Jean Ketterling and her colleagues are looking for "game makers affected by the 'NSFW' policy changes on Steam and itch.io for a survey. This survey is part of a broader project on the factors that shape the production, distribution, and consumption of porn games." More information can be found here: www.pppproject.com
Jean is doing great work and I highly recommend reaching out to her and participating in this survey.
According to new filings discovered by the Wall Street Journal, Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is set to own 93.4 percent of Electronic Arts if the proposed $55B acquisition goes through. Here's more from Eurogamer.
#ElectronicArts #EA #Gaming #VideoGames #GamesIndustry #SaudiArabia #PIF
Santa Ragione co-founder Pietro Righi Riva on Horses, Steam, and possible closure of the studio:
"Steam's decision to permanently ban the game from its storefront was shocking enough. But to base it on a claim of content featuring 'sexual conduct involving a minor' was even more startling. [...] Santa Ragione was never able to get Valve to point out which scene in Horses triggered the ban. "
Two Months After Firing Over Charlie Kirk Comments, Ghost Of Yotei Dev Blames Harassment Campaign, Not ‘Bad Joke’:
https://aftermath.site/sucker-punch-charlie-kirk-fired/
“If we as an industry got better about realizing when harassment is happening and standing up as a block, maybe this wouldn’t stop harassment, but there would be much more hesitation to do it."
Instead, I'd strongly suggest to revise the voting process. Why aren't jury members even required to justify their nominations? Why are there no rules whatsoever in terms of which kind of games qualify for which categories?
And last, but certainly not least: Why aren't jury members PAID? An event of this size, production value and impact should have the budget to at least offer modest expense allowances, right? Instead, game developers and journalists – whose labour is already widely exploited – have to work for free to make this prestigious event that supposedly "strive[s] to recognize those who improve the wellbeing of the community and elevate voices that represent the future of the medium" happen.
This seriously needs to change.
The Expedition 33 & Dispatch Game Awards drama:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AYFAlImQR74
This video offers a great breakdown of the voting process at the Game Awards and explains why games may end up being nominated for several categories, including categories they don't seem to qualify for.
What I don't agree with, however, is Alanah's conclusion that, considering the many flaws in the process, we should take this award less seriously.
As she says herself, The Game Awards offer one of the biggest stages for game developers and their creations. In 2024, there were an estimated 154 Million global livestreams according to the official website. Especially for smaller projects with a limited marketing budget and outreach, being highlighted in this show in some way can be a game changer and lead to increased sales. Considering this impact, dismissing it as a trailer show and the award as a "popularity context" doesn't sit right with me.
🚨Crimson Desert UPDATE!
⚔️I interviewed Rick from #PearlAbyss about their new open world game #CrimsonDesert.
He also shared advice about how to get your start in marketing in the #GamesIndustry!
💥BONUS: Release Date Reveal Trailer
Rockstar, the games company, has sacked staff from its Edinburgh offices for seeking union recognition to negotiate better terms & conditions of employment.
Once again, workers' right to act collectively is seen as illegitimate by employers. The firm of course itself is the result of collective action among investors!
Class war is alive & well in the games industry, and the Scottish Greens are right to be supporting these workers!
#unions #workers #GamesIndustry
https://greens.scot/news/rockstar-greens-backs-workers-against-union-busting-game-developer
Rockstar na mira do sindicato! IWGB acusa a produtora de GTA 6 de demitir funcionários por envolvimento sindical. A polêmica pode afetar o clima interno e a produção do jogo mais aguardado da década. #GTA6 #RockstarGames #IWGB #GamesIndustry
Segundo o IWGB, a Rockstar teria realizado um “ataque calculado” contra funcionários que buscavam formar uma voz coletiva para melhorar suas condições de
Another Tech Giant’s Gaming Ambitions Bite the Dust
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/another-tech-giants-gaming-ambitions-bite-the-dust-opinion
Nina Kiel
Flipboard Tech Desk
Dussel York City Studios
Emeritus Prof Christopher May
Gamerzero
DreamStation.cc