The gaming industry offers abundant opportunities for enthusiasts to turn their passion into a fulfilling career. Among these avenues lies the realm of Game Art and Design. In the competitive field of game art and design, a stellar portfolio can be your ticket to landing your dream job. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, having a compelling portfolio is essential to showcasing your skills and creativity to potential employers. Here are some tips to help you build a portfolio that stands out! 

Showcase Your Skills 

Your portfolio is the first thing any prospective employer sees, so make sure to display your best works. Choose pieces that highlight your skills and style. Additionally, focus on showcasing a few outstanding projects and avoid overwhelming your portfolio with mediocre work. Quality is more important than quantity.  

Make it Simple and Digital 

Your portfolio doesn’t need to be flashy so make sure to keep it simple. Your work will speak for you. Ensure that your portfolio is fully digital. This will allow interviewers to zoom into your work and see it from all angles.  

Diversify Your Projects 

 Game art and design is a multidisciplinary field, so it’s important to showcase a range of skills and expertise in your portfolio. Include projects that show your proficiency in different areas such as character design, environment art, concept art, 3D modeling, texturing, and animation. This will show potential employers that you have a well-rounded skill set and can tackle various aspects of game development. 

Tailor Your Portfolio 

Every prospective employer has a certain style. If you are looking for a job with a particular employer, then research their style and make sure you include a few works that fit that style. Additionally, if you are applying for a particular job in say character design, you should focus on showcasing your character design and modeling skills. Your portfolio is not static, so make sure you keep it up to date with the relevant trends too. 

Include Relevant Details 

Make sure your resume and contact details are easily available. Your hard work will go to waste if your prospective employer has no way to contact you. Your portfolio should be easy to navigate, allowing potential employers to quickly find the information they’re looking for. 

Keep it Organized 

Create separate sections for different types of work, such as character art, environment art, and concept art. Provide clear labels and descriptions for each project, including information about the tools and techniques used. Your employer must go through thousands of profiles, so making it easy to find the details they are looking for is sure to win your brownie points! 

Highlight Your Uniqueness 

Other than originality, the x-factor or uniqueness that you can contribute with your skills is what sets you apart from the rest. This spark reflects your artistic personality and while it might take time to develop, keep working on more and more projects until you find your personal style. 

Stay Current and Relevant 

The field of game art and design is constantly evolving, with new tools, techniques, and trends emerging all the time. Stay current with the latest developments in the industry and incorporate them into your portfolio to demonstrate that you’re up-to-date and relevant. 

Building a strong portfolio takes time, effort, and dedication, but it’s well worth the investment when it comes to pursuing a career in game art and design. By following the above steps, you can create a portfolio that impresses potential employers and helps you stand out in the competitive world of game development. 

Are you looking to make a mark in the realm of game art and design? Your dream job awaits. Connect with us! 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. What should be included in a game art and design portfolio? 

Your portfolio should include a variety of projects showcasing your skills in areas such as character design, environment art, concept art, 3D modeling, texturing, and animation. Choose your best work that highlights your strengths and creativity. 

2. How many pieces should be in a portfolio? 

Quality is more important than quantity. Aim to include a selection of your best work, typically around 10-15 pieces. This allows you to showcase a range of skills without overwhelming potential employers. 

3. Should I tailor my portfolio to specific job applications? 

Yes, it’s advisable to tailor your portfolio to the job you’re applying for. Highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Research the company and the job requirements to ensure your portfolio aligns with their needs. 

4. How should I organize my portfolio? 

Keep your portfolio well-organized and easy to navigate. Create separate sections for different types of work, such as character art, environment art, and concept art. Provide clear labels and descriptions for each project. 

The post Building a Portfolio for a Career in Game Art and Design  appeared first on iXie Gaming.

In a world where pixels and polygons collide to create magic, we present to you our handpicked selection of the top 10 most anticipated video games of 2024. From cutting-edge graphics to immersive gameplay, join us as we unravel the veil of the future and unveil the game development wonders that await. Are you ready to dive into the next level of excitement? Read our infographic below!

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Let’s cover the basics first before getting into the nitty-gritty of it all. First and foremost, if you don’t have one already, create a Roblox account on their website. Then download Roblox Studio, the development environment where you’ll create your game. It is crucial that before building your game you decide on the type of game you want to create. Sketch out the basic gameplay mechanics, objectives, and features. Now that we have covered the basics, here are a few things to note.  

Understand your Workspace 

The Roblox Studio workspace consists of several panels, including Explorer, Properties, Toolbox, and more. Use the Explorer panel to manage objects in your game, while the Properties panel lets you adjust their attributes. Use parts to construct the physical environment of your game. Parts can be resized, rotated, and coloured to create various shapes and structures. Utilize the Move, Scale, and Rotate tools to manipulate parts precisely. Combine parts to create more complex objects. You can also import pre-made models from the Toolbox. Roblox Studio offers terrain tools for creating hills, valleys, and landscapes. Experiment with different brushes and settings to sculpt your terrain. Consider adding foliage, water bodies, and other natural elements to enhance the visual appeal of your game world. 

Build your game using Lua scripting 

Lua scripting is essential for making your game interactive. Use scripts to create gameplay mechanics, player interactions, and more. Use the “Script” object to insert scripts into parts or objects. Double-click a script to start writing code. Start with simple scripts and gradually increase complexity as you get more comfortable with Lua. Employ comments to clarify your code, particularly when sharing your game with others, in order to make it more understandable. Furthermore, there is the Roblox Developer Hub which provides a wealth of resources and tutorials to help you learn scripting. 

Be thorough with the essential elements 

Create in-game user interfaces using UI elements like buttons, text labels, and panels. These can be used for menus, HUDs, and more. Anchor UI elements to different parts of the screen using various properties to ensure they stay in the right position. Pay attention to lighting to set the mood of your game. Experiment with different types of lights and their properties to achieve the desired effect. Use environmental effects like fog, sun rays, and ambient sounds to enhance the atmosphere. Consistently engage in game testing to discover and rectify any bugs. Use the Output panel to view error messages and debug your scripts. Use the “Explorer” panel to locate and inspect individual objects in your game while it’s running. Monitor your game’s performance regularly. Too many complex parts or overly detailed assets can impact game performance. Use the “View” tab to enable “Stats” and “Debugger” to monitor the performance and identify areas that might need optimization. 

Market and monetize your game 

Once you’re satisfied with your game, it is time to publish it to Roblox. Fill in the required details for your game like game title, description, genre, etc before publishing. You can also configure privacy settings and choose whether to allow others to collaborate on your game. Once your game is published, it is time to monetize it. But before that, choose the right monetizing strategy that suits your game. Depending on your game, you can implement Game Passes, In-game items, consumables, etc.  

Research similar games and their pricing structures to determine a competitive and fair pricing strategy for your game passes and in-game items. Make sure the prices reflect the value players are receiving. To market your game efficiently, utilize platforms like Twitter, Discord, and YouTube and connect with potential players. Create an appealing thumbnail and description for your game that accurately represents its features and advantages. Use in-game billboards or screens to advertise your game passes, items, or other monetization features. Tie in-game monetization efforts to real-world events, holidays, or special occasions. This can create excitement and increase player engagement.  

While monetization is important, avoid making the game overly pay-to-win. Provide meaningful content and experiences to both paying and non-paying players. Clearly communicate the benefits and value of the items or features players can purchase. Being transparent builds trust and encourages players to spend. Remember, successful monetization comes from creating a positive player experience and providing value. Focus on creating a game that players enjoy, and the monetization opportunities will naturally follow. 

Update regularly and engage with the audience  

Keep your game fresh and exciting by regularly adding new content, features, and items. This can motivate players to spend more to access the latest additions. Building a strong community around your game can lead to increased monetization. Listen to player feedback, involve them in decisions, and make them feel invested in your game’s development. Monitor your game’s performance and player behaviour using analytics tools. Adjust your monetization strategy based on the data to optimize revenue generation. Familiarize yourself with Roblox’s terms of service and monetization guidelines to ensure you’re operating within their rules. 

Keep Practicing 

Remember that practice makes perfect. Creating a successful game on Roblox takes time and effort. Start with a simple idea and gradually add complexity as you become more comfortable with the platform. The more you experiment and work on different aspects of game development in Roblox, the more you’ll learn and improve your skills. Don’t hesitate to explore the Roblox community and seek advice from experienced developers if you encounter challenges. Good luck on your game development journey! 

The post Roblox 101: How to launch your first game on Roblox  appeared first on iXie Gaming.

Why is AR/VR different? 

To understand AR/VR game development, one needs to understand the fundamentals of AR/VR as a platform. It is common knowledge that a VR headset and a special set of controllers, rather than your traditional controllers used in conventional games, are needed for VR games. But the differences go beyond the hardware requirements when we dwell deeper into the development philosophies of a VR/AR title. Getting the user to interact with the in-game world and UI (User Interface) through physical actions and gestures in the real world would mean a drastic shift from how many of the vital elements are handled while designing the game.  

There are various factors to consider before and during development, depending on the type of game/experience one is trying to build, like the various platforms available and the unique challenges each platform brings to the various tools available and their compatibility with one another, to user experience considerations and market fragmentations. The developer needs to set their roadmap accounting for all these factors and choose what works best for their project. And one of the primary considerations is the game engine and the tools on which the game is built.   

Game Engines, SDKs, and Modeling Software 

Some of the popular game engines used for VR include Unity, Unreal Engine, and Godot. These engines offer powerful rendering capabilities, physics simulations, and asset management systems necessary for creating realistic virtual environments. SDKs like ARKit Oculus Integration, and Seam VR provide libraries and tools to integrate the necessary hardware components into the game.

These tools facilitate the integration of features such as tracking, rendering, and input for a seamless user experience. Assets created on modeling software like Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender can be used in conjunction with animation software, such as Autodesk MotionBuilder or Unity’s Timeline to bring these assets to life by adding movement and behavior. Sound design is critical for an immersive gaming experience. Audio tools like FMOD and Wwise help developers create spatial audio, sound effects, and music that enhances the realism and atmosphere of the virtual world. These tools enable precise audio positioning based on the user’s position and movement in the virtual environment. 

While these tools are also used in building traditional 2D and 3D games, there are some challenges unique to creating games in AR/VR.  

The Many Challenges 

AR/VR games demand high-performance hardware to render realistic visuals and maintain smooth interactions. Developers face the challenge of optimizing their games to run smoothly on various devices while minimizing latency. They need to create intuitive interfaces that are accessible in a 3D environment and can be easily operated using different input methods.  

One of the significant challenges in AR/VR game development is mitigating motion sickness, which occurs when users experience a disconnect between their visual and physical sensations. Developers must design games with careful consideration of movement mechanics, comfort modes, and minimizing abrupt camera movements to reduce the risk of motion sickness.  

Various VR/AR platforms vary significantly in terms of hardware capabilities. Different platforms employ distinct input devices, such as motion controllers, hand-tracking systems, or even haptic feedback suits. Developers need to design their games to accommodate these varying input methods and ensure that interactions are intuitive and responsive across all platforms should they choose more than one platform to release their game.  

Adding to that, each platform has differing user bases, and developers need to consider the market potential and audience size of each platform when deciding where to focus their efforts. This choice can impact the visibility, sales, and success of a VR game.  

And finally, platforms continue to evolve, with new hardware iterations and software updates being released. This constant evolution adds complexity to game development as developers need to adapt their games to leverage new features and optimize performance on updated platforms. 

Why AR/VR then? 

All of this may sound a bit overwhelming and even demotivating to someone starting new. But a game development service in general is a challenging prospect, and developing conventional games on various platforms poses its fair share of challenges. VR/AR just adds another layer to it. This is still an emerging market, that is held back by a high cost of entry for the user.  

However, the VR market has seen a steady rise thanks to reduced costs of newer hardware, like the Quest family of devices, and an ever-growing library of games. Titles like Beat Sabre, Superhot VR, and Halflife: Alyx stand as shining examples of an immersive VR experience, while also being financial successes. What is common among these titles is a combination of Intuitive polished gameplay, smooth movement, excellent audio design, and lag-free VR interactions in general.  

These elements combined make a solid VR/AR experience as they cater to the most basic requirements of the platform. Immersion! By incorporating animations with smooth in-game transitions that correspond with real-world actions, both during gameplay and in UI design, and implementing a robust physics system, developers can focus on eradicating hurdles like motion sickness and getting the players as immersed in their world as possible. 

Conclusion: 

Developing VR/AR games comes with a unique set of challenges that vary across different VR/AR platforms. From hardware limitations and user experience considerations to market fragmentation, game developers must navigate these obstacles to create immersive and successful experiences. This is still a growing market that is slowly but steadily finding a footing in the industry with a dedicated user base. And for that alone, there has never been a better time to be a developer for a VR/AR project.  

Planning to deliver engaging and highly immersive games to players worldwide? iXie would be the right choice with massive experience in the gaming industry over the past decade.

The post How to build immersive gaming experiences with AR/VR game development  appeared first on iXie Gaming.

As a developer, you need to be aware of the unique challenges that come with PC game development. From optimizing your game for different hardware configurations to choosing the right game engine, there are many considerations to keep in mind. By following the do’s and avoiding the don’ts, you can ensure that your game stands out in the competitive PC gaming market.

In this guide, we will cover a range of topics, including best practices for game design, effective marketing strategies, and tips for optimizing game performance. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of what it takes to create a successful PC game that resonates with gamers worldwide.

So, whether you are a seasoned game developer looking to improve your skills or a novice just starting out in the field, this guide has something to offer. Let’s dive in and explore the do’s and don’ts of PC game development together.

Do’s

1. Plan Your Game Thoroughly Before Starting the Development

To create a successful game, start with a clear vision. Think about the genre, setting, target audience, and gameplay mechanics. Make a detailed game design document that outlines everything about your game, including the story, characters, and levels. Having a clear plan will help you stay organized and focused throughout the development process. It will also help you communicate your ideas effectively to your team and stakeholders. By putting in the effort to create a solid game design document, you’ll be setting yourself up for a better chance of success.

2. Focus on Creating an Engaging Gameplay Experience

Another key to success is prioritizing gameplay above everything else. Create intuitive, fun, and rewarding mechanics that are balanced and challenging enough to keep players engaged. Remember that player enjoyment is the key to success. Test the game extensively to ensure the mechanics work well, and make changes where necessary. It’s also important to listen to player feedback and make improvements based on it. By keeping gameplay as your top priority and listening to your players, you can increase the chances of creating a successful game.

3. Test Your Game Extensively and Frequently

Regular testing is vital in game development to detect bugs and other problems early. It involves both internal testing with your team and external testing with beta testers and focus groups. By listening to player feedback, you can identify areas that need improvement and make the necessary changes. Testing not only helps to improve the quality of your game but also enhances the player’s overall experience. Therefore, prioritize game QA throughout the development process to ensure a successful and enjoyable game for your players.

4. Listen to Player Feedback and Make Necessary Changes

Your players are the ones who will ultimately buy and play your game, so it’s crucial to value their feedback. Take note of any bug reports, address gameplay concerns, and listen to any suggestions they may have. By improving their gaming experience, you can retain players and build a positive reputation. Keep an open mind and be willing to make changes, whether it’s through regular updates or patches. By putting your players first, you can create a successful PC game.

5. Market Your Game Effectively to Reach Your Target Audience

Creating a great game isn’t enough to guarantee its success; marketing is crucial too. To reach your target audience, have a clear marketing plan in place. This may involve social media advertising, influencer partnerships, or attending gaming conferences. You can also utilize email marketing and press releases to promote your game. Don’t forget to focus on building a community around your game by engaging with fans and providing regular updates. All these will increase the awareness of your game and attract more players.

Don’ts

1. Rush the Development Process and Sacrifice Quality for Speed

Developing a game is a complex and time-consuming task. Rushing through the process to meet deadlines can result in an inferior game that doesn’t appeal to players. Instead, invest the necessary time and effort to create a high-quality game that aligns with your vision. Don’t compromise on the design, development, and testing phases. A well-designed game with thorough testing will provide a better user experience and more success in the market. Remember, a great game takes time, effort, and patience.

2. Overcomplicate the Game Mechanics and Design

Creating engaging gameplay is crucial, but avoid overcomplicating things. Complex mechanics or convoluted design can frustrate players and make them lose interest. Stick to simple and intuitive gameplay that is easy to learn but hard to master. Focus on creating a satisfying and rewarding experience for the player that keeps them coming back for more. By striking the right balance between challenge and accessibility, you can create a game that is enjoyable and engaging for a wide audience.

3. Neglect the Importance of User Interface and User Experience

To keep players engaged, a game’s user interface and experience must be top-notch. A clunky or confusing interface can turn players off, regardless of how great the gameplay is. Ensure your game’s interface is clean, simple, and easy to use, with clear navigation and helpful prompts. Consider user experience when designing levels, challenges, and tutorials, and test your game extensively to identify and fix any issues.

4. Ignore Bugs and Glitches in the Game

When it comes to PC game development, bugs and glitches can be a major problem. Even minor issues can detract from the overall experience and lead to negative reviews from players. That’s why it’s essential to thoroughly test your game before release and fix any issues that are found. Don’t wait until after the game is released to start addressing bugs and glitches – tackle them as soon as they are discovered. 

5. Assume Your Game Will Sell Itself Without Proper Marketing and Promotion

Having a great game is not enough for success. You need a well-planned marketing and promotion strategy to reach your target audience and create buzz around your game. Also, offer demos and beta tests to create buzz and get feedback. Consider working with influencers or press outlets to increase visibility. 

Use social media, email marketing, and other tactics to generate interest and build anticipation for your game’s release.

Final Thoughts 

Developing a PC game can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the do’s and don’ts outlined in this article, you can increase your chances of creating a successful game. Remember to focus on your target audience, prioritize gameplay, and plan for the future by considering post-launch support and updates. Staying organized, working collaboratively with a team, and being open to feedback and constructive criticism can also make a big difference in the success of your game.

It’s important to plan for the future by thinking about post-launch support and updates. These can help to keep players engaged and interested in your game over time, leading to greater success in the long run.

Staying organized and working collaboratively with a team can also help to make the development process smoother and more efficient. Finally, being open to feedback and constructive criticism can help you to identify areas for improvement and make your game even better. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can create a successful PC game that will be enjoyed by players for years to come.

The post The Do’s and Don’ts of Pc Game Development appeared first on iXie Gaming.

Origin of eSports: 

The term eSports refers to the practice of playing video games competitively, either individually or as part of a team, with a focus on strategic thinking, skill, and coordination. These are the fundamentals of the sport, to which parallels can, of course, be drawn with any kind of sport.  

The origins of eSports can be traced back to the 1980s. This was a time when video game enthusiasts began holding small-scale competitions and tournaments. The first major eSports event was the Space Invaders Championship held in 1980. The event attracted over 10,000 participants, which was unheard of for a videogame-related event at the time. In the 1990s, LAN parties became popular, where gamers would bring their computers together to play games like Doom and Quake. It was at these LAN parties where the first professional gamers emerged, and eSports, as we know it today, began to take shape. Over the years, eSports continued to grow, with competitions and tournaments becoming more organized and attracting larger audiences.  

The 1990s also saw the emergence of professional eSports teams and organizations, with players receiving salaries and sponsorships. eSports events began to be broadcast on television and online, further increasing the visibility and popularity of the industry. More genres of games were now part of eSports. One of the first major international eSports tournaments was the Red Annihilation Quake Tournament, which arguably paved the way for the global industry we see today. With more visibility and the advent of the internet, moments like the infamous Evo Moment 37 from Evo 2004 among many others boosted the popularity of the sport among gamers.  

The Current State of eSports: 

eSports today is a global phenomenon and has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry, with professional players and teams competing in a variety of games, including CS:GO, League of Legends, Dota 2, Overwatch, and Fortnite to name a few. eSports events attract millions of viewers online and in-person, with tournaments offering massive prize pools for the winners. The industry has also attracted significant investment from traditional sports teams and organizations, with many creating their own eSports teams and sponsoring events.  

The popularity of the sport has led to the development of dedicated eSports arenas, where fans can watch competitions live, and players can compete in a professional environment. The industry has also created job opportunities in areas such as game development, coaching, and management, as well as content creation and broadcasting. 

The Economy of eSports: 

The economy of eSports is complex, with multiple sources of revenue and a variety of stakeholders. Sponsorships, advertising, and media rights are the primary sources of revenue for eSports, with major companies like Coca-Cola, Intel, and Red Bull investing in eSports to reach a younger audience. Merchandise sales and ticket sales also contribute to this economy. eSports teams and players are also important stakeholders in the economy of eSports. Professional teams like Team Liquid and Cloud9 have multi-million dollar valuations, and players can earn hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars in prize money and endorsements. eSports players also have the potential to earn money from streaming on platforms like Twitch, where they can monetize their gameplay and interact with their fans. 

The Future of eSports: 

The eSports industry is expected to continue its growth trajectory over the next few years and beyond. The 2020 pandemic had accelerated the growth of eSports, with many traditional sports events being canceled or postponed, leading to a surge in online viewership. eSports is also an Olympic event at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, with games like Gran Tourismo, Just Dance, and Tennis Clash. While the list of games does not feature staples like CS:Go and Dota 2, we can hope for these titles to be a part of the Olympics in the future. 

The sport is also likely to continue to expand beyond its current core audience of young males, with more women and older adults getting involved in the industry, as these demographics are now actively playing games on a regular basis more than ever before. 

eSports has come a long way from its humble beginnings to become a multi-billion dollar industry today. The industry has grown exponentially in recent years, attracting significant investment and creating job opportunities. The ever-present advancements in technology, a growing audience, and a global stage like the Olympics are expected to drive even more significant growth in the industry. The future of eSports looks bright indeed!  

The post The present and future of eSports appeared first on iXie Gaming.

According to PWC’s Global Entertainment and Media outlook 2022-26 report, the online game market worth is estimated to reach more than $321 billion by the year 2026. 

With the booming gaming industry, it is very important for the talents who are looking forward to starting a career in the gaming industry to build networks in this space.  

With great networking, comes great power! 

Career Networking or Professional Networking in gaming industry is one of the keys to have a successful career in the gaming industry. What Is Career networking? one may ask, the phrase is self-explanatory yet in layman terms – it is basically connecting with people and platforms to achieve your career goals with a relevant opportunity which you will enjoy.  

The contemporary times have provided us with lots of digital platforms where we can connect with each other and build our meaningful connections. LinkedIn is one of examples of the powerful professional platforms for career networking.  

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”  

Want to know how to strengthen your networking? 

Here are few tips which can be leveraged to enhance the career networking: 

• Start from your friends: Connect with the friends whom you know already over social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest. 
• Focus on building relationships: Instead of directly asking for the opportunities, ask for advice. Be yourself and be confident. Be receptive and openminded.  
• Quality of Network matters: Keep evaluating your quality of network, keep the spammers away in order to get quality content. 
• Do not hurry, take your time: Do not be in hurry to connect with people, take some time, let it come naturally. Wish on their birthdays, anniversaries over various platforms. 
• Follow and connect with people from the organizations which you like to work for 
• Attending Gaming Technology Webinars and joining Gaming Forums like GameFAQs, Reddit Gaming Subreddits 

Remember “no man is an island”, keep looking up! 

We, at iXie are in the business of Games.  

Want to know latest happening in gaming industry? Follow us on Linkedin. 

The post Networking tips to start a career in the gaming Industry appeared first on iXie Gaming.

First Things First

I need to begin by stating the obvious here that this game not for everyone. And that statements applies to multiple aspects of the game like its target demographic which are adults only, to the offbeat brand of humour (which is not as sharp as the show) that you would either love or hate, to the structure of the game and its mechanics which have been executed keeping in mind that this is best experienced on Virtual Reality, therefore foregoing what one would consider a traditional control scheme and gameplay mechanics. And this also applies to one of the games most ridiculous aspects which are its…..

Story

If you know about Rick and Morty and if that was what drew you towards this game, then you would know what to expect in terms of story. And it would be best to be in the right mindset while you’re launching the game. The plot revolves around Trover whose dogs have been stolen by an evil alien who gains God-like powers by placing those dogs in his empty eye sockets. Yes, you read that right.

Joining Trover in his quest to retrieve his dogs and save the universe in the process is you the player, a ‘chairorpian’ who always sits on his chair/couch, which is this games version of a mute protagonist who does others’ chores. Needless to say, the setting is less James Bond and more Austin Powers, and the game does tend to make the most of it, most of the times. The game is so self-aware that it constantly pokes fun at its own story and that this is a video game. And the events that occur in the game range from the mundane to downright ridiculous. One moment you are collecting a ‘hidden’ collectible which is placed right in front of you, and the other you just realise that you played through a whole planet to obtain a crystal which a character removes from his butt, only to find something even more shocking shortly after.

There is so much potty mouthed humour here to keep you giggling throughout the course of the game if you are into such things. Not all the jokes and gags land though. Some characters who are funny in the first few minutes just go on and on to the point that they get really annoying. And if you have a small threshold for such things this could really get in the way of you having fun with this game. That said, the game’s brand of dark comedy will keep most of the players pleased.

Gameplay

Throughout the story, you will be visiting various planets which look and feel distinct keeping the game fresh. And you the chairorpian will be controlling both your self and Trover with a cleverly implemented control scheme that only needs a little getting used to. Abilities for both are acquired at a steady pace throughout the game although nothing very special is on offer. But what is offered does make up for a good set of tools towards the often-well-done platforming sections, combat and puzzles. Combat starts out quite basic, but gradually gains some depth thanks to a clever blend of combat moves from Trover and your abilities, like pulling or throwing stuff.

As a chairorpian, your abilities are limited though, and you can only be mobile by warping through certain points in each map. However, this does not come in the way of the gameplay and is well executed for the most part. You also acquire the ability to hover your chair to different heights which provides 3 distinct perspectives that help in navigating Trover, puzzle solving and combat.

The aforementioned collectables are sometimes very on-the-nose, but also cleverly hidden in a lot of cases pushing you to explore if you are a completionist. There is not much in the way of challenge through combat or puzzles though, save for a few instances, and the game does feel like it is being the jack of all trades trying to mix all the elements together. The push and pull ability, in particular, felt a bit too clunky which sometimes resulted in frustrating moments. That said the system as a whole work for the most part and you will feel at home with the controls within an hour into the game.

Graphics and Sound

The distinct art style of Rick and Morty transitions well into 3D. And while not the most beautiful game out there, the game does look great.

Needless to say, the best way to experience this game would be through VR, but it is also playable in non-VR mode. The good thing though is that somehow the trade-off does not seem all that bad in non-VR mode. The game’s mechanics complement both modes just as well. In terms of sound, I would have preferred a button to shut some NPCs’ mouths. Other than that, the game does a good job overall.

Overall

Trover saves the universe is not for everyone. The game is a short and often times not so challenging experience. That said, what is on offer makes up for a decent action platformer to sit through on a rainy afternoon that does not push your skills to the limits. However, if you love the kind of potty-mouthed dark humour from Rick and Morty and have invested in a VR headset, this is a must play.

Verdict

8/10

The post Trover Saves the Universe – Review appeared first on iXie Gaming.

Sony and Microsoft are serious about this

The notion that cloud gaming is the future has been floating around since the PS3/360 era. Several analysts have predicted it and some companies like OnLive actually took a shot at it way back in 2010. But thanks to barriers in technology and hesitancy from the consumer towards adopting the platform at the time resulted in cloud gaming never taking off. Fast forward nine years and not much has changed since. Cloud gaming still feels like a far-fetched concept to consumers. But the difference this time around is that companies like Sony and Microsoft have had experience in this area for a good portion of a decade now and they have a renewed focus in offering cloud-based gaming, now that a major entity like Google has entered the gaming landscape. For better or worse Google has shown the world that the technology available today could cater to cloud gaming much better than it did in 2010. And the fact that Sony and Microsoft are coming together despite their individual stance in the market only cements it even further. The only real questions are – Is the customer ready? And, Is the internet infrastructure good enough to handle it?

Internet infrastructure is getting better by the day

At least one of the two questions is easy to answer. The customer will be ready as long as he is provided with value for money. While the monetization method of Stadia is still a mystery, anything that sounds like an incredible value is sure to be appealing to customers. So, the real question is about bandwidth and the availability of it. To be fair, the internet today is far better than what it was a couple of years ago. Whether it is cable-based or wireless, things have been on an upward trajectory. And with 5G on the horizon, it is only going to get better. If Stadia could keep its promise of getting the games to run with a 25mbps connection, then things are looking much better than they did some time ago.

Games Games Games

What about the games then? Well, Google has stated that there are numerous games being developed for its platform. The platform has been portrayed as developer-friendly and seems to aim squarely at the indie development community. Throw in third-party developer support and a good library of games does not seem impossible on Stadia. It would all come down to the quality of games that would be available exclusively on Stadia. Here’s hoping that they emulate Sony in this case and not end up turning into the next Google Play.

What about games that don’t need internet?

But when all things are said and done, there are still a couple of looming factors that would make or break Stadia and cloud gaming in general. Convenience. And there are two ways to look at it. While getting to play your games when you want and where you want is a convenience in itself, it does need a constant internet connection. That isn’t the case with playing a disc-based game on a console. Especially the ones which do not have any multiplayer aspect. Story driven games which have its own chunk of the audience never did need a mandatory internet connection. And cloud limits that convenience. Yes, data shows that sales of digital games have been on the rise year on year, every year, but so has the number of people that play games. And the ones that prefer disc-based games still represent a good chunk of that population.

Then there is the question of owning what you purchase. This is a risk that is inherent with any game that is not in physical form. Several games have been pulled off online storefronts for various reasons. And the prospect of these games being run on cloud only amplifies this risk.

Moral of the Story

As with any new product or service, we will have to wait and see. Google seems to have entered the cloud gaming scene at the right moment and it might come right down to how it is all executed and handled. Google definitely has the resources to pull it off, and here’s hoping that they succeed, as at least some, if not many, are going to find some kind of value in the service. How this is going to play against Sony and Microsoft will also be interesting to see. Whatever the case, it will be an interesting next few years.

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Monetization Method

What is the price? That’s the most popular among Stadia’s mysteries right now. But the more important question, in my opinion, is, what type of business model will be adopted to monetize the service. The industry trend currently is that any game platform, be it PlayStation, Xbox or PC has a price of admission in the form purchasing the hardware required. Distribution platforms where a game can be purchased like Steam and Epic games store are free of cost. And game streaming service like PS NOW and Xbox Game Pass is monetized through subscriptions at the expense of free games as part of the service. But Stadia looks to take all of the above forms, by serving a platform to make games, be a streaming service to access those games (albeit without the need of downloading them unlike PS Now and Xbox Game Pass), and most probably sell those games in its own storefront. Google’s new service does not have hardware to charge a $300-400 premium to begin the service. A subscription model would mean that they have to cater to the expectation of free games that comes with such a business model. If so, how will game purchases be made? It looks like whichever model Google chooses will contradict to the market trends. The other way of looking at it is Google can choose whichever model it sees fit and make it look good with some clever PR. Whatever the case, I honestly feel that their approach would be pro-consumer and would offer immense value. And if there is one company that can afford to offer great value for the sake of a vast customer base, it’s Google. Microsoft is already doing it with its array of services. If MS can, so can Google.

Where are the games?

Doom Eternal is coming to Stadia. Great. But what else? Going into the live stream I was expecting some kind of game announcements or at the very least, support for a few already released AAA games. And at one point I really thought that this was going to happen as a shout out was given from the stage to Yves Guillemot who was in the audience, for Ubisoft’s partnership to offer AC Odyssey to be tested on this service last year. So just when I was ready to get hit by the announcement of games, the show drifted off elsewhere. What transpired later only brought my hopes further down, as any games mentioned seemed to be way too early in development or only existed as concepts. Furthermore, while mention of studios and developers kept floating in the event, big guns like EA, Take-Two, and even Ubisoft was never mentioned or hinted to be providing any kind of support. We have seen time and again that the games decide the success of a platform. And while Google’s own Stadia development studios is a positive sign, lack of third-party developers’ support may sound trouble for the service. Google has hinted at more being revealed later and from where I see it, this event needs to be big on games. Show only games. Speak only games. Then release your service. Here’s hoping they do just that.

A Streaming platform. But at what bandwidth?

Streaming is great. Platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime has shown us the luxury of binge-watching along with other conveniences of streaming. Streaming games though is a whole other ball game. There have been companies in the past that have attempted this and failed, (remember OnLive?) and there are companies that still struggle to provide a consistent experience (PS Now). Both companies at one point claimed that a 5 Mbps download speed would suffice to get the best experience, which is far from the truth in practice. Considering Google’s lofty ambitions in terms of graphics fidelity and mechanics in its games, one would wonder what kind of internet speed is required to get the most out of the service? Unfortunately, this is a question that only Google can answer, as technology has indeed come a long way since OnLive. Optimisation often does wonders, and we can only wait and see how far Google will take it.

How many of the extended features will stay relevant in a few years?

With every new console/service come features that are new and exciting. Some of these features make sense and stand the test of time, like the rumble feature in game controllers. Then there are features like the Xbox One’s Kinect and DualShock 4’s touchpad that is exciting at first but then lose their significance rather quickly. With not much hardware to play with, Stadia’s features come in the form of different types of user experiences. Admittedly some of the features like Stream Connect and State Share are intriguing and may prove to add a lot of value to the service. However, features related to content creators do seem redundant from the get-go and it already has some raise their eyebrows. With the Crowd Play feature, for instance, streamers do have a great way to engage with their audiences. That said, considering the toxicity that is visible in YouTube comments for streamers, they also stand a chance of getting trolled by their own viewers in their own games. Google has mentioned that the content creators will have full control over these features, so here’s hoping that this is put to good use.

Will Stadia evolve into the next Google Play?

All scepticism aside, what Google showcased in the event was truly impressive. If we assume that everything revealed stays true and functions as promised, Stadia would turn into a haven for developers big and small. This, of course, comes with its own set of problems. The initial drought of games that occurs in any new game console/service may mean that Google gives the green light for any new game that is made for the platform which may result in rushed, lack lustre games making it to its library. Google needs to implement strict quality checks before a game hits its platform to ensure that it does not mutate into another Play Store or Steam filled with shovel ware. It would be interesting to see what sort of approach Google takes in managing the sales of games on its platform.

Google revealed plenty while holding back even more during the event. By the looks of it, Google does seem like a legitimate competitor for Sony and Microsoft. It all depends on how well Google executes the service, the pricing, and above all, the games. With Microsoft also rumoured to unveil their new console at E3, 2019 just turned out to be more interesting than it already was.

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