Ryan Norrington’s Post

How do we feel about Disney's $1.5B stake in Epic Games? Game-changer! They're blending Disney magic with Fortnite's tech to create something huge. We're talking a new universe where storytelling meets immersive tech, powered by Unreal Engine. Imagine diving into worlds with your favorite Disney and Marvel characters, all in a game-like setting that's constantly evolving. This isn't just about gaming; it's about redefining how we interact with digital content. Seriously cool step towards blurring the lines between digital and physical experiences. We can’t wait to see how we can translate this style of interoperability into real-world applications. #epicgames #immersiveexperience #ENTEVATE Jake Hamann Jack Sylvester Harsh Shah Jaclyn Scrivens Michael Binko https://lnkd.in/eyEgfADq

Fortnite's Game-Changing Move: Wondering how Fortnite's rarity label removal impacts player engagement? 💰 Before, labels showed how rare items were, helping players know their value. Now, without these labels, it's tricky to tell what's special. Players might struggle to decide what's worth getting. 🤔 🧠 It's like having a super rare toy - everyone wants it! Without labels, game makers need new ways to make items exciting. They've gotta get creative! 💸 Here are some probable solutions to tackle this challenge: Interactive Features: Incorporate animations, sound effects, or customization options to make items more engaging. Story-driven Unlockables: Tie cosmetic items to in-game narratives or quests for special rewards. Limited-time Challenges: Offer exclusive rewards through time-limited events for added excitement. Community-driven Content: Let players submit and vote on new cosmetic ideas for future releases. Dynamic Effects: Create items with effects that change based on gameplay or environment. Personalized Rewards: Offer cosmetic rewards based on player preferences or achievements. Collaborative Events: Partner with other brands for exclusive cosmetic collaborations. Seasonal Themes: Introduce limited-time themes for holidays or cultural celebrations. Progressive Unlockables: Design items with evolving features or upgrades over time. Surprise Mechanics: Add mystery boxes or surprise elements for randomized rewards. 🌟 What does this mean for us players? Get ready for cool new stuff in Fortnite and other games as they find fun ways to keep us entertained. Let's see what adventures await us in gaming. #gamedev #gamedesign #fortnite

// Mocap interaction between in-game Metahumans // 🏈 The ability to have Epic Games' Metahuman avatar system in a game like Fortnite is great! But besides having them pose on a catwalk, which dynamic features could add extra value for Brands? What if they were actors in an in-game commercial? - interacting with each other - telling and acting a Brand story - while the Game player is a spectator... Let's say the 'Playable Packaging' in the video below is that of NFL star Patrick Mahomes' new adidas cleats (shoes) - the shoebox makes the environment while Mahomes wears his shoes while throwing a winning signature pass - the Fortnite player will be an immersive spectator in this event - able to see the product + action in one go. A new way of in-game advertising if you ask me.... The specific example uses free mocap data from Adobe's Mixamo and doesn't rely on complex physics in Unreal Engine for Fortnite (UEFN), just simple animations run in UEFN's Sequencer. I'll keep testing more ways of adding interactions with/by Metahumans. Let me know what you think of this feature and the idea behind it! #digitalfashion #metaverse #unrealengine #uefn #fortnite #gaming #mocap #metahuman

📈 #Fortnite's continuous investment in creating a metaverse platform is paying off, as we see the decline of Battle Royale unaffecting the player base of alternative modes such as #LEGOFortnite, #FortniteFestival, #RocketRacing and most importantly #FortniteCreative. 🧱 LEGO Fortnite is now 6 months old and is receiving constant updates with LEGO Battle Passes, new seasons and the ability for #UEFN creators to build their very own #LEGO Fortnite experiences. This has allowed #EpicGames to build a metaverse platform that thrives on #UGC content, and it's just the beginning. 🐭 While player counts are still not as massive as the monster that is Battle Royale, #Disney has acquired a sizeable share of #Epic and is currently working directly with them to build a specialized Disney metaverse experience within the Fortnite ecosystem, similar to LEGO Fortnite. This is going to expand the audience and playerbase massively as Disney's ground-breaking IPs make their way to Fortnite. Imagine Mickey Mouse or Elsa joining forces with non-Disney properties like Halo and Street Fighter thanks to the power of Fortnite. 🏆 Team Unite is already leading the forefront of innovation in UGC, and we have some of the best coders, designers, and developers in the Creative scene. Whether you are a fellow developer, or a brand hoping to market yourself in Fortnite, let's connect.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the gaming landscape, with some individuals expressing a diminished sense of enjoyment in playing video games. My observation explores the various factors contributing to this phenomenon, including time constraints, rising costs, game complexity, and shifting trends in gaming preferences. One significant factor impacting the enjoyment of video games is the limited availability of time. With the demands of work, school, and other responsibilities, individuals may find themselves with less leisure time to dedicate to gaming. As a result, the immersive nature of many modern games, which often require substantial time commitments to fully experience, can become daunting rather than enjoyable. Another contributing factor is the increasing cost of video games. As the gaming industry has evolved, so too have production values, leading to higher development costs. This, in turn, has led to higher retail prices for games, as well as the proliferation of additional monetization strategies such as downloadable content (#DLC) and microtransactions. For some individuals, the financial investment required to keep up with the latest games can detract from the enjoyment of gaming as a hobby. The complexity and size of modern video games can also be a barrier to enjoyment for some players. While advancements in technology have enabled developers to create vast and immersive gaming worlds, this can sometimes come at the expense of accessibility. Complex mechanics, convoluted storylines, and steep learning curves may alienate casual players or those looking for more straightforward gaming experiences. Furthermore, shifting trends in gaming preferences may contribute to a perceived decline in enjoyment. As the industry has grown, so too have the diversity of gaming experiences available to players. This has led to the fragmentation of gaming communities, with different groups gravitating towards specific genres, platforms, or styles of gameplay. For individuals who feel disconnected from these trends or who struggle to find games that resonate with their interests, the overall enjoyment of gaming may diminish. In conclusion, several factors contribute to the changing landscape of video games and the perceived decline in enjoyment among some players. Time constraints, rising costs, game complexity, and shifting trends in gaming preferences all play a role in shaping the gaming experience. However, it's essential to recognize that enjoyment is subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. By identifying games that align with their interests, preferences, and available time, individuals can still find joy and satisfaction in gaming despite these challenges. #videogame #ps5 #xbox GOG Electronic Arts (EA) Bethesda Game Studios Ubisoft Ubisoft India Studios Milestone s.r.l. Capcom Blizzard Entertainment

🚀 Exploring the Dynamic World of the Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) Games Market 🎮 The Massive Multiplayer Online (MMO) games market is thriving like never before, reflecting a remarkable evolution in the gaming industry. With players from around the globe diving into expansive virtual worlds, the MMO segment continues to experience unprecedented growth. This growth is driven by technological advancements, including enhanced graphics, immersive gameplay, and increasingly sophisticated online environments. Source: https://lnkd.in/diJdVaUw Developers are pushing boundaries with innovative gameplay mechanics and expansive content that keep players engaged for hours. Major players in the market, such as Blizzard Entertainment, Tencent, and Electronic Arts, are constantly raising the bar, creating new experiences and expanding their digital realms. Meanwhile, emerging studios are also making their mark with fresh and creative approaches to MMO gaming. Recent trends indicate a growing preference for cross-platform capabilities, allowing gamers to connect and compete regardless of their device. Additionally, the rise of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) is set to redefine the MMO experience, offering even more immersive environments and interactive gameplay. As we look ahead, the MMO market is expected to continue its robust expansion, driven by technological innovations, evolving player preferences, and the growing demand for rich, interactive online experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the scene, the future of MMO games promises exciting opportunities and adventures in digital worlds. 🌟👾 #MMO #GamingIndustry #VirtualReality #GameDevelopment #TechTrends #PlayerEngagement

Mobile Gaming Shifts Focus to Casual Experiences The latest Digital Market Index from Sensor Tower reveals an interesting trend in the mobile gaming landscape. While overall mobile game downloads declined 7.1% year-over-year in Q3 2024, casual genres like Simulation, Arcade, and Puzzle accounted for nearly 75% of downloads. This points to a pivot away from more immersive RPG and strategy experiences towards bite-sized, accessible gameplay. Some key data points: 1.- Strategy and RPG genres remained leaders in consumer spend, but Action games saw 81% YoY growth. 2.- Shopping-themed casual games had a 340% increase in downloads, with titles like My Supermarket Simulator 3D performing well. 3.- Top breakout games came from Asian publishers like Tencent and miHoYo, despite slowdowns in much of the Asia mobile game market. This shift aligns with users' growing preference for short, snackable gaming experiences on the go. Mobile developers would be wise to focus on casual, hyper-accessible gameplay to capture mindshare. The market is evolving, and those who adapt to mobile gaming's new casual-first reality will be poised for success. #onmo #mobilegaming #casualgames #mobiletrends #gamedev #onmobile https://lnkd.in/e5kxaK9p

Today, Star Wars returns to Fortnite ahead of May the 4th. Star Wars has collaborated with Fortnite multiple times since its initial partnership on December 7th, 2019. It's evident that Disney and Star Wars see significant value in integrating with Fortnite. It is no surprise that we consistently see brands and artists integrating into Fortnite every season. In just the last season, which started on March 8th, 2024, we have seen Fortnite partner with Avatar, Nike, Coachella, Billie Eilish, and now Star Wars. For some of these brands, this is not their first integration into Fortnite, which speaks volumes about the game's enduring appeal and its effectiveness as a promotional platform. This ongoing trend of collaborations between Fortnite and various brands and artists highlights the game's ability to serve as a dynamic platform for cultural connection and promotion. With over a hundred million players from around the world, Fortnite offers a unique opportunity for brands to engage with a global audience in an immersive and interactive way. As the lines between virtual and real-world experiences continue to blur, collaborations like these are likely to become even more prevalent, shaping the landscape of both gaming and marketing for years to come.

(EN) Beat Saber Ends Support for Meta Quest 1: Updates and Multiplayer Functions to Cease in November 2024 Beat Saber enthusiasts using Meta Quest 1 devices will face a significant change as the game's developers have announced the cessation of support for this hardware starting November 2, 2024. This decision, detailed in the game's updated FAQ section, means that while players can still enjoy Beat Saber on their Meta Quest 1, they will no longer receive updates or customer support for the game on these devices. The transition also marks the end of multiplayer functions on Meta Quest 1, adding another layer of change for users accustomed to engaging with friends in this rhythm-based game. Furthermore, there's a hint of uncertainty regarding the future of leaderboards, with developers suggesting that they may eventually phase them out as well. Clarifying the rationale behind this decision, the developers took to Twitter to communicate their intention to shift their focus towards upcoming projects within the Beat Saber universe. While this move signifies an end to support for the original Meta Quest, it also underscores the developers' commitment to evolving the Beat Saber experience and exploring new avenues within the virtual reality gaming landscape. For players concerned about the fate of their purchased content, the developers assured that DLC and the base game will remain associated with player accounts. Additionally, there's good news for those considering upgrading to newer Meta headsets, as cross-buy support ensures that their existing purchases will carry over seamlessly. Since its launch in 2019, Beat Saber has captivated gamers with its unique blend of rhythm-based gameplay and immersive virtual reality experiences. Despite the shift away from Meta Quest 1, the game continues to serve as a cornerstone of the rhythm genre, lauded for its accessibility, flexibility, and engaging gameplay mechanics. As the Beat Saber community prepares to bid farewell to Meta Quest 1 support, anticipation builds for the future of the franchise and the innovative experiences that developers have in store for players on newer hardware platforms. #BeatSaber #MetaQuest1 #VRGaming #Updates #Multiplayer #SupportEnd #RhythmGame