#gaming news

[destielmemenews]

Bethesda has unionized with the Communications Workers of America and has been recognized by Microsoft.

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[sophie-baybey]

Don't use Project 64.

Hey all, a new extremely dangerous vulnerability was discovered in Project64, a very popular N64 emulator. If you emulate N64 games, I highly highly recommend switching off P64 for an alternative, such as Mupen.

[tailschannel]

SEGA of America employees officially forms the largest union of its kind in the United States

With a result of 91 to 26, the Allied Employees Guild Improving SEGA, or AEGIS, has won its organizing election.

The guild, representing around 200 employees at SEGA of America's office in Irvine, California, now becomes the largest multi-department video game union in the United States.

AEGIS intends to contact the publisher for a bargaining agreement.

[renthony]

SAG-AFTRA Strikes League of Legends - September 23, 2024

SAG-AFTRA called a strike today against popular online game League of Legends, after a company that produces the game tried to subvert the video game strike. The union believes those actions, by the company Formosa Interactive LLC, to be a flagrant violation of labor law and has filed an unfair labor practice charge against the company with the National Labor Relations Board.

Read more

[viiridiangreen]

pete parsons:

pete parsons, 22 days later:

pete parsons, 23 days later:

In total: 2.4M from september 22 to june 24, just on car auctions

Data is publically available here:

[another-rpg-sideblog]

Elon Musk, the owner of the app formerly known as Twitter, is calling on Wizards of the Coast and its parent company Hasbro to "burn in hell" for the publication of Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons. On November 21st, former gaming executive turned culture warrior Mark Hern posted several passages from Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons on Twitter, criticizing the book for providing context about some of the misogyny and cultural insensitivity found in early rulebooks. These passages were pulled from the foreword written by Jon Peterson, one of the foremost historians about Dungeons & Dragons and who also collaborated with Wizards of the Coast on the book. Hern stated that these passages, along with the release of the new 2024 Player's Handbook and Dungeon Master's Guide for D&D's "40th anniversary" (it is actually D&D's 50th anniversary) both "erased and slandered" Gary Gygax and other creators of Dungeons & Dragons. In response, Musk wrote "Nobody, and I mean nobody, gets to trash E. Gary Gygax and the geniuses who created Dungeons & Dragons. What the [naughty word] is wrong with Hasbro and WoTC?? May they burn in hell." Musk had played Dungeons & Dragons at some point in his youth, but it's unclear when the last time he ever played the game. Nobody, and I mean nobody, gets to trash E. Gary Gygax and the geniuses who created Dungeons & Dragons. What the [xxxx] is wrong with Hasbro and WoTC?? May they burn in hell. - Elon Musk​ Notably, Making of Original Dungeons & Dragons contains countless correspondences and letters written by both Gygax and Dave Arneson, including annotated copies of early D&D rulesets. Most early D&D rules supplements as well as early Dragon magazines are also found in the book. It seems odd to contain one of the most extensive compliations of Gygax's work an "erasure," but it's unclear whether Hern or Musk actually read the book given the incorrect information about the anniversary. Additionally, Gygax and Arneson are both credited in the 2024 Player's Handbook and Dungeon Master's Guide. The exact credit reads: "Building on the original game created by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson and then developed by many others over the past 50 years." Wizards of the Coast also regularly collaborates with Gygax's youngest son Luke and is a participant at Gary Con, a convention held in Gygax's honor. The opening paragraph of the 2024 Player's Handbook is written by Jeremy Crawford and specifically lauds both Gygax and Arneson for making Dungeons & Dragons and contains an anecdote about Crawford meeting Gygax. Musk has increasingly leaned into culture war controversies in recent years, usually amplifying misinformation to suit his own political agenda.

[extensive thread on EN World]

[facts-i-just-made-up]

CONTROVERSY: Did From Software Use CGI in Shadow of the Erdtree?

FIJMU News 5-23-24 by Scrute Schroedinger

With the new trailer for Elden Ring's upcoming DLC, sharp eyed viewers think they may have caught From Software in the act of using computer generated imagery.

According to Computer Graphics expert Khan Putretsper, "I've seen quite a few pixels in my day and I'm certain the trailer contains at least three. This may not have been shot on film, it may not even have any live action footage in it whatsoever."

With recent controversies over Disney using AI in their films, novelists using ChatGPT writing in their stories, and even certain celebrities such as Hatsune Miku using autotune and pitch-shifting technology to change their voices, From Software is the latest to face accusations right as their new work is released.

Computer Generated Imagery or "CGI" was first used in the film "Tron," which lost its special effects nomination for such a cheat. Still, CGI has been used on films such as James Cameron's "Avatar," M. Night Shyamalan's film "The Last Airbender," and Netflix's series "Avatar: The Last Airbender." Now From Software will have to face the scrutiny of its audiences. According to gamer and watchdog group founder Luigi Samus Zeldasen, "I'd hate to see a game like Elden Ring stoop use a computer for its imagery, but I've seen the new trailer myself, and I don't think that tower of ten thousand skinned bodies is real."

Troubling words indeed.

[iww-gnv]

The entire game industry is still reeling from yesterday's bombshell announcement that Microsoft—hot on the heels of its $69 billion acquisition of Activision—would be laying off 1,900 employees across Activision-Blizzard and Xbox. Inevitably, Twitter is awash with reactions highlighting the human cost, both from dazed devs waking up in a world in which they no longer have jobs, and from others wondering what this all means for the months and years ahead. The posts by former Blizzard devs are too many to count. "After years of applying," wrote former QA learning specialist Cole McElwain in a much-retweeted post, "I finally secure a job at Blizzard. I move to California and am welcomed with an incredible team. I couldn't be more excited to start… "Four months into the job, I'm laid off. What the hell, Microsoft?"

[irl-loading-screens]

The Boeing astronauts are still stranded in space btw

[ranchstoryblog]

You will be able to play Harvest Moon 64, Rune Factory 4, and Story of Seasons: A Wonderful Life on the next Nintendo console thanks to confirmed backwards compatibility.

[linuxgamenews]

Experience the Magic of Caves of Qud Full Release

Caves of Qud 1.0 for the science fantasy roguelike game launches on Linux, Steam Deck, Mac, and Windows PC. Thanks to the brilliant minds at Freehold Games for making it happen. Which you can find in full on Steam, GOG, and itch with 96% Overwhelmingly Positive reviews. Big news, friends – Caves of Qud 1.0 has officially launched. After 15 years of development, Freehold and Kitfox have brought their masterpiece to the finish line, coinciding with the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted showcase. So, if you’ve been waiting for a reason to dive into this mind-bending science fantasy roguelike, it's out now on Steam Deck (verified) and Linux.

What’s New in Caves of Qud 1.0?

This isn’t just any update – it’s the ultimate update. So, here’s what’s packed into version 1.0:

A brand-new tutorial to help newcomers learn the ropes.

The final quest in the main story, completing the epic journey.

Fresh music tracks, immersive sound effects, and shiny new items.

A whopping 40 new achievements to conquer.

Tons of bug fixes and small improvements that make the gameplay smoother than ever.

Caves of Qud 1.0 - Official Trailer

Introducing the Dromad Deluxe Edition

The launch also brings the Dromad Deluxe Edition, a treat for true fans. It includes:

The full Caves of Qud experience.

A newly enhanced soundtrack to get lost in.

The Harvest Dawn DLC pack, featuring in-game companions to keep you company. This includes previously Patreon-exclusive pets and one adorable new addition that’s making its debut!

Why it's Worth Your Time

For those who don’t know, Caves of Qud 1.0 continues is a mix of science fiction, fantasy, and roguelike brilliance. Imagine a title where you can teleport, swap bodies with robots, hypnotize goats, while digging into 10,000 years of history. Whether you’re exploring ancient ruins or crafting your dream character with over 70 mutations and dozens of cybernetic implants, there’s always something to surprise you. Prefer a hardcore challenge? Dive into Classic mode with permadeath. Want to relax and soak in the story? Roleplay and Wander modes are also here for you. So it’s no wonder this title has been a staple on PC Gamer’s Top 100 list for years!

Get Ready to Explore

Caves of Qud 1.0 is out now for 25.49 USD / £21.24 / 24,64€ with te 15% launch discount on Steam, GOG, and itch. If you need one more reason to jump in, it’s the perfect time to jump into this world of endless possibilities. So, gear up, grab your companions, and prepare to lose yourself in the legendary Caves of Qud 1.0. The wait is over – so it’s time to carve your story into the bones of this extraordinary world on Linux, Steam Deck, Mac, and Windows PC.

[bloodbrown]

Lies of P DLC likely to arrive in the later half of 2024.

[dank-meme-my-gf-sends-me]

[tailschannel]

SEGA of America accused of mass layoff threats and improper bargaining in new labour complaint

An unfair labour practice complaint has been filed by the Communications Workers of America against Sonic the Hedgehog publisher SEGA of America amid allegations of improper bargaining with its union, the Allied Employees Guild Improving SEGA.

The complaint alleged that SEGA threatened to outsource the jobs of union workers to their Japanese and European departments, in a described "phase out" of all temporary workers at the publisher's Irvine, California office.

The proposal was tendered directly to the employees in a compulsory company meeting, as opposed to bargaining with the guild, potentially in violation of U.S. labour laws.

The layoffs is reportedly expected to eliminate around 80 positions, which is around 40 percent of the newly-formed union. The guild is largely comprised of workers from the departments of QA and localization.

"SEGA will not be allowed to get away with this unlawful behaviour," said SEGA quality assurance tester Elise Willacker in a statement to Kotaku.

"We call on the company to make all temporary employees permanent and return to the bargaining table in good faith. There is no other just alternative," said Willacker.

The complaint will go to the U.S. National Labour Relations Board, but action may not be taken in time before the layoffs occur.

SEGA has not responded to media requests for comment.

(files contributed by MC for the Tails' Channel newsfeed.)

[jimc0]

Guilty Gear Strive Season 4: New Characters, 3v3 Mode, and More! Get ready to rock! Arc System Works officially announced Guilty Gear Strive Season 4 on July 22nd, promising a thrilling array of new content that will elevate your gameplay experience to new heights.

New 3v3 Multiplayer Mode The highlight of this season is the exciting new 3v3 multiplayer mode. In this mode, one player takes the lead while two others provide support as assists, creating dynamic and strategic team battles. This update also features unique power-ups and abilities specific to the mode, adding even more diversity and depth to the gameplay. Fans can also look forward to exclusive new colors for beloved characters such as Happy Chaos, Nagoriyuki, Giovanna, and Bridget, along with stunning new battle stages.

Returning and New Characters The roster will expand with the return of memorable characters, including the “Queen of Vialattea” Queen Dizzy, set to release in October 2024, and “The Phantom” Venom, arriving in early 2025. Adding to the excitement, a brand new character, “Unika,” will join the fight, as previously revealed in Guilty Gear Strive - Dual Rulers. And for the first time ever, a guest character from the anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, Lucy, will make her debut in 2025.

Don't Miss Out on the Action! Enhance your Guilty Gear Strive experience with these exciting updates. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to unleash your fighting spirit!

#GuiltyGearStrive #GuiltyGear #GGST #Season4 #ArcSystemWorks #NewCharacters #3v3Mode #FightingGames #GamingNews #QueenDizzy #Venom #Unika #Lucy

GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Season Pass 4 Teaser Trailer