PlayStation and Xbox make significant changes to each's online services, while Nier: Automata's PC version on Steam gets review bombed in this week's gaming news. Game Rant has compiled some of the biggest gaming news stories from this past week together into a concise post for fans and enthusiasts to stay up to date on the most important events in the industry per week. Highlighting the most relevant stories, this list is not inherently and totally objective, and will not contain every news story this week. Rather, this is intended for gaming fans who want a quick rundown on the largest/most impactful stories that occurred in the last week in games.
In this week's roundup of gaming news, Xbox intends to rebrand its overall Xbox Live services after 18 years. PlayStation will be shutting down several legacy digital services for its older consoles. Microsoft is potentially in talks to make another big acquisition, this time with Discord. Amazon is opening a new game development studio with another Ubisoft veteran. Nier: Automata finds itself under controversy after the enhanced PC version on Xbox Game Pass fixes many issues from the Steam version. Sony Pictures partners with Sucker Punch Productions for a Ghost of Tsushima film adaptation. All that and more in this week's roundup of gaming industry news.
Xbox Rebrands Overall 'Xbox Live' Nomenclature to 'Xbox network'
A little over 18 years after the service was first introduced on the first Xbox console, Xbox Live will finally be rebranding to a new name. While terminology like "Xbox Live Gold" will still stick around to distinguish the paid subscription, the overarching service will now be known as "Xbox network."
No specific services or features are being affected by the name change. Microsoft had mentioned that the change was made to "create a simpler, more descriptive messaging system for Xbox in different areas," according to a statement to Eurogamer.
PS3, PSP, and PS Vita Digital Services Shutting Down This Summer
As for PlayStation, many of its legacy online services will reportedly be shut down by as early as this July. According to a report by TheGamer; the PS3, PSP, and PS Vita digital stores are planned to shut down on July 2, with the exception of PS Vita digital stores shutting down on August 27. While Sony has not made any official announcement, sources verified the news and stated an official Sony confirmation is coming by the end of March or early April.
All digital services for these consoles, including full game downloads as well as DLC purchases, will reportedly be shut down by the aforementioned dates.
Microsoft In Talks with Discord For Potential Acquisition
Back to Microsoft, it seems the company may be making a bid to acquire the community platform Discord. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, affirmed by VentureBeat and Bloomberg, Microsoft has apparently made a $10 billion bid to acquire Discord. With Discord being valued at around $7 billion in 2021, with 300 million registered user accounts and 140 million active monthly users.
According to the WSJ's report, the deal could potentially be completed by April, while other analysts believe Discord may go public/IPO as an alternative.
Amazon Opens New Montreal-Based Development Studio
Amazon has once again exhibited a continued focus on its AAA gaming efforts this week. Amazon is opening a new Montreal-based development studio with studio creative director Xavier Marquis, who worked on Rainbow Six Siege previously. The studio's inaugural project is a AAA online multiplayer title that is currently unannounced.
Despite previous efforts by Amazon with the cancelled Crucible hero shooter, Amazon's CEO Andy Jassy has reaffirmed their dedication to game development.
Nier: Automata On Steam Being Review-Bombed After Game Pass Release
Xbox Game Pass for PC recently received several Square Enix games on the gaming subscription, one of which was Nier: Automata. The Become as Gods Edition of Nier: Automata was a special edition released for the Xbox One that was recently ported to PC, but it's causing controversy for Steam owners of Nier: Automata. The Steam version of the game notoriously disappointing optimization, among several performance issues only solved by fan-made mods.
The Xbox Game Pass version of Nier: Automata was ported to PC by another developer, Polish studio QLOC, which quietly fixed many of these issues. Understandably, players who purchased the Steam version have expressed dissatisfaction, review-bombing the game on Steam in hopes that Square Enix responds to the backlash.
Sony Pictures Announces Ghost of Tsushima Film Adaptation in the Works
Sucker Punch Productions' feudal Japan adventure is making its way to the silver screen. After surpassing 6.5 million copies on PS4, Ghost of Tsushima is receiving a cinema adaptation courtesy of John Wick director Chad Stahelski. Sony Pictures, alongside executive producers from Sucker Punch Productions, will produce alongside Stahelski's production company 87Eleven Entertainment.
Qualcomm Potentially Developing Android Gaming Handheld
Nintendo might be facing a new Switch competitor, courtesy of mobile chipset tech company Qualcomm. According to a report by Android Police, Qualcomm may be experimenting with an Android-powered handheld gaming console. According to the report, the console is meant to be powered by Qualcomm's latest chipset, alongside a massive 6,000 mAh battery alongside 5G connectivity. The console is reportedly set to release to consumers by Q1 2022.
BAFTA Game Awards Winners Presented
Lastly for this week, the BAFTA Game Awards were presented on Thursday night to the many games and actors worthy of awards. Like many other award shows, games like Hades, The Last of Us 2, Animal Crossing, and more received high marks. Here are some of the winner highlights of the BAFTA Game Awards:
- Best Game - Hades
- Game Design - Hades
- Animation - The Last of Us Part 2
- Multiplayer Game - Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Evolving Game - Sea of Thieves
- Performer in a Leading Role - Laura Bailey as Abby in The Last of Us Part 2