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GameLook report/year is approaching, and various annual summaries and reviews are endless, and so is the game industry. Recently, foreign media reviewed the major events that affected developers in the game industry this year.
The review pointed out that although huge changes have taken place both inside and outside the industry this year, it has also brought about new changes in the economy and the system, and the game industry is also developing in a better direction.
The following is the complete content translated by GameLook:
1. The “War of the Century” between Epic and Apple
The high-profile lawsuit between Epic Games and Apple finally started this year, and the case is coming to an end. The cause was that Epic violated Apple’s platform guidelines by adding third-party payments. Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store in 2020. Since then, the two companies have been attacking each other.
On the one hand, Epic sued Apple in the name of ending the App Store monopoly, canceling platform sharing, and liberating developers from all over the world. On the other hand, Apple stated that its platform rules can ensure that the App Store is always a “safe and trustworthy market.”
However, when the final trial began, things became more unexpected. As both companies tried to prove themselves in court, many confidential documents were also made public, which also allowed people to witness the financial history of Epic, detailed documents of Wal-Mart’s streaming services, and Epic’s CEO Tim Si Several “selected” emails from Tim Sweeney, which showed Epic trying to persuade Xbox to launch its own game on its platform when Epic first launched an attack on Apple.
In the end, the trial entered a stalemate. Apple was punished by a permanent ban, requiring it to open third-party payments on the App Store, while Epic was accused of excessive intervention during the lawsuit and required to pay Apple a liquidated damage of $3.65 million.
Of course, both parties appealed the verdict. Epic explained that it will continue to fight for “fair competition” and called on the higher court to review the case. At the same time, Apple successfully delayed the enforcement of the court’s injunction through an appeal and persuaded three judges of the Ninth Circuit to question the significance of the original ruling.
What does this mean for developers and gamers? Judging from the current situation, it makes little sense. “Fortnite” is still not on the shelves, and will not be on the shelves until all appeals are resolved, Apple is not forced to change its terms of service for the time being. However, all of this is also a good story.
2. Progress of game accessibility
In terms of accessible games, the gaming industry still has a long way to go, but there are some notable highlights in 2021. The biggest achievement of the 3A game in this regard is the customizable subtitles. In general, people are benefiting from the increasing adjustability of key visual elements like text and subtitles.
This year, Guardians of the Galaxy received praise for its unique subtitle options, especially how the developers used key symbols and tone cues (such as text colors and speaker prompt icons) to provide additional prompt instructions for each scene. The game is also known for its prompt system, skippable events, highly customizable difficulty options, and audio adjustments-reducing “non-critical” noise in music.
“Forza Horizon 5” is also popular for its customizable, easy-to-read subtitles, text size adjustment, and aspects such as speaker prompt icons, keyword highlighting, color blindness mode, and HUD options. Just like Guardians of the Galaxy, Forza Horizon 5 is also praised for its difficulty adjustments (everything from tire wear, traction and braking), including in-game allowing to go back to key moments in the game “Rewind” function. One of the most interesting is the new “Game Speed” mode, which is an offline-only feature that can slow down the game speed and allow players to see the content on the screen more clearly.
These elements combine new and old functions, and provide a more comprehensive customization option, which provides players with the best gaming experience more intuitively. And “Forza Horizon 5” did not stop there. Last month, Microsoft announced that it would add American Sign Language and British Sign Language translation to the game’s subtitle options to provide game services for the deaf and hearing impaired.
“Vengeance on Blood” also brings powerful color blindness options, text-to-speech and speech-to-text functions, custom subtitles, and even the intensity of motion blur and camera movement can be adjusted. These additional features show that the game cares about the demands of disabled players. For example, the grid shape and color options, and the remapping of some game operations to press and hold or toggle, this also allows us to understand the macro and micro accessibility challenges faced by the game at the auditory, visual and operational levels.
The above games are not the only games that offer accessibility options this year, but at least these three mainstream games show that accessibility options will become more common in the future. For example, Sony also announced a new website not long ago, promising to provide “an overview of tools and functions available to players of all abilities” on PS5 and PS4, which also means that the barrier-free environment is rapidly becoming a game of all levels. An important consideration in production and design.
3. “GameStonks”
This year there was a puzzling phenomenon: “GameStonks”. A group of retail organizations called WallStreetBets (WSB) used a unique short-squeeze solution to bring GameStop (GME) on the verge of delisting to life. Soon there was an upsurge of GameStop on the Internet. The stock has been rising, and if it enters early enough, it will reap huge gains. This incident is called Wall Street populism, and some people say it is a counterattack against the financial forces that profit from our lives.
This incident is like an armored car rushing into the highway, dropping gold coins that anyone can grab along the way, but this legendary incident did not change the economic landscape, but it did make more people download Robinhood like Robinhood Such a trading app.
The story of GameStonks started with a fixed asset in the gaming industry, but soon moved to other investment products, such as movie theater chain AMC and Dogecoin cryptocurrency. This incident is as absurd as the Coen Brothers movie, but if you dig deeper, you will find that the elements of despair and frustration will become more apparent during the year.
4.NFT and blockchain games
There is no doubt that 2021 is the year when cryptocurrencies begin to get involved in the gaming industry. Big companies such as EA, Sega, Ubisoft, Zynga have promised to realize more revenue by integrating blockchain into their games.
Almost everyone is excited about NFT as a tool to create “true digital ownership”, but frankly speaking, I am not excited about the environmental problems of carbon emissions caused by this technology. Any same NFT “scam” is so.
At least to some extent, most game developers and player communities seem to be skeptical. For example, GSC Game World, the developer of “Stalker 2”, cancelled its plan to add NFT elements to the game due to strong complaints from players. Although some industry executives are optimistic that NFT is the future of game development, Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, also expressed doubts about the current state of development of the technology.
Steam’s disagreement with NFT also shows the huge influence of NFT (because there is no market pressure to force Steam to take a strong stance on the popular NFT), but Epic Games soon joined in and welcomed blockchain-driven games to enter it. platform.
Games like “Axie Infinity” are widely sought after for allowing players to make money by collecting digital pets, but when I learned that in places like the Philippines, people spend a few hours a day in this game in order to survive, I feel very weird. According to different understandings, blockchain technology can not only make everything open source and decentralized, but also allow players to make money in paid games.
I can’t help seeing this year’s blockchain boom as a “natural evolution” of the earlier “GameStonks” phenomenon. The excitement of NFT and other financial products is the desire of collectors on the one hand, and the desire to make money urgently on the other. And, with the emergence of news that NFT and other blockchain-related real estate are selling for tens of millions of dollars, it is certain that most of the buyers absolutely hope that this technology can increase his income.
Economic imbalances and structural adjustments triggered by the epidemic have “destroyed” the economic lives of people all over the world. The success of GameStonks, as well as making money from the Internet in virtual space, are also new forms of economic life that emerged at the end of the year.
Not all blockchain investors are money-making machines that only think about income-more are ordinary people who want to increase their income a little bit. They want to get rid of the current economic dilemma, and blockchain brings a ” Sweet promise”-it will change your life, but the premise of the promise is purchased. If no one wants to buy these strange digital collectibles, what will happen?
5. Former Universe
I still don’t like Yuyuan Universe-I don’t like it inspired by dystopian novels, and I don’t like the role of blockchain technology and the scarcity of artificial digitalization to promote some of its advocates, especially Mark Zuckerberg. He used his personal fascination with Metaverse to cover up his company’s terrible and world-changing mistakes. But this year, game companies from all walks of life want to promote Metaverse, so we are one step closer to it.
The positive evaluation of the meta universe is: it recognizes that people-especially young people-gather in cyberspace, and most of their lives are carried out in a virtual world full of 0s and 1s. Travis Scott’s “Fortress Night” concert is a masterpiece, a perfect fusion of culture and digital games; the market cooperation of “Apex Legends” brings fashionable cutting-edge thinking to the battle royale game; “Sandbox” and “Horizon” : Worlds and other new “Second Life” style games continue to be popular.
How many investors hardly consider the meaning of this word and use it in press releases. When you read these manuscripts, different meta-universe ideas begin to flood. The Weta Digital acquired by Unity is about meta-universe; Pokémon Go will somehow become a meta-universe. One of the dreams of the digital world of Metaverse is to pull players from one game to another avatar and avatar. You can also call it your own digital asset. But how can this dream be realized with the fun and freedom that current video games can provide?
The technicians are right to envision a space that merges reality and digital, which also shows how our social and artistic life can coexist with the virtual environment. But there is no doubt that those “engineers” who claim that they are being the only meta-universe are just people looking for ways to make money.
Cryptocurrency claims to provide solutions on the metaverse, but if an industry dedicated to games and creative expression collapses into a new “sweatshop” running on the hard drives of different people, this is a complete tragedy.
6. The wave of resignations
Let’s look at the issue of workers’ rights. In all industries, people are resigning frantically, with various purposes, but one thing is certain-people want better conditions. Although the game industry has not yet become the place where the “anti-work” voice is the strongest, it is experiencing the influence from large companies. Senior employees of long-term industry giants such as EA, Ubisoft, 2K and Activision Blizzard are looking for new directions elsewhere.
Some of these developers are escaping from the morbid working environment, and others just want better compensation and a better balance between work and life. This makes many industries rush to these talents. New start-up companies are well-funded and can provide new benefits without being affected by the legacy of large companies. Game developers around the world—at least those in important positions—have more confidence to leave their jobs or put pressure on the company for better treatment.
7. Activision Blizzard’s “volcanic eruption”
The California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) lawsuit against Activision Blizzard is like a volcanic eruption. This lawsuit didn’t happen “suddenly”. It was pressure, gas, and chemical substances flowing quietly under the surface, and then bursting out suddenly.
Within a few weeks after the DFEH lawsuit was exposed, many internal and external statements and e-mails began to emerge. In the beginning, internal e-mails called the alleged behavior “disturbing” and “completely unacceptable”, and they promised to make changes. Later, it was alleged that CEO Bobby Kotic wrote for The email stated that the lawsuit was “a distorted and untrue description of our company,” and that the employee’s allegations were “inconsistent with facts, outdated, and out of context.”
The clumsy and contradictory communication among the executives did not convince hundreds of Activision Blizzard employees that the leadership would take the interests of the employees at heart. Within a few days, more than 2,000 current and former employees signed an open letter, calling the company’s response “abominable and insulting.” Dozens of remote employees gathered at the Blizzard campus to protest and made their own demands on the leadership of Activision Blizzard. At the same time, the developers continued to tell stories of the harassment and discrimination they suffered in Activision Blizzard.
In the first week of the public outcry, Kotick apologized for the company’s initial controversial response, although it was later reported that he had written the e-mail in the name of another executive that did not admit the allegations and hinted at the company. Under his leadership, “set an example” for tolerance issues. Later, there was news that Kotic also threatened his assistant with life, and triggered a second strike because he protected a studio leader who was recommended to be dismissed by HR. The calls for Kotic’s resignation were still there. Continue.
To some extent, other big companies have begun to distance themselves from Activision Blizzard internally. The Overwatch League seems to be missing a few sponsors. Some shareholders have scoffed at Activision Blizzard’s “flaw” cultural reform plan. The heads of Nintendo, Sony Interactive Entertainment, and Xbox all criticized Activision Blizzard (internally). The response to these allegations. Even so, the Activision Blizzard board has made it clear that they support the CEO and insist that Kotic “appropriately solved workplace problems,” despite numerous reports claiming otherwise.
A large number of reports on the lawsuit and related issues have come in, making it feel more like a TV series. But for those who are in these trivial matters. The risk is too high. A woman allegedly committed suicide due to harassment. Dozens or even hundreds of workers have been traumatized.
Rotten from scratch to root. Dismissal and increased financial compensation will not solve the long-standing pains that have occurred under Kotik. He joined the board of directors to adhere to the “smashing” strategy of “killing and denying” and started a six-month “legendary journey”-refusing to apologize, hitting back at the regulator, and telling employees that everything in the company is normal.
This is not a good thing. The employees started to share stories themselves and realized that this did not just happen to them. And it was their efforts, their counterattack, their departure, and their conversations with the media that led to the follow-up development-directly putting Kotic’s accomplices in broad daylight.
In any suffering, you will find that the brightest place is unity-love, warmth and encouragement. Activision Blizzard employees have created this bright spot for themselves-they almost coincide. This still burning volcano may erupt again and affect our surroundings. Other similar things may be brewing, but Bobby Kotick and others like him will be burned out by the erupting volcano. ——The people in the game industry will do this.
8. Labor Union
Discussions about labor organizations and labor unions have been going on for some time, but considering the abuse, inequality, and harassment that game developers face throughout the industry, their momentum will definitely increase in 2021.
Although it was online remote work at the time, after a large number of allegations of misconduct within the company were exposed, Activision Blizzard employees gathered and organized a strike. When someone accused Kotic of personally protecting a recorded sexual harasser from being fired and threatened to kill his assistant, the employees quickly rallied and demanded the firing of Kotic and went on strike for the second time at Blizzard. Show the same “same hatred and hatred.”
The emergence of organizations such as A Better ABK and A Better Ubisoft is to provide a platform for the developers of these large game companies, which are full of allegations of misconduct. It’s a force. When Activision Blizzard is in a dilemma, A Better ABK released its own list of reform requirements. When Activision Blizzard’s official statements and actions failed to solve these core issues, A Better ABK will strengthen its position and continue to urge. Management.
Although the 2020 State of the Industry Survey shows that 47% of respondents support unionization, and universal unionization may still have a long way to go, at least one company has achieved this leap this year. The employees of Vodeo Games and CODE-CWA created the first gamers union in North America: Vodeo Workers United. Although Vodeo does not have a workforce like Activision Blizzard, related personnel stated that the union aims to ensure that its 13 employees and contract workers employed in the United States and Canada have a fair workplace and “help the digital game industry set a positive precedent. “.
9. The rise of Cozy Games
This year has witnessed the continuous development of relaxation towards games. This is a trend related to “healthy games”. Perhaps this trend will become stronger with the advent of the epidemic. Relaxation-oriented games include old games like Animal Crossing and Stardew Valley, as well as this year’s “Cozy Grove” or 2019’s “Short Hiking” (A Short Hike)” games, they are characterized by soft aesthetics and family fantasy.
“Family Fantasy” sounds contradictory-who would want to do housework in the game? But Kris Lorischild, the creator of “Comfort Jungle,” explained: The popular reason for this type of games is probably because they portray a world that is not so accessible. There is nothing imaginable about achieving things. If our real world becomes more and more chaotic, unpredictable, and alienated, then a large number of gamers will find solace in a simpler and more stable world: Grow your own food and interact with neighbors.”
Alex, the creative director of Soft Not Weak, feels the same way. He believes that subverting expectations of queer art is part of its appeal. “I associate comfort with aesthetics, slightly challenging goals, and lack of offensive elements. If a game makes me feel happy, makes me hopeful or relaxed, it’s a relaxing game.” He added, “I think “Spirit Swap” is definitely a relaxing game, although I know that many people may not agree to label any public queer game with a relaxing label, because queer sex is inherently subversive. But say To be honest, I think that when you are a member of a niche group that will be constantly attacked by people, you need a game like this to make you feel comfortable.”
As Matthew Taylor, founder of Wholesome Games, summed it up: “I have to imagine that if the world becomes more tense and bleak, you may have to hope that the game can provide an opportunity to relax and allow you to achieve something good.” . As he pointed out, for some time, players have always been interested in less violent game tables, but the relaxation game seems more like a relaxed and idyllic life experience, rather than the free form of optimism like healthy games. Ism.
10. Investment and M&A
Over the years, the amount of funds in the game business sector has been steadily increasing, and 2021 is still full of various investment and merger news. Last year, we saw game console manufacturers like Sony and Microsoft strengthen their flagship products through acquisitions. This trend continued this year and spread to other companies. Game developers and platform vendors have made their own large acquisitions and investments. .
We saw that Epic Games acquired ArtStation, Mediatonic, and RAD Game Tools, Sketchfab, and Capturing Reality, possibly to strengthen Unreal Engine’s products; game engine manufacturer Unity acquired Weta Digital in a huge transaction of $1.63 billion, and the previous few Months of Parsec; Niantic acquired some companies, mainly those that can help it further develop its immersive AR world platform; Facebook (now Meta) acquired some studios to build its (no longer Oculus) virtual Reality brands and Facebook gaming platforms; even Netflix is also involved, acquiring the developer Night School Studio.
As for Tencent, it will continue to maintain considerable growth momentum in its mergers and acquisitions in 2021, with more than $1 billion in game-related acquisitions, such as Sumo Digital, Turtle Rock and other companies.
In terms of quantity, none of the above is comparable to Embracer Group, which is the parent company of THQ Nordic. It acquired more than a dozen studios in 2021 (including the acquisition of Gearbox Entertainment for US$1.38 billion). Only in the past few Many studios were acquired in May.
This simple list is just the tip of the iceberg. Investment bank Drake Star Partners estimates that in the first nine months of 2021, the gaming industry will accumulate US$71 billion in investments, acquisitions and other transactions, including Epic Games’ US$1 billion financing (Sony’s US$200 million), social networking Apply Rec Room’s 100 million US dollars and 145 million US dollars in two rounds of financing, Focus Home’s 70 million euros in financing, and investments in companies such as Embracer and Azerion. This is only a small part of the deals we have seen this year. The list continues, and it seems likely to continue to grow beyond 2022.
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