Gaming
Microsoft backs Fortnite maker Epic Games in court against Apple
Betting on Unreal Engine
Microsoft is backing Epic Games in its lawsuit by filing a legal brief in favor of the developer’s right to continue making software for macOS and iOS while the case continues. A cut-off from Apple’s developer tools could hurt Microsoft’s gaming business, as well as other game developers
The battle between the iPhone maker and game developer has consistently escalated in the last few days. Apple threatened to sever Epic Games’ access to macOS and iOS development tools after it bypassed the in-app purchase system. The new payment system is considered a breach of App Store conditions by Apple.
“Epic Games’ Unreal Engine is a critical technology for numerous game creators including Microsoft,” Kevin Gammill, the executive in charge of supporting developers on Microsoft’s Xbox console wrote. “Apple’s discontinuation of Epic’s ability to develop and support Unreal Engine for iOS or macOS will harm game creators and gamers.”
Epic Games says that Apple has also threatened to cut off its access to Apple tools necessary to maintain Unreal Engine, software that many game developers license to develop games on.
Apple wants developers to leverage its native system for transactions so that it can collect a 30 percent service fee. However, the compulsion is harsh on smaller companies and reeks of antitrust practice. Apple, however, says it applies the rules equally and won’t make an exception for Epic Games.
Microsoft has gradually increased its opposition to Apple’s firm control of the App Store. In early August, Apple blocked Microsoft’s xCloud streaming service, citing rules against cloud gaming. Critics say Apple is just trying to protect its Apple Arcade game subscription service.
Gaming
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced comes to life at Skypark Macau
Themed event lets fans experience the game in real life from July 17 to 26
Assassin’s Creed fans are invited to celebrate the launch of Black Flag Resynced through a limited-time themed experience at the Skypark Macau Tower.
The experience will run from July 17 to 26, and will feature elements from the title brought into a real-world setting. There’s themed installations, photo opportunities, and exclusive event rewards.
Aside from that, there is a concept art gallery and replica props inspired by the action-adventure.
The experience opens to the public from 11:00 A.M. on Friday, and will remain available until the last Sunday of the month.
It will be more fulfilling to come on the first day, as there will be exclusive merchandise sold only on July 17.
Guests who purchase the game on-site, or present proof of purchase of the game at the event will be eligible to redeem an exclusive item, available only until supplies last.
Moreover, those who complete an eligible activity during the Assassin’s Creed event period at Skypark Macau will receive a paper scroll replica of the “Letter for Duncan Walpole”, while supplies last.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced is a faithful remake of 2013’s Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag. Rebuilt from the ground up and powered by the latest Anvil engine, the game features updated visuals, enriched gameplay, and new narrative content.
Set during the Golden Age of Piracy, the game invites players to sail the Caribbean as Edward Kenway. The rebellious pirate captain is drawn into the centuries-old conflict between Assassins and Templars.
As the protagonist pursues glory and fortune, he crosses paths with legendary figures such as Blackbeard, Anne Bonny, and Calico Jack. All this while the fate of everything the pirates have built hangs in the balance.
The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Bandai Namco’s new action RPG Echoes of Aincrad is now available on consoles and PC. The title is set in the breathtaking floating castle of Aincrad from the Sword Art Online universe.
Along with the Standard Edition, the Deluxe and Ultimate Editions are now available on PlayStation 5, XBOX Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
The Deluxe Edition includes the base game, plus an expansion pack and Death Game Mode early unlock.
Meanwhile, the Ultimate Edition comes with all inclusions from the Deluxe Edition. Plus, players will get the game’s “Unanswered//butterfly” Bonus Contents App that features a Special Anime, Digital Artbook, and Digital Soundtrack. They’ll also secure an Armor Pack.
Echoes of Aincrad starts with players being trapped inside a deadly medieval MMORPG. Here, dying in the game means dying in the real world.
Players will enter a vast living world to shape their fate, customizing avatars with unique skills, gear, and abilities to transform how they fight and survive.
In the process, they will be able to master a fluid combat system to adapt to choices, explore epic quests, and join forces with those who share the same peril.
A launch trailer has also been released to celebrate the availability of the game.
Gaming
Microsoft dictates that a new Fallout game is coming
Microsoft cancelled an Avowed sequel to focus on Fallout.
Bethesda used to be a bastion for RPG experiences. Today, however, the company prefers living off its older properties such as Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76. For a while now, the question has been: When will Bethesda release a new game in either of their two biggest franchises? Well, according to a report, a new Fallout game might be coming soon.
As of late, Microsoft has been restructuring its studios. In fact, the company might shut down the studio behind the Dishonored series and the upcoming game based on Marvel’s Blade. Now, as part of that reshuffling (via Bloomberg), Obsidian Entertainment has been told to cancel a sequel to Avowed and focus on a new Fallout game.
It’s a huge change. Microsoft has notably stayed away from its more popular franchises for a while now. The latest Fallout game is still Fallout 76. The latest Elder Scrolls game has been in development for a long, long time now. Only DOOM, via last year’s The Dark Ages, got a new title recently.
To be clear, it’s unknown whether we’re getting the true Fallout 5 or another iteration of the online 76. If it’s really the fifth mainline entry in the franchise, it’s coming at a very opportune time. The franchise is currently on a high, riding the popularity of the TV series of the same name. Fans will surely enjoy a follow-up.
To fuel things further, Josh Sawyer, the director behind the universally lauded New Vegas, is reportedly spearheading the production of the new game.
SEE ALSO: Fallout on Prime Video: What inspired producers to create series
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