Author: Jesús Bosque

{ "de-DE": "Ich bin Journalist mit über 30 Jahren Erfahrung in Videospielen und Technologie. Obwohl Videospiele schon immer mein Fachgebiet waren, habe ich begonnen, auch die komplexen Strukturen von Projektmanagement-Tools wie Asana sowie die Automatisierungen mit Make.com und N8N zu entdecken und zu genießen.", "en-US": "I’m a journalist with more than 30 years of experience in video games and technology. Although my specialty has always been video games, I’ve recently started enjoying exploring the intricacies of project-management tools like Asana, as well as automations with Make.com and N8N.", "es-ES": "Soy periodista con más de 30 años de experiencia en videojuegos y tecnología. Aunque mi especialidad siempre ha sido el videojuego, he empezado a disfrutar también de descubrir los laberintos de los programas de project management como Asana y las automatizaciones de make.com y de N8N", "fr-FR": "Je suis journaliste avec plus de 30 ans d’expérience dans le jeu vidéo et la technologie. Bien que ma spécialité ait toujours été le jeu vidéo, j’ai commencé à prendre plaisir à explorer également les méandres des outils de gestion de projet comme Asana, ainsi que les automatisations avec Make.com et N8N.", "it-IT": "Sono un giornalista con oltre 30 anni di esperienza nei videogiochi e nella tecnologia. Anche se la mia specialità è sempre stata il videogame, ho iniziato a divertirmi anche a scoprire i meccanismi degli strumenti di project management come Asana e delle automazioni con Make.com e N8N.", "ja-JP": "", "nl-NL": "Ik ben een journalist met meer dan 30 jaar ervaring in videogames en technologie. Hoewel videogames altijd mijn specialiteit zijn geweest, ben ik ook begonnen te genieten van het verkennen van de ingewikkelde wereld van projectmanagementtools zoals Asana en van automatiseringen met Make.com en N8N.", "pl-PL": "Jestem dziennikarzem z ponad 30-letnim doświadczeniem w grach wideo i technologii. Choć moją specjalizacją zawsze były gry wideo, ostatnio zacząłem również czerpać przyjemność z odkrywania zawiłości narzędzi do zarządzania projektami, takich jak Asana, oraz automatyzacji w Make.com i N8N.", "pt-BR": "Sou jornalista com mais de 30 anos de experiência em videogames e tecnologia. Embora meu foco sempre tenha sido os videogames, recentemente passei a gostar de explorar também os labirintos de ferramentas de gestão de projetos como o Asana e das automações com Make.com e N8N.", "social": { "email": "jesus.bosque@softonic.com", "facebook": "", "twitter": "", "linkedin": "" } }

Project Helix is getting closer and in a few days we will be able to learn much more about it

Microsoft has taken a significant step towards transparency in its operations related to Xbox, communicating more effectively with players and developers. The company has introduced Project Helix, its upcoming console, which promises to set the course for the next generation of Xbox. This ambitious project will be one of the central topics of the new event format titled Xbox Game Dev Update, which will be streamed on YouTube. The future of Microsoft The first episode of Xbox Game Dev Update is scheduled for May 7 and aims to establish a communication bridge with programmers and technicians. According to […]

Microsoft has taken a significant step towards transparency in its operations related to Xbox, communicating more effectively with players and developers.

The company has introduced Project Helix, its upcoming console, which promises to set the course for the next generation of Xbox. This ambitious project will be one of the central themes of the new event format titled Xbox Game Dev Update, which will be streamed on YouTube.

The future of Microsoft

The first episode of Xbox Game Dev Update is scheduled for May 7 and aims to establish a communication bridge with programmers and technicians. According to information shared by Microsoft, this new program will be designed to showcase highlights directly from the teams developing Xbox, providing technical context about the news and its importance in hardware and software development.

With this initiative, Microsoft aims not only to keep developers informed about updates and changes but also to strengthen the connection with Xbox fans. This will allow players to discover the mechanical side of the brand’s strategies and how these will influence video game production.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has highlighted a focus on transparency that involves all stakeholders in the video game industry, reinforcing the company’s commitment to improving its relationships with both creators and the gaming community.

This new event format is another effort by Microsoft to strengthen its relationship with developers, being a continuation of previous initiatives, such as Developer_Direct and Partner Preview. With Xbox Game Dev Update, Microsoft’s gaming division aims not only to inform but also to inspire trust and collaboration in a constantly evolving sector.

A group of cybercriminals stole thousands of 'Roblox' accounts. Fortunately, they were caught in time

A group of suspects has been accused of distributing malicious software and selling access to stolen Roblox accounts. These criminal activities, which have caught the attention of authorities, were carried out in various online markets located in Russia, where a network was established to facilitate the buying and selling of compromised accounts. Stealing Roblox, a popular online gaming platform that allows users to create and share their own games, has become an attractive target for cybercriminals. The very nature of the game, which often involves financial transactions […]

A group of suspects has been accused of distributing malicious software and selling access to Roblox accounts that had been stolen.

These criminal activities, which have caught the attention of authorities, were carried out in various online markets located in Russia, where a network was established to facilitate the buying and selling of compromised accounts.

Stealing Roblox

Roblox, a popular online gaming platform that allows users to create and share their own games, has become an attractive target for cybercriminals.

The very nature of the game, which often involves financial transactions and the exchange of virtual goods, has been exploited by these criminals. It is suspected that the accused were developing and spreading malware to infiltrate their victims’ systems and access their accounts.

The accusations reveal a delicate landscape of online security, as unauthorized access to players’ accounts could imply not only the loss of virtual assets but also a considerable risk to users’ privacy. Authorities are working together with cybersecurity experts to track down the perpetrators and dismantle the networks that enable such criminal activities.

The investigation is expected to continue, and authorities are urging Roblox players to use more robust security measures, such as two-factor authentication, to protect their accounts. In a digital environment where gaming has become an integral part of youth culture, the need to safeguard the integrity of these platforms is more crucial than ever.

While the precise details of the accused’s operations have not yet been disclosed, the implications of these acts underscore the importance of cybersecurity in online entertainment.

This game has a lot of positive reviews on Steam, but it hasn't achieved them in the cleanest way

This week, the cooperative shooter titled Far Far West made its debut in early access through Steam, receiving an exceptional reception with an impressive 97% community approval. However, the game’s presentation has not been without controversy, especially due to one of its characters, Steamy, a mechanical cowboy who acts as a social ‘hub’ within the game. Is this way of obtaining reviews a violation? Steamy has the Steam logo on his face and when interacting with him, players are invited to leave a review of the game, which has led to many criticisms mentioning […]

This week, the cooperative shooter titled Far Far West made its debut in early access on Steam, receiving an exceptional reception with an impressive 97% community approval.

However, the game’s presentation has not been without controversy, especially due to one of its characters, Steamy, a mechanical cowboy who acts as a social ‘hub’ within the game.

Is this way of getting reviews a violation?

Steamy has the Steam logo on his face and when interacting with him, players are invited to leave a review of the game, which has led to many critiques mentioning the character. This fact has raised concerns about possible violations of Steam’s policies, specifically regarding the use of characters to promote reviews, a topic that has gained attention in the user community.

Several users have pointed out that Steamy’s behavior could violate the clauses established in the platform’s terms of service. Despite the controversy, this did not prevent Far Far West from appearing on the Steam front page for several hours, which some suggest may have influenced its visibility and high ratings, although the game is no longer featured on that front page.

Despite the fact that developers have not yet issued an official statement on the matter, it has been claimed on their Discord server that they are aware of the problem and plan to address the situation related to Steamy. This type of action can have an impact on the game’s visibility, a crucial aspect on the platform, as the Steam algorithm favors those titles that accumulate positive reviews.

For now, Far Far West is still available on Steam, and although the controversy over Steamy persists, it is likely that the developers are working on a solution.

L.A. Noire could have a sequel, but it all depends on GTA 6

Next May, L.A. Noire will celebrate its 15th anniversary, a milestone that highlights its relevance in the history of video games for its innovative approach to criminal investigation. This title, developed by Team Bondi, managed to capture the attention of a wide audience and opened new avenues in narrative experiences. However, neither Rockstar nor Take-Two have revealed concrete plans for a sequel, leaving fans speculating about the future of this iconic intellectual property. Rockstar has many things in mind Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, has indicated that the company has not forgotten its IP […]

Next May, L.A. Noire will celebrate its 15th anniversary, a milestone that highlights its relevance in the history of video games due to its innovative approach to criminal investigation.

This title, developed by Team Bondi, managed to capture the attention of a wide audience and opened new avenues in narrative experiences. However, neither Rockstar nor Take-Two have revealed concrete plans for a sequel, leaving fans speculating about the future of this iconic intellectual property.

Rockstar has a lot on its mind

Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two, has indicated that the company has not forgotten its classic IPs, including L.A. Noire. In statements during the recent Icon conference, Zelnick emphasized that the possibility of reviving these properties is conditioned on the existence of a team passionate about working on them.

“We are considering doing something in the future,” he commented, although he did not advance any specific announcement. This vision suggests that, ultimately, the development of L.A. Noire 2 will depend on the availability of talent committed to the franchise.

It is important to remember that the production of the original game was marked by significant challenges, including reports of crunch and a toxic work environment, which could influence the decision to move forward with a sequel. Team Bondi, for its part, has been renamed Rockstar Australia and is currently working on a project known as Sowden House, although there are no guarantees of its release.

Additionally, Zelnick briefly touched on the topic of GTA VI’s distribution plans, suggesting that the game’s price should align with the perceived value by the consumer, which is indicative of the company’s philosophy towards its future business strategy.

As the video game industry continues to evolve, the possibility of reviving L.A. Noire and other classic titles remains up in the air, depending on the confluence of talent and business opportunities.

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Gacha games continue to thrive, and this title comes to revolutionize them

Gacha game enthusiasts celebrate the release of Neverness to Everness, a new free title developed by Hotta Studio. The game is already available for download on PS5, PC, iOS, and Android, giving players the flexibility to enjoy the experience on their platform of choice. For gacha fans, set in the vibrant fictional city of Hethereau, Neverness to Everness combines action RPG elements with a personalized narrative, allowing each player to shape their own story. Players take on the role of Anomaly Hunters, facing paranormal events while fulfilling the demands of the […]

Gacha game fans celebrate the release of Neverness to Everness, a new free title developed by Hotta Studio. The game is now available for download on PS5, PC, iOS, and Android, giving players the flexibility to enjoy the experience on their platform of choice.

For gacha fans

Set in the vibrant fictional city of Hethereau, Neverness to Everness combines RPG action elements with a personalized narrative, allowing each player to shape their own story. Players take on the role of Anomaly Hunters, facing paranormal events while fulfilling the demands of the citizens.

In addition to this immersive narrative, the game offers various activities ranging from managing a commercial empire to side jobs like taxi driver or delivery person and even exciting competitions like street racing.

The gaming experience is further enriched with more relaxed exploration options, such as fishing, as well as the opportunity to enter dungeons, where teams of up to four players must complete heists before time runs out. This focus on the diversity of activities allows players to choose between an intense experience or a more leisurely pace.

The PS5 version stands out for taking advantage of the DualSense controller’s features, including haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, which promises to make the gaming experience even more immersive.

For PlayStation Plus subscribers, there is good news: they can download a rewards pack at no additional cost, which includes useful items to facilitate progress in the early hours of gameplay.

Neverness to Everness joins the list of free-to-play games, following current market trends. Get ready to dive into this curious world!

This is the selection of free titles from PlayStation Plus in May

Sony has revealed the free video games that will be available for PlayStation Plus subscribers in May, a highly anticipated announcement, as every month. Starting May 5, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users will be able to access a variety of titles that will enrich their digital library. The games will be available for all subscription levels: Essential, Extra, and Premium, ensuring that all subscribers have the opportunity to enjoy these new titles. For all tastes, the May lineup includes the football simulator EA SPORTS FC 26, known as […]

Sony has revealed the free video games that will be available for PlayStation Plus subscribers in May, a highly anticipated announcement, as every month. Starting May 5, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users will be able to access a variety of titles that will allow them to enrich their digital library.

The games will be available for all subscription levels: Essential, Extra, and Premium, ensuring that all subscribers have the opportunity to enjoy these new titles.

For all tastes

The May menu includes the EA SPORTS FC 26 football simulator, known as the best in its category, which comes with an exclusive Icon Pack for Ultimate Team, an attractive gift for fans of this game mode.

Additionally, players will be able to experience the action RPG soulslike Wuchang: Fallen Feathers set in the Ming dynasty, where they will take on the role of a pirate warrior facing monsters and disturbances. Finally, ‘Nine Sols’ presents itself as an exciting option, combining 2D platforming and action with an appealing hand-drawn artistic style.

Subscribers should remember that May 4th is the last day to download the free video games for the month of April, so they have little time left to ensure they do not miss these additions to their collection.

With this offer, Sony continues to reaffirm its commitment to adding value to its subscription service, which has seen significant growth in recent years. The diversification of genres and styles of play available ensures that there is something for everyone’s taste, further expanding the options for PlayStation players.

Starfield was close to running on Unreal Engine 5

In a recent interview, Heather Cerlan, Starfield artist and current CEO of NEARstudios, revealed that Bethesda faced an intense internal discussion about the possibility of switching from their Creation Engine to Unreal Engine 5. The pressure to opt for Epic Games’ engine was considerable, especially after the impressive features like Nanite and Lumen that were introduced in UE5. However, Bethesda ultimately decided to continue with the Creation Engine, which was updated to version 2 for Starfield, due to its robust modding capabilities. Bethesda decided to continue trusting their engine The community […]

In a recent interview, Heather Cerlan, Starfield artist and current CEO of NEARstudios, revealed that Bethesda faced an intense internal discussion about the possibility of switching from their Creation Engine to Unreal Engine 5.

The pressure to opt for Epic Games’ engine was considerable, especially after the impressive features like Nanite and Lumen that were introduced in UE5. However, Bethesda ultimately decided to continue with the Creation Engine, which was updated to version 2 for Starfield, due to its robust modding capabilities.

In Bethesda, they decided to continue trusting their engine

The mod community that has developed around the Creation Engine has been fundamental to the success of Bethesda’s titles. Cerlan emphasized that this community has been key to the maintenance and expansion of their games, which makes switching engines not very sensible.

Despite this, various former employees have divided opinions on the convenience of staying with the Creation Engine. Nate Purkeypile, a former artist at Bethesda, has expressed his belief that switching to Unreal Engine 5 could have allowed for better development, arguing that the experience of working with the Creation Engine is akin to “being on a train while laying down the tracks.”

On the other hand, Bruce Nesmith, who worked at Bethesda for nearly two decades, points out that changing engines is a huge effort that could delay the game’s production. According to Nesmith, the advantages of a transition to Unreal Engine 5 would not materialize quickly, and it could require a year or more of technical work before the studio would benefit from such a change.

Finally, Todd Howard has confirmed that Bethesda is improving the Creation Engine for The Elder Scrolls VI and other future projects, noting a return to the classic RPG formula that has characterized their most successful games. With this, Howard addresses the criticism towards some recent releases, promising an experience that is more true to what fans have been expecting.

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Pragmata has led to a 52.9% increase in daily players of another famous shooter with which it shares many similarities

Since its release in 2010, Vanquish, the acclaimed shooter from PlatinumGames, has seen a resurgence in its popularity. According to a recent analysis, following the release of Pragmata, a new title that has been superficially compared to Vanquish, there has been a notable increase in the number of players of the original game. In recent weeks, Vanquish has experienced a 34.8% increase in concurrent players and a 52.9% increase in the average daily players on Steam. Two games with great similarities The comparisons between Vanquish and Pragmata arise mainly due to the aesthetics and gameplay of both games, but the […]

Since its release in 2010, Vanquish, the acclaimed shooter from PlatinumGames, has seen a resurgence in its popularity. According to a recent analysis, following the release of Pragmata, a new title that has been superficially compared to Vanquish, there has been a notable increase in the number of players of the original game.

In recent weeks, Vanquish has experienced a 34.8% increase in concurrent players and a 52.9% increase in the average daily players on Steam.

Two games with great similarities

The comparisons between Vanquish and Pragmata arise mainly from the aesthetics and gameplay of both games, but critics agree that the similarities are superficial. While Pragmata offers a more modern approach, Vanquish stays true to its roots with a straightforward and dynamic action style.

Aside from the increase in the player base, Vanquish has been on sale with a 70% discount on Steam, a factor that has contributed to its intermittent resurgence.

Despite doubts about whether the arrival of Pragmata is the cause of this increase, data from recent months suggests that there is a pattern of consistent interest in the game that transcends its recent release.

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Fallout: New Vegas could have had legal issues for the least expected reason: the Rorschach Test in character creation

Obsidian and Bethesda have faced legal issues for the inclusion of the Rorschach Test in Fallout: New Vegas without obtaining the corresponding rights. This psychological test, which invites participants to interpret inkblots, is used within the game to determine character skills, a nod to character creation in previous titles like Fallout 3 and The Elder Scrolls: Arena. However, a recent interview with Chris Avellone, former creative director of Obsidian, revealed that the studio and Bethesda mistakenly assumed that the test was in the public domain, as its creator passed away in 1922. Rights […]

Obsidian and Bethesda have faced legal issues for including the Rorschach Test in Fallout: New Vegas without obtaining the corresponding rights.

This psychological test, which invites participants to interpret inkblots, is used within the game to determine character skills, a nod to character creation in previous titles like Fallout 3 and The Elder Scrolls: Arena.

However, a recent interview with Chris Avellone, former creative director of Obsidian, revealed that the studio and Bethesda mistakenly assumed that the test was in the public domain, as its creator passed away in 1922.

Unexpected Copyrights

The situation highlights the complexity of copyright and trademark rights in the video game industry, as trademark rights can be renewed indefinitely, unlike copyright rights which have a specific duration.

In this case a Swiss publisher has maintained its claim over the Rorschach Test for decades, leading developers to face legal actions for its unauthorized use. Avellone mentioned that the inclusion of humorous elements and cultural references, such as the Rorschach Test and the “Wild Wasteland” trait, contributed to the uniqueness of New Vegas, although this also brought unexpected legal complications.

Additionally, the popularity of a joke called “Two Bears High-Fiving” has generated a mod and several references within Fallout: New Vegas, as well as in later titles. This gag, which has endured in the gaming community, has been integrated into the game through an NPC in the “Honest Hearts” DLC and has left its mark even on Obsidian’s upcoming project, Avowed.

These anecdotes underscore the importance of proper management of usage rights and the influence of popular culture on the narrative and gameplay of video games.

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Riot permanently bans the League of Legends account of one of the biggest Twitch streamers

The streamer Jynxzi, currently one of the most popular content creators on Twitch, has been permanently banned from League of Legends for violating the rule that only allows players to use their own accounts. Despite having no prior experience in the game, Jynxzi managed to access ranked matches, which generated controversy and complaints about preferential treatment from Riot Games, the developer of the title. Banned, but with privileges The controversy arose hours after Jynxzi started playing, when he received a message in the game client notifying him that he had been […]

The streamer Jynxzi, currently one of the most popular content creators on Twitch, has been permanently banned from League of Legends for violating the rule that only allows players to use their own accounts.

Despite having no prior experience in the game, Jynxzi managed to access ranked matches, which generated controversy and complaints about preferential treatment from Riot Games, the developer of the title.

Banned, but with privileges

The controversy arose hours after Jynxzi started playing, when he received a message in the game client notifying him that he had been sanctioned. The streamer, who currently holds the second position in viewing hours on Twitch, represented a key opportunity to revitalize interest in League of Legends, especially in North America, where the game is struggling to attract new users.

After the ban, Riot Games informed Jynxzi that, instead of receiving a permanent punishment, he would be given a custom game account designed specifically for him, starting at the lowest rank: Iron 1. This decision has been well received by both the player community and Jynxzi himself, who began playing almost immediately with the help of other content creators. This approach suggests that Riot Games is considering significant changes to the experience of new users, especially in light of the game’s relaunch planned for 2027, which promises to make access to ranked matches more accessible.

The situation highlights a growing need to evolve the way new players interact with the game, making the learning curve associated with League of Legends less burdensome. With the support of creators like Jynxzi, Riot seems to be looking for new ways to attract and retain this valuable player base.

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