Pokemon Go developer lays off staff to cut costs: How many studios will have to reduce staff size during this time?

I've mentioned this before... based on the way things are going, but developers are going to feel the heat just like the average joe when it comes to the economy. How they play their cards, determines how good or bad things can go... and support from fans is a huge factor.

Staff weren't the only ones to get cut from Niantic, a Transformers game + another title called... Hamlet, had their plugs pulled as well.

I won't say that working in game development is any more or less stable than any other field, but... it's one of those things you have to keep in mind if you desire to work in the industry (some positions are contract-based). It's not always the economy, it's unit sales, poor decisions in development, and even poor decisions that weren't even related to bugs.

Void Interactive (which isn't connected to Niantic at all)... had their title "Ready or Not" pulled from Steam based on what they said was a suggested trademark infringement, but there was something else that NME reported on first that made me look at the trademark thing with a side-eye.

NME pointed out that a new level featuring a nightclub shooting in the game was likely the reason behind the game being pulled. A nightclub level that involved shooting may have flown under the radar, but NME reported that the developer released the level on the anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting that took place here in Orlando, Florida. Major facepalm and I mention this situation because there are situations that you don't have control of... like unit sales (which are based on support), while others are completely avoidable.

I can't say whether Void Interactive knew about Pulse at all, but if it's the reason Ready or Not was delisted from Steam at the time... that doesn't help revenue or keep them further away from layoffs if they have to face the music sooner than later. Developers looking to whether the storm are laying off employees regardless, but for those trying to maintain their team... play it safe and avoid as many unnecessary L's as possible.





Valve ramps up Steam Deck production: Your wait could be over



Don't get taken to the cleaners, Steam is doubling up on Steam Deck shipments! According to Steam maker Valve wants to get out more than double the number of units on a weekly basis. Is this a sign that Valve has found a new route to cover their parts shortage? It's possible, so take this information and avoid being used by someone trying to jack up the price.

Say no to... price gougers.

I don't want to knock someone's hustle, but... there are literally open box units being sold for $1125.00. It's not even the 512GB model. I've even seen unopened options for $1500.00... which is nearly trip the price. Like... come on, keep your money in your pocket unless you come across a unit that makes sense and you're willing to buy from someone who isn't Valve or a reputable third-party reseller.

There are some people who kept things a bit more reasonable by selling units in a similar price range to the going price on the site. This technically defeats the purpose of reselling (unless they just don't want the device), but these are the only ones I'd entertain... if I ever went that route.




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DISGAEA 6 COMPLETE

 


Disgaea 6 Complete


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Mask Up Mondays: Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl - Garfield Gets It In!

I thought about what game I'd play in place of Muse Dash, and Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl came to mind. It's certainly a good alternative because it delivers competition, but also that SSB-like action.


I know that there are many of you who wonder when the pandemic will officially pass, while others have shrugged and figured they throw caution to the wind. There are multiple people still getting covid, I just think there's a burn out in terms of even giving a crap anymore... but try to play it safe as much as possible. For the essential workers, we still salute you, and certainly try to give you praise when we're out... because essential workers are the last step between normalcy and all hell completely breaking loose.

If no one worked at the gas stations, that would completely bring the axe down on tons of other things. Think about it. The same applies to grocery store workers, medical professionals, delivery drivers, etc. There are just so many things that disappear with essential workers, so just consider that.

We went out for pizza on Saturday, and there was a waiter and a cook from 11pm - 5pm. The waiter was trying to do his best, but you could tell he was in a panic and... service was held on by a thread. After telling him that we appreciated his service regardless, he was very appreciative, and also shared that it would be a little easier if his co-worker didn't call in with plans to come in late. She arrived early but didn't intend to clock in for another 1.5 hours. I'm not sure what she was going through, but with everything going on... I hope more of us make it a little easier. All it takes are the right amount of resignations to turn nearly everything belly up. So... game on, and be as awesome to others as possible.




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Bungie Awarded $13.5 Million in Lawsuit Against Cheat Maker Team


The cheat creator, Elite Boss Tech has admitted to incorporating its own overlay into Bungie’s Destiny 2's copyrighted work.


Bungie sued the cheat creator Elite Boss Tech for copyright infringement and the latter lost and have to pay $13.5 million in damages!


The Elite Boss Tech was found guilty of creating cheat software that adds an unauthorized "graphical overlay" in-game which injects third-party code into Bungie’s copyrighted material, resulting to be considered an unlicensed derivative work.


Additionally, the Elite Boss Tech admitted to willful infringement and how their software violates the anti-circumvention of DMCA constructed by Bungie. The software that the Elite Boss Tech created has been downloaded 6,765 times at a cost of $2,000 per download.


The Elite Boss Tech has been ordered not only to pay up but they are also prevented to create and/or distribute any software that could violate Bungie’s rights or the parents, subsidiaries, or affiliates’ rights!


The company also cannot abuse its power and reverse engineer any games owned or published by Bungie.


The legal battle between Destiny 2 developer Bungie and cheat makers began in August of 2021 when they filed a lawsuit against Elite Boss Tech for copyright infringement.



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