Game Developer

Report : Australian studio Torus Games effectively shuts down after 30 years
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/report-australian-studio-torus-games-effectively-shuts-down-after-30-

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Melbourne-based studio Torus Games has effectively shut down after 30 years.

[…]

Torus was established by Australian game developer Bill McIntosh in 1994 and has worked on a number of licensed titles including World War Z: Aftermath, Cartoon Network: Battle Crashers, Spider-Man: Battle for New York, and Shrek Smash N’ Crash Racing.

Ce n’est qu’une goutte d’eau dans le torrent de licenciements qui secoue l’industrie mondiale du jeu vidéo, mais qui montre que même les petits studios sont touchés par le marasme économique du secteur, très paradoxal compte tenu de l’évolution des ventes de jeux.

Pour mémoire, Kotaku énumère les licenciements dans le jeu vidéo depuis le début de l’année 2024 :

59 Days Into 2024 And 8,100+ Video Game Layoffs Have Been Announced
►https://kotaku.com/game-industry-layoffs-how-many-2024-unity-twitch-1851155818

#jeux_vidéo #jeu_vidéo #business #torus_games #fermeture

Embracer says it’s looking out for shareholders after cutting almost 1,400 jobs
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/embracer-says-it-s-looking-out-for-shareholders-after-cutting-almost-

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“Our overruling principle is to always maximize shareholder value in any given situation.”

#jeux_vidéo #jeu_vidéo #embracer_group #business #finance #investissements #ressources_humaines #licenciements

Epic Games cuts almost half of Bandcamp pre-Songtradr sale
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/epic-games-cuts-almost-half-of-bandcamp-pre-songtradr-sale

Nearly half of Bandcamp’s staff has been laid off, according to Kotaku reporter Ethan Gach. The reductions come in the aftermath of parent company Epic Games’ layoffs earlier in the month, and ahead of Bandcamp being sold to music company Songtradr.

#jeux_vidéo #jeu_vidéo #musique #songtradr #epic_games #bandcamp #licenciements #ressources_humaines

Unity introducing new fee attached to game installs
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/unity-to-start-charging-fee-pegged-to-game-installs

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The cost of using Unity as a game engine is once again about to increase. Starting in January 2024, the company will begin charging what it’s calling a “Unity Runtime Fee” that is based on the number of users installing games built on the widely-used engine.

The Runtime Fee will kick in after developers cross specific revenue and install thresholds that scale with different subscription plans. For those on Unity Personal or Unity Plus licenses, the fee will kick in after a project crosses both $200,000 in revenue over 12 months and 200,000 total installs.

Developers operating on the Unity Pro or Unity Enterprise licenses will be granted a higher threshold before they begin owing fees. For those devs, the charge will kick in after a title earns $1 million over that same 12-month period and passes 1 million installs.

According to a breakdown sent to Game Developer by Unity, fees will be charged on a monthly basis. The amount charged per install will also vary depending on the license.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #middleware #technologie #business

Dolphin abandons efforts to bring emulator to Steam
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/dolphin-abandons-efforts-to-bring-emulator-to-steam

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Developer Dolphin has announced that it’s given up on trying to bring its titular emulator to Steam. On its blog, the company gave an update to months long controversy that saw its emulation software delisted from Valve’s storefront after a DMCA takedown. 

Dolphin was quick to clarify that Nintendo didn’t file the original takedown, as initially believed. It revealed that Valve’s legal team contacted Nintendo, after which a lawyer from Nintendo of America asked Valve to delist the product.

The only way to avoid delisting, according to the blog, was to come to an agreement with the Japanese developer. But Dolphin acknowledged Nintendo’s often litigious view on emulation and considered “Valve’s requirement for us to get approval from Nintendo for a Steam release to be impossible.”

“Considering the strong legal wording at the start of the document and the citation of DMCA law, we took the letter very seriously,” wrote Dolphin. It added that its original statement post-takedown was “fairly frantic” and “as we understood it at the time, which turned out to only fuel the fires of speculation.”

#jeux_vidéo #jeu_vidéo #émulation #émulateur_dolphin #nintendo #valve #dmca #droit_d_auteur #copyright #piratage

Sega greenlights blockchain game based on “immensely popular” series
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/sega-greenlights-blockchain-game-based-on-immensely-popular-franchise

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Sega has penned a licensing deal with Line Next so the company can develop a blockchain title based on an "immensely popular" franchise.

As reported by VentureBeat, the two companies have agreed to create a web3 title for the blockchain gaming platform, Game Dosi.

The game will reportedly support NFT production, digital payments, and marketing activities, and is part of Line Next’s plan to popularize web3 gaming.

#jeux_vidéo #jeu_vidéo #sega #game_dosi #business #nft #web3 #annonce

Layoffs at CD Projekt studio as The Witcher: Monster Slayer is axed
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/layoffs-at-cd-projekt-mobile-studio-as-i-the-witcher-monster-slayer-i

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The Witcher: Monster Slayer will be shut down in June 2023 by developer Spokko, resulting in job losses at the CD Projekt-owned studio.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #spokko #cd_projekt #ressources_humaines #licenciements #fermeture #jeu_vidéo_the_witcher_monster_slayer

Activision’s first bargaining session with union seemed contentious
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/culture/activision-blizzard-reportedly-forced-union-to-pay-for-missed-time-of

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During its first day of bargaining with Activision Blizzard, the Game Workers Alliance allege that the game publisher made several ridiculous demands while failing to offer anything to the union in return. According to the GWA, Activision Blizzard allegedly wouldn’t even attend the bargaining meeting unless the union paid for its workers’ missed time, which it did in a “show of good faith.”

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #activision_blizzard #business #ressources_humaines #syndicalisme #gwa #game_workers_alliance #négociation

Bayonetta actor Hellena Taylor claims sequel pay offer was «insulting»
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/console/-i-bayonetta-i-actor-hellena-taylor-claims-platinum-offered-insulting

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Hellena Taylor, the English voice actor for PlatinumGames’ Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2, has called for players to boycott the upcoming Bayonetta 3. Over the weekend, Taylor released a series of videos alleging that she was offered low pay to voice the character that she’s been playing since 2009. 

While video game franchises have recast characters in the past, Taylor actively calling on fans of the franchise to boycott the release of Bayonetta 3 is unusual. 

In her videos, Taylor claims that she was offered $4,000 to return and play Bayonetta for the third game, whose trailers hint at multiple versions of the same character appearing in it. That amount of pay, while she acknowledged as being legal, was also "immoral." 

“The Bayonetta franchise made approximately $450 million. That’s not including merchandise,” said Taylor. "This is an insult to me [and] the amount of time that I took to work on my talent and everything I’ve given to this game and to the fans.”

In Bayonetta 3, the titular character will be voiced by Jennifer Hale, whose career includes Mass Effect and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Platinum explained to Game Informer earlier in the month that Hale’s casting was due to “various overlapping circumstances.”

[…]

As reported by Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, PlatinumGames was reportedly fully prepared to bring Taylor back as Bayonetta. The initial plan, according to sources, was that Taylor would be paid $3,0000-4,000 for at least five four-hour recording sessions and a total of nearly $15,000.

Taylor allegedly asked for a six-figure sum in response, along with residual pay for after the game’s release. When Platinum declined that offer, negotiations ensued, and the search for a new voice actor began after said negotiations broke down. The developers later offered Taylor a cameo in the game for a fee of one session, which she similarly declined.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #ressources_humaines #rémunération #platonumgames #jeu_vidéo_bayonetta #jeu_vidéo_bayonetta_2 #jeu_vidéo_bayonetta_3 #hellena_taylor #jennifer_hale #jeu_vidéo_mass_effect #jeu_vidéo_ratchet_and_clank_rift_apart #hideki_kamiya #nintendo #jeu_vidéo_super_smash_bros #jeu_vidéo_super_smash_bros_ultimate #sag-aftra #boycott

Valve axes waitlist for Steam Deck orders
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/pc/there-s-no-longer-a-waiting-list-to-buy-a-steam-deck

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As of today, Valve’s Steam Deck handheld can be purchased without the need of a reservation. Previously, the system had to be preordered via a quarterly queue, which has been repeatedly shortened throughout the summer the system’s production rate increased.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #chaîne_d_approvisionnement #supply_chain #valve #steam #steam_deck #console_steam_deck #pc #livraison #disponibilité

Google Stadia to shut down in January 2023
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/the-cloud/google-stadia-to-shut-down-in-january-2023

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Google Stadia is ending service in January 2023, though its cloud streaming technology will be used in other areas of the Google business.

Stadia owners want Google to help controller survive shut down
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/google-is-being-asked-to-expand-wireless-support-for-stadia-controlle

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A growing number of Stadia owners are asking Google to ensure the Stadia Controller can be used once the platform have been shut down.

Red Dead Redemption 2 fan with nearly 6,000 hours on Stadia begs Rockstar for character transfer | GamesRadar+
▻https://www.gamesradar.com/red-dead-redemption-2-fan-with-nearly-6000-hours-on-stadia-begs-rockstar

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A Red Dead Redemption player with almost 6,000 hours logged on Google Stadia is begging Rockstar to allow character transfers after the news of the service’s closure.

A message about Stadia and our long term streaming strategy
▻https://blog.google/products/stadia/message-on-stadia-streaming-strategy

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#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #business #google #fermeture #fin #stadia #google_stadia #cloud_gaming #gaas #sundar_pichai #contrôleur #ihm #jeu_vidéo_red_dead_redemption_2 #rockstar_games #transfert

Roblox game Adopt Me ends Netherlands service due to loot boxes
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/pc/-i-roblox-i-game-i-adopt-me-i-ends-netherlands-service-due-to-loot-bo

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Adopt Me, a game made on the platform Roblox, had its service in the Netherlands and Belgium ended earlier in the week. Developer Dreamcraft announced the shut down was part of a wider effort on Roblox Corporation’s end to comply with the country’s efforts to curb loot boxes.

Adopt Me Restrictions For Players in The Netherlands and Belgium – Adopt Me Support
▻https://help.playadopt.me/hc/en-us/articles/8805290891287-Adopt-Me-Restrictions-For-Players-in-The-Netherlands-an

As part of a Roblox-led program to comply with laws in The Netherlands and Belgium, access to Adopt Me from those countries has been disabled as of September 13th 2022.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #business #législation #roblox #dreamcraft #jeu_vidéo_adopt_me #belgique #pays-bas #lootbox #coffre_à_butin #blizzard #jeu_vidéo_diablo_immortal #leon_y_xiao #

Xbox’s Activision Blizzard deal to get in-depth probe by UK regulators
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/xbox-s-activision-blizzard-deal-to-get-in-depth-probe-by-uk-regulator

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Microsoft was given the option to address the CMA’s concerns about its merger with Activision Blizzard. After failing to do so, the CMA is launching a deeper probe into the deal.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #business #microsoft #activision_blizzard #competition_and_markets_authority #cma #rachat #finance #concurrence #xbox #jeu_vidéo_call_of_duty #jeu_vidéo_overwatch #phil_spencer #jeu_vidéo_overwatch_2 #jeu_vidéo_diablo_iv # #jeu_vidéo_call_of_duty_modern_warfare_ii #sony #jim_ryan

Ubisoft announces diversity plans, devs say more change needed
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/ubisoft-announces-diversity-plan-as-pro-worker-group-demands-further-

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Ubisoft’s says it has a new five-year plan to become a better place to work. But current and former employees say that management still has yet to make changes where it counts.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #ressources_humaines #ubisoft #project_rise #harcèlement #culture_toxique #diversité #anika_grant #équité #salaires #équité_salariale #abu #a_better_ubisoft #serge_hascoët #michel_ancel #maxime_béland #ac_sisterhood #engagement #amélioration

Denuvo reveals its anti-piracy DRM for Nintendo Switch
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/drm-company-denuvo-releases-anti-piracy-program-for-nintendo-switch

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Denuvo, the software maker who specializes in technology that combats piracy and cheating, has set its sights on the Nintendo Switch. Today, the company announced its Nintendo Switch Emulator Protection, which will make it so that Switch games can no longer be emulated to PC.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #piratage #propriété_intellectuelle #denuvo #console_nintendo_switch #nintendo #nintendo_switch_emulator_protection #pc #rom

Activision Blizzard accused of employee surveillance in new complaint
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/activision-blizzard-accused-of-illegal-surveillance-in-new-nlrb-compl

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A new worker complaint to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) alleges that Activision Blizzard has been illegally surveilling its employees. […]

In response to accusations of illegal surveillance, an Activision Blizzard spokesperson said that “Recent employee walkouts have frequently been attended by reporters seeking comment from not only the participants but the company itself. We routinely have PR staff on-site, at a respectful distance from employees on strike, to assist media.”

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #activision_blizzard #ressources_humaines #plainte #national_labor_relations_board #nlrb #surveillance #orange_county_labor_federation #game_workers_of_southern_california #communication_workers_of_america #cwa #syndicalisme #nintendo_of_america #jeu_vidéo_call_of_duty #jeu_vidéo_fortnite #epic_games #apple #cher_scarlett #jeu_vidéo_diablo_iv

THQ Nordic announces Alone in the Dark remake
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/1992-alone-in-the-dark-is-a-remake-pieces-interactive

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Alone in the Dark has been on ice for seven years, and now the franchise is returning with a remake of the original game.

Alone in the Dark returns – PlayStation.Blog
▻https://blog.playstation.com/2022/08/12/alone-in-the-dark-returns

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Experience the franchise that defined the survival-horror genre and pathed the way for classics like Resident Evil and Silent Hill – yes, we’re delighted to let you know that the reimagining of Alone in the Dark is coming to PlayStation 5! A technical marvel when it first launched in 1992, Alone in the Dark set the standards for immersive horror adventures to come. Developer Pieces Interactive is returning to the franchise’s roots in terms of setting while updating and reimagining the game for a new generation of players.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #annonce #thq_nordic #pieces_interactive #remake #jeu_vidéo_alone_in_the_dark #horreur #atari #infogrames #mikael_hedberg #jeu_vidéo_amnesia_the_dark_descent #jeu_vidéo_soma #guy_davis #jeu_vidéo_resident_evil #jeu_vidéo_resident_evil_7 #jeu_vidéo_resident_evil_village #jeu_vidéo_resident_evil_4 #jeu_vidéo_the_callisto_protocol #striking_distance_studios #jeu_vidéo_dead_space #ea_motive #ea #electronic_arts #console_playstation_5

Unity signs multi-million deal supporting U.S. defense initiatives
▻https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/unity-signs-multi-million-dollar-contract-to-help-u-s-government-with

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The deal was announced less than a year after some workers questions Unity’s ethics for working on military projects.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #business #unity #armée #guerre #caci #applovin #ironsource

Ousted Ubisoft developer Ashraf Ismail quietly working for Tencent
▻https://www.axios.com/2022/07/28/ashraf-ismail-tencent-ubisoft

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Ashraf Ismail, former top developer on Assassin’s Creed games for Ubisoft before his dismissal from the company in mid-2020, was hired last year to help lead development on a game at Tencent, Axios has learned.

Why it matters: The new role amounts to a second chance for a developer whose fall from Ubisoft amid allegations of abusing his power was part of the MeToo reckoning in the game industry two years ago.

Ousted Assassin’s Creed Valhalla creative director now working for Tencent
►https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/ousted-i-assassin-s-creed-valhalla-i-creative-director-now-working-fo

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Ashraf Ismail left Ubisoft Montreal following allegations of misconduct towards young female fans, and is said to have been quietly working with Tencent since 2021.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #ressources_humaines #ashraf_ismail #méconduite #harcèlement_sexuel #mysogynie #homophobie #ubisoft_montréal #tencent #jeu_vidéo_assassin_s_creed_origins #jeu_vidéo_assassin_s_creed_valhalla #timi #serge_hascoët #yannis_mallat #cécile_cornet #jeu_vidéo_skull_and_bones #a_better_ubisoft #metoo

Ousted Assassin’s Creed Valhalla creative director now working for Tencent
►https://www.gamedeveloper.com/production/ousted-i-assassin-s-creed-valhalla-i-creative-director-now-working-fo

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Ashraf Ismail, former creative director at Ubisoft Montreal who left following allegations of sexual harassment, has spent the last year working at Tencent. As reported by Axios, Ismail was brought on in 2021 to help lead development of a new game from the Chinese tech giant.

#jeu_vidéo #jeux_vidéo #business #ressources_humaines #ubisoft #tencent #ashraf_ismail #harcèlement_sexuel #jeu_vidéo_assassin_s_creed #jeu_vidéo_assassin_s_creed_valhalla #timi #serge_hascoët #jeu_vidéo_skull_and_bones