Author Archives: 1080Partners

New record for games sales in 2017

DFC Intelligence released its latest global game industry forecasts. With new hardware systems from Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony along with continued growth of mobile and PC games, the video game industry is expected to reach record sales of $102 billion this year, up 8 per cent over 2016 that represents a significant milestone for the game industry.

However, even with major industry growth, the new forecasts represent a slight downgrade of previous forecasts for the Xbox One that has not been meeting expectations in recent years.

“Xbox One X [a 4K version of the console] is an expensive system designed to appeal to a fairly narrow demographic of gamers who want high quality graphics but do not want to spend money on a high-end PC,” said DFC analyst David Cole. “The challenge is that is a fairly small addressable market, even as sales of 4k television sets start to soar. Both the Nintendo Switch or Sony PlayStation 4 offer a very strong value proposition that consumers seem to be flocking to.”

While the number of titles sounds impressive, DFC believes it will not be enough to drive major sales for the Xbox One X. “Many of the exclusives are fairly minor indie titles that will probably not take advantage of the enhanced graphics features of the system,” added Cole. “Furthermore, the leap from 1080 to 4k resolution is simply not as revolutionary as the previous movement from standard definition to high definition.

Via adavanced-television.com

Xbox One games will sell more

The global games software market is expected to exceed $100bn in 2017, according to a new report from Futuresource Consulting, with console game sales rising significantly toward the end of the year during Q4.

The report estimates that over 20m physical Switch games will be sold this year, while Xbox One game sales will hit 70m. The report didn’t specify how many PS4 game would be sold this year, but Futuresource analyst and co-author of the report Tristan Veale said he expected any sales growth to be “more muted” compared to Nintendo and Microsoft, despite the introduction of the PS4 Pro and PS4 Slim late last year.

“Sony PS4 Pro is a more typical mid-cycle console upgrade,” said Veale. “Sony has taken few risks with exception of omitting to include a UHD Blu-ray player but has a dominant position having outsold Xbox by two to one in this generation.”

Despite Sony’s continued dominance, however, Veale said that the introduction of the Xbox One X “may well change the console market forever” as it hints toward the death of the traditional 6-8 year console cycle.

As a result, Veale expects Xbox One game sales to grow by 13 per cent this year. PS4 game sales, meanwhile, are estimated to grow by just 3 per cent.

“The PC market has mastered upgrading hardware yet retaining backwards compatibility and Microsoft seem intent on the same with this console launch,” Veale added. “Newer, higher powered consoles may continue to be launched in the future, with games taking advantage of performance improvements and allowing users to create a significant library of games.”

Via Mcvuk.com

Team 17 recognised by Sunday Times newspaper

UK games stalwart Team 17 has been named as “One to Recognise” by The Sunday Times BDO Profit Track 100.

The BDO ranks Britain’s fastest growing 100 companies and is published by the paper each April, with an awards event taking place in June. The One to Recognise award is designed to highlight a company that fell just short of the Top 100, but has performed well and has great prospects.

“We are very proud to be the first and only gaming company to win this award,” Team 17 founder and CEO Debbie Bestwick said. “I would like to thank everyone at Team17 along with our partners across our label for the high level of hard work and focus. This is a team effort.

“When we embarked upon the process of partnering with a private equity investor in 2016 we also wanted to send a signal to the wider business world of the benefits in investing in the UK games sector. It’s an exciting, dynamic industry and an honour to represent it; we hope our continued growth and the work we are doing will hopefully help outside investors see the sector in a more positive light.”

Ukie CEO Jo Twist added: “Team17 has established itself as a leader in the UK indie games scene, and have really set themselves apart as an example of the creativity and business success that exemplifies the UK games industry.

“Games businesses in the UK continue to go from strength to strength, owing to our fantastic homegrown talent, technological innovations and business environment which allows them to thrive, and it is pleasing to see Team17 recognised among the best of British business with this award.”

Private equity firm Lloyds Development Capital invested £16.5m in Team17 last September. The publisher said the investment will help speed up its efforts in becoming a global player, with more potential acquisitions on the cards. LDC, which is part of Lloyds Banking Group, has taken a minority stake in the company, and may offer more funding and support should the need arise.

Via Mcvuk.com

Vampyr, the choice is yours

Vampyr is a grim Action RPG set in 1918 London ravaged by the Spanish flu and years of war. As players explore the devastated city they will unravel a deep narrative that evolves based on their decisions resulting in multiple dark endings (or one, elusive happy ending). Vampyr’s free form combat system allows players to choose from a large pool of skills and mix human-like styles with powerful vampiric attacks.”

PRE-ORDER NOW AND GET THE HUNTERS HEIRLOOMS DLC
The DLC includes two weapons from famous past hunters:
Dragonbane, the sword of Paulinus Aurelianus,mythical founder of the Brotherhood of Saint Paul Stole, known as a dragon hunter.
Barker, the pistol of Carl Eldritch, the second leader of the Guard of Priwen – who have taken an oath to hunt down every last vampire.
The DLC also includes a dark physician suit, perfect for a vampire doctor who must travel discretely through London under pouring rain or in the biting cold of the night. *The Hunters Heirlooms DLC will also be made available for purchase after the release of the game.

CURSED BE THE CHOICE…
You are newly-turned Vampyr Dr. Jonathan Reid. As a doctor, you must find a cure to save the city’s flu-ravaged citizens. As a Vampyr, you are cursed to feed on those you vowed to heal. Will you embrace the monster within? Survive and fight against Vampyr hunters, undead skals, and other supernatural creatures. Use your unholy powers to manipulate and delve into the lives of those around you, to decide who will be your next victim. Struggle to live with your decisions… your actions will save or doom London.

BE THE VAMPYR
Fight and manipulate with supernatural abilities. Balance small XP gains from defeating Vampire hunters, against the temptation to feed on civilians, which grant much greater XP gains.”

FEED TO SURVIVE
Be the savior and the stalker. Our newly turned hero is both Vampire and doctor, who must kill in order to survive long enough to find the cure for this Vampire “disease”.

FIGHT MAN AND MONSTER
From Vampire hunters, to mutilated abominations… London’s streets will grow more deadly as the numbers of civilians diminish. Choose from a large pool of skills and mix human-like styles with powerful vampiric attacks”
SHAPE LONDON – A web of interconnected citizens reacts to your decisions. Killing a citizen will have huge consequences in the lives of their relatives and the district they work or reside in.

VAMPYR is developed by DONTNOD Entertainment. DONTNOD is most well known for their exceptional narrative skills as seen in their 2015 release “Life is Strange”. This multiplatform title received an 85 Metacritic and won 20+ Awards including multiple “Game of the Year” awards and “Best Narrative” Awards.

Feel the thrill of the hunt!

On July 11, 2017 you will be able to discover distinct hunting areas and complete hundreds of objectives alone or with your friends. This Summer, explore varied environments, track your prey and become a better hunter, there will always be a new hunting adventure awaiting you!

Track 37 species of animals, each with realistic behaviors: big and small game, predators, waterfowl…and many more!

Choose from among 17 different firearms (rifles, bows, and crossbows) including official Winchester® and Browning® licensed weapons, and close to 50 essential accessories.

Explore 12 expansive regions based on real hunting areas in Europe and North America. Adapt to the elements as the weather and time of day dynamically change.

Take off on an adventure with three friends or with players from around the globe with multiplayer.

Become the ultimate hunter, track down your prey by using a variety of weapons and tools include lures, callers, and even a drone! (A first in the hunting game genre).

With over 100 campaign missions, free hunt mode, a ball-trap mini game and continuous post-launch challenges, missions and competitions Hunting Simulator is sure to be the next great hunting game on consoles.

Coming to PS4 and X1 on July 11, 2017!

Minecraft Story mode Season 2 is officially official!

Telltale Games announced that Minecraft: Story Mode – Season 2 is officially official! The first episode, Hero in Residence, will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices this summer.

Jesse’s saga continues in five all-new episodes created in collaboration with Mojang and members of the Minecraft community. Your choices from season one will carry over, but newcomers will be able to jump in no problem. This season also includes our ‘Crowd Play’ feature, which lets your friends and family play along with you by voting on story choices from their phones. Here’s a little more about what’s in store this season:

Now that Jesse and the gang have vanquished the Wither Storm, saved the world, and become totally super famous heroes, life has gotten a bit more…complicated. With more responsibilities and less time for adventure, old friendships have started to fade — at least until Jesse’s hand gets stuck in a creepy gauntlet that belongs to an ancient underwater temple. Together with old pals and new comrades alike, Jesse embarks on a brand new journey filled with tough choices, good times, and at least one temperamental llama.

This season will feature voice work from Patton Oswalt, Catherine Taber, Ashley Johnson, and Scott Porter, as well as cameos from Stampy Cat, stacyplays, and other personalities from the Minecraft community on YouTube. We’re doing our best to work with all your favorites to make sure the game feels true to the fans! Who would you like to see this season? Let us know in the forums, and stayed tuned for more Minecraft: Story Mode info soon!

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Comfort Grip

If you love Nintendo Switch, you’re going to spend a lot of time playing it. The Comfort Grip brings the left and right Joy-Con Controllers together to make one comfortable controller, so you can play as long as you like. Ergonomic, rubber grips will keep your palms happy and your fingers from cramping at home or on-the-go. Simply slide each Joy-Con Controller down the rails until they click, and view the player indicator lights through the front. ProTip: the Comfort Grip stands up on its own and looks great next to your Nintendo Switch Dock.

*Officially licensed by Nintendo for Nintendo Switch

• Lightweight, ergonomic design for comfortable gameplay anywhere
• Double-injected rubber grips for added comfort
• Easy slide-in design secures each Joy-Con
• Visible player indicator lights

The Golf Club 2 gets release date!

April 26, 2017 – Walnut Creek, CA – Video game publisher Maximum Games, in partnership with developer HB Studios, has today released a brand new features trailer for their highly-anticipated sports game, The Golf Club 2. The next installment following the series’ highly successful first entry, The Golf Club,will swing onto shelves for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, and Windows PC via Steam® platforms on June 27, 2017.

Today’s brand-new trailer for The Golf Club 2 focuses on the game’s state-of-the-art and highly expansive Course Editor feature, which allows players to replicate a compelling and authentic experience of being on the green. Fans of the game’s predecessor will be pleased to find that the beloved creation tool is returning and has been highly upgraded with brand new, expanded features, including tournament dressings with camera towers and vibrant crowds, to name a few. The Course Editor feature empowers players to create the perfect course to fit their style, where the only limit is their own imagination.

The Golf Club 2 aims for a hole-in-one by offering a bevy of additional brand-new features including a progression-based Career Mode and the inclusion of dynamic Societies. Players will become part of the prestigious golfing elite by practicing and perfecting their skills in Career Mode, then sharing their success with online Societies, competing with their team of players in single games and full-blown tournaments.

Right now, players can get a head start on their career and pre-order The Golf Club 2 for $39.99. They will receive the “Day One” edition which includes the following “Aristocrat” bonus in-game content:

• Moneybags – Save time and get rich quick with an instant payout that will boost your career and give you serious purchasing power
• Elite Club – Make your competitors jealous and stand out among the crowd with an exclusive 24K solid gold driver
• Premier Clubhouse – Gain access to an exclusive high society clubhouse for you and your friends
• Heirloom Apparel – Play in style with a throwback outfit from the golden age of golf
• Elite Emblem – Add class to your Society logo with a signature badge

For additional pre-order and product information, please click here.

The Golf Club 2 is currently in development from HB Studios and will be published by Maximum Games. The game will be available on PS4, Xbox One, and digitally on PC June 27, 2017. This title has been rated “E for Everyone” by the ESRB.

Five tips to win at ArmaGallant: Decks of Destiny

ArmaGallant: Decks of Destiny – the RTS/deckbuilding PlayStation exclusive – is available today! The game combines deckbuilding with real-time strategy, creating fast-paced multiplayer arena battles. Learn and evolve the abilities of electrifying creatures and magical spells, forming powerful decks to unleash upon your enemies!

Today, Geoff Mendicino, our QA Lead, shares his top 5 gameplay tips and tricks!

1) Prioritize Objectives – Be sure to prioritize map objectives! Making corpses of your enemies is always fun, but controlling key objectives such as monoliths and life-zapping crystals will force your opponents to send their resources towards you, giving you the upper hand in setting up a counter-attack!

2) Deck Synergy – Build your deck with cards that synergize with each other and with your Champion Card. A quick example of synergy is sending a minion with high attack but low defense into combat, then playing Blood Moon (a card that prevents minions from dying for a limited time) right before they lose all their health, giving them the most bang for their buck before they are gone. Experiment and adapt – the possibilities are endless!

3) Deck Balance – Starting out, we recommend making two-thirds of your deck dedicated to minions, and the remaining third dedicated to spells. Cards in your hand are randomly picked from your deck, so you’ll want to make sure you have enough minion presence on the battlefield to cover key areas. However, at the same time, you want spells you can instantly summon anywhere in order to buff your minions or debuff the enemy.

4) Ordered Chaos – During battle, cards are drawn at random from your deck, but you can still control your luck in the long run. If you only have one copy of each card, you’ll rarely draw the card you want when you need to counter your opponent. Having too many copies of each card means your deck will not be diverse enough to adapt to what’s happening on the battlefield. We find that having two of each card is the sweet spot for controlling your destiny.

5) Focus Fire – When engaging a newly discovered group of enemies, focus your resources to kill the squishiest (easiest to kill) enemy. These enemies generally have high attack or utility, so when those targets go down, the amount of damage they perform on your team goes down significantly, putting you at a huge advantage to win the entire fight. Just be sure to keep an eye on your most valuable assets, and don’t be afraid to retreat to prevent your opponent from getting their bounty!

Buy ArmaGallant: Decks of Destiny today and be sure to share some of your own tips and tricks on our Maximum Games Facebook page!

Nintendo Switch, the fastest selling console

Nintendo has announced as part of the March NPD results that the Switch has become its fastest selling video game system ever in the US.

The console shifted 906k units in March. That puts it ever so slightly ahead of the Wii U, which sold 890k in its first five weeks. It of course must also be noted that Switch has accomplished this in March and not in the months leading up to Christmas.

Interestingly, sales of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild have hit 1.3m units in the US. While 460k of these were for Wii U, 925k were for Switch, meaning that the game sold more copies than the console. Nintendo speculates that folk are buying both the standard and limited edition of the game.

The numbers also make Breath of the Wild Nintendo’s fastest selling US game ever.

“Nintendo always strives to offer consumers something fun, new and different,” Nintendo of America’s president and COO Reggie Fils-Aime said. “With its various play modes and the innovative features of the Joy-Con controllers, Nintendo Switch provides unique experiences that people can take with them anywhere and share with anyone.”

Nintendo added that it continues to try and meet demand for the console, with new shipments still rolling in.

Elsewhere, analyst Superdata reckons that global Switch sales now stand at around 2.4 units. As a result, it has increased its 2017 sales forecast for the console from 5m units to 7.2m.

Superdata CEO Joost Van Dreunen said: “Nintendo is performing above expectations, which suggests that, at least for now, it is well on its way to restore investor confidence.”

Via Mcvuk.com