Good Morning. It's Thursday, August 1. In today's feature, we delve into the rise of video game movies and their impact on the industry, questioning whether these adaptations justify their hefty production budgets. We also report on STAN’s latest milestone, Twitch’s new promotion with Apple TV+, and other notable events shaping the gaming and entertainment landscape.
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Do Video Game Movies Even Make Sense Financially?
Borderlands is gearing up for its highly anticipated big-screen debut in August 2024. On paper, it has all the makings of a blockbuster hit: a star-studded cast featuring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart, and Jack Black, along with a rumored $100 million budget. The game's vibrant, chaotic world seems tailor-made for cinematic exploration. However, the track record for video game adaptations is notoriously poor. Historically, films based on video games have been plagued by poor reception and box office disappointments.
In our latest feature, we explore the multitude of reasons behind the failure of video game movies, tracing the history of these flops and examining what went wrong. We also investigate how "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" managed to buck this trend, revitalizing the industry's approach to such adaptations and achieving commercial success.
Are video game movies a fleeting trend, or do they have the potential for longevity? We delve into the financial viability of these cinematic ventures and analyze whether they can sustain a lasting presence in Hollywood in our latest feature. Read on to discover the economic rationale behind investing in video game movies and whether this genre can finally overcome its cursed reputation and achieve long-term success.
STAN Emerges as India's Fastest Growing Gaming Community Platform
Social networking app STAN’s founder and CEO Parth Chadha revealed that it registered over 2 million new users in June 2024. He claims that this positions STAN as the fastest-growing gaming community platform in the country, outpacing global giants like Twitch and Discord in relative new user growth, according to data from Sensor Tower.
Since exiting its beta phase in November 2023, STAN has amassed a user base exceeding 10 million gamers on the Google Play Store. The app has consistently ranked among the top five applications, briefly claiming the top spot in June. User feedback has been notably positive, reflected in a 4.7-star rating on the Play Store.
STAN's growth highlights a broader trend of increasing engagement in India's gaming community. The platform facilitates connections among gamers, offering features that allow users to find and play games with others, and socialize with content creators. In recent months, over 200 games and partners have collaborated with STAN, capitalizing on its expanding user base.
Quick Bytes
Apple and Amazon Launch Apple TV+ Promotion for Twitch Users
Apple and Amazon have teamed up to offer Twitch users a three-month free trial of Apple TV+ when they subscribe to any Twitch streamer, either directly or by gifting a subscription. This promotion excludes automatic renewals and Amazon Prime-linked subscriptions, and current Apple TV+ subscribers are ineligible. Only new monthly, multi-month, or gifted Twitch subscriptions qualify. Users subscribing by August 19th will receive a promotional code in their Drops & Rewards area on Twitch.
Sony to Launch PlayStation Portal in India
Indian video games industry analyst Rishi Alwani reports that Sony is set to release the PlayStation Portal in India this August, priced at Rs. 18,990. The report revealed that the nearly yearlong delay was due to BIS certification issues. The PlayStation Portal, manufactured in China, faced a longer certification process compared to devices from Vietnam or Taiwan.
US Senate Passes Kids Online Safety and Privacy Acts
The US Senate approved the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and the Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) in a decisive 91-3 bipartisan vote yesterday. These bills, aimed at protecting children online, now await approval from the House of Representatives. KOSA introduces a "duty of care" for tech companies, mandating stricter regulations to prevent cyberbullying and sexual exploitation, and requiring age verification for platform users. COPPA 2.0, expanding on the 1998 COPPA, would ban targeted advertising to minors and unauthorized data collection, giving parents and children control over their online information.
Microsoft Reports Strong Q4 Xbox Revenue Boost Amid Hardware Decline
Microsoft’s Q4 FY24 earnings report revealed a 61% surge in Xbox content and services revenue, largely driven by the $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard in October 2023. Gaming revenue overall increased by 44%, with the acquisition contributing significantly. However, Xbox hardware revenue fell by 42%, continuing a downward trend. The More Personal Computing segment, which includes gaming, reported $15.9 billion in revenue and $4.9 billion in operating income. CEO Satya Nadella credited growth to increased visibility from events like the Summer Game Fest and the Fallout TV show debut. CFO Amy Hood noted the 61% growth exceeded expectations and forecasted mid-30s growth for gaming in Q1 FY25.
Did You Know
Metal Gear Solid antagonist Psycho Mantis was one of the first to truly break the fourth wall in gaming. One of his most iconic tricks is his ability to "read" the player's memory card. If you had saved games from other Konami titles, Mantis would comment on them, creating an eerie and immersive experience that made players feel truly observed.
During the unforgettable boss battle, Mantis takes control to a new level by seemingly switching off your screen, making it appear as if your game or console had malfunctioned. This unsettling tactic added to the tension and confusion of the fight.
Moreover, Mantis's telekinesis extends to manipulating your controller. Players had to switch their controller to a different port to disrupt his psychic link and continue the battle. This inventive mechanic forced players to think outside the box, blending real-world actions with in-game strategy.
These groundbreaking gameplay elements made the Psycho Mantis fight a landmark moment in gaming history, showcasing the potential for innovative and immersive storytelling in video games.
Quote of the Day
from AFK Gaming https://ift.tt/alymLZ0
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
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