Palworld’s Success, Avowed Showcase, Riot Games Chaos and Fruitlab Fixes
Hello and welcome to the third edition of the Fruitlab newsletter in 2024. January is flying by and our development team continues to work on updates to the blockchain network underpinning the platform (Aventus) and major fixes on Fruitlab Gaming.
We’re also close to revealing early details about our forthcoming community focused features, so watch this space for more details and look out for video teasers from the Fruitlab Partners!
It’s been an eventful start to the year in the gaming industry with some big stories dominating the headlines this week. Get up to speed with our summary and watch some of the best content Fruitlab had to offer this week below.
Weekly Top Content
CheckpointChat present their thoughts on the Xbox offerings coming up in 2024. Do you have any titles that you’re particularly excited about? Let them know in the comments!
cartiacey goes against the odds to secure an outrageous 89 kills whilst playing Lockdown Quads in Warzone alone. Check out the latest LMG meta build he uses to hit these crazy numbers.
Are you feeling lucky? BakerTV has some laughs whilst taking his chances in the ominous Buckshot Roulette.
How well do you know your logos? Put your expertise to the test with Guille53 in this light hearted ‘Guess The Logo’ challenge in Fortnite Creative.
Le3viathan shows how to build a simple but effective airship in Lego Fortnite. Got your own ideas for a design? Upload it on Fruitlab!
Palworld Sparks Controversy as ‘Pokémon with Guns’ Sells 6 Million Copies in Four Days
Palworld - often dubbed “Pokémon with guns” - recently launched on Steam and Xbox and swiftly sold six million copies in just four days. However this success comes with a wave of controversy, as players and critics question its apparent similarities to Pokémon both mechanically and artistically. While some argue that Palworld introduces innovative gameplay elements and caters to a demand for Pokémon-like experiences on PC, others raise concerns about its closely resembling Pokémon’s designs.
The controversy intensifies as Twitter users analyse 3D models, finding overlapping proportions between Palworld and Pokémon creatures. Despite the debate Palworld’s popularity persists with positive player reviews and a hunger for a unique gaming experience, leaving the industry in uncharted territory regarding intellectual property boundaries and creative influence.
Riot Games Implements Layoffs, Cutting 530 Jobs Globally
In a seemingly never-ending torrent of gaming industry redundancies, Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, has announced the layoff of 530 employees constituting approximately 11% of its worldwide workforce. The decision is part of Riot’s effort to refocus on “fewer, high-impact projects” for a more sustainable future. CEO Dylan Jadeja explained that the company’s rapid growth in recent years resulted in a lack of a sharp focus, with significant investments not yielding expected returns.
RiotForge, the initiative collaborating with indie studios, will be shut down and the Legends of Runeterra team size reduced with a focus on the Path of Champions PvE game mode. The affected employees will receive severance pay, bonuses, health benefits, and other support measures. The move comes amidst ongoing industry-wide layoffs, with Unity, Behaviour Interactive, Twitch, Discord, and Lost Boys Interactive also announcing job cuts in 2024.
Obsidian Unveils Avowed’s Action-Oriented Combat System
Obsidian showcased details of its upcoming game Avowed, a first-person fantasy RPG set in the Pillars of Eternity universe during the Xbox Developer Direct. Departing from the isometric style of its previous titles, Avowed adopts a first-person adventure format akin to The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. The highlight of the presentation was the action-oriented yet tactically complex combat system, allowing players customisable loadouts with different weapons for each hand including swords, shields, wands, and pistols.
The game focuses on morally complex decision-making and influencing the storyline, demonstrated through a sidequest involving choices about slain soldiers. The art style, particularly in the Living Lands locale, emphasizes a contrast between dull and vibrant, verdant and corrupted areas. Avowed is set for release on Xbox Series X/S and PC, including Game Pass, in the autumn of 2024.
2024 is shaping up to be a big year for gamers so be sure to subscribe and join us again next time for your regular gaming fix. Have a great week everyone!
