Game Services thread, v2: Ubisoft headline portends a darker gaming future

[rikwebb]

Nice, I’ve heard good things about Soma.
And Amnesia has been in my PS4 backlog for years, I’ve really got to get around to playing it.

I've got both in my Ps backlog too, pretty sure they were Ps Plus games. May even have them installed in my hdd full of Ps4 games hooked upto my ps5 knowing my luck

 

[Madmick]

Three weeks after Stadia went bottom up...
Netflix to expand into cloud gaming, opens new studio in Southern California

At TechCrunch Disrupt, Netflix VP of Gaming Mike Verdu dropped two bits of news about the streaming giant’s foray into games. Verdu said that Netflix is “seriously exploring a cloud gaming offering.” The company will also open a new gaming studio in Southern California.

“It’s a value add. We’re not asking you to subscribe as a console replacement,” Verdu said on stage. “It’s a completely different business model. The hope is over time that it just becomes this very natural way to play games wherever you are"...

Verdu thinks (Stadia) struggled due to their business models, not the technology itself. “Stadia was a technical success. It was fun to play games on Stadia,” Verdu said. “It had some issues with the business model, sure.”

Both Stadia and Luna have dedicated controllers — but Verdu was reticent to say whether we can expect a Netflix gaming controller in the future.

He did reveal, though, that Netflix is stepping up its game development by opening an internal studio in Southern California. This is the company’s fifth studio — just last month, Netflix set up shop in Helsinki, Finland with a former Zynga GM at the helm. Others include Boss Fight Entertainment, Night School Studio and Finland’s Next Games, which are each designed to develop games catering to different tastes.

The new California studio will be led by Chacko Sonny, the former executive producer on “Overwatch.” At Blizzard Entertainment, “Overwatch” was a massive success, netting billions of dollars. Sonny announced his departure from Blizzard last year in the wake of an SEC probe regarding sexual harassment and discrimination at the dominant gaming company...

Since it announced its foray into gaming, Netflix has 14 games in development in its own studios and has 35 games on the service now. In total, Verdu said it has 55 games “in flight” at present. These games include experiences based on original IP like “Stranger Things,” as well as licensed IP like “Spongebob Squarepants.” Netflix is also developing original games.

“We hope over time that the balance is like, 50% Netflix IP,” Verdu said.

 

[rikwebb]

First half of November's Game Pass Additions

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If you have ever wanted to solve a mystery in Bavaria centuries ago, mix it up with some aliens, or manage some football clubs – you have some really eclectic hobbies, and we have some games for you. With plenty of games available today, games coming soon, and updates to some of the games you might have already downloaded, we’ve got lots to cover. Let’s jump in!

Available Today
The Legend of Tianding (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Available on day one with Game Pass: It is the early 20th century, and Taiwan is under the control of Imperial Japan. Play as the legendary outlaw and folk hero Liao Tianding, as you kung-fu fight your way through the colorful streets of Taipei in this sidescrolling beat-em-up.

The Walking Dead: A New Frontier – The Complete Season (PC)
As Javier, a young man determined to find the family taken from him, you meet a young girl who has experienced her own unimaginable loss. Her name is Clementine, and your fates are bound together in a story where every choice you make could be your last.

The Walking Dead: Michonne – The Complete Season (PC)
The Walking Dead: Michonne – A Telltale Miniseries stars the iconic, blade-wielding character from Robert Kirkman’s best-selling comic books. Haunted by her past, and coping with unimaginable loss and regret, the story explores Michonne’s absence between issues #126 and #139 of the comic book.

Coming Soon
Ghost Song (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 3
Available on day one with Game Pass: On the desolate moon of Lorian, a long-dormant Deadsuit awakens from slumber. Journey beneath the surface on an atmospheric 2D adventure of self-discovery, ancient mysteries, and cosmic terror. Explore winding caverns and acquire new abilities to unearth this alien world’s long-buried secrets.

Football Manager 2023 (PC) – November 8
Available on day one with PC Game Pass: Football Manager 2023 brings you closer to the beautiful game, from the supporters that live and breathe every match to your board, scouts, players and opposition managers. Earn the backing of the fans by outsmarting your rivals and delivering success on the pitch.

Football Manager 2023 Console (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 8
Available on day one with Game Pass: Become the best in Football Manager 2023 Console, newly renamed for this season. Formerly titled the Xbox edition, this tailored version of Football Manager zones in on football’s most important areas – the transfer market, the tactics board, and the pitch.

Return to Monkey Island (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 8
Return to Monkey Island is an unexpected, thrilling return of series creator Ron Gilbert that continues the story of the legendary adventure games The Secret of Monkey Island and Monkey Island 2: LeChuck’s Revenge developed in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games.

Vampire Survivors (Console) – November 10
Vampire Survivors is coming soon to Xbox consoles and you can play the full release today with PC Game Pass! Jump straight into the action, mow down thousands of night creatures, and survive until dawn! The gothic-horror world of Vampire Survivors will throw relentless hordes of monsters at you: make the right choices, or rely on your skills and favorite weapons to turn the tide and quickly snowball against your enemies.

Pentiment (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 15
Available on day one with Game Pass: From Obsidian and Xbox Game Studios, step into a living illustrated world inspired by illuminated manuscripts and printed woodcuts in a time when Europe is at a crossroads of great religious and political change. Walk in the footsteps of Andreas Maler, a master artist who finds himself in the middle of murders, scandals, and intrigue in the Bavarian Alps. Choose your backgrounds, impact a changing world, and see the consequences of your decisions in this narrative adventure.

Somerville (Console and PC) – November 15
Available on day one with Game Pass: In the wake of an otherworldly invasion that’s left the world in catastrophe, you must find the means to make your family whole again. Explore a rich and atmospheric world, along with the intimate repercussions of large scale conflict, in a hand-crafted sci-fi narrative experience set across a perilous rural landscape.






also leaving the service soon

Leaving November 8

• Football Manager 2022 (PC)
• Football Manager 2022 Xbox Edition(Cloud, Console, and PC)

Leaving November 15

• Art of Rally (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Fae Tactics (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Next Space Rebel (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• One Step from Eden (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Supraland (Cloud, Console, and PC)

 

[rikwebb]

Netflix has acquired another studio, Spry Fox who have made Cozy Grove, Triple Town, Alphabear and Road Not Taken. Spry Fox becomes thier 6th inhouse studio.

https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/netflix-has-acquired-cozy-grove-studio-spry-fox/

 

[Madmick]

NVIDIA has temporarily dropped the price on a biannual (i.e. 6-month) GeForce Now "Priority" tier membership from $50 to $30.
https://www.tweaktown.com/news/8916...op-to-29-99-for-the-first-6-months/index.html

Official page here:
https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce-now/memberships/

 

[Neph]

I don't see the relevance of Linux to game development. How about naming the best game studio ever headquartered in Finland, or the best game ever made there?

I had no idea so I looked it up. It's probably Remedy Entertainment who have made the Max Payne series, Alan Wake and Control, though there's a host of mobile developers from Finland as well.

 

[Dizzy]

Play this now.

 

[rikwebb]

2nd half of November's Game Pass Additions

Available Today
Pentiment (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Available on day one with Game Pass: Jump into the world of illuminated manuscripts and play as Andreas Maler, a journeyman artist living in 16th century Bavaria. Get caught up in the murder and scandals happening in the town of Tassing and leave your mark on this community with repercussions you will experience over the following 25 years in the game.

Somerville (Cloud, Console and PC)
Available on day one with Game Pass: In the wake of catastrophe, you must find the means to make your family whole again. Somerville is a Sci-Fi adventure grounded in the intimate repercussions of a large-scale conflict.

Coming Soon
Dune: Spice Wars (Game Preview) (PC) – November 17
A 4X real-time strategy game from the developers of the critically acclaimed Northgard. Set in Frank Herbert's groundbreaking Dune universe, you must lead your faction and battle for control and dominance over the harsh desert planet of Arrakis. 'The Air & Sand Update is also coming November 17, adding new layers of strategy with military flying units and new buildings, along with improvements across the board.

Ghostlore (Game Preview) (PC) – November 17
Ghostlore is an 'Eastpunk' Action-RPG where you fight monsters from Southeast-Asian folklore. Inspired by timeless classic ARPG's such as Diablo 2 and Titan Quest, Ghostlore offers a detailed item and character customization system, procedurally generated maps, and an authentically retro 90's aesthetic.

Lapin (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 17
Available on day one with Game Pass: Lapin is a 2D platformer game featuring a group of brave rabbit explorers. Five rabbits used to live under a park, but construction forced them to leave their beloved hole. Players need to help Liebe and her friends explore the world with precise control. Meet new friends, remember past events, and hop on to the end of the adventure!

Norco (Cloud and Console) – November 17
The award-winning Southern Gothic point & click narrative adventure game Norco is coming soon to Game Pass, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Your brother Blake has gone missing in the aftermath of your mother's death. In the hopes of finding him, you must follow a fugitive security android through the refineries, strip malls, and drainage ditches of suburban New Orleans.

Gungrave G.O.R.E (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 22
Available on day one with Game Pass: Stylish third-person shooting meets close-range martial arts, creating seamlessly flowing action as you crush your enemies in a gory ballet of bullets. Utilize your unlimited ammo Cerberus pistols and your transformable EVO-coffin to unleash devastating combos in pursuit of maximum damage and style.

Insurgency: Sandstorm (Cloud and Console) – November 29
Battle in the war-torn environments of a contemporary conflict through a series of intense co-op and PvP multiplayer modes. Feel every bullet and fear every impact in fierce close quarters combat as your team fights toward victory.

Soccer Story (Cloud, Console, and PC) – November 29
Available on day one with Game Pass: Soccer Story is a physics-driven adventure RPG, where every problem can be solved with your trusty magic ball. Along the way, you'll need to best bad guys in 1v1s, compete in a range of sports (with your soccer ball, of course), and solve puzzles with your brain and your balls!

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide (PC) – November 30
Available on day one with PC Game Pass: Take back the city of Tertium from hordes of bloodthirsty foes in this intense and brutal action shooter. Warhammer 40,000: Darktide is the new co-op focused experience from the award-winning team behind the Vermintide series. As Tertium falls, Rejects Will Rise.

Leaving the service at the end of the month

• Archvale (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Deeeer Simulator (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Final Fantasy XIII-2 (Console and PC)
• Mind Scanners (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Mortal Shell (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Space Warlord Organ Trading Simulator (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Undungeon (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Warhammer 40,000 Battlesector (Cloud, Console, and PC)

 

[The Clark]

2nd half of November's Game Pass Additions

Leaving the service at the end of the month

I might get a month to try Gungrave. I loved the PS2 games.

 

[SaiWa]

Play this now.

heard some great things about this game. going to have to try it out.

 

[rikwebb]

Looks like Netflix are hiring for development of a AAA PC game

https://www.eurogamer.net/netflix-developing-big-budget-pc-game

Netflix is developing a triple-A PC game, based on recent job listings posted for its game studio.

The job openings are available at the newly-formed Los Angeles developer, Netflix Games Studio, which was announced by the company's vice president of gaming Mike Verdu last month. The team is being lead by former Overwatch executive producer Chacko Sonny.

Listings for project directors, a lead engineer, and a live service analyst at Netflix Games Studio were spotted earlier today (thanks, Mobilegamer.biz).

The studio is looking for an experienced game director, technical director, art director, live service analyst, and lead engineer. The project is described as a "brand-new triple-A PC game" built on Unreal Engine, and is specifically described as a third-person action RPG in the job description for lead engineer.

 

[Madmick]

Looks like Netflix are hiring for development of a AAA PC game

https://www.eurogamer.net/netflix-developing-big-budget-pc-game

So yet another major corporation is joining the Dark Souls feeding frenzy. Good news to many, I suppose.

 

[rikwebb]

So yet another major corporation is joining the Dark Souls feeding frenzy. Good news to many, I suppose.

Funny thing is that the Game Director and Technical Director job adverts mentions experience with FPS/ Third Person Shooters is preferrable not anything to do with an RPG so i'm not sure where the RPG stuff has come from so far

https://jobs.netflix.com/jobs/243929231

 

[Madmick]

Funny thing is that the Game Director and Technical Director job adverts mentions experience with FPS/ Third Person Shooters is preferrable not anything to do with an RPG so i'm not sure where the RPG stuff has come from so far

https://jobs.netflix.com/jobs/243929231

Hmm. Hard to believe any major game like this wouldn't focus on MP even if it doesn't necessarily prioritize PvP over PvE. So like Destiny, but a third person shooter like Fortnite / Gears of War with a narrative campaign that includes character choices and weapon/talent progression? Would go against New World if it is an MMO. So you wonder if the PvP element, if there is one, would focus on that, Arena combat, or Battle Royale.

That's a bit more interesting. Could be more distinctive.

 

[rikwebb]

Hmm. Hard to believe any major game like this wouldn't focus on MP even if it doesn't necessarily prioritize PvP over PvE. So like Destiny, but a third person shooter like Fortnite / Gears of War with a narrative campaign that includes character choices and weapon/talent progression? Would go against New World if it is an MMO. So you wonder if the PvP element, if there is one, would focus on that, Arena combat, or Battle Royale.

That's a bit more interesting. Could be more distinctive.

The Team's being led by ex Overwatch Executive Producer Chacko Sunny so maybe it could have parts inspired by OW as theres a lot of Live service jobs available at that studio

 

[Madmick]

The Team's being led by ex Overwatch Executive Producer Chacko Sunny so maybe it could have parts inspired by OW as theres a lot of Live service jobs available at that studio

I saw your quote's mention of Chacko Sonny, but ugggh. Why go against Overwatch? We don't need another third person MOBA shooter.

 

[Law Talkin’ Guy]

Maybe their intention would be to try and emulate the Mass Effect formula as it would I think check all the boxes:

-third person
-shooting mechanics
-RPG mechanics

It’s always hard to gauge what a game is with the now seemingly ubiquitous term of “action RPG” which has imo lost all meaning over the last decade. 20 years ago if you said action RPG people would have a mental image of Diablo II. These days they’d have a mental image of Dark Souls. And yet those two games are absolutely nothing alike. Throw in a game like Mass Effect too and call it an action rpg as well and the phrase basically loses all meaning to help give a person a sense as to what a game will be like.

 

[rikwebb]

First half of December's Game Pass Additions announced

Available Today
Eastward (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Welcome to the charming world of Eastward – population declining! Journey through a society on the brink of collapse, discovering delightful towns, strange creatures, and even stranger people! Wield John's trusty frying pan and Sam's mystic powers on an unusual adventure into the unknown.

The Walking Dead: The Final Season (Cloud, Console, and PC)
After years on the road facing threats both living and dead, a secluded school might finally be Clementine and AJ's chance for a home. But protecting it will mean sacrifice. In this gripping, emotional final season, your choices define your relationships, shape your world, and determine how Clementine's story ends.

Totally Reliable Delivery Service (PC)
Buckle up your back brace and fire up the delivery truck, it's time to deliver! Join up to three friends and haphazardly get the job done in an interactive sandbox world. Endure cruel ragdoll physics, pilot your favorite vehicle, and complete the tasks at hand to the best of your ability. Delivery attempted, that's a Totally Reliable Delivery Service guarantee!

Coming Soon
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 6
An unforgettable experience through the Star Wars galaxy with the biggest roster of LEGO Star Wars characters and vehicles to date, new immersive combat mechanics, a vast array of planets to explore, and much more! Players will relive the epic narrative of the Skywalker Saga told through the lens of hilarious LEGO humor. Choose the beginning of any trilogy, including Star Wars: The Phantom Menace, Star Wars: A New Hope, or Star Wars: The Force Awakens and start your journey on December 6 for Cloud, Console, and PC.

Hello Neighbor 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 6
Available on day one with Game Pass: Hello Neighbor 2 is a stealth horror game about uncovering your creepy neighbor's secrets. Play against a complex opponent controlled by an advanced AI that learns from you and all the other players! As time passes and the Neighbor adapts to the players' patterns, his own behavior will change and surprise you. Will you be the one to outsmart the Neighbor and find out what he's hiding?

Chained Echoes (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 8
Available on day one with Game Pass: Valandis is at war. The three kingdoms have been fighting for centuries. Peace seems to be no option. And yet, a magical weapon of mass destruction leads to a fragile one. One, which won't last. Prepare yourself for an adventure in a world full of wonders, magic, mechs, charming characters, airships and vicious foes. Will you be able to make peace everlasting with your heroes?

Metal: Hellsinger (Xbox One) – December 8
Game Pass members will be able to jump into Metal: Hellsinger on Xbox One consoles on December 8! Previously released on Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S with Game Pass, Metal: Hellsinger is a rhythm FPS brimming with diabolical enemies, powerful weapons, and metal music. Strike terror into the hearts of demons as you fight your way through eight Hells on an infernal journey to achieve the purest of goals: Vengeance.

High On Life (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 13
Available on day one with Game Pass: From the mind of Justin Roiland comes High On Life. Humanity is being threatened by an alien cartel who wants to use them as drugs. It's up to you to rescue and partner with charismatic, talking guns, take down Garmantuous and his gang, and save the world!

Potion Craft (Console and PC) – December 13
Potion Craft is an alchemist simulator where you physically interact with your tools and ingredients to brew potions. You're in full control of the whole shop: invent new recipes, attract customers and experiment to your heart's content. Just remember: the whole town is counting on you.

Hot Wheels Unleashed – Game of the Year Edition (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 15
Get ready to drift, boost, jump and crash on the iconic orange tracks with the most beloved Hot Wheels cars! Hot Wheels Unleashed – Game of the Year Edition is coming soon to Xbox Game Pass. Let's ignite the fun!

Rainbow Billy: The Curse of the Leviathan (Cloud, Console, and PC) – December 15
A wholesome, creature capture, 2.5D Adventure-Puzzle-Platformer with over 30 hours of gameplay! It is a family-friendly, openly accessible, RPG-infused adventure in which you must save whimsical creatures by bringing back color to the world you once knew!

Leaving the Service on December 15th

Leaving December 15
The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon which means it is the perfect time to shuffle your play list and hit these before they go! Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep any Game Pass games in your library.

• Aliens: Fireteam Elite (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Breathedge (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Dragon Quest XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Firewatch (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Lake (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• One Piece: Pirate Warriors 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Neoverse (Cloud and Console)
• Race with Ryan (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Record of Lodoss War: Deedlit in Wonder Labyrinth (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Rory McIlroy PGA Tour (Console) EA Play
• Transformers: Battlegrounds (Cloud, Console, and PC)

 

[rikwebb]

First Game Pass update of the year

Coming Soon
Persona 3 Portable (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 19
If I say there's an hour "hidden" between one day and the next… would you believe me? Master the power of the heart, Persona, and uncover the tragic truth of the Dark Hour. Experience the iconic, critically acclaimed RPG that reinvented the Persona series!


Persona 4 Golden (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 19
Experience a coming-of-age story that sets the protagonist and his friends on a journey kickstarted by a chain of serial murders. The world-renowned Persona 4 Golden promises unforgettable adventures, meaningful bonds, and heartwarming experiences shared together with friends.


Monster Hunter Rise (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 20
The critically acclaimed action-RPG series returns! Set in the Japanese folklore inspired land of Kamura, players will team up to battle fearsome monsters, craft a wide variety of gear, and prevent the world from falling into calamity. Rise to the challenge and join the hunt!

Leaving the service on Jan 15th

• Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Nobody Saves The World (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Pupperazzi (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• The Anacrusis (Game Preview) (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• We Happy Few (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Windjammers 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC)

 

[Madmick]

So I just noticed a glitch-- at least on the PC side.

I wasn't paying attention, and for the first time in a long time I allowed my Game Pass to lapse before renewing-- ended yesterday. When I saw that upon launching the Xbox app for PC, I decided I would try to launch a single player game that I had installed, anyway. To be clear, this wasn't an EA Play game. It launched, and it allowed me to play. I tried it with two other games. Also worked. It still blocks you from online MP, but if a game has both SP and MP, you can play the SP.

So it would appear that any games you download you effectively "own" for single player campaigns. They gotta patch this. All you have to do is subscribe one month, many using the $1 trick, and then download the game. Voila. You've got it for as long as you want. Don't have to renew the next month if you haven't finished it.