores.
    ''Unfortunately, with these changes, there are more than 50 field leaders who have been impacted and will be leaving the GameStop team,'' it continues. ''This includes regional, district, HR [Human Resources, and LP [Loss Prevention] leaders. These decisions are not easy, but necessary to help us reduce costs to enable investment in revenue-driving initiatives that will help grow the business once again.''
    One of the affected employees, who spoke to Kotaku on the condition of anonymity, confirmed the email was real. ''It was wide spread. 50-plus DLs [District Leaders], 6 RLs [Regional Leaders], multiple Hr [Human Resources] and Lp [Loss Prevention] staff,'' the person said in an email. The individual believed that most of the people targeted in the layoffs were high paid District Leaders, responsible for coordinating several individual stores, as well as under performers.
    ''Most districts and region are massive now,'' the now former employee said. ''Dls have 20 plus stores and quality of living I would assume is going to go down.'' Prior to the restructuring, they said district leaders oversaw 15 stores or fewer on average. Earlier this year, GameStop reportedly laid off a dozen employees in charge of marketing and website maintenance for ThinkGeek, the toy brand acquired by GameStop in 2015 for $140 million.
    The ''revenue-driving initiatives'' mentioned in the email could be a reference to company plans to pivot to esports. In July, GameStop announced it had partnered with a design firm to drastically change how some of its stores operated including making some that would cater to ''home-grown e-Leagues'' and others that would be entirely focused on retro games.
    In June the company's share price dropped by 30 percent down to $5.04, its lowest point in over a decade, following an announcement that it would get rid of its quarterly dividend to shareholders in order to save $157 million a year. Nearly two months later its share price sits at $4.02.
    At least some part of GameStop's recent financial troubles, which prevented the company from being able to find a potential buyer earlier this year, likely stem from the shift away from physical games this console cycle. In an June 4 earnings call, CEO George Sherman reported that used game sales had dropped 20.3 percent. And earlier this week, Sony announced in its earnings call that for the first time ever that digital game sales had surpassed 50 percent of all games purchased for the PS4 during the previous quarter.
    This week's layoffs come just ahead of the company's annual GME business conference for store leaders set to take place at the end of the month in Nashville, Tennessee.
    GameStop did not respond to a request for comment.
  2: Google is testing a Play Pass subscription service for premium apps and games
    Link to Article
    Source: The Verge - Gamings
    Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:15
    Subscription services are all the rage these days, and Google is the latest company to get in on the action, with Android Police reporting that the company has already started testing a new Play Pass subscription service that offers ''hundreds of premium apps and games'' with no ads or in-app purchases for a flat monthly fee.
    $4.99 per month for a catalog of paid apps and games
    The leaked screenshots that Android Police received from a reader show some of the details of the service, and they sound extremely similar to the upcoming Apple Arcade subscription, which was announced earlier this year.
    Customers pay a monthly $4.99 fee for unlimited access to a catalog of premium apps and games without any ads and all of the in-app purchases unlocked. (The screenshots show titles like Monument Valley, Knights of the Old Republic, Threes, Limbo, Stardew Valley, Ticket to Ride, Marvel Pinball, and more available on the service.) The screenshots also show that a family plan is in the works, although it will likely cost more than the base $4.99 price.
    Image: Android Police Google's service does differ from Apple's in a few ways: Arcade is only focused on games, and all of the available titles will have at least some exclusivity to Apple's service, spanning iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Apple TV. Apple's service will also include a family plan by default, although there's no word yet on what Apple Arcade will cost on a monthly basis.
    Will a subscription service solve Android's premium app problems?
    Play Pass, on the other hand, seems to offer access to an existing catalog of games and apps that are already on the Google Play Store. Given Android's well-known piracy problem, combined with the fact that iOS users tend to spend more on apps than their Android counterparts, it's harder to sell successful premium apps on Android. A subscription service that promises the best of the Play Store at a flat fee could help solve those issues.
    Despite the scope of the leak, the Play Pass service is apparently only in testing and has yet to be formally announced by Google, meaning details could change between now and launch '-- if it ever launches at all. But assuming it is real, Apple Arcade might face a serious competitor when it's released later this year.
    Image: Android Police
  1: Unopened 1987 Nintendo video game found in attic, expected to sell for $10G | Fox News
    Link to Article
    Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:19
    It's safe to say: great gifts can be found or lost in your attic.
    A Nevada man found an unopened copy of "Kid Icarus," a 1987 classic video game, in the attic of his childhood home which experts project to sell for at least $10,000 in an online auction Thursday.
    16-YEAR-OLD WINS $3M PLAYING 'FORTNITE'
    Scott Amos of Reno, Nev., discovered the Nintendo video game after his mother asked him to pick up a few boxes of his childhood collectibles during a visit this past Mother's Day.
    In this June 15, 2019 photo provided by Heritage Auctions, Scott Amos, along with his wife, Kristy, and daughters Grace, left, and Katie, pose in Reno, Nev., with an unopened copy of a 1987 cult-classic video game "Kid Icarus."
    Amos found the game cartridge still inside the J.C Penny's bag, with a receipt for $38.45 attached and a printed Dec. 8, 1988 purchase date. Amos' mother is unsure why she purchased the game that sat in her attic untouched for over three decades.
    ''(My mom) thinks she put it there and never got it back out, and then it ended up in the attic,'' Amos said in an interview with the Reno Gazette Journal.
    Amos initially thought the old game might only be worth a couple of hundred dollars, but a few days later, experts told him he could be thousands richer.
    14-YEAR-OLD BOY MAKES $200G PLAYING 'FORTNITE' AND UPLOADING CLIPS TO YOUTUBE '' AND 'NEVER GOES TO SCHOOL'
    ''I go to work the next day and emailed a couple of experts, Amos told the newspaper.
    This undated photo provided by Heritage Auctions, shows an unopened copy of a 1987 cult-classic video game "Kid Icarus" belonging to Scott Amos of Reno, Nev. (Heritage Auctions via AP)
    ''One of them wrote me back within 30 minutes and said, 'You have an Easter egg'.''
    Moments later, he called his wife and told her place the video game in a safe location.
    NINTENDO RESPONDS TO TRADE TENSIONS BETWEEN US AND CHINA
    Valarie McLeckie, Consignment Director of Video Games at Heritage Auctions, says it's one of the most difficult Nintendo games to find in good condition.
    ''To find a sealed copy 'in the wild,' so to speak, not to mention one in such a nice condition and one with such transparent provenance, is both an unusual and rather historic occurrence. We feel that the provenance will add a significant premium for serious collectors.''
    CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
    Amos told the newspaper he plans to go on a family vacation to Disney World next month if the auction goes as expected, and he becomes $10,000 richer.
    ''Instead of doing something responsible, we're going to have some fun with it.''
    Fox News' Kira Grant and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Movie/TV Sewage:
  THE LAST STARFIGHTER Sequel Being Developed - Nerdist
    Link to Article
    Thu, 25 Jul 2019 16:07
    Movies
    THE LAST STARFIGHTER Sequel Being Developed
    In 1984, Alex Rogan was just ''a small town boy with big time dreams,'' but what do you think he is up to in 2019? Has he managed to rebuild the Star League? And did he manage to bring Xur to justice? We might finally get answers to those questions soon, because a sequel to The Last Starfighter is in the works.
    Writer Gary Whitta, who co-developed the story for Rogue One, posted on Twitter that he is working as writer and producer on a sequel 35 years in the making. Whitta and Jonathan Betuel, the writer and creator of The Last Starfighter, have been working on a followup to the sci-fi classic.
    Lots of people reacting like they had no idea I've been working on a sequel to THE LAST STARFIGHTER. Yup, writing and producing it with original writer/creator @jonbetuel. Check out some of the concept art I posted last year'... https://t.co/V57nzwE0jp
    '-- Gary Whitta (@garywhitta) July 15, 2019
    Last year Whitta shared concept art done by Rogue One's Matt Allsopp for the movie, which features some gorgeous renderings of the film's ships and space docks.
    Okay, probably shouldn't show you this so early but here's a little something I've been tinkering on with my co-writer Jonathan Betuel. You might recognize the ships. Thanks to the amazing Matt Allsopp (lead concept artist on ROGUE ONE) for creating these images for us. pic.twitter.com/CIobLYYRHk
    '-- Gary Whitta (@garywhitta) April 4, 2018
    The Last Starfighter was one of the first CGI-heavy movies ever made, which makes it an important film in the history of cinema. Obviously though these images make the world of the Frontier and Rylos look far more beautiful than it did in the movie.
    People seemed excited by the first tweet so here's a tiny bit more of Matt's concept art. Can't show anything more after this, it's all too spoilery ðŸ‚ #GreetingsStarfighter pic.twitter.com/FydxLwEfrt
    '-- Gary Whitta (@garywhitta) April 4, 2018
    Some speculated these renderings meant a sequel to the film. The film's ending was practically begging for a followup, considering the state of the Frontier, Xur's escape, and Alex's younger brother Louis beginning his own ''training.'' Whitta has cleared up any confusion by confirming a sequel is under development.
    And you've not seen the last of it'... https://t.co/lRvXrpokea
    '-- Gary Whitta (@garywhitta) July 15, 2019
    Will the original cast return? How much of a direct sequel to Alex's story will it be? We're not sure, but we have some big time dreams what it could be.
    Featured Image: Universal Pictures
  New HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE Series - Nerdist
    Link to Article
    Thu, 25 Jul 2019 16:06
    Books
    42 Things We Want to See on the New HITCHHIKER'S GUIDE Series
    Normally we try to follow one very important piece of advice, ''don't panic,'' but right now we're freaking out.
    Deadline reports Hulu has begun development on a new television adaptation of the late Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. TV showrunner Carlton Cuse (Lost, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan) and screenwriter Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman, Ice Age: Continental Drift) will lead the latest iteration of the franchise, which began as a radio series before Adams turned it into five beloved and iconic novels. Arthur Dent's travels through the universe have made it to the screen before '' first with the BBC's 1981 TV series, and then with the 2005 big-screen version starring Martin Freeman, Zooey Deschanel, Mos Def, Sam Rockwell, and Alan Rickman '' but there's much of the story that never has.
    While development has only just begun, we already have some ideas for what we'd like to be included. From some of our favorite places, moments, and characters, both big and small, to nods to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy's illustrious past, to tributes to the man who created it all, here are 42 things we want to see on the series.
    '''The Answer to the Great Question'... Of Life, the Universe and Everything'... Is'... Forty-two,' said Deep Thought, with infinite majesty and calm.''1. Everyone of Agrajag's deaths2. Zaphod Beeblebrox's second head located on his shoulder3. Milliways, the Restaurant at the End of the Universe4. Scrabble with a caveman5. A whale and a plant falling through space6. Practical effects7. ''We apologise for the inconvenience.''8. Arthur's ''soulmate,'' Fenchurch'...but only for a little while9. Elvis, alien planet bar singer10. Oolon Colluphid's books about God11. Dirk Gently Easter eggs
    >>
    12. Frogstar World B, ''the most totally evil place in the galaxy''13. Towels everywhere14. A whole lot more of Wowbagger, the Infinitely Prolonged15. And him insulting Ghengis Khan16. Rob McKenna, ''Rain God''17. Stephen Fry to return as the narrator18. The Grebulons home planet Rupert19. All new characters, places, and events never before seen or heard in any version20. Useless citizens aboard the Golgafrincham Ark Fleet Ship B headed for Earth21. Zarquon the Prophet22. The Heart of Gold's meltdown over the concept of ''tea''
    >>
    23. Cameos from cast members of the BBC's radio and TV adaptations24. Empty dolphin tanks25. More heart and soul than the movie26. And more comedy27. Never seeing God28. The Galactic Police back on the job29. Prosser lying in front of the bulldozers outside Arthur's house30. The Heart of Gold shaped like a running shoe
    >>
    31. An action-packed afternoon at Lord's Cricket Ground32. An interactive-Guide (with the animation as good as the movie)33. The Sqornshellous star-system, where home furnishings live34. More Vogon poetry35. No happy ending to Arthur and Trillian's ''love story''36. A ''Young Zaphod Plays It Safe'' spin-off special37. References to Douglas Adams' other books (especially The Salmon of Doubt, The Meaning of Liff, and Last Chance to See)
    >>
    38. A genuinely comfortable bathrobe for Arthur39. Every single Marvin scene and line from the novels40. The total destruction of every version of Earth41. To think about Douglas Adams before every decision
    The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy really does hold a special place in the hearts of so many, as does the man who created it. Anyone who tries to live up to his legacy and the absurd, wonderful universe he made should ask themselves one question while working on the show: ''what would Douglas Adams do?'' As a guiding principle, it will help shape the series into something that is funny yet heartfelt, silly yet insightful, entertaining yet poignant. He might not be here with us '' at least not in this version of our galaxy anymore '' but his memory is, and by trying to live up to that the show will be successful, no matter how many items on our list make it in.
    Also, don't panic.
    Oh, yeah, that's only 41 things.
    42. :meaning unclear:
    Featured Image: Buena Vista Pictures
  The Mind Behind Neon Genesis Evangelion Is Helping to Make a New Ultraman Movie
    Link to Article
    Source: Kotaku
    Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:15
    It's time once more for a new Ultra Warrior to rise.Image: Tsuburaya ProductinsHideaki Anno gave us one of the most interesting Godzilla films in years with Shin Godzilla. Now, he's turning his attentions toward another Tokusatu icon: the legendary size-changing superhero Ultraman.
    Tsuburaya Productions and Toho, alongside animation studio Khara, have just formally announced Shin Ultraman, a new movie project re-imagining the Ultraman mythos in a similar manner to Shin Godzilla's take on the King of All Kaiju's cinematic legacy. Set to release in 2021, Shin Ultraman will once again see Anno partner up with Shin Godzilla's director Shinji Higuchi, who will direct Shin Ultraman, while Anno will produce and write the screenplay. Although the announcement notes that an initial script was drafted this past February, Anno will ''fully join the project'' once work on the long-awaited Evangelion 3.0+1.0'--the final entry in his rebooted movie adaptation of his seminal mecha/existential crisis anime series'--has come to a conclusion ahead of its planned release in 2020.
    Shin Godzilla gave Anno the opportunity to give us a weird as hell take on Godzilla that was as grim as it was occasionally bonkers, so seeing what he can do with Ultraman's alien absurdity'--not just the legacy of different Ultra heroes from across the franchise's vast history, but the series' weird, less-superheroic roots in the alien-investigation series Ultra Q'--is going to be an interesting thing to look out for. We'll bring you more on Shin Ultraman as we learn it.
    For more, make sure you're following us on our new Instagram @io9dotcom.
Digital Capitalism:
  (JOHN) Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled Adds Wumpa Coin Microtransactions
    Link to Article
    Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:17
    by Zak Wojnar'' onJul 31, 2019inGame NewsCrash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled is the latest game to have microtransactions added in after launch. Hopes were high regarding Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled; a full-on HD remake of the fan-favorite 1999 kart racer. Nitro-Fueled promised to deliver the same timeless gameplay and tracks from the original, as well as a fresh coat of paint in the form of modern graphics, highly customizable karts and racers, and a slew of content from the PS2 sequel Crash Nitro Kart.
    Upon its release on June 21, Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled, by all accounts, exceeded expectations. It debuted at #2 on the NPD charts, which reported the game had the strongest launch of any Crash Bandicoot game, ever. It lived up to its promise of recreating the experience of the original PlayStation classic, and its subtle changes to the established gameplay foundation were generally met with praise (though some hardliners will never accept the new jump height and the removal of broken shortcuts from the original). Finally, the game earned additional kudos for launching without the obnoxious and obtrusive microtransactions that seem like a bitter fact of life in today's landscape of "games as service" titles built on asking players for money beyond the initial price of a game.
    Continue scrolling to keep reading Click the button below to start this article in quick view.Alas, the honeymoon period has come to an end. In an Activision Blog post announcing the new Grand Prix season, the publisher confirmed that players will be able to spend real money to purchase Wumpa Coins, the in-game currency which players can already earn from playing the game. This continues the publisher's trend of inserting microtransactions into a game months after release, after the initial wave of reviews have run their course.
    Wumpa Coins are earned at a fairly decent rate in Nitro-Fueled, though many have criticized the Daily Bonus, or "Wumpa Time," as the fandom calls it. For the first hour or so of play after a daily reset, coins are given out with a generous 5X multiplier before being throttled down to a mere trickle until the next daily reset. In theory, and combined with the daily challenges in the seasonal Grand Prix mode, this throttling appears intended to keep players coming back, day after day, to earn more coins and buy everything on offer in the store, called the Pit Shop.
    The Pit Shop is modeled directly on the storefront from the popular Free-to-Play battle royale juggernaut Fortnite, though the in-game economy has been far more generous than Fortnite's F2P model. Hopefully, the addition of microtransactions to Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled won't entice publisher Activision to raise the price of Pit Shop items or further throttle the daily flow of Wumpa Coins. It's too early to tell how Crash Team Racing will adapt to this new wrinkle in the in-game economy. Whatever the future may hold, here's hoping absolutely nothing changes for players who make an ethical point of steering clear of microtransactions in non-F2P games.
    More: Screen Rant's Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled Review!
    Source: Activision Games Blog
    Tags:crash team racing
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Random Gamer:
  Destiny 2's Free-To-Play Version And Shadowkeep Expansion Delayed To October
    Link to Article
    Source: Game Informer News
    Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:13
    You guardians ready to riddle some more content full of holes are going to be waiting just a bit longer, according to Bungie. The developer revealed in a community update that the Shadowkeep expansion and the free-to-play version of Destiny, called New Light, are receiving short delays.
    Both were supposed to launch on September 17 but will now release on October 1. Bungie didn't outline the reason why for the delay but did mention that Cross Saves are still on track for this summer.
    You can read the full update here.
    For more on Bungie, check out our ranking of every raid in Destiny and Destiny 2.
  Diablo Is Now Playable Right In Your Browser
    Link to Article
    Source: GameSpot - Game News
    Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:12
    Back from a 20-plus year hiatus, the original Diablo is available to play in your desktop browser. Though it's accessible for free, this browser-based version of the classic RPG does have a few limitations.
    GameSpot sister site CNET broke down the limitations in developer Rivsoft's shareware version of Diablo. You can only play as the warrior class, dungeon access is limited, and many of the game's other characters can't be talked to. Rivsoft say its version includes the original game's "bugs and badly written code."
    Diablo made its way to GOG back in March 2019. If you have files for the full game, you can add the DIABDAT.MPQ file to Rivsoft's version to gain full access to everything Diablo has to offer directly in your browser.
    The original Diablo launched in 1996 for PC. The sequel, Diablo 2, arrived just four years later. But it took more than a decade for the third entry, Diablo 3, to hit the market. For the past few years, Diablo 3 has seen limited-time events that grant rewards upon completion. (It also made its way to Nintendo Switch in November 2018, where the limited-time event appeared for the first time.) Diablo Immortal, the forthcoming title in the long-running RPG franchise, is in development for mobile.
    Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com
QUICK SHOTS:
  The Nintendo Live Gaming Expo Will Be This October In Kyoto
    Link to Article
    Source: Kotaku
    Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:16
    Screenshot: NintendoThis October, Nintendo will once again hold a dedicated game expo in Kyoto, Japan. It's called Nintendo Live 2019 Kyoto.
    Last year's event was called Nintendo Live 2018 Tokyo and was held in, wait for it, Tokyo.
    The expo will have game tournaments, stage events and playable demos of new games. Included in the stage events are a Splatoon music show and a Super Mario Maker 2 stage show with the Osaka comedy duo Yoiko, which includes Shinya Arino of Game Center CX fame.
    Included in the game tournaments are Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 2 and Super Mario Maker 2. The winners of a Nintendo Labo contest will also be on display.
    The playable demos have not been yet announced.
    Nintendo Live might remind longtime Nintendo fans of the Space World expos, which were held from 1989 to 2001. Nintendo does not attend the Tokyo Game Show so Nintendo Live might be a good way for the company to connect with its fans in Japan.
    Nintendo Live 2019 Kyoto will be held on October 13 and 14 at the Kyoto International Conference Center.
  Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered will be released on October 4
    Link to Article
    Source: VG247
    Thu, 01 Aug 2019 20:10
    By Stephany Nunneley,Thursday, 1 August 2019 20:40 GMT
    The remaster of Ghostbusters: The Video Game will be released in October.
    The HD re-release of Ghostbusters: The Video Game will hit digital and retail on October 4, according to today's announcement.
    Announced in May, the Saber Interactive title will be made available for PS4, Switch, Xbox One and on PC through the Epic Games Store.
    A boxed version of the game can now be pre-ordered at retail for consoles. It is also available for digital pre-order.
    Subscribe to the VG247 newsletter Get all the best bits of VG247 delivered to your inbox every Friday!Originally released in 2009 on multiple platforms, in the game you play a rookie on the crew, and team up with the original cast.
    Supporting characters Annie Potts, Brian Doyle-Murray, William Atherton and the fabulous Max von Sydow also lend their voices and likenesses to the game.
  Here's the 16-year-old who won $3 million at the Fortnite World Cup
    Link to Article
    Sat, 03 Aug 2019 05:41
    Kyle "Bugha" Giersdorf celebrates his win as the first solo World Champion at the Fortnite World Cup Finals esports event at Arthur Ashe Stadium, July 28, 2019.
    Dennis Schneidler | USA TODAY Sports | Reuters
    "Today's the day."
    That's what Kyle "Bugha" Giersdorf tweeted as he walked into Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on Sunday. A few hours later, the 16-year-old resident of Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania, left with a trophy and $3 million to his name as the first Fortnite World Cup champion.
    That's more than what tennis champion Novak Djokovic took home from his Wimbledon victory two weeks ago, and more than Tiger Woods' winnings from this year's Masters Tournament.
    It is also the largest amount a single individual has won from an esports event in history. The past two years, Fortnite publisher Epic Games has dedicated $100 million each year for an esports prize pool, which included this weekend's $30 million World Cup.
    This is against the backdrop of Fortnite's rapid growth thanks to its battle royale mode. Since Fortnite's battle royale launch in 2017, the game has grown to 250 million players. Last year, the online video game generated $2.4 billion in revenue, according to SuperData, which made it the top grossing free-to-play game in 2018.
    The game's success has also helped Epic Games reach its current $15 billion valuation. The publisher raised $1.25 billion from a group, aXiomatic Gaming, in October, and Tencent currently has a 40 percent stake in the company.
    Kyle, a 10th grader, signed up to play Fortnite's battle royale mode shortly after its launch, drawn by how the building mechanics in the game especially allow you to "be creative in your own way." He then quickly involved himself in the game's competitive scene.
    "From the really early stages, I saw the teams and [a lot of the best players' videos], and it made me want to grind more to get into those videos," he said. "I joined competitive ladders and worked my way through."
    In March, esports organization Sentinels signed the teen. The LA-based Sentinels, whose CEO is former Paramount Pictures vice chairman Rob Moore, are currently partnered with Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, which owns the Los Angeles Rams.
    The teen had already established connections with the team prior to his signing, and had been spotted thanks to YouTube gameplay highlights he had posted.
    And as far as Kyle is concerned, this year's World Cup was just the tip of the iceberg for competitive Fortnite. At Sunday's solo finals, Epic Games announced that the Fortnite Championship Series, a new competitive format, would debut with the game's next in-game season that begins Thursday with millions on the line.
    General view of the main stage during the Fortnite World Cup Finals e-sports event at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing, New York, July 26, 2019.
    Catalina Fragoso | USA TODAY Sports | Reuters
    Sunday's solo finals netted more than 2 million concurrent viewers on Twitch and YouTube. The World Cup's popularity plus the introduction of the upcoming Fortnite Championship Series lead Kyle to believe that Fortnite will become bigger and better.
    "There were already around 2 million concurrent viewers," he said. "It's already crazy and if they keep putting out tournaments, they'll get more players and more viewers."
    "I think that [after seeing this World Cup], everyone will just keep improving and all the pro players will keep striving to be better," Kyle added, emphasizing how inspirational the event was for him and the other players who competed.
    Second-place finisher Harrison "Psalm" Chang, a 24-year-old former Heroes of the Storm player, netted $1.8 million. Argentine 13-year-old Thiago "King" Lapp won $900,000 to finish fifth in the field of 100 players who had qualified for the solo category.
    As for what Kylef will do with his $3 million, the World Cup champion told CNBC that he hopes to save most of it and is aiming to finish school. He and millions of other players around the world are looking forward to the upcoming season and what Epic has in store for competitive Fortnite.
    "It feels amazing, and the game has changed everyone's lives drastically," he said.
    Shortly after the trophy ceremony, Kyle took to Twitter once again with a short message for both his old followers and the tens of thousands of new fans he won over.
    "Today was indeed the day," he concluded.
    Watch: Fortnite's $30 million world cup has kicked off, and one trader got in on the action