Another ally in Microsoft's ongoing pledge drive

The European Commission has finally returned its verdict and voted in favor of the proposed purchase of Activision Blizzard by publisher Microsoft. The EU Commission has been debating the near $69 billion merger for months, but has ultimately decided not to stand in ????Microsoft's way.

The EU Commission?'s report notes that it does not consider the proposed purchase will damage the market for any particular publisher or platform, and while the commission did suggest that problems might arise regarding cloud gaming, or any potential PC operating systems that are not Microsoft's own Windows, Microsoft offered concessions that would allow all Europea??n Economic Area (EEA) customers a 10-year license to play "all current and future Activision Blizzard PC and console games" via the cloud service of their choice.

//twitter.com/BradSmi/status/165??8126474543607??808?s=20

"These licenses will ensure that gamers that have purchased one or more Activision games on a PC or console store,? or that have subscribed to a multi-game subscription service that includes Activision games, have the right to stream those games with any cloud game streaming service of their choice and play them on any device using any operating system," said the C?ommission in its report.

Microsoft chairman Brad Smith took to Twitter to further discuss the concessions that have led to the EU C?ommission ultimately voting in favor of the merger.

"The European Commission has required Microsoft to license popular Activision Blizzard games automatically to competing cloud gaming services. This will apply globally and will empower millions of consumers worldwide to play these? games on any device they choose," wrote Smith.

These same concerns are the same ones that saw the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) vote to block the acquisition back in April, despite Microsoft's objections. The publisher is expected to appeal the decision?? this summer. The UK is?? one of the few territories to vote No on the purchase, with Japan, Brazil, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and now Europe all seemingly on board. Of course, Microsoft still has to face the lawsuit from the FTC on its home soil, which will most definitely be its biggest hurdle to surmount before the sale can complete. The suit is scheduled to take place this August.

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A Stitch in Time

Every day we read stories about the potential (inevitable?) end of human creativity due to advances in AI. But meanwhile, in the Czech Republic, a brand new deve??loper is creating a game utilizing embroidered animation, hand-painted backgrounds, and traditional musical instruments.

It's titled Scarlet Deer Inn, and it is being produced by Attu Games. This studio consists of a husband and wife team that decided they wanted to craft a video game entirely in-house, and I've never wanted to cheer someone on more. While Eva and Lukas Navratilova have been tweeting about their game since 2021, it's a recent Twitter post that seems to be catching the int??ernet's attention.

//twitter.com/EvaBalikova/status/16521969553?15924994?s=20

"Hi, I'm making a game where all characters have embroidered animation," wrote Eva Navratilova in a succinct comment. Eva also attached a brief video of said animation as well as a fascinating clip of the embroidering process. Twi?tter users were full of praise for how cool the idea is, and the footage has received high praise from curious video game fans.

The process seems very time-consuming. Eva, who serves as the game's writer and designer, as well as Attu Games' community & marketing manager, described the basic process for Twitter users. Firstly, the animation frames are drawn out, before being stitched over. Once these embroideries are scanned and digitally cropped, then outlining and shading are added. While the embroidery process itself can add an outline to the character, Eva notes that it is much smoother when added digitally.

//tw??itter.com/EvaBalikova/status/1652314009616408579?s=20

So why add this extra step? ??Why go to the additional trouble? Does it tie into the story in some way? Nope. The team simply enjoys and takes pride in creat?ing handmade things and producing different animation styles. Admittedly, the excitement of being the first to do so also has a hand in the decision.

Clearly, Eva and her husband Lukas, who serves as programmer, designer, artist, and animator, aren't afraid of a challenge. The two are even attempting to produce the game's soundtrack themselves! Using traditional instruments, they are composing a score stylized after medieval-inspired folk music to go along?? with the Slavic folklore-inspired story.

I'm excited to see some wholesome and traditional artistic creativity. Not every game needs to be a hand-drawn masterpiece, of course, but the few that are should be celebrated. Given the meticulous nature of its design, Scarlet Deer Inn doesn't have a release date yet and it's hard to say whether Attu Games can do everything on their own, or how long it will ta??ke them.

I do know that I will ??be adding this game to my Steam wishlist though.

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Japanese developer heads westward

CyGames Inc, the Japanese developer behind the Granblue Fantasy and Shadowverse franchises, has announced it is expanding into the west, establishing two new studios in Europe and??? the United States.

"Following the worldwide launch of Cygames�strategic card game Shadowverse in June 2?016, a Global Business Development team was established alongside branches in Korea and Tai?wan to further promote the company’s titles outside of Japan," said the company in a statement."

"Cygames America and Cygames Europe are the latest additions to Cygames' ongoing push to promote and market their titles in North America and Europe, which together account for roughly half of the world’s video game mar??ketplace. In keeping with the company’s vision to be the best in entertainme?nt, Cygames strives to continue providing high-quality content for fans all around the globe."

The CyGames America offi??ce is located in Los Angeles, where it is overseen by CEO Motohiro Okubo. The European office is situated in London, UK, and is run by Managing Director Hiroaki Ochiai. It appears that both studios will focus mostly on marketing, distribution, and the localization of products. Currently, it seems that neither team will feature in-house game development.

The next major release from the studio will be the revamped fighter Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, which is currently in development at Arc System Works with an eye to launch in later in 2023.

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First time at European expo in four years

Nintendo has revealed that it will be in attendance for this year's Gamescom, which is scheduled to take place in Germany in Augu??st �As confirmed by Koelnmesse and The German Games Industry Association, The House of Mario will make its return ??at the annual event, marking the first time in four years that the publisher has made the trip to the European expo.

"We are excited to announce that Nintendo will be exhibiting at Gamescom 2023," said the event's organizers on Twitter. "Many ??more exhibitors will follow in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!"

Nintendo's attendance comes as something of a surprise as the publisher has not only shied away from exhibiting at industry events in recent years, but will have also already launched its biggest titles (that we know of) for 2023 �namely Metroid Prime Remastered, Fire Emblem Engage, and the incoming Pikmin 4, and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom??. One might assume that the publisher simply?? wishes to further promote these releases.

//twitte?r.com/gamescom/status/1651179325167906816?s=20

But, perhaps Nintendo has a surprise or two up its sleeve �Gamescom 2023 will, as always, premiere with Geoff Keighley's "??Opening Night Live" streaming event which, in the wake of E3's struggles, has become the de-facto summer streaming event for major updates and announ?cements. Will Nintendo have something to showcase during this live stream? Right now, it's a dice roll, but seeing the publisher actually leave its offices for once is definitely a curious situation.

Gamescom 2023 will take place at Koelnmesse, Germany between? August 22-27. Opening Night L??ive will take place on the evening of August 22.

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New digs for 47 and 007

Danish developer IO Interactive has announced the establishment of a brand new studio, situated in Istanbul, Turkey. The new studio represents major growth for the Hitman developer, and is ex??pected to play a key role in all of IO's forthcoming releases.

We are excited to announce the opening of our fourth IOI studio in Istanbul, TĂĽrkiye," reads the official press statement. "Uniquely positioned in the pa?n-continental gateway to Europe and Asia, IOI Istanbul is a crucial part in the continued growth and success of IO Interactive."

//twitter.com/IOInteractive/status/1635930010350387?201?s=20

"The mission of IOI Istanbul is to establish a hub for AAA game development in the region and create unique game experiences for our players across the world. Our team in Istanbul will play a significant role in our ambitious productions: Project 007, Project Fantasy and Hitman. We’re excited ??to share more details (and share some photos!) about our new studio in the coming weeks and months."

The Istanbul studio, which is the fourth of IOI's global locations, is opening at a time when the developer has announced that it is about to focus full-time on its previously teased Project 007. Speaking in a recent interview with Eurogamer, IO noted that its core franchise, Hitman, was on "a little bit of a hiatus" while the team concentrated on the James Bond?? title. They were also quick to point out that they saw Agent 47 as an integral part of the studio, so we can expect his return in good time.

You can check out more details on IOI Istanbul and its vacancies over on its new website.

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Court demands full refunds for all Austrian FUT players

The controversial and highly lucrative FIFA Ultimate Team system is in hot water once again �This time, the trouble comes from an Austria??n court,?? which has officially ruled that the microtransaction-based digital card collector violates the nation's gambling laws.

As reported by German news outlet GamesWirtschaft, the verdict comes at the end of a 2022 lawsuit that was filed against Sony Interac??tive Entertainment by a group of PlayStation FIFA players. The suit is directed at Sony rather than FIFA publisher Electronic Arts because the FUT packs were purchased on the PlayStation Network, which makes the sales contract with Sony, and not with EA itself.

The court decreed that players being able to sell FUT cards on a secondary market added elements of value to many randomized items. The court argued that this action gives FUT players the opportunity to access a profit margin for their randomly accessed products, which is what violates Austria's gambling laws. As such, the court has ordered Sony to refund Austrian FIFA players who have made FUT? ??purchases on PlayStation Network.

Padronus, a law firm specializing in recovering losses from online casinos, reports that over 1000 FIFA players have contacted them looking for compensation, with individual purchases ranging from three to five figures. It seems, however, ??that there is a cap on the amount Sony will have to refund any one player, and it should also be noted that Sony has the option to appeal the verdict, which it most likely will.

Since its initial inception in 2018, FIFA Ultimate Team has been both lucrative and controversial. The mechanic has faced up to legal scrutiny time and again �especially in the European court system, while EA came under heavy fire back in after it was discovered employees had been selling highly sought-after FUT items "under-the-table", in what was unimaginatively dubbed "EAgate". Despite the headaches, EA has remained steadfast in its decision to keep the FUT system live ??and kicking, and given that it has raked in somewhere in the region of $1.5 million U??SD every year since its launch, it is unlikely to pull the plug until forced.

Austrian?? court rules that FIFA ??loot boxes violate gambling laws [GamesIndustry.biz]

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Further hurdles for $68 billion dollar deal

New roadblocks will reportedly be placed in the path of Microsoft in its bid to purchase publisher Activision Blizzard �According to a report by Reuters, the European Commission (EU) is preparing to state its objection to the deal in the coming we?eks, adding further strife to Microsoft's acquisition plans.

As those who have been following our reporting will know, Microsoft requires the favor of several global regulatory bodies in order to complete the purchase, and is already mired in a lawsuit with the United States Federal Trade Commission (FTC) which itself is against the sale taking place. While Microsoft will be able to make suggestions to placate the bodies, the whole process has already turned bitter at points, helping matters none.

The commission declined to resp??ond to Reuters report, though a Microso?ft representative said of the story: "We're continuing to work with the European Commission to address any marketplace concerns. Our goal is to bring more games to more people, and this deal will further that goal."

The comment pursues Microsoft's line that it is not seeking to form a monopoly with the purchase of Activision Blizzard, a dogged mantra that it is following in the face of concerns that billion-dollar franchises such as Call of Duty may become Xbox exclusives at some point in the future. Mi?crosoft's attempts to assuage these concerns have been relatively futile as of late.

The Microsoft/FTC lawsuit is scheduled to go to trial this summer, with both parties free to appeal whatever the outcome. Microsoft will then have to placate the EU Commission and other bodies in similar fashion, which makes the Activision Blizzard purchase �a deal that I cannot see MS backing away from �a long, long time in the making.

Microsoft f??aces EU antitrust warning over Activision deal [Reuters]

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Double-stuffed with cosmetics

A new crossover is bringing some Oreos flavor to games. Xbo??x and Oreos are teaming up for a special-edition cookie design, with both a change in the cookie and some in-game cosmetics for several Xbox games.

The promotion is taking place in 22 countries, which Xbox specifies as Eu???rope only. Sorry to any North American fans or other regions looking to get the special cookies.

These specific cookies will feature the Xbox logo and the A, B, X, Y button layout, as well as a directional arrow. By scanning the cookies and cracking the combination, players can unlock prizes for games. Entering the symbols in the correct sequence will unlock special, exclusive Oreo-themed content for games like Halo Infinite, Forza Horizon 5, and Sea of Thieves.

[caption id="attachment_357256" align="alignnone" width="640"] Screenshot via Xbox[/caption]

The codes are meant to be inspired by cheat codes hidden in games throughout history. That does make me curious if a Konami code input is hiding somewhere in all those Oreo cookies.

The special cookies are expected to be available in participating regions this month, and available while stocks last. If you want to participate, you can visit the Oreo site and check h?ere to see if your country is taking part. (Reminder, this? is a Europe-only event.)

Funnily enough, Oreos have tied into video games before now in some fun ways. The Pokemon limited edition Oreos bore the likenesses of some of the series' most well-remembered Pokemon. But ??this one, letting you discern special cheat codes from the cookies themselves? Well, that's pretty neat. At least until you eat the cookies before remembering to check the symbols.

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Call of Duty remains the Golden Goose

Microsoft continues in its dogged efforts to seek approval from European antitrust regulators over its purchase of Activision Blizzard. The deal, which was announced almost a full year ago, would see Microsoft take ownership of the video game publisher for the?? hefty sum of $68.7 billion USD.

Before the deal can be completed, Microsoft must seek the approval of various global commissions, ensuring that there will be no antitrust issues from the meeting of two of the industry's biggest companies. The European Commission is yet to offer its approval for the purchase, going as far as to launch a full investigation into the proposed deal. The commission is charged with declar?ing its decision before April 11, 2023.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=r72GP1PIZa0

At the center of myriad angles on this whole endeavor lies Activision's billion-dollar franchise, Call of Duty. Sony has been unashamedly loud in its concerns that making the military shooter franchise an Xbox exclusive will severely harm the PlayStation market. And while Microsoft had offered up an agreement to keep Call of Duty a cross-platform release ??for "at least three years", Sony rejected this offer, with CEO Jim Ryan openly calling it "inadequate on many levels".

According to world news outlet Reuters, Microsoft might be preparing to make Call of Duty the ace in securing global approval for the Activision purchase. Reuters suggests that MS might offer Sony a 10-year licensing �a good-faith gesture intended to sway ant??itrust concerns. Regardless, ?there is still some way to go, as while the purchase has been unconditionally cleared in many territories �including Brazil, Serbia, and Saudi Arabia �The EU Commission and U.S. FTC regulators will take more convincing.

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Another day, another purchase

Bandai Namco Entertainment has announced that it has increased its stake in Limbic Entertainment, becoming a majority shareholder in the German studio, best known for the strategy sequel Tropico 6.

"This investment is much more than a strategic move for Bandai Namco," writes Bandai Namco Entertainment Europe CEO Arnaud Muller in a press release. "For the past three years, we have worked together on the creation of new IPs. The first game Park Beyond will be released in 2023 but there is much more to come. This investment is just the continuity of our existing relationship, and we will help Limbic become the new reference in strategy and simulation games.�/p>

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ROFu9dnqxQ

"With? Bandai Namco we are very lucky to have a partner who shares our goals, values and commitment to develop amazing titles," agrees Limbic Entertainment co-founder and CEO Stephan ??Winter. "Working together up to this point has already shown the trust and mutual respect that characterizes our relationship. Solidifying this bond gives us the opportunity to up our game �to plan even more ambitiously and bring Limbic Entertainment to the next level."

Bandai Namco previously purchased a minority stake in Limbic back in February 2021, as the studio began its work on the aforementioned new-gen park builder, Park Beyond, to be published by Bandai Namco once development is complete. Clearly, over the ensuing time period, the publisher has seen potential in Limbic, and has thus taken steps to tuck the ?indie outfit and its 100-strong staff further under its wing.

Park Beyond is currently in development for P?S5, PC, and Xbox Series X.

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Fashionably Late

Today was supposed to see the release of the physical edition of Sega's witchy classic Bayonetta on Nintendo Switch �B?ut European fans of the lollipop-chomping gunslinger have come unstuck at the last minute, with Nintendo announcing, on launch day, that it is delaying the release in UK a?nd Europe.

"We are now aiming to release the physical edition of Bayonetta in the first half of October, exclusively on My Nintendo Store," reads a very succinct message from The Big N. "Please stay tuned for more info. W??e apologise for any inconvenience caused."

While hardly the end of the world, the launch day delay for Bayonetta in Europe and the UK will no doubt further the ire of Nintendo fans in those territories, who are already smarting from another distribution problem earlier in the year, when fans were informed that the collector's edition of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 was delayed due to "unforeseen logistical challenges". To date, said ??collector's edition is still unavailable to order in both Europe and the UK.

Meanwhile, the long-awaited sequel, Bayonetta 3, will launch on Nintendo Switch October 28.

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Genesect, Marshadow, and Volcanion

A Pokemon distribution is underway in Europe! If you're still playing Pokemon Sword and Shield (or have access to it), you can partake.

The Europe Pokemon distribution event: Genesect, Marshadow, and Volcanion at GAME (UK), Gamemania (Belgium/Netherlands)

Genesect, Marshadow, and Volcanion are all part of the same event, which is going on at the moment in several regions of Europe (listed above) until September 30. According to Pokekalos, it will be an in-store deal, and you'll get a receipt with the code for the trio. Again, this distribution is restricted to Pokemon Sword and Shield.

Once you have your code, you have until December 31 to actually put it in using the m?ystery gift system. There's another event possibly on the horizon, too!

Another event is on the books: a shiny Eternatus at GameStop

Details on the shiny Eternatus event are slim, but Pokebeach is reporting that GameStop stores are?? prepping for a GameStop distribution event (to be announced soon). While GameStop just secures a US drop right now, it could co??me to other regions.

Yet another event is live now

Also remember there?'s a code live now for Ash's Gengar! Oh, and there's going to be a Scarlet and Violet bonus distribution when it launches. Nintendo and Game ?Freak are getting everything out of the way before a new era begins, that's for sure.

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The (other) Game Awards

?And so the sun sets on another Gamescom �and it seems that this year's event was something of a successful com??eback. Making a grand return to Germany's Koelnmesse complex, the first physical Gamescom in over two years saw players, press, and publishers gather together to show off and/or experience some of the top titles currently working their way toward an eager gaming public.

While some, this author included, found the Opening Night Live stream a tad underwhelming, there was a large selection of interesting games and projects showcased both online and on the show floor over the course of the week-long event. As is tradition, a jury of Gamescom's peers and employees has put together an awards list, shining the spotlight on a selection of titles showcased during the event that stood out to the panel as being particularly promising, impressi??ve releases.

Now, of course, we don't need to put too much weight on this list. It is, after all, an honors list of Gamescom games as decided by Gamescom. But it's still interesting to see which of the 100+ games in attendance this week have been selected as featuring some special promise, and it may help them find their way onto your own personal radar. I'm certainly looking forward to seeing more of Lies of P.

Here are the Gamescom 2022 award winners:

Best Action Adventure Game: Lies of P
Best Action Game: Metal: Hellsinger
Best Family Game: Paper Trail
Best Indie Game: Inkulinati
Best Multiplayer Game: Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
Best Ongoing Game: Sea of Thieves
Best Role Playing Game: Lies of P
Best Sports Game: AEW: Fight Forever
Best Strategy/Simulation Game: IXION
Most Original Game: Inkulinati
Most Wanted Microsoft Xbox Game: The Last Case of Benedict Fox
Most Wanted Nintendo Switch Game: Tin Hearts
Most Wanted PC Game: Metal: Hellsinger
Most Wanted Sony PlayStation Game: Lies of P
Best Trailer/Announcement: Hogwarts Legacy
Best Booth: Bandai Namco Entertainment
Best Lineup: Plaion
Heart of Gaming Award �The game industry’s solidarity with Ukraine
Gamescom Goes Green Award: Ukie

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Russian studio Konfa Games also acquired

American Publisher tinyBuild Inc, following a particularly expensive morning, has announced that it has acquired several IPs from indie studio Bossa Games. As reported by GamesIndustry.biz, the memeriffic "comedy physics" titles Surgeon Simulator, I am Bread, and I am Fish wer??e purchased by tin??yBuild for an "upfront payment" of $3 million USD.

Following the closure of this purchase, tinyBuild will now manage de?velop?mental control of all three titles, while Bossa Studios will move on to new projects. Despite the relative simplicity of the games, the former Bossa franchises have raked in millions of dollars in revenue since their respective releases.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6COQHqc4LE

"Since early 2022, Bossa has been focused exclusively in the genre of co-op PvE. We have been prototyping a lot, and now find ourselves in full production of titles we are pouring our hearts and souls into," writes Bossa co-founder Henrique Olifiers of the company's future. "This brought us to the ques??tion of how best to ta?ke care of our legacy, our existing games, and how to ensure they have a future of their own."

"Together with TinyBuild, we found a path that allows Bossa to dedicate its full attention to its new projects, while ensuring Surgeon Simulator, I Am Bread and I Am Fish have a ne??w home that un?derstands what makes these games tick as well as we do."

In addition to the Bossa IP acquisition, tinyBuild also announced that it has purchased independent Russian studio Konfa Games for $5.4 million. It is reported that the Konfa team will now relocate to tinyBuild's Serbian headquarters, where it will continue development on its current projects, including the cartoonish roguelike Despot's Game: Dystopian Army Builder, which is available now on PC.

TinyBuild acquires Bossa Studios IPs for $3m [GamesIndustry.biz]

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The special version will be a separate purchase in the UK

Nintendo is splitting out the game from the other contents of the Collector's Edition for Xenoblade Chronicles 3. While the base game will still launch on July 29, the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Collector's Edition contents won't roll out for Europe until after the gam?e's launch.

In a statement, Nintendo says that due to "unforeseen logistical challenges," the company is unable to open pre-ord?ers for the collector's edition until after the game launches.

Rather than hold off on selling the game, Nintendo will be offering the contents of the Collector's Edition as a separate purchase. That way fans can purchase Xenoblade Chronicles 3 at launch and not have to re-buy the software.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-iNpDKuYb8

The Collector's Editio??n includes a softcover?? concept art book, a steel case, and the outer packaging that holds everything.

Pre-orders for the Collector's Edition contents will open sometime later in September. The special contents of the Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Collector's Edition are expected to be delivered sometime around autumn 2022, and all items will be shipped with free delivery. You can sign up for updates on the Nintendo UK site as well.

A sought-after special edition

The rollout of Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Collector's Edition hasn't been smooth sailing. The online store has had a few pre-order windows, and they were usually accompanied by waves of people sitting in a long virtual queue and not making it in. The online storefront even crashed for some. Nintendo has to host several waves of releases as it resolved issues with purchasing physical products on the My Nintendo Store.

Whether this will still be a sought-after Collector's Edition in September, we'll see. Xenoblade Chronicles 3 is due out later this month on July 29. As Chris wrote in our preview, the RPG is so far everythi?ng he needed it to be.

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The fine line between stupid and... and clever

In news spotted by GamesIndustry.biz, PlayStation will be removing certain purchased content from certain user accounts next month, citing "evolving licensing agreemen??ts with content providers."

The content in question belongs to movie publisher Studio Canal, whose titles will be removed from the German and Austrian versions of PSN on August 31. Not only will this render some 100 films unavailable for purchase, but users who have previously purchased the affected content will also be unable to access the films once this date passes. You can check out the full list of affected films here �reme??mber, this (currently) only affects German and Austrian PlayStati??on users.

The Studio Canal situation is an inevitable part of PlayStation's shuttering of PSN's movie rental/purchase market. While the discontinuation of film purchases came into effect in the spring of 2021, the continuing "rolling over" of licenses suggests that Sony will be forced to come to terms of closure with each and every studio that has offered its film and TV properties for purchase. Clearly the agreement betw??een PlayStation and Studio Canal has come to?? an end.

Of course, there are a lot of specificities here. We are, for now, only talking about purchased content involving one particular studio in two particular territories. But the prevailing concern is obviously focused more on the fact that ?publishers of any digital content �music, film, gaming, TV �have the essential right to remove and/or withhold access to any and all paid content at the drop of a hat. This may not be the last time ??such a story crops up in our headlines.

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Xbox signs up for Europe's biggest gaming event

Xbox has confirmed that? it will be in attendance for Gamescom 2022, which is scheduled to take place in Germany next month. The industry giant is expected to offer up further information regarding its upcoming hardware and software plans, focusing on the next wave of releases for the Xbox Series X platform.

"Following our recent Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, we’re excited to confirm that Xbox will be back on the show f??loor at Gamescom 2022 in Cologne, Germany," wrote the company in this morning's press release. "Fans in Europe and around the world can expect updates on some announced games coming to Xbox in the next 12 months."

As noted, Gamescom 2022 will see the industry?? event return in a live capacity for the first time in two years, since the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic forced the tr?ade show to shift to an online model. Returning to its regular stomping ground of the Koelnmesse center in Cologne, Germany, Gamescom 2022 will offer attendees the opportunity to check out hundreds of upcoming releases on a multitude of platforms. Geoff Keighley will once again host an "Opening Night Live" stream to kick off the event.

While Xbox will be appearing on the show floor, both PlayStation and Nintendo have already confirmed that they will not be hosting booths at this year's event. Since the pandemic shifted the balance of marketing mechanics, many publishers have chosen to highlight their products through?? their own channels, utilizing live streams and smaller, more localized events to demonstrate their upcoming releases.

Gamescom 2022 will take place in Cologne, Germany from August 24-28. You can find out more details about the hybrid event and its range of in-person and online activities over on the official website.

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Publisher to appear at 'regional events'

With Friday's Sony State of Play presentation, the summer gaming news season is officially underway. But before we have even gotten close to the season's Gamescom 2022 showcase, developer/publisher Nintendo has already an?nounced that it will not be in attendance for the August event.

In a statement to German news outlet Games Wirtschaft, (later republished by VGC), Nintendo Europe noted that it will not be joining the other industry figureheads gathering in Cologne, and will instead be l?ow-key showcasing its various wares at several smaller, region??al trade shows in and around Germany.

"Gamescom is a key event in Nintendo’s calendar of events," writes Nintendo. "This year, however, ??after careful consideration, we have decided against participating in Cologne. Instead, players will be able to try out the games for Ni??ntendo Switch at numerous events throughout Germany."

"Events that have been firmly scheduled so far include [...] the SWR Summ????er Festival and the Stuttgart Children and Youth Festival. For Japan and video game fans, we have decided to participate in the Main Matsuri Japan Festival in Frankfurt as well as the DoKomi in DĂĽsseldorf and the AnimagiC in Mannheim. Further tour stops and activities are being planned."

"We ?look forward?? to seeing our fans again at many regional events."

Gamescom joins an expanding list of 2022 events wherein Nintendo will not be putting in an appearance. The studio has become increasingly introverted in regard to news distribution for its ongoing projects, preferring instead to stick to its Nintendo Direct live streams and the occasional "Treehouse" demonstration. Even its flagship fighter, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, will not be featured in the intern??ational fighting game tournament EVO 2022. It seems, for this year at any rate, Nintendo remains insistent on sitting at its own exclusive table.

Gamescom 2022, which returns in a semi-physical capacity for the first time in two years, will take place in Cologne, Germany between August 24-28. The event will feature news, reveals, playable demos, interviews, and the annual Opening Night Live showcase, once again hosted by organizer Geoff Keighley.

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'Surprise Mechanics' back in the crosshairs

Gaming's most controversial economy, the Loot Box and its random-related brethren, are once agai??n the target of European councils, who are calling for new legislation for the controversial in-game purchase mechanic.

This latest venture follows the publishing of a new report titled "Insert Coin," penned by The Norwegian Consumer Council (NCC) which looks into the short-and-long-term impact caused by so-called "Surprise Mechanics" on the health, welfare, and wallets of video game players. The report targets the predatory and compulsive nature exhibited by the loot box concept, noting that the mechanic "exploits cognitive or behavioral biases to incentivize spending." The report calls out certain examples by name, including EA's FIFA franchise and mobile title Raid: Shadow Legends.

Following the report's publication, over 20 consumer groups from 18 European countries have partied together to call for immediate and severe legislation against all forms of loot box/gacha gaming and the publishers who chose to include it in their titles. While the report lis??ts several potential co??mpromises �such as banning misleading in-game currency, further declaring prize odds, and removing loot boxes from all games targeting minors �the council also suggests simply banning paid loot boxes altogether.

Loot boxes, gacha, and other "surprise mechanics" have remained both a lucrative and highly controversial part of gaming for many years now. While there have been repeated instances of investigations, lawsuits, and governmental interference into the application of in-game purchases, there is �staggeringly �yet to be definitive law on what a loot box is/isn't, and how they can be globally instigated (or not) in video games the world over. In the meantime, publishers such as Activision Blizzard, EA, and myriad mobile game makers have been making money hand-over-fist and thus will ????be unlikely to pull the plug anytime soon.

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Never in The Netherlands

This week sees the launch of Activision Blizzard's hellish new MMO, Diablo Immortal. But while the free-to-play mobile title is preparing to unleash its evil upon most? of the planet, two countries will reportedly be blocking the title's launch due to their respective laws on in-game purchases.

Initially reported by Dutch news outlet Tweakers, both Belgium and The Netherlands have refused Diablo Immortal service within the countries' bor?ders due to "the current operating conditions in these countries." It should be noted that both cou?ntries in question have taken staunch stances against the controversial "loot box" mechanic, which continues to skirt around various gambling laws worldwide.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sDxsXYn78w

Over on the Diablo Immortal subreddit, poster Evoratus uploaded a message they received from a Blizzard employee warning players from the affected count?ries from attempting to log in. This statement openly calls out the loot box laws as the reason that the title will not launch in Belgium or The Netherlands, and suggests that any Blizzard account that fans a way to circumvent the block may find itself banned.

"Unfortunately players in the Netherlands and Belgium will not be able to install Diablo Immortal due to the countries' gambling restrictions," reads the unofficial statement. "The lootboxes in the game are against the law in your country, so unless the gambling restrictions change the game will not be released [...] It would be illegal for you to download the?? game in another country like France. If you manage to run the game I cannot guarantee that you will not be banned for it."

In addition, pre-registration for Diablo Immortal has been closed on both PC and mobile platforms. For all other countries, Diablo Immortal is still expected to launch on June 2.

Diablo Immortal reportedly won't launch in two countries due to loot bo?xes [GamesIndustry.biz]

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Manufacturing delays have led to both versions getting a delay

Those who like to solve crimes and dive into minds, and also live in Europe, will have to wait a little longer. AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is getting delayed, both physically and digitally, to July 8 in Europe ?and Oceania.

Spike Chunsoft and partner Numskull Games say the delay is due to unforeseen manufacturing delays and global shipping slowdowns. This makes sense for the physical version getting backed up a bit. The digital version of the AI: The Somnium Files sequel? is also get??ting delayed too though, to "maintain parity."

Meanwhile,? the North American version?? is still due out on June 24, 2022.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=kN-qr1Kvv34

Enter the dream world

The pandemic has had a notable effect on supply chains, and having physical?? versions of a game arrive later than expected happ??ens.

But the decision has now also delayed the digital version of AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative. Maintai??ning parity for brick-and-mortar retailers is one thing. But two weeks is a lot of time to have to either tread carefully around communities where spoilers might pop up.

AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is the follow-up to the first AI game. It's a timeline-bending, brain-diving mystery game? where players have to solve puzzles in pursuit of its many strange occurrences. New ?characters are showing up, but one of the main protagonists is a returning major character from the previous game. What I'm saying is, plot spoilers would be a big concern. And now European fans might have to make a choice to wait and avoid discussions, or source a copy from another region.

It is, in my opinion, a strange decision for Spike Chunsoft to make regarding these two different versions of the game. AI: The Somnium Files - nirvanA Initiative is coming to PC, PS4, Xbox On??e, and Nintendo Switch.

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French publisher opens new Italian digs

N??acon, one of Europe's fastest-growing publishers, has announced that it has established a ?new development studio in Italy. Nacon Studio Milan will, in part, house Nacon subsidiary RaceWard Studio and will be the site of the racing enthusiast's future production projects.

"We are proud of the direction we are heading in," said Nacon Studio Milan's new CEO, Marco Ponte. "Originally a team of racing experts, [RaceWard] has grown quickly, and our new talent has given us the desire to explore new territory... That's why we decided to broaden our horizons and try another type of game. We are looking forward to presenting this new project to the world. Our family is growing and we are hoping to welcome new members soon as we bui??ld our team."

Naco??n Studio Milan has already begun work on its first project: a survival title based upon "one of the world's most popular film franchises." More details on this release will be shared later in 2022.

The establishment of Nacon Studio Milan is the next stage in Nacon's fledgling growth. The publisher, formerly known as Bigben Interactive, has several young studios within its portfolio, including Greedfall and Steelrising developer Spiders, German developer Daedalic Entertainment, and French studio Cyanide. Nacon's most recent acquisition was another French firm, Midgar Studio, which it purchased in February of this year.

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FUT decreed not 'an isolated game'

In a surprising bit of legal news, a? Dutch court has overturned the â‚?0 million fi?ne handed down to Electronic Arts over its popular loot box mechanic FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT). The Dutch Administrative Jurisdiction Division has upheld the publisher's appeal, effectively overruling the decision handed down by The Court of The Hague in 2020.

The Hague had previously decreed that EA broke Dutch gambling laws via the sale of in-game FUT packs, fining the FIFA publishe??r a hefty â‚?00,000 for each week it continued to sell the digital add-ons, with a maximum penalty fixed at â‚?0 million. EA chose to call the ruling's bluff, filing for appeal and continuing to sell the digital trading cards i??n the meantime.

A ri?sky ??endeavor that has paid off (quite literally.)

On Wednesday, as reported by Eurogamer, The Dutch Administrative Jurisdiction Division �essentially the highest order of law in the Netherlands �decided that the purchasing and opening of FUT packs did not qualify as "an isolated game," and that it was an element of chance voluntarily utilized as a part of a "game of skill" (FIFA itself).

"The vast majority of packs are obtained by and used for game participation," ruled the court. "Since the packs are not a standalone game, they?? are not a game of chance and do not require a licence. The publisher has therefore not violated the Games of Chance Act and the Gaming Authority should therefore not have imposed a pe??nalty payment on the publisher. The Administrative Jurisdiction Division has 'revoked' the imposed penalty."

Though this particular situation has worked out in EA's favor, it has been a turbulent 12 months for the FIFA franchise. In the summer of 2022, a scandal dubbed "EAGate" saw employees selling high-ranking FUT cards "under-the-table" for ludicrous amounts of money. More recently, it seems more and more likely that EA and FIFA itself are scheduled to part ways, with the former rumored to be considering a full rebrand, following the alleged doubling of the latter's licensing fee.

For decades, FIFA has been one of the most financially lucrative franchises in all of gaming. As such, any and all controversies and criticisms are simply s?torms that EA will gladly weather if, ultimately, it is able? to keep the ball rolling.

EA's â‚?0m Dutch FIFA loot box fine overturned [Eurogamer]

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For realsies this time, honest

As we push toward the second quarter of 2022, industry folk are starting to lay out their plans for summer's extravaganzas. Europe's premier live event, Gamescom, has announced its intention t??o run a hybrid event for its next iteration, combining a live in-person event with a slew of online elemen??ts.

The live event, (assuming that it does go ahead this time), will see the Gamescom expo return to Koelnmesse in Colo?gne, Germany for the first time in two years �the past two live shows having been cancelled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Gamescom 2022 will take place in late-August, and will run for four days, with organizers assuring vi?sitors that safety and hygiene protocols will be in place for those in attendance.

In addition, Gamescom is working with environmental concern ClimatePartner to promote a "GamescomGoesGreen" campaign. This project will endeavor to see that the summer's event will be as "climate-friendly" as possible, offsetting the show's emissions and footprint with numerous green-themed side-activities. These will include teaming with planting group Treener to finance a major reforestation effort in Bayreuth, Germany, as well as numerous charity dr??ives and collections, as well as free transport options within the vicinity of Koelnmesse.

For more details on Gamescom and the GamescomGoesGreen project, visit the official website. Gamescom 2022 will take place online and at Koelnmesse in Cologne, Germany between Augu??st 24-28. The Opening Night Live stream will return August 23.

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The Huntswoman's Prey

Today sees the launch of one of 2022's biggest and most anticipated sequels: Horizon Forbidden West. Around the world, Sony is holding ??various unique publicity events to celebrate the game's launch, but perhaps none so impressive as in Italy, where a statue of protagonist Aloy now stands proud.

The statue, located in Piazza Madonna della Neve in the Complesso delle Murate of Florence, is titled "Aloy �The Placeholder." The purpose of the diorama is to draw attention to the talent and expertise of women across the world, who often find their work lacking representation in the wider global lens and within Italy in particular, thus Aloy stands as the "placeholder" for the women of art, culture, science, and history w??ho find their words, deeds, and actions lost within the cacophony of the modern world.

The statue of Aloy will stand in Piazza Madonna della Neve for just one week before being relocated, though Sony has not? said where Aloy's final home will be. In addition to commissioning the statue, Sony has offered support to Italy's Event Horizon School of Digital Art, helping to establish over 40 courses and classes for youngsters who wish to be a part of the gaming industry's future.

The statue of Aloy and the Event Horizon classes represent just two of a number of positive schemes Sony has kickstarted alongside the launch of Horizon Forbidden West. Yesterday, we reported on the publisher's "Play and Plant" project,?? which will see Sony help reforestation efforts for every player that earns in-game trophy "Reached the Daunt," with similar schemes launched in both the ??UK and France.

Horizon Forbidden West launches today on PlayStation platforms.

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New team to develop standalone titles

Industry giant Epic Games has announced that it has established a new studio in Poland. The expansion will see the Polish arm of the Fortnite dev??eloper work on the design and development of standalone releases, suggesting that the new arm of the company will not exist as a support studio.

The studio will be head up by a new team led by staff from esoteric developer Plastic, who are renowned for their curious and stylistic array of releases such as Datura, Bound, and Linger in Shadows. In addition, Epic Games is currently ?hiring talent for the new team, including producers, animators, and coders.

"Our team is incredibly proud to spearhead the growth of Epic in Poland," said Epic Games Studio Director Michal Staniszewski in an official statement. "Poland is a growing hub for the top engineering talent that we need to cre??ate amazing new gaming experiences for players around the world."

"For over twenty years, the team from Plastic has been developing some of the most ambitious and future-facing projects in the Demosce?ne,"?? adds Hector Sanchez, Head of Epic Games Publishing. "They are an incredible group of talent who have created genre-defining experiences that sit on the bleeding edge of technological advances, pushing hardware to the limits in a beautifully artistic way. We couldn’t be more excited to have them on our team and support their growth at Epic."

Epic Games' presence in Poland increases the country's reputation as a significant player in game development. The European territory already plays host to The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077 studio CD Projekt RED, alongside name developers such as Bloober Team, Flying Wild Hog, People Can Fly, Techland, ??CI Games, and Teyon.

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French outfit to operate as developer/publisher

A new studio has sprung up in Europe, established by a team of industry veterans who hold experience in some of the biggest studios in gaming. Based in Paris, France, New Tales will work to prod?uce games based on entirely original IP while also acting as a third-party publisher for smaller developers.

New Tales is headed up by its founder, president, and CEO Cédric Maréchal, who has previously worked with such gia?nts as Sega, Vivendi, Cryo, and Blizzard Entertainment. Joining Maréchal is a team that includes COO Benoit Dufour, chief growth o??fficer Delphine Le Corre, chief content officer Emmanuel Obert �all of whom have similar experience with Blizzard and Vivendi.

New Tales, Old Blood

"We have formed a team of passionate gamers with an unrivaled degree of experience, having grown some of the biggest IPs and player communities," said Maréchal of the studio lineup. "Gaming has rarely seen such an exciting time, fuelled by tons ??of innovation and creativity. However, the frequency of new releases keeps rising rapidly, reinforcing the need for great international publishing."

In addition to its core team, New Tales announced that it will be working with three senior advisers, all of whom will assist the studio in its game development duties. The advisors are Kim and Ray Gresko of LucasArts and Blue Silver Studios, and former Overwatch production director Julia Humpheries.

"New Tales is a one-stop-shop publishing solution ??where we're going to work with developers, as one united team, dedicated to maximising success," concludes Maréchal. "We are ??also building our internal production capabilities to develop our own games and IPs. We are looking forward to joining forces with people who share our values and passion!"

You can check out the official New Tales website right here.

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All aboard

Legendary British outfit Team17 announced that it has acquired publisher Astrogen Entertainment. The Dusseldorf-based company was reportedly purchased ??for â‚?5 million (or roughly $86 million USD), with a further consideration of â‚?5m (or roughly $28 million), should performance targets be met.

To the average video game fan, that might seem like a lot of moolah for what appears to be an unknown entity, but Astrogen is the key publisher and distributor of the games in developer GIANTS' simulation series. Titles such as Farming Simulator, Bus Simulator, Construction Simulator, and the upcoming Firefighting Simulator might be the nichest of the niche, but have been proven best-selling brand for many years �with Farming Simulator alone having sowed over 25 million copies.

"Our goal is to become the number one brand in the field of 'working' simulation games," said Astragon CEOs Julia Pfiffer and Tim Schmitz. "Collaborating with Team17 will enable and help Astragon to evolve and f??ocus on this strategy. We look forward to the possibilities that are opened up by working with what we believe to be a great partner to deliver our ambitions."

Astrogen Entertainment is the latest in a number of recent purchases performed by Team17. The Worms developer also recently opened its wallet to acquire U.S.-based indie publisher The Label, as well as the IP for Black Matter's World War II shooter Hell Let Loose. Clearly, Team17 is on something of a shopping spree. Astrogen will continue to o?perate as a separate entity under the Team17 um?brella and will work with its new partner to produce new titles while continuing its simulation line.

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German court rules Nintendo pre-order policy unfair

A German consumer group has won its legal battle with Nintendo over the latter's pre-order policy as it pertains to its digital storefront, Nintendo eShop. The ruling concludes an extende??d battle between Nintendo and consumer interest groups over the publisher's refusal to refund customers who cancel their pre-orders within seven days of a title's launch.

Nintendo refund policies first clashed with European courts back in 2018, when the Norwegian Consumer Council slated the Nintendo eShop for having no refund options whatsoever, which the NCC believed was in violation of the European Consumer Rights Directive. The NCC stated that Nintendo would be required to offer a cancellation option on pre-orders, as the customer had no way of knowing a product's qua?lity until after the purchase had been made. Nintendo noted that by allowing "pre-loads" with pre-orders, the publisher had completed a sales contra??ct and thus the sale was concluded.

In January of 2020, a German court found in favor of Nintendo's argument, dismissing the suit and ordering the plaintiff to pay costs. The NCC, as well as the Federation of German Consumer Organizations immediately filed for appeal, which has led to this latest ruling, handed down in the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt on December 3. In accordance with the court's wishes, Nintendo must allow for the cancellation of pre-orders right up until a title's launch day, allowing the customer the option of changin?g their mind at any point before a game's official release.

With the increasing dominance of digital entertainment sales, it has been a slow and steady trek toward ensuring that customers have the same rights for digital and online purchases as they would for buying a vi??deo game, CD, or Blu-Ray in the high street. European courts have been a key player in the solidifying of these rules, often pushing back against major publishers such as Nintendo, Valve, and Electronic Arts on topics such as refunds, microtransactions, and repair??s.

[Via Nintendo Life / VZDB]

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A brand new way to not find a PS5

Sony Interactive Entertainment has expanded its online outlet, PlayStation Direct, into Europe and the UK. The store affords customers the option of purchasing PlayStation hardware and periph?erals directly from the manufacturer.

PlayStation Direct launched in North America in September of 2019, and has since been used by U.S. PlayStation fans to order consoles, controllers, games, and other PlayStation gubbins �straight from SIE to your front door. The initiative has made the journey across the Atlantic Ocean to Europe, with Germany opening its own PlayStation Direct site just yesterday, and the UK following suit earlier this morning. Ot??her European countries, such as France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, are expected to follow in? the immediate future.

While more retail options are always welcome, it should be noted that this does not necessarily mean that PS5-hunting players can just rock up and bag a shiny new console. PlayStation 5 continues to be a highly sought-after and short-supply piece of hardware, which is due to a manufacturing shortage as well as a retailer shortage. As such, while the opening of PlayStation Direct Europe absolutely provides customers a new avenue with which to purchase a PS5 console, it does not automatically increase the ready availability of said device. Keep hunti?ng and Keep the Faith, folks.

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