According to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, the absence of Alan Wake 2 from the top 20 sales charts is primarily due to data reporting challenges. Circana relies on data from physical retailers and select digital data provided by publishers and storefronts. Notably, certain publishers, like Nintendo, do not share digital sales data with Circana. In the case of Alan Wake 2, since it had no physical release and its publisher Epic Games doesn’t provide digital sales data to Circana, the sales performance remains undisclosed. Piscatella did mention that Alan Wake 2 ranked 147th on Xbox Series and 115th on PlayStation 5 in Monthly Active Users (MAUs) in November, offering some insight, but the complete sales picture remains unclear. Ampere Analysis’ Piers Harding-Rolls estimates that globally, on consoles alone, Alan Wake 2 sold approximately 850,000 copies by the end of November.
Our global Alan Wake 2 sales estimate across console end of Nov is ~850k
Think there will be a fair amount of interest at a reduced price, and then there is sub service inclusion down the line (I assume)
The absence of Alan Wake 2 from the top 20 sales charts is attributed to data reporting challenges, with Circana relying on incomplete data from physical retailers and select digital sources. Notably, publishers like Nintendo and Epic Games, which don’t share digital sales data, contribute to the incomplete picture. Mat Piscatella mentioned that Alan Wake 2 ranked 147th on Xbox Series and 115th on PlayStation 5 in Monthly Active Users (MAUs) in November, offering partial insight. According to Ampere Analysis’ Piers Harding-Rolls, Alan Wake 2 sold around 850,000 copies globally on consoles alone by the end of November. While this figure may seem relatively low, comparing it to Remedy’s previous title Control, which sold two million units in its first year, provides context. Control’s sales included a physical release, but even with that, only 10% were reported as digital. The decision to forgo a physical edition for Alan Wake 2 might have saved Remedy money, and word-of-mouth could play a significant role in its success over time. Remedy has not responded to requests for comment.
In response to a viral topless stream featuring an OnlyFans model, Twitch has updated its sexual content guidelines. The changes now permit “artistic depictions of nudity,” including erotic dances, body writing, and content that highlights certain body regions, as long as it is properly labeled. The updated guidelines also address nudity in gaming, differentiating between prohibited pornographic games and those with incidental nudity. The move has sparked discussions and humor on social media under the trending term “Artistic Nudity.”
Twitch has faced ongoing challenges in managing sexual content on its platform
Twitch has encountered ongoing challenges in managing explicit content, with incidents like the “hot tub meta” in 2021, where streamers engaged in suggestive behavior in jacuzzis. In 2022, Twitch removed a feature that was exploited to promote explicit content on its front page. Recently, an OnlyFans model named Morgpie garnered attention for seemingly appearing topless on a stream while cleverly staying within Twitch’s guidelines. This incident sparked discussions among Twitch users, prompting the platform to clarify its rules. Despite operating within the terms of service, Morgpie faced a ban shortly after the incident. The ambiguity in Twitch’s guidelines and the ensuing debates highlight the ongoing struggle to strike a balance on the platform. Twitch is now seeking feedback and considering personalized viewer settings for the future.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, the latest offering from Activision, promises to be a pinnacle for long-term CoD enthusiasts. However, after completing the campaign, only the ‘latest title’ part holds true from that claim. Playing on the PlayStation 5 without graphics customizations, the game maintained a smooth 60 fps throughout, yet imperfections emerged during transitions between cutscenes and gameplay. These issues extended to the installation process, casting a shadow on a AAA title from a renowned game developer and publisher. Explore the intricacies in my comprehensive review of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3.
Initial Hiccups: The journey began with the daunting task of downloading the game. Despite offering the option to download only the Campaign, the game insisted on updating Multiplayer and Warzone as well upon launch. This contradicts the initial choice and raises questions about the purpose of providing such an option. Furthermore, the game’s substantial size, occupying 170GB on the PlayStation 5, adds to the frustration. Accessing the Campaign mode during the download process was impossible without simultaneously downloading Multiplayer and Warzone, causing confusion and inconvenience. The overall experience was marred by multiple restarts and ongoing updates, creating a disappointing prelude to the gaming experience.
Dynamic yet Lackluster Narrative:
Upon launching the game, the action-packed commencement of the campaign piqued my interest. However, gameplay innovations were scarce, with the ascenders being the sole noteworthy addition. For seasoned players familiar with the series, the reunion of Task Force 141 was undoubtedly a highlight. The game strategically utilized established characters, continuing the narrative from the previous title (Modern Warfare 2) and incorporating elements from the free-to-play offering Warzone. While this approach caters to Call of Duty enthusiasts, it poses challenges for newcomers, making it intricate and perplexing to immerse oneself in the franchise’s storyline.
Overall, the characters, especially members of Task Force 141—John “Soap” MacTavish, John Price, Gary “Roach” Sanderson, Farah Karim, Kyle “Gas” Garrick, and Simon “Ghost” Riley—contributed to a compelling narrative with noteworthy dialogues and exceptional voice acting. The antagonist, Vladimir Makarov, emerged as a well-established villain in the franchise, characterized by his intelligence, cunning nature, and utter lack of morals—a perfect embodiment of chaos befitting the game’s theme. His return added depth to the narrative.
Despite a promising storyline, Activision fell short in its presentation. Throughout my gameplay, the narrative lacked the captivating allure I anticipated. Some sequences and dialogues felt mundane, contributing little to the overall story. Additionally, the campaign’s brevity was a drawback, leaving it feeling more like a brief episode than a comprehensive Call of Duty campaign. Even with exploration, the 14 campaign missions raced by too swiftly. While certain moments, like the Flight sequence, stood out, the overall experience lacked the consistency needed to make it truly memorable.
Performance of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3: Throughout my playthrough, the game maintained consistent performance, with no noticeable frame drops except for the mentioned choppiness during transitions between gameplay and cutscenes. This issue likely stemmed from the cutscenes playing at a lower frame rate than the actual game.
Value for Money: Priced at INR 5,599 across all platforms—PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC—with no regional pricing in India, the game’s value proposition is a matter of contention. For players primarily interested in the campaign, the title falls short in justifying its cost. The campaign offers a mere 6-8 hours of gameplay with a lackluster story and minimal innovation. While the multiplayer aspect may attract most players, the hefty price tag includes the campaign, and Activision seems to have missed the mark in delivering a compelling single-player experience for the asking price.
The Verdict: Modern Warfare 3’s campaign disappoints, committing a cardinal sin for a globe-trotting action thriller—it’s dull. What could have been an intriguingly woven mystery turns out to be a lackluster web, reminiscent of a dusty cobweb at the back of a shed. The narrative fails to live up to past standards, featuring underdeveloped story moments that clash with attempts to introduce new open combat missions. Despite commendable gunplay, top-tier graphics, and sound design, the overall experience feels like a shinier but less nuanced version of familiar gameplay. If this represents the current standard for Call of Duty campaigns, perhaps taking a year or two to reset and elevate the bar would be a wise move.
June is set to deliver a gaming extravaganza with the arrival of highly anticipated titles for players worldwide. Among them are the eagerly awaited Street Fighter 6 and Diablo 4. Explore the comprehensive list of games slated for release in June 2023.
1. Street Fighter 6
Capcom’s sixth mainline installment in the beloved arcade-style fighting game series arrives seven years after Street Fighter 5. Scheduled for launch on June 2nd, the game will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.
2. Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom
Necrom is the latest update to ZeniMax Online Studios’ massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG), Elder Scrolls Online. This exciting new chapter will take players to the Telvanni Peninsula, home of the Dark Elves and the Daedric Prince Hermaeus Mora. Players will also have the opportunity to try out a new class: the Arcanist.
3. Diablo 4
Marking the return of Blizzard’s renowned ARPG series, Diablo 4 emerges 14 years after the launch of its predecessor and four years after its initial reveal at Blizzcon. Adding to the anticipation is the introduction of the game’s fifth and final class, the Necromancer. Scheduled for release on June 6, Diablo 4 will be available on Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S consoles, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.
4. Amnesia: The Bunker
The Bunker, the fourth installment in Frictional Games’ acclaimed survival horror series, Amnesia, unfolds against the backdrop of World War I. As a French soldier confined to an underground bunker, your primary goal is survival against the menacing entity known as The Beast. Scheduled for release on June 6, the game will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, and PC.
5. Overwatch 2 Season 5
Blizzard’s live-service game, Overwatch 2, is gearing up for Season 5 starting June 13. Exciting news for FPS fans – the game is now free to play on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Dive into the action-packed world without any cost barriers on your preferred gaming platform!
6. Aliens: Dark Descent
Get ready to descend into terror with Aliens: Dark Descent, a real-time squad-based tactical action game set in the iconic Alien universe. Developed by Tindalos Interactive and published by Focus Entertainment, this thrilling title promises an unforgettable experience for fans of both the Alien franchise and the strategy genre.
7. Final Fantasy XVI
Final Fantasy XVI brings a new era to the beloved franchise, immersing players in the conflict-ridden world of Valisthea. Six powerful nations vie for control of magical crystals, each holding dominion over an Eikon – legendary beings wielding immense power. Embark on a captivating journey as Clive Rosfield, a young shieldbearer sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix Eikon. Prepare to face devastating battles, forge unlikely alliances, and unravel the mysteries surrounding the Eikons and their influence on Valisthea’s fate.
8. AEW Fight Forever
Prepare to enter the ring and experience the high-flying action of All Elite Wrestling with AEW Fight Forever, the official video game of the popular promotion. Developed by Yuke’s and published by THQ Nordic, this game promises to capture the electrifying energy and diverse roster of AEW, allowing players to step into the boots of their favorite stars and recreate iconic moments.
With a variety of match types, a robust career mode, and online multiplayer, AEW Fight Forever offers something for every wrestling fan. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of AEW, this game is sure to provide hours of entertainment. So choose your fighter, unleash devastating moves, and become a champion in AEW Fight Forever!
9. Crash Team Rumble
Get ready for a chaotic, fruit-fueled frenzy with Crash Team Rumble, the exciting new online multiplayer game from Toys for Bob and Activision. This 4v4 team-based brawler pits iconic Crash Bandicoot characters against each other in a mad dash to collect the most Wumpa fruit. Choose your favorite hero or villain, master their unique abilities, and work together with your team to dominate the arena.
With vibrant visuals, fast-paced action, and a playful Crash Bandicoot twist, Crash Team Rumble offers an exhilarating experience for players of all ages. So gather your friends and prepare to unleash your inner champion in this Wumpa-fueled competition!
10. Sonic Origins Plus
Get ready to zoom through a whirlwind of nostalgia with Sonic Origins Plus, the ultimate celebration of everyone’s favorite blue blur! This enhanced collection takes the original Sonic Origins bundle and adds a treasure trove of new content, making your journey through Sonic’s legacy even more thrilling.
Blast through the classic Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Sonic 3 & Knuckles, and Sonic CD, all meticulously remastered for modern platforms. Enjoy vibrant visuals, silky-smooth framerates, and additional features like missions, mirror mode, and a music player to create your personalized sonic soundtrack.
Monster Hunter Wilds stole the spotlight as the grand finale of the 2023 Game Awards, unveiling an anticipated 2025 release date through a captivating trailer. Despite the considerable wait ahead, fans are in for a treat. The Monster Hunter World follow-up, as revealed by series producer Ryozo Tsujimoto, is keeping details under wraps until December 2024.
While the time gap might seem lengthy for eager enthusiasts, it provides ample room to dissect the unveiled trailer. Although not explicitly stated, Monster Hunter Wilds clearly aligns itself as a sequel to Monster Hunter World rather than its predecessor, Monster Hunter Rise. Notably, the graphics receive an upgrade, showcasing a level of visual appeal that fits the Monster Hunter standard of beauty. The teaser hints at immersive weather effects, promising players encounters with elements like dust storms and electrical phenomena.
Comparisons with Monster Hunter Rise, which made its way to PC last year after an initial Nintendo Switch exclusivity period, further emphasize the evolution evident in Monster Hunter Wilds. Meanwhile, February saw Koei Tecmo entering the genre with Wild Hearts, coincidentally sharing the word “wild” in its title.
As anticipation builds, fans eagerly await further revelations and insights into the Monster Hunter Wilds experience. With Capcom withholding additional details until December 2024, the community is left to speculate and savor every detail from the initial trailer. The prospect of exploring a world that expands on the foundation laid by Monster Hunter World adds an extra layer of excitement to the gaming landscape.
In essence, Monster Hunter Wilds appears poised to not only meet but exceed the expectations set by its predecessor. The promise of enhanced graphics and dynamic weather systems suggests a gaming experience that goes beyond the norm, delivering a fresh and exhilarating chapter in the acclaimed Monster Hunter series. As the gaming community eagerly counts down to December 2024, the wait for Monster Hunter Wilds intensifies, leaving fans on the edge of their seats, ready to dive into the wild adventure that awaits.
