Tag: PS5

  • Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 Sales vs Xbox Game Pass

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle PS5 Sales vs Xbox Game Pass

    Key Takeaways

    1. Strong PS5 Sales: Indiana Jones and the Great Circle sold 117,200 copies on PS5 shortly after its release on April 17th.
    2. Steam Launch Performance: The game saw 91,200 purchases on Steam within a week of its November launch, aided by Xbox Game Pass availability.
    3. Game Pass Reliance: Significant player access to Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Xbox was through Game Pass, with nearly 5 million gamers engaged on Xbox systems.
    4. Microsoft’s Strategy Discussion: There is debate over the profitability of Game Pass for single-player games, which can be finished quickly, making outright purchases more appealing for some players.
    5. Future of Game Distribution: Sales data indicates that traditional game sales methods remain relevant, highlighting potential profitability for titles outside of subscription services.

    Sales figures are already coming in after the release of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for PS5 on April 17th. This action-adventure game has managed to sell 117,200 copies on Sony’s PlayStation console. According to Alinea Analytics, the game is outpacing its sales on Steam, which is set to release in November 2024. Additional data shows that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle heavily relied on Xbox Game Pass prior to its launch on PS5.

    Steam Sales Insights

    Just a week after its November launch, 91,200 users on Steam purchased the game, which was available on day one through Xbox Game Pass. However, there is no available data regarding Xbox and PC sales beyond Valve’s platform. Nonetheless, nearly 5 million gamers have played Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on Xbox systems. Alinea Analytics suggests that a significant number of players accessed the game via their Game Pass subscriptions.

    Microsoft’s Strategy

    In this scenario, Microsoft owns Bethesda, and the company is keen on attracting new subscribers. Still, there is an ongoing debate about whether Game Pass is a profitable model for game distribution. Single-player, non-live service games tend to thrive in a subscription model. Players can finish the main campaign of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle in about 15-20 hours. Opting for a month-long cinematic quest is significantly cheaper than outright purchasing the game. However, since Game Pass isn’t available on Sony’s console, the PS5 version of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle continues to draw interest.

    The Future of Game Distribution

    Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, has openly acknowledged that Xbox Game Pass has its limitations. In an interview with Variety, Spencer noted that the service may not appeal to gamers with limited free time. For those who play only a few games each year, buying those titles outright could be more appealing.

    The sales of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on PS5 suggest that the classic method of selling games is still very much alive. Alinea Analytics cautioned against being overly reliant on subscription services. Many games available on Xbox Game Pass could potentially earn greater profits if sold independently from the service.

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  • Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Surpass PS4 and PS5 Launch Projections

    Nintendo Switch 2 Pre-Orders Surpass PS4 and PS5 Launch Projections

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Switch 2 has received 2.2 million lottery requests in Japan, indicating strong interest and potential for record-breaking sales.
    2. Pre-orders began on April 24th in the US, with estimates suggesting up to 6.6 million pre-orders globally by the June 5th release.
    3. The Switch 2 is expected to surpass the initial sales of the PS5 and PS4 if Nintendo can meet demand, despite concerns about supply shortages in Japan.
    4. Nintendo is working to build inventory and combat scalpers, having sent over a million units to the US by the end of February, while keeping the Switch 2’s price stable.
    5. Predictions indicate that the Switch 2 could sell 20 million units in its first year, surpassing the original Switch’s launch record of 15.1 million.

    There has been a clear interest for the Switch 2, especially shown by new figures from Japan. The company noted 2.2 million lottery requests to secure the console from the Japanese Nintendo Store. An updated report from Bloomberg suggests that the handheld might become the biggest console launch ever, thanks to its pre-order sales.

    Pre-Order Insights

    Pre-orders for the Switch 2 kicked off on April 24th in the US, where some customers are still feeling let down, even with rumors of a good supply. However, even without solid figures from North America, the Switch 2 seems set to break records. Pelham Smithers Associates estimates that Japan makes up about a third of global demand. Therefore, Nintendo could gather as many as 6.6 million pre-orders before the release on June 5th.

    Comparing Sales

    The PS5 moved between 2.1 and 2.5 million units in its first two weeks, while the PS4 also had similar figures, with 2.1 million consoles sold in the same timeframe. The Switch 2 could easily surpass both of these, as long as Nintendo can meet the high demand. Nintendo’s President, Shuntaro Furukawa, indicated that the company might not have enough supply in Japan.

    Inventory Efforts

    Worried about scalpers, Nintendo is attempting to build a large stock of consoles. Reports suggest that the company sent over a million units to the US by the end of February. They are still increasing production, but tariffs from China have made pre-ordering the Switch 2 more complicated. After some delays, the gaming giant chose not to raise the price of the Switch 2, although the price for accessories has gone up.

    Future Projections

    Takashi Mochizuki from Bloomberg shared on social media that the Switch 2 could sell 20 million consoles in its first year. This would beat the original Switch’s record of 15.1 million units after its launch in 2017 and is higher than some earlier predictions.

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  • Console Sales Drop in March; Assassin’s Creed Shadows Tops Revenue

    Console Sales Drop in March; Assassin’s Creed Shadows Tops Revenue

    Key Takeaways

    1. March 2024 showed a decrease in console sales in the US, with overall revenue from gaming down by 6% compared to the previous year.
    2. PS5 sales led the market but dropped by 26%, while Nintendo Switch sales fell significantly by 37%, and Xbox saw a smaller decline of 9%.
    3. Despite lower overall game sales, the success of Assassin’s Creed Shadows helped limit the decline to just 6%.
    4. Digital premium game sales increased by 12%, indicating a shift away from physical media.
    5. Concerns over high tariffs on imports from China could impact console availability and prices, although Nintendo has chosen not to raise the price of the Switch 2.

    Despite the release of well-known titles across various platforms, March turned out to be a letdown for the gaming sector. Mat Piscatella from Circana shared that there were marked drops in console sales in the US when compared to March 2024. Even with strong sales for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, fewer games were bought. However, the ongoing pre-orders for the much-anticipated Switch 2 give some hope for the future.

    Revenue Trends

    According to Circana’s 2024 report, revenue from the PS5, Xbox, and Switch consoles has seen a clear downturn. Analysts predict that the industry may bounce back in 2025, yet this turnaround hasn’t materialized just yet. Sales for games and consoles are again trailing behind last year’s figures. Overall revenue from video game content, hardware, and accessories has decreased by 6% since March 2024.

    Console Sales Declines

    The most significant shifts compared to a year ago are in console purchases. Sony’s PS5 remains at the top of the standings but has dropped by 26%. Sales of the Nintendo Switch, the popular handheld console, have plummeted by 37%. Meanwhile, Xbox systems experienced a smaller decline of 9%, although Microsoft has reduced shipments of the Series X in certain areas. Spending on gaming accessories also fell, down by 11% from last March.

    Digital Sales Surge

    The numbers for cross-platform video games in March aren’t entirely grim. Thanks to the strong performance of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, overall spending was only 6% lower than in March 2024. Monster Hunter: Wilds moved down to third place behind MLB: The Show 25, which didn’t make its debut on Xbox Game Pass this season. As physical media continues to decline in popularity, digital premium game sales enjoyed a notable increase of 12%.

    While the Switch 2 might help boost hardware sales, the outlook has grown more complex. High tariffs on imports from China have raised concerns among US gamers regarding console availability and increasing prices. Nintendo opted not to raise the price of the Switch 2, but accessory prices were not spared. On the other hand, Sony has increased the MSRP of the PS5 in several regions while keeping the US market unaffected.

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  • Oblivion Remastered Surprise Release: What You Need to Know

    Oblivion Remastered Surprise Release: What You Need to Know

    Key Takeaways

    1. Todd Howard reflects on the significance of the original game and its impact over the past two decades.
    2. The remastered version of Oblivion features upgraded visuals and a more dynamic combat system.
    3. The remaster includes all original add-ons, such as ‘Knight’s of the Nine’ and ‘Shivering Isles’.
    4. The project was executed with a commitment to do justice to the original game.
    5. Oblivion Remastered is available on multiple platforms including Xbox Series X | S, Steam, PS5, and Xbox Game Pass.

    Here we are, two decades down the line. Todd Howard opens the livestream with a nostalgic look back. Before diving into the details, the team spent some time reflecting on how significant the original game was when it launched. Soon enough, the opening scene from the original game flashes on the screen, followed by a comparison with the remastered version.

    Reliving The Epic Moments

    “It doesn’t matter if you’re revisiting these memories or seeing them for the first time. The Oblivion Remastered world instantly looks and feels amazing. When we chose to remaster Oblivion, we were quite selective about picking the right partner. From the start of this project, we had one main rule: We wouldn’t proceed unless we could do it justice,” shares Tom Mustaine, who is the external projects and studio director.

    All-Inclusive Content

    This remaster includes every add-on from the original game, featuring both ‘Knight’s of the Nine’ and ‘Shivering Isles’, which means that everyone who purchases the game gets access to all of Oblivion’s features.

    There are numerous updates from the original game to the remaster. Virtuos specifically highlights both the upgraded visuals that have been rebuilt from scratch and the enhanced combat system, which is now more dynamic and contemporary compared to the initial release.

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  • Classic Doom Shooter in Box – Playable Version Included

    Classic Doom Shooter in Box – Playable Version Included

    Key Takeaways

    1. Limited Run Games is re-launching Doom and Doom II in various bundles for current consoles and PCs.
    2. The standard edition includes both games and expansion packs for $29.99, available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch.
    3. The Big Box Edition features collectible items like cassette tapes and trading cards, priced at $99.99 for PC (requires a Steam Key).
    4. The “Will It Run” Edition includes unique items like a Cacodemon figurine and a mini handheld device, limited to 666 copies at $666.66 each.
    5. All editions will be available for purchase this Friday at 10 AM EST.

    Doom has been officially brought back in a special retail box.

    Limited Run Games, a company famed for its niche indie releases and retro classics, has revealed plans to re-launch the iconic DOS shooters, Doom and Doom II, in various bundles for current consoles and PCs. The standard edition, which comes with both games and their expansion packs (TNT: Eviloution, The Plutonia Experiment, Master Levels for Doom II, No Rest for the Living, Sigil, Sigil II, and Legacy of Rust), will be available on PlayStation 5 (PS5), Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch for a price of $29.99.

    Big Box Edition

    Moreover, there’s a “Big Box Edition” that boasts all the games mentioned above along with some collectible items, such as cassette tapes featuring either the original MIDI soundtracks or updated IDKFA recordings, plus trading cards. This version is also offered for PC, but it requires a Steam Key. The retail price for the Big Box Edition is $99.99.

    Will It Run Edition

    The standout option, however, is the “Will It Run” Edition, which includes everything listed earlier and features a small Cacodemon figurine that can float above its base using magnets, a mini handheld Cacodemon capable of running Doom on a tiny display, and a large retail box that Limited Run Games claims is able to play Doom.

    From the pictures, it’s not clear if the box can actually run Doom, as it seems to have only buttons for power and volume.

    This edition will be in limited supply since Limited Run Games plans to sell only 666 copies, each priced at $666.66.

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  • Mario Kart Port for PS4 and PS5: Excitement on Hold

    Mario Kart Port for PS4 and PS5: Excitement on Hold

    Key Takeaways

    1. A developer named HoTsHoTz79 showcased an unofficial Mario Kart game for PS4 and PS5, based on Ishaan Patel’s open-source project created in Unity.
    2. The game currently has bugs and missing features, such as item usage and proper drifting mechanics.
    3. Ishaan Patel’s original project is a fan creation that resembles Mario Kart 8 but uses his own animations and programming while retaining Nintendo’s assets.
    4. There is no downloadable version of the game available, and its future completion is uncertain due to other commitments.
    5. Nintendo is unlikely to allow this fan project to continue, given their history of shutting down similar unofficial games.

    Amidst the recent buzz surrounding Nintendo, a developer known as “HoTsHoTz79” on X/Twitter has revealed a video showcasing an unofficial version of Mario Kart operating on PS4 and PS5 consoles, which are priced at $499.99 on Amazon. This particular port is not an official title from Nintendo; instead, it is a recreation of an open-source Mario Kart game created by Ishaan Patel using Unity (C#) almost four years ago.

    Visuals and Performance

    The shared footage depicts the game on Sony’s systems, but it comes with several visible bugs and performance hiccups. HoTsHoTz79 mentioned that the current version is incomplete, lacking essential gameplay features like item usage and effective drifting mechanics. Additionally, there are graphical flaws stemming from unsupported shaders and misaligned meshes.

    Origins of the Project

    Ishaan Patel’s original Mario Kart in Unity was a fan initiative aimed at capturing the essence of Nintendo’s beloved racing game. While it bears a strong resemblance to Mario Kart 8 in terms of visuals and gameplay, Patel is clear on his website that most of the assets, including character and level designs, are owned by Nintendo. However, all the animations and programming are his own creative work.

    Future of the Project

    HoTsHoTz79 also pointed out that there is no downloadable version available right now, and it remains uncertain if the project will reach completion due to other commitments. Nevertheless, this proof-of-concept, despite its bugs and uncertain future, showcases the potential for fan-driven Unity projects on PlayStation systems.

    While this news is thrilling for fans of the franchise, it is highly improbable that Nintendo would permit such a project to proceed, given their track record of shutting down fan-made games that incorporate official Nintendo elements.

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  • Mixed Reactions to The Last of Us PS5 Special Edition Release

    Mixed Reactions to The Last of Us PS5 Special Edition Release

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new game in The Last of Us series is set to release for the PS5, with a special edition priced at $109.99 and pre-orders starting in the next two months.
    2. The Last of Us Remastered and The Last of Us Part I have been released on PS4 and PS5, respectively, with a remastered edition of The Last of Us Part II expected in 2024 and a PC version on April 3rd.
    3. Speculations suggest Sony may offer a bundle of remastered versions of both games, but gamers are feeling fatigued with the frequent remasters and accessories.
    4. The HBO series has gained significant viewership, yet some fans are tired of the constant releases related to the franchise.
    5. Naughty Dog is currently focused on a project called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, indicating that The Last of Us Part III is likely years away.

    With the second season of The Last of Us set to debut on April 13th, Sony is keen to take advantage of the excitement. A well-known leaker, billbil-kun, has discovered that another game in The Last of Us series is coming for the PS5. While many specifics remain unknown, it appears that a special edition will be released in physical format. According to billbil-kun, the game will be priced at $109.99, with pre-orders expected to start within the next two months.

    Previous Releases and Future Expectations

    The Last of Us Remastered first came out on the PS4 back in 2014, followed by a remake for the PS5 called The Last of Us Part I in 2022. After the sequel, The Last of Us Part II, launched in 2020, a remastered edition appeared in 2024. PC players can anticipate a Windows version arriving soon on April 3rd. Given that both games in the franchise have garnered significant attention from Sony, fans are curious about what a new PS5 release might bring to the table.

    Community Speculations

    Some users on Reddit are speculating that Sony may offer a bundle of remastered versions for both The Last of Us games together. If not, there seem to be limited avenues for Naughty Dog to enhance the previous iterations. Gamers have already enjoyed new gameplay modes, improved mechanics, and stunning visual upgrades.

    While the HBO series of The Last of Us has drawn record numbers of viewers, some gamers are feeling tired of the franchise. New remastered editions and various accessories have been consistently released. Recently, Sony unveiled a Limited Edition PS5 DualSense controller that honors the series. The anticipated The Last of Us PS5 Special Edition package might feature collectibles to attract hesitant buyers.

    Ongoing Developments

    Since the original The Last of Us launched in 2013, Naughty Dog has only produced one sequel, alongside multiple remasters and remakes. With the developer currently focused on a project called Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, it seems that The Last of Us Part III is still years away. Nevertheless, as reboots of other successful franchises continue to thrive, Sony doesn’t appear to be in a hurry to expedite the development of a new game.

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  • PS5 Pro and Games Face VRR Stutters Unlike Xbox Versions

    PS5 Pro and Games Face VRR Stutters Unlike Xbox Versions

    Key Takeaways

    1. Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) is intended to reduce screen tearing but some PS5 players are experiencing stuttering issues.
    2. Locked frame rates (30 or 60 fps) make framerate changes more noticeable, and VRR aims to provide smooth gameplay even at 120Hz.
    3. Digital Foundry found that stuttering occurs in some PS5 games after about 20 minutes of play, with spikes reaching 120Hz.
    4. The stuttering issue is not linked to specific TVs and affects certain PS5 games like Diablo 4 and Hogwarts Legacy, while others like Immortals of Aveum and Gran Turismo 7 are unaffected.
    5. The Xbox Series X shows no VRR problems in similar tests, leading to questions about whether the issue affects only certain PS5 systems or if players are not noticing the changes.

    One of the perks of the latest gaming consoles is their use of Variable Refresh Rate (VRR). The Xbox Series X, PS5, and PS5 Pro all utilize this feature to reduce screen tearing. Lately, some PlayStation players have started to notice stuttering that VRR is supposed to fix. To investigate the issue, Digital Foundry conducted a study testing various PS5 games and displays.

    Locked Frame Rates

    When games are locked at 30 or 60 fps, any changes in the framerate can be quite noticeable to players. VRR helps maintain smooth gameplay across a range of framerates, even at settings of 120Hz. Sadly, Digital Foundry found that some PS5 games experienced choppiness after around 20 minutes of play. Their analysis, using a refresh rate monitor, detected spikes reaching up to 120Hz. Once the stuttering started, it occurred roughly every eight seconds.

    Gamer Confusion

    Players have reported this issue while playing different games on a variety of TVs, leading to more confusion. Digital Foundry concluded that the likely cause is the PlayStation consoles and how they implement VRR. The stuttering doesn’t seem to be tied to specific displays. However, not every PS5 game is impacted. While Diablo 4 and Hogwarts Legacy showed stutters, Immortals of Aveum and Gran Turismo 7 did not.

    Xbox Comparison

    In tests with the same multi-platform games and setups, the Xbox Series X appears unaffected by the VRR problems. However, some PlayStation users argue that there isn’t a problem at all. This raises the question of whether VRR issues only affect certain PS5 or PS5 Pro systems, or if players are simply unable to notice the sudden changes in refresh rates.

    Currently, the only way to fix the stuttering is to turn off VRR or restart the game. Nonetheless, this thorough analysis should help Sony with their troubleshooting efforts.

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  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows Looks Next-Gen: Stunning Player Photos

    Assassin’s Creed Shadows Looks Next-Gen: Stunning Player Photos

    Key Takeaways

    1. Widespread Popularity: Assassin’s Creed Shadows has quickly gained 2 million players, surpassing earlier titles in the franchise.

    2. Stunning Graphics: Players praise the breathtaking visuals, especially in 4K, marking it as a standout in next-gen gaming.

    3. Realistic Character Design: The lifelike portrayal of characters, particularly Naoe’s hair, has received specific acclaim from gamers.

    4. Gameplay Optimization: The game is well-optimized for PS5, although some players experience blurry visuals, prompting a switch to ‘Quality Mode’ for better graphics.

    5. Quality vs. Performance Trade-off: Choosing ‘Quality Mode’ improves visuals at the cost of framerate, with many players willing to sacrifice performance for superior graphics.

    With 2 million gamers already diving in and more joining, Ubisoft’s newest addition to the Assassin’s Creed series has taken off. Assassin’s Creed Shadows has outshined earlier titles like Assassin’s Creed Origins and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.

    Raving About the Graphics

    Players can’t stop talking about the visuals in AC Shadows. When played in 4K, the game presents breathtaking graphics, as highlighted by a user in a Reddit discussion.

    In a post named ‘This game is one of the first games of this generation that feels next gen,’ the user highlighted the amazing graphics that AC Shadows showcases. “This game is just breath taking. Ubisoft really delivered with this one!” the poster exclaimed, sharing several screenshots from the game.

    Realism in Characters

    Comments from other players noted that Naoe’s hair appeared very lifelike, unlike anything they’ve seen before. “Naoe’s hair is something else, man. It’s so realistically simulated,” commented one Reddit user, echoing the admiration for the hair design.

    “The open world continues to impress me. It’s stunning, and the weather effects are just beautiful. I do wish the cutscenes had better visuals, as the facial animations can seem a bit robotic and odd at times, but aside from that, it’s amazing,” another user shared their thoughts.

    Optimisation and Quality Modes

    Given that the game is well-optimized for the PS5, it’s no surprise the graphics are top-notch. Nonetheless, some players have mentioned that their visuals seemed blurry—quite different from the screenshots. In response, others suggested using ‘Quality Mode’ instead of ‘Performance Mode’ on PS5.

    Keep in mind that switching to Quality Mode will decrease the framerate from 60 FPS to 30 FPS, which some might not prefer. However, others argued that the stunning graphics are worth the trade-off. “I played for around 4 hours on Quality and then tried going back to Performance, and honestly… I just don’t think I can give up those gorgeous visuals,” one player commented.

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  • New God of War Game: Greek Side Story Instead of Remaster?

    New God of War Game: Greek Side Story Instead of Remaster?

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fans were disappointed by the lack of an announcement for a remastered version of the Greek era God of War games at the 20th Anniversary event.
    2. Journalist Jeff Grubb suggests a new God of War game may explore Greece, with a potential side story connecting to previous Norse mythology titles.
    3. PS5 players currently can only play older God of War titles through cloud streaming with a PlayStation Plus Premium Subscription.
    4. Speculation is growing among fans about the next game’s setting, with Egypt being a strong contender based on past rumors about casting.
    5. During the 20th Anniversary, Santa Monica Studio released an update for God of War Ragnarok featuring items inspired by Greek mythology.

    The God of War 20th Anniversary event has left some fans of Kratos feeling let down. Many enthusiasts were looking forward to an announcement regarding a remastered version of the games from the Greek era. Journalist Jeff Grubb, who is known for providing reliable information about the franchise, has now indicated that a new God of War game may be taking place in Greece. Although details are scarce, Grubb anticipates that this project will delve deeper into the captivating saga with an additional side story.

    Anticipation Among PS5 Players

    Gamers on the PS5 have been looking for fresh ways to enjoy God of War, God of War 2, and God of War Ascension. Currently, the only option available to play these titles is through cloud streaming, which necessitates a PlayStation Plus Premium Subscription. In a post on BlueSky, Grubb shared that his sources did not mention anything about a remaster for God of War. Instead, the developers at Santa Monica Studio are aiming to introduce a new twist to the series before the year concludes.

    Speculations Arise

    Naturally, Grubb’s recent comments have ignited speculation among fans. A popular theory circulating on Reddit suggests that the side story could connect the latest Norse mythology games to a new gameplay storyline. Egypt appears to be the most probable setting for the next God of War installment. In fact, rumors from January hinted at Sony seeking Middle Eastern actors for a major new title. In his update, Grubb tempered expectations, suggesting that the next chapter of the God of War saga might not arrive for a year or two.

    Celebrating the Anniversary

    Santa Monica Studio has not left fans empty-handed during the 20th Anniversary celebrations. An update for God of War Ragnarok introduced in-game items inspired by earlier titles based in Greek mythology. These recent rumors indicate that the developers will likely continue to explore fresh narratives within this universe.

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