The Apple/Epic beef is tragic (for both companies). Let's count the ways. 1. AAA games are (finally!!) strategic to Apple's go-to-market Apple wants to iterate on Apple Silicon until gamers can't tell the difference between games running on a Playstation and a MacBook, iPhone Pro, Apple TV, and iPad. It also needs a growing library of compelling, immersive experiences for the Vision Pro. AAA game studios like CD PROJEKT RED are using Epic's Unreal Engine to build the next entries in their popular franchises (The Witcher, Cyberpunk 2077). Deep software / hardware support for Epic Games's Unreal Engine would make it cheaper and faster to bring games of that caliber to Apple's entire ecosystem devices... AND offer a path to "spin-offs" specifically designed for the Vision Pro. The Apple/Epic beef makes that level of support unlikely. 2. Apple (finally!) has the beginnings of a compelling value prop to AAA game studios: * Port your titles to Apple Silicon using our DirectX converter * Deliver them across Apple's entire device ecosystem without rewriting a ton of code. But the perception of Apple as a rent-seeking "gatekeeper" hostile to major developers' business models complicates the story. The Apple/Epic beef just reinforces this perception. 3. Epic and Tim Sweeney have a huge vision for immersive gaming and 3D worlds. The Apple Vision is the best hardware to make it so. While the VR / metaverse hype cycle has definitely crashed, immersive gaming and 3D worlds remain highly promising use cases for spatial computers. The Vision Pro has the most powerful hardware and compelling user interface in the category. And Apple has every advantage in hardware and software necessary to keep it that way... Epic's "metaverse" vision would get a huge boost from a positive, mutually-aligned relationship with Apple. What's the opposite of a positive, mutually-aligned relationship with Apple? Beef.
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Is Apple’s Vision Pro paving the way for a new “spatial gaming” market? Or are we at the start of another VR hype cycle? My latest piece in Naavik Digest wades into this debate. There seems to be a dichotomy in the games industry on this topic: On the one hand, early adopters and VCs have been hyping AVP as the “next big thing.” Reviews have been rapturous and it is undoubtedly a slick, polished piece of tech with some truly innovative advancements. On the other hand, long time operators are skeptical that this will amount to anything remotely close to an “iPhone moment” for the industry. There are no “killer apps” yet, nor is there a meaningful install base. Apple already has a tenuous relationship with game developers and visionOS is far from an open platform. My take? TL;DR: I’m short term bearish (with some exceptions) and long term optimistic. You’ll have to read the piece to get all the nuance. This is only the first version of the Vision Pro. I expect the product will continue to improve and eventually reach a (somewhat?) reasonable price point. I also expect Meta and other competitors to adopt Apple’s design innovations and technical advancements where possible, which should help to grow the ecosystem as a whole. What do you think? Is spatial gaming going to become a meaningful market segment any time soon? https://lnkd.in/gpw3iBMF
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Let’s talk about a $250 bn industry being disrupted - video gaming! We look at the three giants - Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo - traditionally ruling the space. They have derived competitive advantage from mainly two sources: 1. Content is king - Nintendo thrives on exclusive characters like Mario and Zelda, while Sony builds loyalty with titles like God of War. Microsoft relies on others for games, hurting their user base. 2. Product value and innovation - Nintendo's Switch conquered both handheld and home console markets. Sony focuses on features that enhance gameplay at a competitive price. Microsoft struggles to offer a unique product experience. So what does the future look like, especially knowing that Microsoft - with the biggest financial backing - is currently losing the race? Well, all the players have started leveraging their IPs by creating movies and TV shows out of them, case in point - the Super Mario Bros movie and HBO-produced TV show Last of Us. But if we analyze them granularly, we can observe all of them creating a market for themselves amidst a power struggle. • Nintendo: Theme parks & classic IPs solidifying their unique position. • Sony: Expanding exclusives & building a PlayStation ecosystem with VR and accessories (think Apple). • Microsoft: Cloud gaming disrupts ~ Netflix for games, challenging hardware with Azure capabilities. But big studio acquisitions (e.g. - $75B for Activision!) are needed to compete, as MS’ cloud gaming service is still nascent. One observation is clear - legacy defines console giants: Nintendo (toys/cards) hooks players, Sony (electronics) pushes tech, and Microsoft (software) reimagines gameplay. But can consoles compete with the ultimate convenience – gaming anywhere, anytime? Sony and Microsoft have countered with remote play on smartphones, but the battle lines are redrawn: engagement (more features) vs. convenience (cloud-streaming/mobile gaming). Who will win? #Media #Gaming #Business #Strategy ---------- For more of such content, check out my other write-ups at https://lnkd.in/gZsGDR_8 :)
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Monopoly just got a makeover, thanks to the Apple Vision Pro headset. By blending augmented reality with the classic board game, players can now enjoy a life-sized, real-world version of Monopoly. Imagine strolling through Central Park while collecting rent and acquiring properties, with landmarks serving as game pieces. But this isn't just about redefining the board game; it's about transforming outdoor activities. By gamifying the experience of a walk in the park, it brings a new dimension to exercise and social interactions. This partnership between Apple and Monopoly also opens the door for other AR games to leverage the sophisticated technology of the Apple Vision Pro. We could be entering a new era where games aren't just played on screens but are lived out in the real world, turning everyday locations into arenas of adventure and competition. As we explore this new gaming horizon, it's worth pondering the broader implications. This venture not only highlights the innovative spirit of Apple and the enduring appeal of Monopoly but also raises questions about the competitive dynamics in the tech and gaming industries. It could inspire other companies to explore AR, fostering a more diverse and vibrant market. In conclusion, the partnership between Apple Vision Pro and Monopoly isn't just a game changer; it's a vision of what the future of gaming could look like. As this new form of entertainment takes root, we may find ourselves not just passing Go but stepping into a realm where imagination and reality converge in the most exhilarating ways.
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Academic and entrepreneur with expertise in video games • Author of ONE UP • Advisor @ Makers Fund • Teaches @NYUStern • Hosts @UNBOXINGpod
Here are my 2024 video game industry predictions.🪅 https://lnkd.in/eJ-UD5zQ + Microsoft will push into mobile in 2024, offering a discounted version of Game Pass on app stores in pursuit of its lofty goal of reaching 100 million monthly actives for its subscription service. + Sony Interactive Entertainment is in transition and adapting to a new market environment. It’s initiated a wide range of projects across entertainment categories beyond just gaming and has an enviable library of intellectual property. + Nintendo is in the hot seat to announce a ‘Switch 2’ at an anticipated price of $400, but it’s unlikely that the Japanese juggernaut will care to hurry. Epic Games’ recent collaboration with LEGO suggests it will successfully maintain momentum (and income!) as it continues to compete on four fronts simultaneously. + Tencent's domestic struggles will further galvanize its efforts to expand internationally. Because of its size ($34B annually), what happens to Tencent domestically may depress expectations globally. + Demand for Apple's smartphones has stalled and in key markets, the firm is experiencing massive declines. It puts pressure on the first batch of Vision Pro devices which will sell 350,000 units in its first year. + As Embracer Group's struggles continue, Asmodee, the board game maker that it acquired for $3 billion, will find a new owner in 2024 at a 30-40% discount. + In 2024, we’ll witness the release of a highly-anticipated title that achieves over $1 billion in revenue but is nonetheless broadly regarded as a financial failure. + Rather than serving as an equalizer, generative AI will further bifurcate the games industry’s supply side. + As the games industry transitions to the next console cycle, we’ll see the emergence of a ‘luxury’ class audience. + In 2024, the first billion-dollar franchise will spring from user-generated content as it becomes a dominant revenue model for large-scale social games
Video game predictions for 2024
superjoost.substack.com
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I demo’d the Apple Vision Pro last weekend! Here’s what I think it means for gaming. TL;DR - some potential but no silver bullet When I think of the problems with VR gaming, I group them into three classes. The first are technological problems. These are issues such as the physical (eye strain, dizziness, bumping into walls) or technical (battery life, weight, neck / head getting tired, heating up). The second are gameplay issues, such as immersiveness, controls, tricky adaptations from console. The third are business issues. These include things such as the cold-start problem (insufficient developers). The Apple Vision Pro doesn’t solve any of these problems in a slam dunk way. Physically it’s no better than any of the current VR gaming headsets out there (slightly easier on the eyes, although I was still having eye strain after a 30 minute demo). The immersiveness and controls are where the Vision Pro really shines, but I would point out that the immersiveness is much better when it’s being watched vs interacted with via hands. In fact, when you move your hands in front of the image you get a lot of “shimmer” around the edges of the fingers, which takes you out of the experience. And the business problems of kickstarting the flywheel of more users → more developers will still persist. For gaming to really take off on the Vision Pro, games will have to really nail the unique gameplay elements that the form factor of the Vision Pro offers. Take Beat Saber, one of the most popular games on VR, for example. Beat Saber is successful because it hits the sweet spot of everything Quest has to offer. The visuals are immersive but not overwhelming. The movement is slick and intuitive, but not too much. The play loop is intuitive and fun, and not overly complicated. Translate that to the Vision Pro. The uniqueness of the Vision Pro is in its eye tracking (which is absolutely amazing!) and hand controls. Any game that seeks to be a “killer app” is going to need to find a way to really utilize these advantages and integrate them directly into the gameplay. This is going to take time and familiarity for developers - a point that the /allchat podcast I previously wrote about makes very well. So in summary, while the Vision Pro itself was an absolutely amazing piece of technology, at present it seems much more optimized for movies, spatial videos, and productivity. Understanding how to fit games into its unique control system is going to take time and imagination. What are your thoughts on the Vision Pro for gaming? #Gaming #games #Apple #applevisionpro #visionpro #spatialcomputing #vr #vrgaming #gamedev #gamedevelopment
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Exciting times ahead for game developers! I recently wrote an article that examines the Apple Vision Pro through a game developer's lens. The piece offers a deep dive into how this cutting-edge technology could revolutionize game development, offering unprecedented immersive experiences and opening new avenues for creativity and interaction. The Apple Vision Pro's capabilities, such as ultra-high-resolution displays, advanced eye-tracking, and seamless integration of digital and physical worlds, are just the tip of the iceberg. As developers, we stand on the brink of a new era of gaming, where the boundaries between the virtual and real blur more than ever before. This article is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of gaming and how emerging technologies like the Apple Vision Pro will shape our industry. It's a call to arms for developers to start imagining and creating the next generation of games. Check out the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dv2rBKHN Let's discuss! What are your thoughts on the Apple Vision Pro and its potential impact on game development? How do you see yourself leveraging this technology in your future projects? #AppleVisionPro #GameDevelopment #VirtualReality #InnovationInGaming
Apple Vision Pro from a Game Developer's Lens
nikhilmalankar.com
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CEO at Original | The #1 Digital Collectibles Platform | Boosting revenue and players' retention for mass-market games.
Apple Vision costs $3K, and is a revolution ! But no one really understands why 👇 🤯 It will save NFTs. Last Apple’s VR headset is a bomb : • 3000$ Sale • Blowing on socials • Pre-order being sold at $10.000 on Ebay 💸 Yes, it’s a jewel of technology ! But that's not the point 🚨 It’s shaping the world for Web3 : 🔄 Physical and digital world are on the same level. Both in the eyesight. Digital isn’t “ fake “ or “ useless “. 🏦 Digital assets will be displayed. A NFT as decoration, like a painting. 🙏 NFTs authenticity & uniqueness will finally make sense to everyone. So the time of blockchain’s mass adoption ? Not really. The biggest challenge still remains : 🥶 People using the technology ! Not many people can afford such an expensive gadget. At what cost would you buy one ? I personally think price should be way lower… But I believe that this is the beginning of Web3 for everyone ! —————— We already began the journey of mass adoption. Last month, we helped a successful mobile game integrate NFTs with Original, our seamless-NFT infrastructure. 250.000 gamers joined Web3 📈 Curious to explore Web3 possibility together ? Let’s book a call : https://lnkd.in/dV7d_QM3
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I Help Innovators Innovate | Partner, Vice President, Deep Tech Business Innovation @ BCGx | Forbes Contributing Editor on Tech Innovation
🎮 **Prioritizing User Experience: Look Beyond The Tech** 🎮 📲 In today's tech-driven world, here's a reminder that holds across the board: **What users feel ❤️ is what truly matters**, and exciting users doesn't necessarily mean deploying the latest technology. 🆕📰 For example, look at two recent announcements, both sure to excite different gamer crowds. One uses cutting-edge technology - if you're under 20 🐣, you'll love this, while the other is a proper retro device. If you're over 50 👵, this is for you. Prepare for Atari's retro 2600 console and Sony's new portable PlayStation. Both are selling for about the same price. These announcements got people talking, but the real gem of insight is this: **connecting with users, getting them excited, and earning their love** doesn't depend on how fancy the screen is or how much horsepower a device has. Whether you're talking pixels or processing power, it's all about making users grin from ear to ear. 🚀🎉 Atari's bringing back classics like Combat and Missile Command with the iconic joystick that has its emoji 🕹️. Talk about a blast from the past! Meanwhile, Sony's going for gold by launching a portable PlayStation to stream PS5 games—perfect for the younger crowd with the expected connectivity, bright screen, and streaming functionalities. 📱 In this whirlwind of tech changes, remember that the user experience is like crafting 🥰*feeling**, not just crunching numbers. 🎈Innovative minds can create feelings with cutting-edge or retro tech 💡 Whether you're cooking up code or dreaming up the next big thing, making users feel engaged is what it's all about. 🌐✨ #UXMatters #InnovationJourney BCG X Boston Consulting Group (BCG) Jerome Moreau Filip Sokołowski Matthew Sinclair Anthony Koithra Giorgo Paizanis The Atari device, if you're game 😉 https://lnkd.in/djDM2dm2 And the new Sony console: https://lnkd.in/d7yqg74J
Atari launches replica 2600 console to go with all its replica 2600 cartridges
arstechnica.com
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Paythron Co-Founder - eCommerce - SEO - Future Proof Payments - Video Creation - Visual FX - Future - Technology - AI -Metaverse - Crypto
As a passionate tech and AI enthusiast, you won't want to miss the buzz around the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. With cutting-edge advancements and innovative features, it's shaping up to be a game-changer in the world of gaming consoles. Let's dive into the juicy details! The successor to Nintendo's current flagship is expected to pack a mightier punch with upgraded hardware. Imagine enhanced graphics that bring your favorite characters to life like never before, and a faster processor that ensures your gaming experience is as smooth as silk. What's more, the rumor mill suggests we could see a sleeker design, longer battery life, and even 4K support. The gaming community is particularly excited about the potential for improved Joy-Cons, possibly eliminating the dreaded drift issues and providing a more immersive gaming experience overall. The stakes are high, and Nintendo knows it. They’re not just up against the usual competition; they're battling for a place in an evolving digital ecosystem where cloud gaming and mobile platforms are becoming increasingly dominant. The big N is poised to show that they can not only compete but lead the way in innovation and user experience. While we don't have all the pieces of the puzzle just yet, the anticipation is building for what could be the next big leap in console gaming. Keep an eye on this space for more updates and discussions as they unfold. For those who thrive on staying ahead of the tech curve, connecting with fellow forward-thinkers, and diving deep into discussions that shape the industry, there's plenty to look forward to. Stay tuned, join the conversation, and share your thoughts on what this new era of gaming technology means for us as professionals in the field. Discover all the details behind these exciting rumors and get ready for what's next from Nintendo right here: https://nuel.ink/tdeHmW Don't forget to FOLLOW and LIKE to stay on top of the latest tech trends and industry insights. Together, let's explore the frontiers of tech innovation! #NintendoSwitch2 #NextGenGaming #TechTrends
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Cloud gaming, a revolutionary leap in the gaming industry, has transformed the way we experience and engage with video games. This innovative technology allows gamers to play high-quality, graphics-intensive games without the need for powerful hardware, as the heavy lifting is done on remote servers. One of the key advantages of cloud gaming is accessibility. Gamers are no longer bound by the constraints of their device's processing power or storage capacity. With cloud gaming services, such as Google Stadia, NVIDIA GeForce Now, and Xbox Cloud Gaming, players can enjoy their favorite titles on a range of devices, from smartphones and tablets to low-end PCs and smart TVs. The infrastructure of cloud gaming relies on powerful data centers equipped with advanced GPUs and CPUs. These data centers process the game on behalf of the player and stream the video feed back to the player's device. This eliminates the need for large game downloads or installations, making the gaming experience more seamless and instant. Latency, a concern for online gaming, has been a focus in the development of cloud gaming platforms. Through advancements in networking technologies and optimizations, developers aim to minimize latency to ensure a responsive and enjoyable gaming experience. However, challenges still exist, especially in regions with less robust internet infrastructure. Subscription-based models have become prevalent in the cloud gaming landscape. Players can access a library of games for a monthly fee, similar to popular streaming services. This model not only provides gamers with a cost-effective way to enjoy a variety of titles but also encourages game developers to create engaging content for these platforms. Despite its numerous advantages, cloud gaming faces skepticism and challenges. Some gamers remain attached to the traditional model of owning physical copies of games or downloading them locally. Additionally, concerns about data privacy and the potential dependence on a stable internet connection persist. As technology continues to advance, cloud gaming is poised to play a significant role in the future of the gaming industry. The ability to play high-end games on a variety of devices, coupled with the convenience of subscription models, makes cloud gaming a compelling option for both casual and dedicated gamers. With ongoing improvements in infrastructure and addressing user concerns, the cloud gaming landscape is likely to evolve, shaping the way we experience and enjoy interactive entertainment.
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