Tag: Playstation games

The Last of Us Part 2 will have no Multiplayer Mode

Naugthy Dog announced that The Last of Us Part 2 will not feature multiplayer. Although the previous title had it, the developers wanted to focus more on the single player narrative for Ellie. You can see their official statement below.

While this may be disappointing to fans who enjoyed the multiplayer, single player games are having a huge resurgence in popularity; especially PlayStation exclusive games. While some people complained the multiplayer exclusion was Naught Dog being lazy, some people also complained the 1st games multiplayer felt tacked on.

There will be some multiplayer in the future, it just won’t be for the game. Perhaps a cheaper multiplayer Faction mode in late 2020?

The Last of Us Part 2 comes out Feb. 21, 2020.

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Death Stranding will launch November 8th for PS4

Death Stranding, Hideo Kojima’s new game project after leaving Konami, is finally being released. It was showcased three years ago with mass wonder on what the game would be about and the gameplay. Despite small trailers released, many fans of Kojima were unclear on what the game’s story and gameplay would be. Lack of announcement also caused concerns. However, Kojima Productions has finally shown everything you need to know about Death Stranding.

The gameplay focuses on building connections with people and the environment.

People have created “Walls” and become accustomed to living in isolation.

“Death Stranding” is a completely new type of action game, where the goal of the player is to reconnect isolated cities and a fragmented society. It is created so that all elements, including the story and gameplay, are bound together by the theme of the “Strand” or connection. As Sam Porter Bridges, you will attempt to bridge the divides in society, and in doing create new bonds or “Strands” with other players around the globe. Through your experience playing the game, I hope you’ll come to understand the true importance of forging connections with others. – Hideo Kojima

The game stars many famous movie celebrities such as Norman Reedus who plays Sam Bridges (Last name is a bit on the nose). He must traverse the world that has been corrupted by the Death Stranding and must reunite the world. Death Stranding also stars Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, Lindsay Wagner, Troy Baker, and Guillermo del Toro.

Death Stranding Collector’s Edition

If you pre-order the game, it comes with a  variety of goodies such as golden costumes which will help you stand out amongst the dark environment in the game. If you get the Collector’s Edition, it comes with a Baby statue and a backpack which will be very confusing to explain to your friends who come over. I think the gameplay trailer and story being explained is recreating the excitement fans felt three years ago. The trailer was released yesterday and is almost received 5 million views.

Codemasters Defends huge layoffs and the Cons for Video Game Developers

Codemasters is a video game company with a focus on racing games. They are well-known for their racing games series such as Dirt, F1, and Grid. They have been in the industry since 1986. Despite their longevity, not all of their games have been successful. Earlier this year, they released OnRush, a unique racer with a focus on destroying other cars during a race. The game sold extremely poorly and barely sold 1,000 units in Europe according to Eurogamer.

Whether in response or to make back the money from the development of OnRush, Codemasters laid off many senior staff members and lead designers -including Driveclub and OnRush director Paul “Rushy” Rustchynsky. Junior members were also let go. Some employees had to re-interview for a position at the company.  Employees felt the lay-off was sudden as most expected to support upcoming Codemasters titles and help develop less ambitious games.

Image result for onrush game

In response to the Layoffs

While it is common for Video Game companies to have large layoffs after a game has finished, releasing the senior staff will make it difficult for making future games. Despite this, Codemasters defends the layoffs by stating “It is normal course of business for game teams to evolve as projects launch and move into service, and as other new projects start.” The spokesperson is partially correct. To keep the cost of development down, many companies hire developers as contractors.

Image result for video game development

Difficulties of the Industry

According to TargetCW, a recruiting company, ten to fifteen percent of developers are contractors for big games. Since contractors don’t receive employee benefits, companies save 30% in cost. It is rare for contractors to ever be converted to full-time employees. Often, contractors stay on for a year or more in hopes of conversion. Many young developers will be contractors for many years. The gaming industry is idealized. As huge game budgets increase, more companies found alternative methods to save on cost. Perhaps what Codemasters said is partially correct that is common to lay off contractors and employees after a game development, it doesn’t mean it’s okay. With this news breaking, hopefully, more unions or changes to protect employees in the gaming industry.

Eurogamer – Original Interview with Former Employees

Polygon – Difficulties of Contract work

Gamersrevolutions

 

 

Guerrilla Games, developers of Horizon: Zero Dawn, grows

Horizon: Zero Dawn was one of the best selling games last year. It proved new intellectual properties and new games can be just as successful as a big sequel. The game sold almost 5 million units and was nominated for many Game of the Year awards. Thanks to its success, Guerrilla Games have grown! They are jumping for 250 employees to 400 and are taking more space in the office they currently reside in.

The goals of CEO Hermen Hulst are to release big games in a shorter time. Horizon took over six years to develop. Their idea is to “release games in two or three years, both new titles and games based on existing titles.” Although they have not announced their future games, they have also worked on the Killzone series. I look forward to more games from Guerrilla that will make people go ape.

Sources:

Eurogamer

Horizon Zero Dawn Sales