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The secret to making a good Star Wars game is to do less - Reader's Feature
This reader's feature argues that successful Star Wars games succeed by focusing on a single core fantasy rather than trying to include every possible element of the universe. Games like TIE Fighter, Republic Commando, and Jedi: Fallen Order are highlighted for their focused design, while others are criticized for becoming unfocused "catalogues" of features. The author suggests that future Star Wars games should prioritize a clear identity and developer confidence in saying 'no' to extraneous features.
Star Wars Zero Company Pre-Loads Are Live, Global Release Timings Revealed
Pre-loads for Star Wars Zero Company are now available on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with a worldwide release set for August 27th at 8 AM PDT. The game, developed by Bit Reactor and published by Electronic Arts, is a turn-based tactical title set during the Clone Wars era, featuring a unique 'Advantage' system for powerful team-wide abilities. The main campaign is expected to take 30 to 40 hours to complete.
FC 27 Evolutions Changes: Pathways, Chain Preview & PlayStyles Lab
EA Sports FC 27 is introducing significant changes to its Ultimate Team Evolutions feature, including branching Pathways for upgrade choices and a Chain Preview tool to plan multi-step upgrades. The PlayStyles Lab also returns with adjustments, such as pre-applied PlayStyles and varying acquisition requirements to prevent stacking meta options.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 24 to 28
This week's Xbox update highlights numerous game releases between August 24th and 28th across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC, with many titles also available on Game Pass. Notable releases include STAR WARS Zero Company, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, and Captain Tsubasa 2: World Fighters, alongside various indie titles and remasters.
EA staff worries over Saudi buyout, Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks, and Peak's last major update - Patch Notes #66
This article covers several gaming industry developments, including employee concerns at Electronic Arts following a Saudi buyout, ongoing leaks of Grand Theft Auto 6, and the final update for the game Peak. It also touches on FromSoftware's new game The Duskbloods, Compulsion Games' management buyout from Xbox, PlayStation's struggles with live-service games, and the use of AI in game development.
Games Inbox: Who are the GTA 6 leakers?
This article discusses the implications of leaks for Grand Theft Auto 6, with readers expressing sympathy for the leakers while acknowledging the severe legal consequences. Other topics include criticism of Electronic Arts executives, praise for the game 007 Legends, and concerns about the impact of live service games and layoffs within the industry.
EA could sell "dormant IPs" like Ultima and Wing Commander after Saudi acquisition, former manager says: "There are plenty of IPs like that at EA that nobody cares about at this moment"
Former Electronic Arts manager Emmanuel Rosier suggests that EA may sell off dormant intellectual properties like Ultima and Wing Commander following a significant acquisition. He believes these underutilized IPs could be sold or licensed to external studios, potentially for mobile game development, as a way to generate revenue and manage debt.
Former EA manager will "believe" the next Mass Effect is happening "when I see it" after $55 billion acquisition: "They can pull the plug very, very easily"
A former EA manager, Emmanuel Rosier, expressed skepticism about the future of Mass Effect 5 following Electronic Arts' acquisition by private investors. Rosier, now with Newzoo, stated that EA could easily cancel the project, especially if the new investors prioritize financial decisions over the studio's history. He noted that BioWare has struggled in recent years and that games can take a very long time to develop, citing Dragon Age: The Veilguard's lengthy development.
US physical game sales drop to lowest monthly total since 1995 | US Monthly Charts
US physical game sales in July reached their lowest point since 1995, totaling $85 million. Hardware spending also saw a significant decline of 29% year-over-year, reaching $282 million, the lowest July total since 2020. Despite these drops, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 topped the charts, driven by its PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 port.
EA exec calls employees ‘little babies’ for being worried about losing their jobs
An Electronic Arts executive has reportedly referred to employees concerned about job security following the company's acquisition as 'little babies.' Employees are worried about potential layoffs due to the $20 billion debt the company has incurred and the new ownership, which includes Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. There are also concerns that the new ownership may impact the content of games like The Sims and Mass Effect, particularly regarding LGBTQ+ representation.
EA's Saudi takeover wouldn't have happened if the company's culture "had any semblance of a moral backbone", say staff fearing layoffs and ownership meddling
Electronic Arts staff express significant concerns following the company's takeover by the Saudi Arabian government and Jared Kushner's investment group. Employees fear potential layoffs, interference with creative decisions, and a negative impact on company culture due to the new ownership's values. Despite EA's assurances, staff feel uneasy and compelled to stay due to the difficult job market.
Mass Effect 5 and BioWare's Future Uncertain Following Buyout, Former EA Manager Now Says
A former Electronic Arts manager has expressed concerns about the future of Mass Effect 5 following the company's recent $55 billion takeover. The uncertainty surrounding the game's development has been highlighted by this former executive.
"I don't know if they will keep funding that one" - Former EA manager doesn't believe the next Mass Effect will survive Saudi takeover
A former Electronic Arts manager, Emmanuel Rosier, expressed doubt about the continued funding for the next Mass Effect game following EA's acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Rosier, now with Newzoo, believes BioWare's IPs are at risk due to the studio's recent struggles and EA's potential need to leverage its most profitable franchises to manage its debt.
Will the next Mass Effect actually release under EA's new owners? 'I'll believe it when I see it,' says former EA manager turned Newzoo analyst
Following Electronic Arts' acquisition by a consortium including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, industry analyst Emmanuel Rosier expressed uncertainty about the future of the company's less prominent intellectual properties and studios like BioWare. Rosier suggests that EA might sell off dormant IPs such as Ultima and Wing Commander or focus heavily on sports titles and esports due to regional interests.
Next Mass Effect Game Might Not Get Funding Following EA’s Acquisition, Says Former Exec
A former Electronic Arts executive suggests that EA's acquisition by the Public Investment Fund could jeopardize funding for the Mass Effect franchise. The executive believes EA will prioritize its major IPs like EA Sports FC and esports, potentially leading to the cancellation of less profitable or struggling franchises like Mass Effect, despite CEO Andrew Wilson's statements about bold investment.
The Sims 4 Drops Mean Girls and Clueless Kits on Aug. 27
Electronic Arts is releasing two new kits for The Sims 4 on August 27: one inspired by the movie Mean Girls and another by Clueless. Each kit will cost $3.99 and will include Create-a-Sim items and some build mode objects. The release comes amidst player backlash against EA's recent buyout by Saudi Arabia and ongoing concerns about game bugs.
"Arkane was about to go under" before it committed to Dishonored, former lead says: "We had 4 months of…
Former Arkane Studios lead designer Harvey Smith revealed that the studio was close to closure before committing to the development of Dishonored. The studio was working on multiple projects with dwindling funds before refocusing on the immersive sim, which became a critical and commercial success. Smith has since co-founded a new studio, Black Pony Immersive, to continue making single-player immersive sim games.
EA employees brace for the worst under Saudi ownership: 'Hard to feel good about being bought out by a regime that's very much at odds with progressive society'
Employees at Electronic Arts are reportedly concerned about potential content restrictions following the company's acquisition by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Despite reassurances, staff fear a crackdown on diverse and inclusive game content, with some citing concerns over human rights and the practice of sportswashing.
EA devs feel "the threat of layoffs at all times," especially after Saudi Arabia acquisition: "It's hard to see how teams or games that underperform wouldn't be dissolved"
Electronic Arts developers are experiencing heightened anxiety regarding potential layoffs following the company's $55 billion acquisition by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. Employees fear that underperforming teams and games may be dissolved to cut costs and manage debt, despite assurances of no immediate changes.
Perfect Ten: The 10 MMORPG expansions from 2004
2004 was a pivotal year for the MMORPG industry, marked by numerous significant expansions for established titles. This list highlights ten key expansions, including EverQuest: Gates of Discord and Omens of War, Dark Age of Camelot: New Frontiers and Catacombs, Final Fantasy XI: Chains of Promathia, Anarchy Online: Alien Invasion, Star Wars Galaxies: Jump to Lightspeed, Meridian 59: Evolution, and Ultima Online: Samurai Empire. These expansions introduced new content, classes, features, and gameplay mechanics that shaped the genre.
