Gaming

Apple hits back at Epic Games, files countersuit seeking compensation

Epic looks cornered

Published

September 9, 2020

Shivam Vahia

The battle between Apple and Epic Games is being watched by millions of players as the two companies drag each other to court. Apple has filed a countersuit seeking monetary compensation for its loss of fees. The brand said Epic Games is being “self-righteous” and “self-interested.”

The Cupertino giant also said Epic Games had violated its contract and asked for damages. The rift between the two companies started when Epic Games tried to bypass the App Store’s in-app purchase policy by letting users buy virtual currency outside the Fortnite app. The bypass means Apple cannot receive its 30 percent service cut and Epic Games gets more revenue.

Apple has blocked Epic Games’ ability to distribute updates or new apps through the App Store. In retaliation, Epic Games sued Apple alleging that App Store practices violate antitrust laws. Google also collects a similar fee for purchases made via the Google Play Store and it has also removed Fornite for the time being.

Currently, the court allowed Apple’s ban on updates until the case fully plays out. Epic declined to comment on Apple’s filing while reiterating its position it’s trying to create a fair marketplace where direct payment options eliminate third-parties, extending some savings to gamers.

In response to Epic Games’ antitrust claims, Apple said it provides a service and helps developers make money. The iPhone maker also feels that it has helped cultivate the app marketplace from scratch and has the right to regulate it. All Apple gadgets are designed to work in a closed ecosystem and the App Store plays a pivotal role in reducing the company’s dependence on hardware sales.

Gaming

Globe, AcadArena launch Esports merit scholarship

Who knew playing video games has its benefits to your education?

Published

September 22, 2020

Gab Orlina

By this time, some students are already having online classes as a result of the pandemic. Even so, the younger generation still finds time to play video games to their hearts content. For others, while school hasn’t started yet, they use this time to hone their skills in otherwise competitive titles. Now, Globe and AcadArena have something very special planned that will provide more opportunities to college students.

As part of their student organization support system Alliance, Esports AcadArena is launching its first Esports merit scholarship. In partnership with Globe, this scholarship hopes to provide financial assistance through active participation in Esports activities. Essentially, student organizations from member universities may avail of this scholarship for select students.

The scholarships offers three types of merit depending on the student’s activities within their organization. There is the Family Good Game Grant which offers financial assistance to the student’s family provided he qualifies in AcadArena’s tournaments. Also, there are Competitve and Leadership Merits granted onto individuals with good chararcter and performance.

To know more about the Alliance Program or if your organization is interested in applying, visit AcadArena’s webiste.

Gaming

Microsoft is acquiring Bethesda parent ZeniMax for $7.5 billion

Gearing up for the console war

Published

September 22, 2020

Shivam Vahia

Microsoft has announced it’ll be acquiring ZeniMax Media for US$ 7.5 billion. The gaming company is behind many high-profile titles like Doom and Fallout. Furthermore, the gaming company owns Bethesda Softworks, which owns top-sellers like The Elder Scrolls, Wolfenstein, and Dishonored.

To be more precise, the deal includes multiple divisions like Bethesda Softworks, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, ZeniMax Online Studios, Arkane, MachineGames, Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog, and Roundhouse Studios.

The announcement comes just a week after Microsoft’s failed bid for the short-video app, TikTok. Instead, Oracle and Walmart won the race and officially became technology partners of the game. However, the gaming acquisition will immensely help the Redmond based giant sell its Xbox console.

“All of their great work will of course continue and grow and we look forward to empowering them with the resources and support of Microsoft to scale their creative visions to more players in new ways for you,” Xbox head Phil Spencer said in a blog post announcing the news.

The new Xbox and PlayStation are scheduled to come later this year and this deal gives Microsoft an edge in terms of game exclusivity. With the Coronavirus outbreak, gaming has picked up radically in 2020 and the future looks bright in the short term.

Microsoft will be seeking to bring all of the new studios’ upcoming titles to Xbox Game Pass on day one across Xbox consoles and PC.

Gaming

Buying a PS5? You might not have to wait long for a discount

This is according to a report by iPrice Group

Published

September 22, 2020

Rodneil Quiteles

The pricing and availability of the PlayStation 5 was revealed in a recent showcase.It also showed off the various games coming to the next-gen console. However, not everyone may be rushing to get their hands on the PS5. If you’re one of the few who are holding off, here’s how long you should wait.

According to a report by e-commerce aggregator iPrice Group, pricing for the new console might see a price drop as early as May 2021.

They came to this conclusion after studying the price history of the PlayStation 4 Pro — the console that precedes the PS5. They collected and compared selling prices of the console throughout the years on over 150 online shopping websites.

The average online selling price for Sony consoles tends to drop by six percent (6%), six months after the release and up to eight percent (8%) after a year.

The discounts also tend to come with game promotions where the consoles come bundled with certain early releases. The pricing discounts come from partner retailers. Sony itself doesn’t slash prices right away.