Dear Developers: Don't Update Games With Annoying New Requirements

This crap that Sony just pulled with Helldivers 2, goes back to what I've said awhile back. I know some of you aren't even aware of what occured, and you're (probably) looking like Kendrick Lamar at the moment.

There was a particular 'Dear Developers' installment in 2017 talking about the problem with using game platforms for other game platforms. Remember that? Sony isn't the only one requiring logins through alternate platforms, I have to say that. There have been multiple publishers with this requirement like EA, Ubisoft, S-Game, and others.


The customers didn't buy the game after that was already a requirement though, so how fair is that to spring such an update on them?

There are a number of gamers including myself who don't wish to go that extra step in terms of opening a game, because some will ultimately try to avoid the games that take away your ability to simply go in and get your game on. If you make the decision to release a game on an alternate platform, it doesn't rob you of money if you allow gamers to... simply have the game on that platform without additional requirements that require usage of an alternate platform or sign-in. Right or wrong?

Whoever thought this would be a great idea for Sony to do, made a horrible decision (in my opinion). Horrible. It might not seem like a big deal, but think of what this means in terms of business and gaining access to PC gamers. Sure, they could reverse it, but that doesn't take away the fact that it happened, and... that leaves a bad taste in the mouth of select gamers and a stain on Sony. A stain that could make select gamers... paranoid. If they wanted a Playstation, they'd make that move.

Example: I literally will see EA games that I wouldn't mind playing, games that I actually own, but... I don't want to go through one platform to access others. And what if there are updates on Steam, and then you go in to the other platform and have to wait for an update there regarding the game and the platform itself? A number of gamers are already logging via limited free time, so it's imperative that publishers don't get in the way of their own success. Helldivers 2 is one of this years best selling games, so it's like... Sony, why!? According to Sadat over at GameRant, Steam is refunding Helldivers 2 players regardless of playtime, and that says something. I'm glad they were able to get a refund for this unexpected move, but the purchase was for good times that gamers were having. That said, i'm sure many were still like:

The developer can't be blamed for this, but they will get affected by something the publisher pulled. The desire to control, just might be a potential element, but... a number of PC gamers are on PC to get away from that very thing. Think about it, and... game on!

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Dear Developers: Game Rebirths

Oh, my pixelated heart is all aflutter at the mere mention of classic video game resurrections! "Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn" isn't just a stroll down memory lane; it's like hopping into a DeLorean and punching it to 88mph, except now the car is shinier, gummy worms are in the cup holder, the streets are in 4K, and there's enough bloom lighting to make J.J. Abrams squint with delight.

AAA developers are no stranger to bringing back hit games (like Capcom), but this post is about the smaller devs. Let's talk about those indie devs weaving their 8-bit magic like they've raided Gandalf's closet for spare wands. When they crack their knuckles and dive into the code of yesteryear's treasures, oh boy, do they bring us a symphony of nostalgia with the bass boosted. It's like they've grabbed the soul of the original, pumped it with HD steroids, and slapped on a "we have technology" sticker. And you know what? We're here for it!

The rebirth of "Shadow of the Ninja" isn't just good news; it's like finding out your favorite cereal from childhood is back on the shelves, and it's part of a balanced breakfast. The gameplay? As silky as a buttered-up otter sliding down a water slide. The co-op? So much fun that you'd want to high-five your... grandmom, but you can't because you're both too busy gripping your controllers like it's the last chopper out of Contra (yes, in my mind... she games too).

So to the indie devs thinking about brushing off the dust from a classic title – don your archeological hats and start the excavation for opportunities. Just remember, it’s not enough to slap on a fresh coat of pixels and call it a day. Gamers are like elephants: we never forget. And if it's not done with the tender love and care it deserves, the roast is going to be legendary—less "resurrection" and more "rest in peace." Ya dig?!

Pull it off, though, and you've got a legion of gamers ready to chant your studio's name like you've just scored the winning touchdown at the Super Bowl of Geekdom (sponsored by Haribo). So, here's to the old becoming new, to the classics getting a second chance to shine, and to the players new and old who get to experience these gems all over again.

A degree isn't required to start developing your first game, and learning is as easy as logging onto your PC to complete a game dev curriculum in your spare time without the debt. You never know where today's affordable courses might take your skills. They could land you the keys to a remake that excited critics (who smile on the inside)... can't wait to rave about.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a cereal date with nostalgia, and she does not like to be kept waiting.

            

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Snack Time!

The Cushion Designed for Gaming!

Aspiring Game Devs: Never Underestimate the Power of a Dream

Ladies, gentlemen, and everyone who's ever rage-quit a platformer only to come back 5 minutes later because we can't help ourselves - let this pixel-pusher preach the good word! A degree is to game development what a fork is to soup... it can be useful, yes, but spoons exist if you want to focus on the course without all the expensive extras!

The quest to become a game dev no longer requires the ol’ “sword in the stone” scenario - because, lo and behold, the internet hath provided a digital Excalibur, and it fits in your schedule like those side quests you swore you'd start after just 'one more main mission'. Whether you're a brave squire setting forth at dawn or a night owl hunting for bugs in the witching hours, there's a treasure trove of courses where the entry fee is on the low and all you need is Wi-Fi to access it.

And oh, let me weave you a tale of a future where your skills, sharper than a +10 sword of Truth, might just unlock the door to gaming's hallowed halls. Picture this... there you are, the artisan of a grand remake, bathing in the glow of your monitors, as you stitch together the fabric of your own game that could be considered a classic one day.

The critics? Those stoic sentinels of the game realm's formidable gates? They're perched, pens at the ready, peering over their half-moon glasses, prepared to unleash a flurry of words so jolly that their keyboards chuckle with delight. Because when an indie dev crafts a game so charming it makes nostalgia feel like the new kid on the block, they can’t help but tip their hat... even if it's an invisible one.

So whether you're plotting your very first sprite or coding up the next digital world wonder, never underestimate the power of a dream mixed with a dash of online study. Because, who knows? Your homemade pixel pie might just be the next big banquet critics (and players!) line up around the block for.

Strap in, future devs. Power up your rigs and let those creative juices flow like mana from the fabled fountain. Your game dev odyssey awaits!

Here are 5 of the best Udemy courses for game development:

Unreal Engine 5: The Complete Beginner's Course

Complete C# Unity Game Developer 2D & 3D courses

The Beginner's Guide to Animation in Unity

All About Gaming Industry Careers & Game Design Fundamentals

Unreal Engine 5 C++ Developer

            

 + Sophima 

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The Cushion Designed for Gaming!