Major Announcements and Releases on June 13, 2018

The video game industry saw several significant developments on June 13, 2018, ranging from major announcements to new releases that would go on to influence gaming trends for years to come.

Epic Games Announces New Unreal Engine Pricing Model

On this day, Epic Games announced a change in the pricing model for its flagship game development engine, Unreal Engine. The company introduced a tiered pricing system designed to support both small indie developers and large-scale studios more effectively. Under the new model, projects with gross revenue below $3 million USD would pay 5% royalty rate, while those exceeding this threshold would be subject to an increased royalty fee. This move was seen as a strategic step towards democratizing game development tools, making Unreal Engine more accessible to indie developers without compromising on revenue for Epic Games.

Square Enix Unveils "Shadow of the Tomb Raider" Release Date

In a press conference held earlier in the day, Square Enix revealed that the highly anticipated third installment in the rebooted Tomb Raider series, titled “Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” would be released on September 14, 2018. The game was lauded for its innovative gameplay mechanics and immersive narrative, focusing on Lara Croft’s transformation into a tomb raider. Pre-orders for the game were made available alongside a special edition that included additional downloadable content.

Blizzard Announces Beta Test for "Diablo Immortal"

Another notable announcement came from Blizzard Entertainment, who revealed plans to launch a beta test for “Diablo Immortal,” their upcoming mobile title in the Diablo franchise. The game was designed specifically for mobile devices and aimed at capturing the essence of the Diablo experience on a portable platform. This move was seen as an attempt by Blizzard to expand its reach into the growing mobile gaming market while maintaining the core gameplay elements that fans of the series had come to love.

Outlook

The events of June 13, 2018, highlighted the industry's ongoing commitment to innovation and expansion across various platforms. Epic Games’ move towards a more inclusive pricing model for Unreal Engine could potentially lead to a surge in indie game development. Meanwhile, Square Enix’s release date announcement for “Shadow of the Tomb Raider” set high expectations for both fans and critics alike, positioning it as one of the most eagerly awaited titles of that year. Blizzard’s decision to enter the mobile gaming market with “Diablo Immortal” signaled a broader trend among traditional PC and console game developers to explore new platforms and audiences.

These developments underscored the dynamic nature of the video game industry, reflecting its constant evolution in response to technological advancements and shifting consumer preferences.