NEWS ON THE HOUR
Friday, November 10, 2023 - WEEKEND EDITION
Written by Alleine Dragonfyre | Reported by Asclepius | PC Games by Drizz Dragonfyre
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NEWS ON THE HOUR WEEKEND EDITION November 10 2023
Local News
The Robot Overlords have announced a music hunt event in Shroud of the Avatar, set to commence on November 13th. Participants will search for music sheets, with a twist. Ten specific sheets will be listed at the start. Finding one makes you eligible for the grand prize. Discovering five or more earns an additional special reward. To claim victory, players must post a screenshot of the sheet and its drop. Stay tuned for the list of winning songs. Happy hunting!
Download the FREE MMORPG Shroud of the Avatar today.
In Haven Ridge, there’s an exciting month-long fishing event happening until November 30th. Participants have a chance to win big in multiple categories including a Grand Prize for Largest Lava and Saltwater Fish with a combined length of 2000 COTO's, 200k Gold, an in-game Gold Fishing Trophy & this is cool, Listeners, a sealed Shroud of the Avatar Video Game Box Set! There’s prizes for Largest Lava amd Saltwater fish as well. Submit catches via In-Game Mail to Lebu Lionheart or use the Turn-In Chest near the main dock. Haven Ridge is just beyond Castle Atos. Best of luck to all participants!
For more information about player-run events, developer game updates and more happenings in Shroud of the Avatar, or to have your events broadcasted during NEWS ON THE HOUR visit the official Shroud of the Avatar forums and the Avatars Radio Discord at www.avatarsradio.rocks/discord
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Metaverse News
Unity Raises $1 Billion in Debt Ahead of Q3 Earnings Report
Unity, a prominent game engine maker and the platform Shroud of the Avatar is built on, secured $1 billion in debt right before revealing Q3 2023 earnings, a loophole allowed by the 1933 US Securities Act allowing them to sidestep immediate disclosure. As a result, Unity's stock hit an all-time low of $21.33 after hours. Controversial new fees based on game installations prompted financial adjustments. CEO John Riccitiello's sudden retirement led to Jim Whitehurst stepping in. Unity plans to implement a new charging strategy, resulting in workforce reductions and office space cuts, targeted for completion by Q1 2024. Despite these changes, Unity's shares have fallen 12% this year, compared to the S&P 500 index's overall 13% gain.
Warner Bros Games Shifts Focus to Always-Online, Free-to-Play Titles
During Warner Bros Games’ Q3 2023 earnings call, CEO David Zaslav revealed a pivot towards always-online, free-to-play titles. This strategic shift, away from single-player releases, aims to enhance player engagement and microtransaction revenue. Reactions among gamers are mixed, with some wary of potential changes to the gaming experience in favor of profit-driven content, while others see it as a response to evolving player preferences and revenue models. Recognizable titles like Batman: Arkham Knight and Hogwarts Legacy exemplify the Warner Bros’ portfolio.
Teardown's Time Campers DLC is a Wild West Heist Adventure
Teardown's highly anticipated first DLC, "Time Campers," is set to launch on November 15th. This expansion invites players to embark on a time-traveling escapade to the Old West, complete with dynamite-fueled heists in saloons, on bridges, and aboard steam trains. The DLC introduces a host of new features, including missions, maps, tools, horses, and more. "Time Campers" is just the first of four planned expansions, with the others slated for release in 2024.
Epic Games Declines Google's $147 Million Offer During Legal Spat
In the ongoing legal saga between Epic Games and Google, Epic Games rejected Google's $147 million proposal to host Fortnite on the Play Store. This offer followed Epic's 2018 decision to bypass Google's platform, citing the high 30% store tax. Google argued for the benefits of releasing on the Play Store, including improved user experience and reach. The $147 million deal, revealed during the trial, aimed to offset potential revenue losses. Epic eventually released Fortnite on Google Play 18 months later, sparking further legal disputes over direct payments. The trial continues to shed light on the complex dynamics of the gaming industry.
Afrofantasy MMO 'The Wagadu Chronicles' Steam Early Access Dec 4
Indie developer Twin Drums unveils The Wagadu Chronicles, an Afrofantasy MMORPG, set for Steam Early Access on December 4. Features include roleplay mechanics, turn-based combat for up to 12 players, a rhythm-based fishing mini-game, village upgrades, and unique Oware-styled PvP, a style of player versus player gameplay inspired by the traditional African board game called Oware or Mancala. The game raised $175K on Kickstarter in 2020. Twin Drums engaged players with art previews and alpha tests, concluding in April. Early access offers ongoing player contributions to game evolution.
credit: digitalextremes.com/about
Digital Extremes Announces Layoffs and Wayfinder Handover
Unfortunately, we have more layoffs to report today as Digital Extremes, the publisher of Warframe and Wayfinder, has laid off at least 20 employees. This decision affects their external projects division, including the troubled early access launch of Wayfinder. Additionally, Digital Extremes will cease support for Wayfinder, handing full ownership to developer Airship Syndicate in the coming months. This move follows the appointment of a new CEO in October. The future of Digital Extremes' publishing endeavors, including Wayfinder, remains uncertain.
Arcane Season 2: Release Date Confirmed for November 2024
It's been just over two years since the acclaimed animated League of Legends spin-off Arcane launched on Netflix. The long-awaited second season is set to launch in November 2024. The first season followed the story of sisters Jinx and Vi, popular champions from League of Legends, amidst a conflict between Piltover and Zaun. Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell will reprise their roles. Season one received critical acclaim and an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program. Fans can expect more updates as the release date approaches. In the meantime, catch the first season on Netflix.
Netflix's 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' Live-Action Release Date Revealed
In more news from Netflix, the streaming platform is set to debut the live-action adaptation of "Avatar: The Last Airbender" on February 22, 2024. Showrunner Albert Kim heads the 8-episode first season, mirroring the original's storyline. Creators Bryan Konietzko and Michael Dante DiMartino left the project in 2020, but they are credited with writing the inaugural episode. Nickelodeon's Avatar Studios promises a bright future for the franchise with new movies and TV shows in production, ensuring fans won't have to wait long for fresh "Avatar" content.