Net Neutrality out Online Fees in? + Square-Enix parts with HITMAN!


If you haven't heard the news, the FCC's resident public enemy... Ajit Pai is seriously bringing the ax down on Net Neutrality with a sharp repeal.

I can't say with confidence that most internet users are willing to get rid of their internet if it affects internet speed, but it would serve the lobbying cable companies right to suffer record loses. This isn't our first time mentioning this (we're rodeo legends at this point), it's been almost a yearly tradition but some internet users are still not aware of it and what could happen.

If lag becomes more prevalent in online gaming... I would not be surprised, and the same applies to the prices of items sold online in order to keep the website up to speed. No... I would not be surprised because its almost a backlash to eliminate some of the freedoms we have online, freedoms they can't currently profit from. This isn't the result of anything else except for greed (and control). The cable companies providing internet, do not appreciate business they receive from us month after month, they want more... and more... and more. It's disgusting and its annoying as hell. Without net neutrality in place, these companies can do what they want to exploit the needs and wants we have to use the internet.

Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images
Ajit Pai doesn't care to listen to the people speaking out against it either because his associates are on the other side of this, but that's the result of us being seen as numbers. Land of the free, home of the controlled internet?

Imagine your phone service only having good connection some of the time and... you weren't able to call everyone because the mobile carrier blocks certain numbers. That's the potential result of the Net Neutrality repeal... but if certain ISP's have the guts to be fair, I hope they show up the competition to the point that ships sink. 

I'm serious about that because I'm tired of the people who figure their big money means they have the right to control the average Joe & Joanna. It's actually the support of the average Joe & Joanna keeping these companies from going out of business. The average home phone service isn't as popular now, so who knows what may happen as a result of this.

+ Square Enix parts with HITMAN!

You may call this post a bit of a double whammy... but I don't think so. Square-Enix parts with HITMAN... but in a cool way. They could've simply parted with IO Interactive, put them into the hands of another publisher and kept the IP... but... they let IO Interactive roll as an indie studio... with the HITMAN IP. You may be asking why, but IO Interactive is Agent 47's home with or without Square-Enix publishing him.

The decision came as a result of a number of things... which both include HITMAN and other factors beyond HITMAN. I have a problem with developers wasting resources on games they release as a total trainwreck... and Square Enix's CEO (Yosuke Matsude) didn't want to end up in that situation with Hitman. 

That gets two thumbs up from me because he wasn't willing to compromise the quality due to a potential lack of resources to properly develop the 2nd and 3rd seasons. He also didn't want IO Interactive to be without the game so that their baby was potentially in the hands of someone else to be misrepresented. He took a look at his cards and made the right decision... because he could've sold the company to a bad publisher or closed the doors, but HITMAN lives on based on the right decisions. Since HITMAN (2016) was well received, I see the other seasons doing just fine when their time comes. Square-Enix doing Marvel IPs and IO Interactive doing their own thing as an indie developer. As long as the support remains, so should the games!

Get the GOTY Edition... now!



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FTS: Put those headsets on and get ready to broadcast on mobile in... Minecraft!


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Mixer Interactivity, Mobile Broadcasting and Windows Mixed Reality Arrives in the Minecraft 1.2.5 Update

What’s happening? Hot off the heels of MINECON Earth, Minecraft takes a deep dive into the world of Mixer Interactivity and Windows Mixed Reality with the 1.2.5 update, graduating from beta today! Players will be able to build, explore and battle mobs from new, creative perspectives, making this update the most immersive yet.

What’s coming in the 1.2.5 update? Quite a few things, actually:
  • Native mobile broadcasting and Mixer Interactivity:
    • Players on Android ~and~ iOS platforms will gain access to instant, native broadcasting from directly within the game. By pressing the new “broadcast” button in the Settings menu, you can begin broadcasting to streaming services such as Mixer, YouTube, Twitch, Mobcrush and Periscope. If you’re streaming on Mixer, you’ll utilize the power of Faster Than Light technology, enabling you to broadcast with sub-second latency and also co-stream your gameplay with up to three friends.

    • We’re also introducing native Mixer Interactivity for Bedrock Engine-based platforms! Any Minecraft command can be turned into an interactive button on Mixer, enabling communities to play along with their favorite streamers in real time. Create mazes or puzzles for the streamer to solve, or summon Mobs, pets and zombie spawns – the possibilities are endless. ;)

  • Windows Mixed Reality: Building, exploring and coming face-to-face with monstrous mobs in Minecraft takes on new meaning when experienced with a Windows Mixed Reality immersive headset. Now you can share the adventure with friends playing on mobile, Windows 10 or console, set up your own world with Realms, or join one of the massive player-run servers. Creeping into dark caves inspires even greater trepidation thanks to 3D audio, and Creative mode will take on a fresh perspective. Minecraft will work across all Windows Mixed Reality-immersive headsets and badged PCs.

For the full announcement and more information, check out Minecraft.net!

In Case You Missed It

  • We announced the Minecraft 1.2.5 beta last month, which introduced mobile broadcast testing on Android, and interactivity testing on Android, Xbox One and Windows 10.
  • MINECON Earth took place last weekend, and it was AWESOME. We also announced a ton of cool stuff during the livestream that you should probably know about, like The Update Aquatic and a new mob. Minecraft.net has the scoop in case you missed it!


Meanwhile at the SDGT Office!



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HITMAN SNIPER... reviewed!


Hello agents, thank you for checking out this quick review of... Hitman Sniper. Prepare for your next mission objectives, hit the field and get the job done in the most creative way possible to become the best hitman around.


In this game, you are still in the shoes of the ever-smooth Agent 47, but this time instead of getting up close and personal... you're taking aim as a sniper (hence the name, Hitman Sniper).

You not only have to concern yourself with obtaining a score to complete all mission objectives at times, you also have to take out the main target, get explosive kills, undetected kills and all that good stuff.

It's a perfect fit for mobile, allowing you to get in... play a mission and get out in very little time. This is a plus for parents and even students who want to game in between life's happenings. I recommend these sorts of games to adults who gamed at one point and don't feel as if they have the time to get back in. You don't need hours, grab something that only requires a few minutes to enjoy.

If you're familiar with Hitman, then you'll know that you will play in the same environment multiple times with different objectives. For those of you who think you may get annoyed by that... it's possible, but Hitman tends to deliver plenty of objectives, and in Hitman Sniper... you're busy focusing on the objectives and the clock so that concern might take a back seat. The challenge to complete these objectives comes into play when the AI of the NPC's is enhanced, which allows them to become suspicious, alarmed, etc... I like that a lot.

The visuals are pretty good, the audio is decent and there is a charming depth to this game that got my attention the first time I played it. I also like the way the user interface is set up... although there needs to be a simple "quit" option on the UI menu. Some phones don't always show the phone's default “Home” option to exit.

Replay value comes in the form of leaderboards and trying to see how you can top the competition... and you're also able to showcase those skills by uploading your gameplay to Twitter or Facebook. YouTube is listed as a video sharing option... but it doesn't work (at least for me).

You also get a mode in this game titled “Death Valley” where you take on the zombies while trying to protect people. I haven't had the pleasure of playing this mode because an error comes up while downloading for some reason. It could be the phone I'm reviewing, but we shall see. I'll update this once I can play it.

Cons are easily the gun prices. Developers (in this case Square Enix), if the in-game items cost way more than the damn game... that's a huge problem. "Gigantic problem aisle one, overpriced DLC!" You have a gun in this game for $49.99. Yeah... hell no, that's 1 or more different game purchases. Luckily you don't have to pay for these guns in order to gain access to other options, but I'd instead provide more game content with guns included. 


Overall, this is a pretty good game... delivering satisfying gameplay with nice visuals and audio. Outside of the DLC, I don't really have any complaints.

Fun factor: 5Visually: 4Replay value: 4Price: 5

"4.5 / 5 Cool Points"

DLC 

"2 / 5 Cool Points"



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Killer is Dead - Nightmare Edition... free!


There are dreams... and then there are Nightmare Editions! Get Killer is Dead - Nightmare Edition before December 2, 2017 or kiss your free copy... goodbye.


Haha... after we've purchased HITMAN SNIPER for review, its free until November 17, 2017! 
So get it on Android and add the "SdgtEnt" sn... game on!


Meanwhile in the office.




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FTS: There was Dirt and now there is Gravel



Milan – November 7, 2017 –  Gravel, Milestone’s latest IP, is back with a new Dev Diary focused on the career mode developed around the Off-Road Masters, the annual TV show where the best riders in the world compete in races all over the planet, organized by the Gravel Channel, the extreme sports TV channel completely dedicated to off-roading.

The show’s season includes episodes which are made up of one or more races. Each competition is part of a specific discipline: the players will fight against the champion of that discipline, the so-called Off-Road Master, while they proceed in the career. Four champions for four disciplines, Cross Country, Wild Rush, Speed Cross and Stadium Circuit, and each champion mirrors the spirit of their discipline. Players will have to fight to defeat the Off-Road Masters and win their titles. Once the championship is over, players can take part in a definitive challenge to beat the reigning Off-Road Master of all disciplines in the Final League.

The second dev diary also offers an exclusive, in-depth look into the 4 disciplines, their design and the artistic studies beyond them. Cross Country tracks are set in huge areas with different layouts, for competing in checkpoint races where players have one chance to finish first: these races offer a unique adrenaline that cannot be repeated in the second lap. Racing on Wild Rush will be totally different: lap races in the wildest locations in the world, which combine all the adrenaline of the track with the feelings of driving in an open circuit. Speed Cross races are characterized by a combination of asphalt and dirt to increase competition: speed cross tracks are more narrow and technical and the gamer can show his skills in incredible jumps and chicanery. Last but not least, Stadium Circuit tracks, where dirt is the key element, designed for competitive and spectacular competitions. All circuits and tracks were created with a common goal: engage the players in the most memorable racing battle ever!

Gravel will be released on February, 27th 2018 on PS4, Xbox One®, the all-in-one games, and entertainment system and PC.


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FTS: FFXV Pocket Edition + Comics, Sex and Science



LOS ANGELES (Nov. 8, 2017) – Pre-registration for FINAL FANTASY® XV POCKET EDITION begins today on the Google Play Store, allowing fans with Android devices to receive up-to-date information on the game’s release when it launches on iPhone, iPad, Android devices this autumn and Windows 10 devices later this winter.

FINAL FANTASY XV POCKET EDITION is an all-new adventure that retells the beloved story of FINAL FANTASY XV across ten thrilling episodes, giving fans and newcomers alike the freedom to journey through Eos whenever and from wherever they want. The mobile game features the main characters and story of the console version and FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION, with an adorable art style and casual touch controls optimized for mobile devices.

All ten episodes will be available at launch, with the first episode at no charge. Episodes 2 - 10 may be purchased individually or as a bundle—please see below for full pricing details.
 
Individual EpisodesAll Episodes
Ep 1FREE$19.99
Ep 2$0.99
Ep 3$0.99
Ep 4$3.99
Ep 5$3.99
Ep 6$3.99
Ep 7$3.99
Ep 8$3.99
Ep 9$3.99
Ep 10$3.99

FINAL FANTASY XV POCKET EDITION will also support iPhones and iPads running on iOS 11.1 or later, select Android devices running on Android 5.0 or later.

Additional details on FINAL FANTASY XV POCKET EDITION are available here:https://www.finalfantasyxv.com/en/pocket-edition

A new trailer highlighting the gameplay and art style of FINAL FANTASY XV POCKET EDITION released today in conjunction with the start of pre-registration. The trailer is available here:https://youtu.be/HfkIVG12Ocs

Android players can pre-register for the game now at: http://sqex.to/FFXV_PocketEdition_Android


+


Grab this bundle here!


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