Tag: video game news

Middle-Earth: Shadow of War removes Loot Boxes

The new, free update to Middle-Earth: Shadow of War finally removed their loot boxes called War Chests. Released in September 27th, 2017, Monolith Productions defended the addition of loot boxes as they didn’t influence the game or ruin the narrative. The boxes provided stronger Orcs for the player in the game’s famous Nemesis system and it would help reduce the grind of improving the Orcs. These helped players earn stronger Orcs without relying on chance. However, the game’s true ending is difficult to obtain without extra grinding for strong Orc captains which angered many players. Players felt Monolith and Warner Brothers (Developers and Publisher) were encouraging players to spend money on loot boxes to obtain better Orcs. As of July 17th, the loot box system and store has been completely removed from Shadow of War.

What happens after the Loot Box removal?

To help players obtain better Orcs, the game now provides challenges and Spoils of Wars which give players Training Orders. You can also purchase Training Orders with in-game currency. Monolith also allowed players to earn gears much easier than before. Previous players who have already gone through the game receive masks which helps improve Orcs. The studio has also made reduced the number of stages and missions required for 100% completion of the game.

Some fans lost their Orc, loot boxes and war chests after the initial update but Monolith is working hard to return everything that players purchased. Shadow of War sold 1.75 million units worldwide but perhaps sales were deterred due to the loot box system. The previous title, Shadow of Mordor, sold 3.2 million.

Question

Do you think Monolith has earned good grace for removing the loot boxes or is it too late?

Sources:

Shadow of War Update – July 17th

Shadow of War – Loot Box fix

Venturebeat – How to previously earn 100% on Shadow of War

Polygon

 

Target’s Big Discount Code Disater

Late last night, Target release six coupon text codes which gave users 15% off products and 20% off if you spend over $50. While most discounts are good, there was a glitch that allowed coupons to stack.

Some people began buying video game consoles and televisions with the coupons. People began to rush to order online and “Pick up a Store” before the store could cancel their request. Even I did it this morning. I paid for two Nintendo Switch games for $43. Some people saved over $300! Unfortunately, all the codes have been disabled and texting will no longer provide you with the discount. But for a brief couple of hours, Target probably lost a huge profit. Thanks to CheapAssGamers for tweeting this deal. Check out their website and Twitter for more.

Hazelight Studio’s continues to work with EA

Hazelight Studio created two critically acclaimed games: Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and A Way Out. Both games focused on co-operative gameplay and unique stories based on bonds and friendship. I just finished A Way Out last week. It’s amazing and I’m looking forward to their next game. Josef Fares, the director, stated he will continue to work with Electronic Arts as their publisher for their next game.

Fares reached internet fame with his famous speech at the 2017 Video Game Awards show where he said: “Fuck the Oscars!” Despite EA’s reputation for ruining their studios’ games such as Mass Effect and Dead Space, Fares has only stated great experiences when working with them.

“It’s no problem. It’s super-good support. I don’t care what publisher I work with it’s going to be the same. This is how I work: I respect the economical aspect but nobody fucks with the vision – it’s very, very important. And they know it at EA now, and they’re super-supportive – super-supportive”

Image result for a way out

Don’t expect the new game soon. Fares has stated the game isn’t expected to release for two to three more year but they have begun their work. Although they have the concept down, it will be a different game than their previous works. Fares also stated that the new game will be a bigger production and longer experience than A Way Out. “It’s not triple-A big but it’s bigger than A Way Out.” Players complained that A Way Out was too short but stats showed only 50% of the player based finished the game. He clarified that the game is not a triple-A title due to the player perception that the game was similar to Uncharted. 

Business

A Way Out has sold more than one million digital units which is impressive from a small studio. Although the length of the game is short, it feels like a movie experience with a perfect length. If you’re curious how Fares and Electronic Arts have data on players playthroughs, the game has an agreement people can digitally sign to give their player data.

Sources:

Eurogamer

No Single-Player Star Wars Game – Amy Henning leaves EA

Many Star Wars games fans have been critical over Electronic Art’s handling of the series. Electronic Arts have produced and published more multiplayer focus Star Wars games like Battlefield 2 and The Old Republic MMO series. Fans have been looking forward to a story focused Star Wars game similar to the Knights of the Old Republic Series. Unfortunately, fans will have to keep waiting as Amy Hennig, the former Uncharted creator who moved the EA to work on a story based Star Wars Game, has left the company.

Image result for Amy Hennig

Amy Hennig had left EA in January but only recently announced it. She joined Visceral (EA’s subsidiary gaming company) in 2014 to work on a new Star Wars game. Visceral was closed by EA in October 2017 and the project was moved to another studio. During an interview with Eurogamer, she stated she has moved on to start her new independent studio.

“So yeah, I’m not doing anything Star Wars. And, who knows what the future may hold, but that project is on the shelf now.

The game and concept were not moved to any part of EA’s studios throughout the world and “the Vancouver studio is working on something pretty different,” stated Hennig. Perhaps Respawn Entertainment will restart Henning’s project considering their purchase from EA last year.

Source

Eurogamer