Mask Up Mondays: Muse Dash - Bass Telekinesis + Mobile Games Action Genre Grew In US By...

 

Mobile Games Action Genre From US Grew By 104% In H1 2021 – $436M Revenue

Action Genre Generated $436M In H1 2021 – 104% Increase From H1 2020

Mobile games are the most lucrative segment of gaming and the lockdowns of 2020 resulted in a massive uptick in engagement. This momentum from 2020 seems to have carried over into 2021 as data from Sensor Tower shows widespread revenue growth for many mobile game genres in the US. Among all the major genres, the Action genre experienced the highest YoY revenue growth in H1 2021 compared to H1 2020 – 103.8%

The Action genre generated an estimated $435.7M in H1 2021 compared to an estimated $213.8M in H1 2020. Revenue from the Fighting subgenre generated the most revenue for the Action genre, amounting to $183.3M which is a 27.7% YoY increase. In terms of games, Genshin Impact was the largest revenue-generating action game after recording nearly $174M in player spending in the US for H1 2021.

The hyper-casual genre was the second-fastest-growing genre in terms of revenue after experiencing a 60.4% YoY growth from H1 2020 amounting to $59M. The third-fastest growing genre in H1 2021 was the Tabletop genre after experiencing YoY growth of 41.7% in H1 2021, amounting to almost $389M.

In terms of actual revenue size, the Puzzle genre generated the largest revenue out of player spending with $2.6B – an 18.6% YoY increase from H1 2020. The second-largest genre was the Casino genre which generated $2.5B followed by the Strategy genre which generated $2.2B.

Number Of Downloads Decrease Among All Genres

Mobile game downloads in the US set records in 2020 as lockdowns forced many people to look for alternative forms of entertainment within the confines of their homes. Download figures for every genre are expectedly down in H1 2021 compared to H1 2020 which was the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic globally.

The Strategy genre experienced the least contraction at just a 4.4% YoY decrease from H1 2020 after recording 71.7M installations in the first half of 2021. “Top War” was the most downloaded game from the genre with 4.2M downloads followed by “State of Survival” and “Clash of Clans.”

The Hyper casual genre had the most downloads in H1 2021 at 830.2M after experiencing the second-smallest contraction among genres from H1 2020 at just 6.5%. Notably, the Shooter and Casino genres experienced the largest contractions from 2020 at 37.8% and 36.9% respectively. 

“Many in the gaming industry expected a contraction in 2021, after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 boosted its figures to record-setting levels. Despite the decrease in downloads, the massive increase in revenue for some genres suggests that the gains made in 2020 are not completely lost and that the future remains very bright for the mobile gaming industry.” - Rex

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Eyeing the... Valve Steam Deck!

Sooo... this happened! What is it exactly, a Nintendo Switch Pro? Not at all, but shots have been fired because... Steam Deck may have the device that PC and non-PC gamers have been waiting for, which is the Steam Deck!

I feel like Ludacris right now: Hey Steam Deck... how ya doing? You're the device that I'm really pursuing, and I would like to get to know ya, can ya give me your specs, and hopefully I can pre-order ya... by my next paycheck... ayyy! Anyway, follow me as I eye this beautiful-looking device down.

I wish this device launched with a new Valve title, but... I have enough games to suffice.

As you see here, it has 2 thumbsticks + a D-pad + a View button (the button next to the D-pad) + the ABXY buttons + a Menu button + Quick access (just above the right speaker) + the Steam button (above the left speaker). You also get two trackpads... which someone might be wonder what those do, but there are games on Steam that require a standard keyboard and mouse in some cases... so you have the trackpads. I'd be tempted to see how these work, but I don't know... probably something I would seldom use.

On top of the Steam Deck you have the standard L1 trigger + L2 trigger + R1 trigger + R2 trigger + Volume buttons (closer to the L triggers) + Headphone Jack (next to the volume buttons) + Fan (in the middle to keep the... Steam flowing out properly) + Type C port jack (I'd have to grab a nice Thunderbolt cord) + a Status LED light + Power Button... seems to be set up nicely.

On the back, some of you might be wondering what in the heck are... these, but the device delivers L4 + L5 + R4 + R5 back triggers for pro gamers or at least those who prefer to use pro controllers. There is also an expansion slot for micro SD cards.

Here are the specs of the unit:

Processor: 

AMD APU

CPU: Zen 2 4c/8t, 2.4-3.5GHz (up to 448 GFlops FP32)

GPU: 8 RDNA 2 CUs, 1.0-1.6GHz (up to 1.6 TFlops FP32)

APU power: 4-15W

RAM:

16 GB LPDDR5 onboard RAM (5500 MT/s quad 32-bit channels)

Storage:

64 GB eMMC (PCIe Gen 2 x1)

256 GB NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 3 x4)

512 GB high-speed NVMe SSD (PCIe Gen 3 x4)

All models use socketed 2230 m.2 modules (not intended for end-user replacement)

All models include a high-speed microSD card slot

Display:

Resolution: 1280 x 800px (16:10 aspect ratio)

Type: Optically bonded IPS LCD for enhanced readability

Display size: 7" diagonal

Brightness: 400 nits typical

Refresh rate: 60Hz

Touch-enabled: Yes

Sensors: Ambient light sensor

Connectivity:

Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.0 (support for controllers, accessories and audio)

Wi-Fi: Dual-band Wi-Fi radio, 2.4GHz and 5GHz, 2 x 2 MIMO, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac

Audio:

Channels: Stereo with embedded DSP for an immersive listening experience

Microphones: Dual microphone array

Headphone / mic jack: 3.5mm stereo headphone / headphone jack

Digital: Multichannel audio via DisplayPort over USB-C, standard USB-C, or Bluetooth 5.0

Power:

Input: 45W USB Type-C PD3.0 power supply

Battery: 40Whr battery 2 - 8 hours of gameplay

Expansion:

microSD: UHS-I supports SD, SDXC and SDHC

External connectivity for controllers & displays: USB-C with DisplayPort 1.4 Alt-mode support; up to 8K @60Hz or 4K @120Hz, USB 3.2 Gen 2

Size/Weight:

Size: 298mm x 117mm x 49mm

Weight: Approx. 669 grams

Software:

Operating System: SteamOS 3.0 (Arch-based)

Desktop: KDE Plasma

I won't say that this is the Nintendo Switch killer because Nintendo has its IPs, but... the Steam Deck has entered the arena where people are looking for some handheld action. Nintendo has occupied this space comfortably for a while with no real competitors (the PS Vita is gone), but now you have a real head-turner for people who have pre-existing libraries that they want to enjoy on a Nintendo Switch-like device. It's actually a handheld PC, that you can dock and use with a Keyboard, Mouse, and... Monitor also.

Basically, if you need a computer to do some simple things on (even using productivity or art software in Steam) you can run them in this. Actually, I won't say simple things, because if you can play a high-res game... you can run software that meets the requirements.

Nintendo was on the Wishmas List at one point, but this has to go on there, because... you get access to your Steam library in portable form. Yes, that option has been there with the Steam Link, which is why that was also recommended, but... this is just so much more. I would much rather access my ridiculous Steam library, but I say that this isn't a Nintendo Switch killer because the big N also has a large player base. So it has that side as far as a portable home game console is concerned with original IPs and the Steam Deck has the... PC audience (and others who may be interested). Will the Steam Deck dip into Nintendo Switch sales? I'm sure of it, but I'm not calling anything as far as who wins between Valve & Nintendo, because we're the actual winners when the competition is fierce.

I do think the place where Steam has the upper hand is... you don't have to wait for the games to be ported. You can play them on day 1 they're available on Steam, but you can also mod this thing... so that changes things even further. Based on an interview with Valve, I believe you can use the Xbox app on this device, and it's safe to say you can use EA & Ubisoft's platforms too. Why is it safe to say that? Easy, remember EA & Ubisoft have this nasty little habit of selling games on one platform that requires their first-party platform to be used.

I'm tired of that, and Valve + Epic Games... must change that. They must require these companies to play the games directly from their platforms rather than leading us to their app. What's the point of buying the game in one only to open it on another? It's not being stolen, let us play directly from the app we purchased it on... period. So that's why I'm sure these two platforms will run, but I had to vent.

You've seen the specs, you've seen the system, now time for the price. The Steam Deck comes in at a solid price of $399. I don't know what it feels like, but I know that I want it because it gives me access to my Steam library to play whenever I want and wherever I want. You just power it on, sign in, and... bam (as long as your game is ready to roll and doesn't require an update)!

You actually have 3 tiers in terms of the device:

$399 

64GB eMMC internal storage

Carrying case

$529

256GB NVMe SSD internal storage

Faster storage

Carrying case

Exclusive Steam Community profile bundle

$649

512GB NVMe SSD internal storage

Fastest storage

Premium anti-glare etched glass

Exclusive carrying case

Exclusive Steam Community profile bundle

Exclusive virtual keyboard theme

Now that you've seen the prices, you see why this thing is turning head... even if the higher models are a few hundred more. It would be DOA starting at $999 because you can buy a PC and call it a day or just get a Switch, but this is a price that makes some of us think twice. By the way, don't be a sucker buying from some scalper trying to cash in on your thirst for a Steam Deck, there are people reserving units that they're selling online for thousands of dollars (I've seen one for over $4000). That's nuts!

Overall, the Steam Deck grabbed my attention, and... I truly see it as a device where I would log a good amount of time on because I more so play games on Steam. If this thing takes off, I strongly suggest that Valve creates more first-party games... or funds teams to do so. I also think it's sweet that I don't have to go and dump money into building a new game library.

For more information on the Valve Steam Deck, check out: https://www.steamdeck.com/en/

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Top Audiences Last Week!

  

BAM!

Top 10... let's go!

Indonesia

USA

Australia

France

United Kingdom

Germany

Canada

Belgium

Japan

Netherlands

Ukraine, Brazil, and Israel... came close!

No candy picks this week, I like Nerds... but I can only enjoy small boxes!

I had the Rainbow Nerds, but the box was even overwhelming for ME! (MOMMA!)

 

          

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Mask Up Mondays: Muse Dash - Departure Road + Amazon Echo for $5!!!!!

If you were on the fence about getting your hands on an Amazon Echo... grab one today for $5!

Just use code: ECHOTV5

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Immerse Gaming | HIVE Spatial Audio Software... Reviewed!

I'd like to thank Team Embody for supplying this software for my review. My opinions are my own.

...Reviewed!

When it comes to spatial audio, I stepped into this review with experience of what this type of software delivers... but the Immerse spatial audio software seems to make things... personal.

Personalization: Out of the gate, the first thing that stood out to me was the request to take a photo of my ear. I thought that was interesting. I think it's cool because you're getting a more formulated sound based on the shape of your ear.

Tip: Get someone else to take the photo for the most accurate angle possible.

If you're wondering what that does, just think of how the sound would be delivered to your ears based on the layout. You're going to hear the audio with your ears, so having the audio customized to the shape of your ear... enhances the experience that much more.

Quality: In terms of the spatial audio quality, it delivers. You don't sit around waiting to hear the spatial audio kick in. I don't want to knock Windows Sonic, but that's me with Windows Sonic in terms of gaming. Immerse Gaming Hive gives an immediate response unless you have the volume down or you have another audio device selected (I have quite a few of those).

Before I go any further, spatial audio is this... 360-degree experience for your ears. This is one of the reasons ASMR caught me the way it did, it's truly immersive... so when you take software like Immerse Gaming and you apply that to games... it takes things to the next level for more gamers than those who can afford higher quality headphones. We hear the games through the stereo, but when your audio is taken to that evolutionary level that is... Spatial Audio, you feel it even more.

Features: When combined with the Audeze Mobius headphones, it was just a beautiful freaking experience. I can't wait to see the creativity in this space, because gaming truly takes a step forward with spatial audio.

Immersive Gaming Hive's software gives you the option to customize the sound for various genres. MMO, shooters, and more. The sound either expands to fit the world or decreases to fit close-quarters combat. Resident Evil Village is one of the more recent titles that take advantage of spatial audio... so if you have the guts to dive in, game on! The Audeze Mobius review includes a link to grab RE Village for free, but you didn't hear that from me... because I typed it out. :p

You also get the optional UI overlay, but... I recommend leaving it off in competitive multiplayer games. I don't recommend it because it's a detriment as far as affecting the performance of your system, but if you have something telling where the enemies are coming from... what type of challenge is that? In the least... it shouldn't be allowed in tournaments, but... I do think this is a great feature for gamers in the deaf & hearing-impaired community. If we get spatial audio, a visual sonar could be a plus for them... and evens the playing field in my opinion.

Price: Pricewise, this software comes at a very competitive price of $14.99/year or $39.99/5 years. I'd take the 5 years, though I don't believe that there should be any limitations on device amount or image submissions. They may be able to explain the reason why, perhaps it requires a stored profile on the companies end so that they aren't trying to match with each update or something, but... they already have existing headphones they do that for. Since the other headphones use default settings, that can't be the reason... so I don't think there should be limitations (mainly on the headphones). I guess I can understand the ear type, which also represents a user cap for the service.

Grab the Immerse Gaming Hive spatial audio software... here: http://immerse.gg/

Personalization 5

Quality 5

Features 5

Price 5

5 out of 5 Cool Points

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Top Audiences Last Week!

 

 Australia took a step up this week!

Top 10... let's go!

USA

Indonesia

Australia

United Kingdom

Germany

Netherlands

Canada
Ukraine
France
Japan

South Korea, Italy, and Brazil... came close!

No candy picks this week, I'm taking it easy on my chompers!

 

          

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FTS: Celebrate the Season with Limited-Time Summer Units in War of the Vision Final Fantasy Brave Exvius

 

CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH LIMITED-TIME SUMMER UNITS

IN WAR OF THE VISIONS FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS

LOS ANGELES (July 21, 2021) –  SQUARE ENIX® today announced that the fan-favorite tactical
mobile RPG, WAR OF THE VISIONS™ FINAL FANTASY® BRAVE EXVIUS®, is celebrating the
summer season, now through August 24^th, where players can enjoy seasonal units, themed campaigns,
and rewards. Some of the events and rewards include:

• 

  New Limited-Time Summer Units: Powerful Ultra Rare (UR) units Lilyth (Summer) and Kitone
  (Summer) make their Global version debut through limited-time summons. Lilyth has a powerful
  immobilization attack in her arsenal and can perform the Limit Burst “Beach Attack!”, which
  lowers resistance to Missile Attacks while dealing damage. Kitone, meanwhile, has a wide range
  of debuffs at her disposal and can perform the Limit Burst “Swim Ring Attack,” dealing damage
  to enemies within range, with a chance to inflict Sleep on her targets. Given both units’ utility
  and abilities, both would be welcome additions to any players’ roster.

 

• 

  Limited-Time Summons: Various summon banners are available during the campaign, including the Summer 2021 Part I Featured New Unit Summon, which guarantees ten units, with one of them being of MR rarity or better, and features higher drop rates for both Kitone (Summer) and Lilyth (Summer). For full details on all available summon banners, please refer
  to the in-game notices.
  
  
• Summer Login Bonuses: Players can receive up to 2,500 Visiore and more, including up to 40 Unit Shards, simply by logging in daily during the campaign. Players can use these Unit Shards to enhance and awaken their Lilyth (Summer) and Kitone (Summer).

• “WOTV FFBE Summer Splash!” Social Campaign: Fans can vote for their favorite units
  on the official WOTV FFBE social pages, and all players will receive various in-game rewards
  based on the total number of votes. For full details, please refer to the official Twitter, Instagram,
  and Facebook pages.

More details on the current summer campaign rewards and events, in addition to the second round of
summer updates can be found on the game’s official social media pages, as well as in-game notices.
 
WAR OF THE VISIONS FINAL FANTASY BRAVE EXVIUS is available now as a free download with
in-app purchases through the App Store®, Google Play™ and Amazon App Store. Text is supported
in English, French, German, Spanish, Korean and Traditional Chinese, while voiceovers are supported
in English and Japanese. For more information, please visit: https://wotvffbe.com/

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