Good morning. It’s Thursday, October 24. Today, we explore a Skyscanner report that, amongst other things, claims “88% of Indian travellers are inspired to book a trip abroad based on locations from their favourite video game.”
We also dive into a study that details the massive multi-million dollar video game cheating industry and its risks for PCs. We also debunk myths surrounding soundproof booths at esports events in our latest feature.
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Skyscanner Thinks Gamers Are Vacationing for Video Games
A recent ‘travel trends’ report from Skyscanner paints a rosy picture of the intersection between gaming and travel. According to the report, nearly two-thirds of Gen Z identify gaming as their favorite leisure activity, with 57% saying they’re inspired to book trips based on locations featured in video games.
Indian gamers, in particular, are reported to be highly dedicated, with 67% admitting they bring gaming equipment on vacation. The Skyscanner website also claims 88% of Indian travelers are inspired to book a trip abroad based on locations from their favorite video game.
Despite the glowing figures, these trends seem exaggerated when viewed from a ground level. While the enthusiasm for gaming is clear, the idea that such high percentages of gamers (especially Indian gamers) are traveling solely based on their hobby appears overstated. As gaming and travel continue to intersect, the actual impact on consumer behavior may be more tempered than these statistics suggest.
The report also highlights significant spikes in flight searches to global gaming conventions. GamesCom in Cologne saw a 508% increase in searches in August 2024, while TwitchCon in San Diego recorded a 167% bump in September. Hotels featuring gaming consoles are said to have seen a 10% year-over-year increase in bookings, with popular destinations including Sydney, Da Nang, and Bali.
New Study Estimates Video Game Cheat Market Could Potentially be Worth $73.2 Million
A new study by the University of Birmingham reveals that hackers are regularly bypassing anti-cheat systems, including Microsoft’s Windows kernel defenses, to fuel a thriving black market for game cheats. The study, which examined 80 cheat-selling websites over three months, found that cheats for popular online multiplayer games like PUBG, Counter-Strike 2, and Apex Legends are readily available on subscription, with prices ranging from $10 to $240 per month. Researchers estimate the annual revenue generated from these sites to be between $12.8 million and $73.2 million, with up to 174,000 players purchasing cheats monthly.
The study also noted that the cost of cheats is closely linked to the strength of a game's anti-cheat system. Games like Fortnite and Valorant, with robust protections, have more expensive cheat subscriptions compared to Counter-Strike 2 and Battlefield 1, which were found to have weaker defenses.
Despite the risks, these game cheats remain legal to sell in many parts of the world. The researchers warn that the widespread ability of cheat tools to bypass Windows kernel protections—by injecting themselves as third-party drivers—is a serious issue that the cybersecurity community largely overlooks. The study underscores the growing sophistication of cheats, presenting a significant challenge for game developers and cybersecurity professionals alike.
Feature Story of the Day
The Myth of the Soundproof Booth in Esports: A Closer Look
Soundproof booths have long been considered the perfect solution to the noise and distractions of live esports events, with fans calling for their use to prevent crowd interference and unfair advantages. Yet, despite their perceived effectiveness, many tournament organizers avoid them, and players often express mixed feelings about their impact. In our feature story, we investigate why soundproof booths aren’t as common as fans believe, their real-world limitations, and the practical and financial factors behind their use. The reality behind these so-called ‘noise-proof’ booths might surprise you, as we uncover the myths surrounding them.
Quick Bytes
Ubisoft Disbands Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Team After Sales Disappointment
Ubisoft has disbanded the development team behind Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown following disappointing financial results. While no layoffs occurred, the company confirmed that most team members have been reassigned to other projects. The decision comes after the game failed to meet sales expectations, as reported by French outlet Origami. Ubisoft senior producer Abdelhak Elguess reassured fans that more Prince of Persia titles are in development, including a remake of The Sands of Time. The move follows a challenging period for Ubisoft, which recently revised its financial outlook due to underwhelming initial sales of Star Wars Outlaws.
Team Vitality and ALDI Launch Campaign to Tackle Toxicity Against Women in Esports
French esports organization Team Vitality and supermarket chain ALDI have partnered on a new campaign to combat toxicity toward women and promote diversity in esports. The initiative is led by a video titled Des Failles dans La Faille (Rifts in the Rift), featuring Team Vitality players Velouria ‘Viki’ Baty, Madison ‘Crowmac’ Coutelet, and Alena ‘Tifa’ Maurer, alongside TV host Marie Polet and other prominent figures. The video highlights their experiences with misogyny, including body shaming and threats, and aims to raise awareness of the issue while promoting positivity in gaming environments.
Bungie's Creative Team Joins PlayStation Studios to Boost Live Service Game Development
Bungie's Creative Studios team has officially moved to PlayStation Studios to support the development of live service games. Former Bungie senior creative director Bridget O'Neill announced on LinkedIn that she will serve as senior director of creative at PlayStation Studios, where the team will build the foundation for a new creative group. O'Neill expressed excitement about sharing Bungie's expertise with PlayStation as the company continues to develop live service titles. This follows Bungie’s July layoffs, which saw 220 employees, or 17% of its workforce, cut. Sony, which acquired Bungie in 2022 for $3.6 billion, retained 155 staff members to support ongoing projects.
Did You Know
Robin Williams, the beloved actor and comedian, played a surprising role in shaping the legacy of one of the most influential figures in video game history—Sid Meier. While best known for his iconic roles in film, Williams was an avid gamer with a deep passion for the industry. During a casual conversation at a gaming convention in the 1980s, Williams reportedly suggested to game developer Sid Meier and his colleagues that Meier's name should appear on every game he created.
At the time, Meier was already making waves in the gaming world with titles like Pirates! and Railroad Tycoon. But it was Williams who pushed the idea that Meier’s name could be a unique selling point, akin to a director's name in movies. The suggestion stuck. Meier’s next major project, Sid Meier’s Civilization, not only became one of the most influential strategy games of all time but also cemented the practice of including his name in the title.
Quote of the Day
from AFK Gaming https://ift.tt/CzJeMtA
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
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