Major Industry Announcements

Ubisoft Reveals New IP: "Immortals Fenyx Rising"

On December 27, 2019, Ubisoft made waves with their announcement of “Immortals Fenyx Rising,” a new action-adventure game set in an original Greek mythology-inspired universe. The studio emphasized that the game aims to provide players with an epic journey through mythical landscapes and encounters with legendary creatures. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec, known for titles like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, “Immortals Fenyx Rising” promises a unique blend of adventure and humor within the rich storytelling tradition associated with Ubisoft games.

Major Game Releases

“The Outer Worlds” Arrives on Consoles

Obsidian Entertainment's critically acclaimed role-playing game, “The Outer Worlds,” which originally launched for PC in October 2019, finally landed on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The sci-fi RPG, praised for its sharp writing and player choice-driven narrative, received positive reviews from both critics and players upon its console release. Players were able to explore the corporate colonies of Halcyon and make decisions that significantly impact their adventure and the world around them.

Controversies

EA’s Microtransactions Criticized in “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order”

Electronic Arts faced backlash over microtransaction practices with the release of their single-player action-adventure game, “Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.” Critics pointed out that while the base game is a solid entry into the Star Wars universe, EA’s inclusion of cosmetic microtransactions and a paid season pass was met with disapproval. Players were particularly upset by the idea that access to additional content might be contingent upon spending real money beyond the initial purchase price.

Developer Updates

CD Projekt Red Announces Free D&D Tabletop Game

In an unexpected move, CD Projekt Red announced the launch of “Tabletop Adventures: The Witcher RPG,” a free digital tabletop role-playing game based on their popular fantasy universe. This move is seen as part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its reach beyond video games into other forms of entertainment. Players can download this game for free, and it provides an entry point for fans who wish to explore The Witcher world in a different medium.

Outlook

As we look ahead from December 27, 2019, the industry is poised for several major releases leading up to the end-of-year holiday season. With “The Outer Worlds” now available on consoles and Ubisoft’s bold new venture into Greek mythology with “Immortals Fenyx Rising,” players have much to look forward to in terms of engaging narratives and immersive gameplay experiences. However, as seen with EA’s microtransaction practices, the industry is also grappling with issues related to monetization strategies that can impact player satisfaction and trust.