Void Interactive’s Ready Or Not isn’t just another FPS—it’s a gritty dive into law enforcement’s darkest realities, tackling human trafficking and mass shootings. But one mission, featuring a school shooting, has sparked debate. Today’s feature unpacks whether it is bold storytelling confronting real-world issues, or just exploitative shock value.
Additionally, we report on Ubisoft’s potential buyout, a surprising report on just how many gamers prefer single-player games, ESFI’s latest tournament qualifier and more.
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Unsettling Realism or Disturbing Exploitation?
Void Interactive’s Ready Or Not isn’t just another first-person shooter—it's a searing exploration of the moral gray areas and harrowing realities faced by law enforcement. Featuring tense, high-stakes missions inspired by real-world tragedies, this controversial game has sparked debate for its portrayal of scenarios ranging from human trafficking to mass shootings. One mission, ominously titled “Elephant,” draws players into a school shooting in progress—a daring creative choice that has both gripped and disturbed its audience.
In our feature story, we dive deep into the game's unsettling authenticity, its impact on players, and the ethical dilemmas it raises. Is Ready Or Not a powerful piece of interactive storytelling that forces players to confront society’s darker corners? Or does it cross a line, trivializing real-world trauma for entertainment’s sake? We unpack whether Ready Or Not is pushing boundaries in the name of art—or merely pushing buttons.
Tencent, Guillemot Brothers Weigh Buyout to Stabilize Troubled Ubisoft
Tencent Holdings and Guillemot Brothers are exploring options to stabilize Ubisoft Entertainment SA amid mounting financial challenges, potentially paving the way for a buyout to take the French game publisher private, according to Bloomberg.
The companies have reportedly consulted with advisors to consider various strategic moves, although discussions are still in the preliminary stages and may not result in a formal bid. The development comes as pressure mounts on Ubisoft following sharp declines in its share price, with minority shareholder AJ Investments calling for the firm to go private.
Ubisoft’s market capitalization currently stands at $1.5 billion, reflecting a 54% drop in its stock value this year. The decline accelerated after the underwhelming launch of Star Wars Outlaws, which prompted Ubisoft to lower its financial targets and delay the highly anticipated Assassin’s Creed Shadows to early 2025.
Guillemot Brothers, led by the family that founded Ubisoft, holds over 20% of the publisher’s voting rights, while Tencent, a significant backer of the gaming industry, owns 9.2%. In 2022, Tencent increased its stake in the Guillemot family’s holding company, further intertwining its investment in Ubisoft’s future.
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China took the gaming world by storm with the runaway success of Black Myth: Wukong, a AAA title that proved the country’s ability to create a blockbuster that resonates globally. Now, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can India follow suit?
Join us for an exclusive webinar with Ojas Vipat, founder of Mayhem Studios, as he delves into the challenges and opportunities that could position India as the next big player in the gaming space — or reveal why it might still be a distant dream.
Quick Bytes
Over Half of Gamers Prefer Single-Player Titles, Says Midia Research
More than half of gamers favor single-player games, according to a new survey by Midia Research. The study found that 58% of respondents prefer solo gameplay, with mobile platforms leading the trend. The survey, conducted in Q1 2024 and Q1 2023 across nine countries, revealed that older gamers are particularly drawn to single-player titles, with 74% of those aged 55 and above choosing to play alone. Meanwhile, 43% of players aged 20 to 24 favored player-versus-player (PVP) games.
FromSoftware Raises Base Salary Amid Broader Industry Push for Talent Retention
Elden Ring developer FromSoftware is increasing its base salary for new graduates in Japan. Beginning April 2025, the starting salary will rise to 300,000 yen ($2,020), an 11.8% increase from the current 260,000 yen ($1,750). This adjustment aligns the company’s pay structure with Japanese peers like Konami, Capcom, and Atlus, all of which have raised starting salaries to 300,000 yen in the past year.
Esports Federation of India Announces BRICS Championship 2024 for Tekken 8
The Esports Federation of India (ESFI) has announced the BRICS Championship 2024 for Tekken 8, with registrations now open. Organized by the Russian Esports Federation, the tournament will be held from November 9-10 at VK Play Arena in Moscow. The championship will feature top players from nine countries, including India, Russia, Brazil, and China, competing for a prize pool of ₹13 lakh.
Thailand to Host PUBG Global Series 5 and 6 in October and November
Thailand has been selected to host two international esports tournaments, PUBG Global Series (PGS) 5 and 6, from October 21 to November 10, according to a recent announcement by PUBG Esports on Twitter. Both tournaments will take place in Bangkok, but in a closed studio environment without live spectators. To accommodate fans, organizers are considering setting up external watch parties.
Did You Know
When Insomniac Games was developing its 2018 Spider-Man game, they received an unusual request from a fan named Tyler Schultz on Twitter. Tyler asked the studio if they could include a marriage proposal in the game as a surprise for his girlfriend, Madison. In a heartwarming gesture, Insomniac agreed and placed the message, “Maddie, will you marry me?” on a theater marquee in the game’s New York City.
However, the story took an unexpected turn. By the time Spider-Man was released, Tyler and Madison had broken up, and the proposal—meant to commemorate their relationship—became a bittersweet memory. In an interview, Tyler revealed that the relationship ended just weeks before the game’s launch, and to make matters worse, Madison had left him for his brother. The proposal, which was supposed to mark a new chapter in their lives, was instead left as a reminder of what could have been.
Despite the breakup, the developers chose not to remove or alter the message, and the proposal remains a permanent Easter egg in the game.
Quote of the Day
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