Look at Gaming #166 | Tuesday March 7th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
it's going to VERY hard for AI cos to break into gaming. Here's why 👇
https://twitter.com/andrewchen/status/1631468113148661762


🌊 MARKET ☎️
GSD & GfK: The UK market came back to growth in February 2023
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/gsd-and-gfk-the-uk-market-came-back

it's going to VERY hard for AI cos to break into gaming. Here's why 👇
https://twitter.com/andrewchen/status/1631468113148661762

2023 is going to be a brutal year for games that raised < $5M
https://twitter.com/skilllevel7/status/1632429647668613120


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Kai Cenat's Record Breaking Mafiathon - Stream Hatchet
https://streamhatchet.com/blog/kai-cenats-record-breaking-mafiathon/


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Magic Eden Launches 'Mint Madness' With Free Web3 Gaming Mints
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/01/magic-eden-launches-mint-madness-with-free-web3-gaming-mints/

Hermès Asks Court for Control Over MetaBirkin NFTs
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/06/hermes-asks-court-for-control-over-metabirkin-nfts/

More Than Gamers Sold a Breakthrough Web3 Game and Delivered Empty Promises
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/01/more-than-gamers-sold-a-breakthrough-web3-game-and-delivered-empty-promises/

Gaming Engine Unity Taps MetaMask, Immutable X and Solana for Web3 Developer Tools
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/02/28/gaming-engine-unity-taps-metamask-immutable-x-and-solana-for-web3-developer-tools/

Electronic Arts Founder Trip Hawkins Joins Web3 Gaming Startup
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/02/24/electronic-arts-founder-trip-hawkins-joins-web3-gaming-startup-as-cso/

Video game production and distribution model is broken. Here's a project trying to solve that
https://twitter.com/rebootgg_/status/1631008079046385665

ETH Denver Gaming Takeaways
https://twitter.com/templecrash/status/1632518430497619973


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Discover the tool that can speed up marketing approvals and help prevent video game leaks | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/discover-the-tool-that-can-speed-up-marketing-approvals-and-help-prevent-video-game-leaks


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Marvel Snap has amassed $50m in global revenue since its launch | News-in-brief | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/marvel-snap-has-amassed-50m-in-global-revenue-since-its-launch-news-in-brief

Look at Gaming #167 | Wednesday March 8th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
🎮 Case Study: Counter Strike’s renowned marketplace — Deconstructor of Fun
https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/shorts/2023/3/07/supply-demand-csgo-case-study


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Brazil and Mexico saw 20% growth in in-app spending in 2022 | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81003/brazil-and-mexico-saw-20-growth-in-in-app-spending-in-2022/

FaZe Clan launches 1st all-female pro esports team for Valorant | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/faze-clan-launches-its-1st-all-female-pro-esports-team-for-valorant/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
The game theory of branded search advertising | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/the-game-theory-of-branded-search-advertising/

🎮 Case Study: Counter Strike’s renowned marketplace — Deconstructor of Fun
https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/shorts/2023/3/07/supply-demand-csgo-case-study


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Jonathan Knight: The New York Times Games Strategy - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=292hr1BhuxA


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Esports Giant TSM Enters Into Web3 Gaming Partnership With Avalanche
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/07/esports-giant-tsm-enters-into-web3-gaming-partnership-with-avalanche/

2023 will be the year that blockchain games deliver quality and fun | Polygon | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/2023-will-be-the-year-that-blockchain-games-deliver-quality-and-fun-polygon/

AI Artist Claire Silver to Show NFT Collection at Louvre
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/08/ai-artist-claire-silver-to-show-nft-collection-at-louvre/

Amazon is building an NFT marketplace
https://twitter.com/waleswoosh/status/1633061326971871232


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Tangle raises $4M in funding from Qualcomm and more for virtual workplace | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/game-development/tangle-raises-4m-in-funding-from-qualcomm-and-more-for-virtual-workplace/

Redemption Games spins out of AppLovin and raises $7M | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/redemption-games-spins-out-of-applovin-and-raises-7m/

Ex-Riot employees raise $55M for new studio The Believer Company | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/ex-riot-employees-raise-55m-for-new-studio-the-believer-company/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Niantic’s Peridot launches worldwide on May 9 - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/niantics-peridot-launches-worldwide-on-may-9/

Among Us surpasses 500M mobile downloads since launch | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/among-us-surpasses-500m-mobile-downloads-since-launch/

Look at Gaming #168 | Thursday March 9th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
IAB study: Gaming accounts for less than 5% of ad spending | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/iab-study-gaming-accounts-for-less-than-5-of-ad-spending/


🌊 MARKET ☎️
#Ads of February 2023 - Stream Hatchet
https://streamhatchet.com/blog/ads-of-february-2023/

UK attracts $545m in ad spend and role-playing games top for growth | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81022/uk-attracts-545m-in-ad-spend-and-role-playing-games-top-for-growth/

Japan and Korea Regulations Reports – Niko
https://nikopartners.com/japan-korea-regulations-reports/

IAB study: Gaming accounts for less than 5% of ad spending | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/iab-study-gaming-accounts-for-less-than-5-of-ad-spending/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Can Marvel Snap’s Monetization Keep Up? — Naavik
https://naavik.co/digest/is-marvel-snap-monetization-too-modest

Voice chat is the worst for toxicity, but 2/3 of gamers never report it | Speechly | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/voice-chat-is-the-worst-for-toxicity-but-2-3-of-gamers-never-report-it-speechly/


🌈 Platforms 🏔
New indie label Cult Games: "Real breakouts don't come from the boardroom" | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/new-indie-label-cult-games-real-breakouts-dont-come-from-the-boardroom

Google’s cloud gaming ambitions died with Stadia, exec reveals - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/8/23631063/google-white-label-stadia-idea-done


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Nami Analytic's blog on the royalties. To Royalty or Not to Royalty? That is the question.
https://twitter.com/namianalytics/status/1631646945910616066?s=46&t=F-Ed5rtzpvm9ShKLjDa5Nw


Yuga Labs' Otherside Metaverse to Launch Second Trip on March 25
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/09/yuga-labs-otherside-metaverse-to-launch-second-trip-on-march-25/

What Are the Top NFT Blockchains?
https://www.coindesk.com/learn/what-are-the-top-nft-blockchains/


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
App Store discovery is dead – so what do indies do now? - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/app-store-discovery-is-dead-so-what-do-indies-do-now/

Assembling a community... before you start making your game?
https://newsletter.gamediscover.co/p/assembling-a-community-before-you


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Matchday secures $21 million in seed funding | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81020/matchday-secures-21-million-in-seed-funding/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
PlayStation 5 Update Adds Discord Voice Chat Today - Game Informer
https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/08/playstation-5-update-adds-discord-voice-chat-today

Look at Gaming #169 | Friday March 10th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Epic Games has big plans for its store, has its mobile apps ready
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/09/epic-games-store-tim-sweeney-2023


🌊 MARKET ☎️
ChatGPT's AI-made game is built from a game that already exists
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/chatgpt-ai-made-game-built-from-game-already-exists


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Epic Games has big plans for its store, has its mobile apps ready
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/09/epic-games-store-tim-sweeney-2023


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Mini Royale: Nations will let 6,000 devs use its avatars via Ready Player Me integration | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/mini-royale-nations-will-let-6000-devs-use-its-avatars-via-ready-player-me-integration/

Animoca Brands and Planet Hollywood launch Club 3 as a physical private club with Web3 perks | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/animoca-brands-and-planet-hollywood-launch-club-3-as-a-physical-private-club-with-web3-perks/

Starbucks Odyssey Releases ‘The Siren Collection,’ Its First Limited-Edition NFT Drop
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/09/starbucks-odyssey-releases-the-siren-collection-its-first-limited-edition-nft-drop/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
The Super Mario Bros. Movie’s final trailer is here - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/23589501/super-mario-bros-movie-final-trailer

Hello World! Hope everyone is safe and whole ❤️

Our weekly newsletter got rebranded!

IN THE LOOP w/ kapital k (yours truly)

Your support has been amazing so far. Thank you(!!)

DM for comments or feedback, please. Would love to hear from you <3

Check out what happened last week with the top five headlines, all fundraising news, as well as the threads, blogs, and pods you missed!

https://thecoreloop.substack.com/p/in-the-loop-with-kapital-k

‼️ BREAKING NEWS ‼️

Maplestory is coming to web3.

Say 안녕하세요 to MapleStory Universe

https://twitter.com/thecoreloop/status/1635109466273366016

MapleStory is definitely coming to web3 and in a very meaningful way.

Here's a TLDR on their announcement video.
Saved ya 30mins!

https://twitter.com/thecoreloop/status/1635129841086525441

Look at Gaming #170 | Monday March 13th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
MapleStory is coming to web3(!!)
https://twitter.com/thecoreloop/status/1635129841086525441


🌊 MARKET ☎️
data.ai: Mobile Gaming Markets of Brazil, Mexico & LATAM, in general, grew in 2022
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/dataai-mobile-gaming-markets-of-brazil

Japan’s Top-Selling Console Games — Naavik
https://naavik.co/digest/japan-top-selling-console-games

KPMG: Tech leaders interested in metaverse’s future, not its present | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/kpmg-tech-leaders-interested-in-metaverses-future-not-its-present/

#187: Desperate measures - Hit Points by Nathan Brown
https://hitpoints.substack.com/p/187-spray-and-pray

Believer’s $55M Series A / Exits in Gaming / Gen AI Playtesting Workflow - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxnfXXjKDTY


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Augmented Mapping
https://www.konvoy.vc/newsletter/augmented-mapping

Digital games distribution is ripe for disruption
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/blogs/digital-games-distribution-is-ripe-for-disruption


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Fortnite won’t slow down - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/10/23634160/fortnite-chapter-4-season-2-faster-gameplay-grinding

What do we mean by the long game? | Dice Summit Town Hall | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/what-do-we-mean-by-the-long-game-dice-summit-town-hall/

Newzoo: Top-20 on Nintendo Switch by MAU is more diverse than on PlayStation and Xbox
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/newzoo-top-20-on-nintendo-switch


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
MapleStory is coming to web3(!!)
https://twitter.com/thecoreloop/status/1635129841086525441


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
How Much Does Virtual Reality (VR) Mobile App Development Cost? | Kevuru Games
https://kevurugames.com/blog/how-much-does-it-cost-to-develop-a-vr-app/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
These boots were made for plumbing - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/23634008/super-mario-movie-boots-red-wing-shoes

thecoreloop is going to the next level!

We're building a curated discovery platform for web3 games that are led by high-quality teams.

But we need YOUR help.

We'd like to learn more about your needs so we could build a product that's valuable to you!

Check it out here: https://thecoreloop.gg/

Look at Gaming #171 | Tuesday March 14th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Wassie's Alpha Gaming Metaverse Expedition (WAGME) — 13th March
https://thecoreloop.substack.com/p/wassies-alpha-gaming-metaverse-expedition-861


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Google x Deconstructor of Fun in Istanbul: everything you need to know - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/google-x-deconstructor-of-fun-in-istanbul-everything-you-need-to-know/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Fortnite's maximalism still works in its new cyberpunk season | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/13/fortnite-new-season-still-got-it/

Epic Games Store: who is it the bestest for?
https://newsletter.gamediscover.co/p/epic-games-store-who-is-it-the-bestest


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Meta Will End Support for NFTs on Instagram, Facebook
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/13/meta-will-end-support-for-nfts-on-instagram-facebook/

Google's post-Stadia plan? Helping live-service publishers succeed
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/google-s-post-stadia-plan-helping-live-service-publishers-find-their-groove


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
What Are MoonCats? The Legacy NFT Project Revived by Its Community
https://www.coindesk.com/learn/what-are-mooncats-the-legacy-nft-project-revived-by-its-community/

Our Questions About Web 2.5 Gaming
https://www.maverickcrypto.xyz/post/our-questions-about-web-2-5-gaming

Epic Games says some crypto games in its store have done 'pretty well'
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/13/epic-games-store-blockchain-crypto

NFT Licences | Animoca Brands
https://www.animocabrands.com/nft-licences

Oh Baby Games teaser on their web3 client
https://twitter.com/passytee/status/1635430118704451585


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Game devs talk design methods, system mechanics in design summit
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/game-devs-talk-design-methods-system-mechanics-in-design-summit

A guide to properly crediting game workers and why it matters | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/a-guide-to-properly-crediting-game-workers-and-why-it-matters


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Brazil's Jungle raises $6M for Web3 mobile shooter | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/brazils-jungle-raises-6m-for-web3-mobile-shooter/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Genshin Impact revenue reached an 11-month high in February as Chinese devs flou | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81055/genshin-impact-revenue-reached-an-11-month-high-in-february-as-chinese-devs-flourish-again/

Among Us reached 500M downloads on Mobile
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/among-us-reached-500m-downloads-on

Look at Gaming #172 | Wednesday March 15th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Waffle protects gamers against asset theft with player insurance | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/waffle-protects-gamers-against-asset-theft-with-player-insurance/


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Chinese games industry publishes draft of rules for self-regulation | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/81074/chinese-games-industry-publishes-draft-of-rules-for-self-regulation/

Republic launches Atari crowdfunding investment campaign to fund future games | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/republic-launches-atari-crowdfunding-investment-campaign-to-fund-future-games/

Waffle protects gamers against asset theft with player insurance | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/waffle-protects-gamers-against-asset-theft-with-player-insurance/

A survival guide to GDC 2023 | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/a-survival-guide-to-gdc-2023

Music and gaming continue to merge as producer BloodPop announces studio - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/15/23637598/bloodpop-game-studio-genpop-interactive

Downloads for Hybridcasual is outpacing Hypercasual games
https://twitter.com/JoshLu/status/1635717502750830593/photo/1

AppsFlyer: State of Mobile Gaming Marketing in 2023
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/appsflyer-state-of-mobile-gaming?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=358110&post_id=108504535&isFreemail=true&utm_medium=email


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Exoskeletons, not cyborgs | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/cyborgs-vs-exoskeletons/


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Google Play Games for PC to roll out to Europe and Japan, add new titles including Garena Free Fire | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/14/google-play-games-for-pc-to-roll-out-to-europe-and-japan-add-new-titles-including-garena-free-fire/

Epic Games explains store's ban on porn games
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/14/epic-games-store-adult-content

Unity uncovers surprising results about game devs from 2023 data analysis | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/unity-uncovers-surprising-results-about-game-devs-from-2023-data-analysis/

Meta to lay off 10,000 staff by end of year | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/meta-to-lay-off-10000-staff-by-end-of-year


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Exploring Digital Fashion’s Utility at Decentraland Hosted Metaverse Fashion Week - CoinDesk
https://www.coindesk.com/consensus-magazine/2023/03/14/metaverse-fashion-week-decentraland/

Web3 Service Unstoppable Domains and Polygon Labs Roll Out .polygon Domains
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/14/web3-service-unstoppable-domains-and-polygon-labs-roll-out-polygon-domains/

Community Gaming, Game7 and 3XP will launch expo for Web3, esports, creators and brands | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/community-gaming-game7-and-3xp-will-launch-expo-in-june-for-web3-esports-creators-and-brands/

Fumb Games crosses a million players for Bitcoin Miner simulation game | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/fumb-games-crosses-a-million-players-for-bitcoin-miner-simulation-game/

NounsDAO Approves Proposal for Feature-Length NFT Movie
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/15/nounsdao-approves-proposal-for-feature-length-nft-movie/


💰 Fundraising 🧧
DressX raises $15M for digital fashion | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/dressx-raises-15m-for-digital-fashion/

Tilia raises $22M to handle payments for digital economies | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/gaming-business/tilia-raises-22m-in-funding-to-handle-payments-for-digital-economies/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Raid: Shadow Legends is set to become an animated series | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81073/raid-shadow-legends-is-set-to-become-an-animated-series/

Second Life is coming to mobile, nearly 20 years after launch
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-second-life-i-is-coming-to-mobile-nearly-20-years-after-launch

Look at Gaming #174 | Friday March 17th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
PUBG Mobile’s fifth anniversary brings custom build tools to the game | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81084/pubg-mobiles-fifth-anniversary-brings-custom-build-tools-to-the-game/


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Unity: Gaming industry in 2023 - by Dmitriy Byshonkov
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/unity-gaming-industry-in-2023

Report: PC and console global gaming dipped to $92.3bn in 2022 | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/report-pc-and-console-global-gaming-dipped-to-923bn-in-2022

Emmett Shear resigns as Twitch CEO after 16 years | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/emmett-shear-resigns-twitch-ceo/

The full return of GDC | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/the-full-return-of-gdc

Abu Dhabi firm G42 acquires $100m+ stake in Bytedance | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81086/abu-dhabi-firm-g42-acquires-100m-stake-in-bytedance/

Tetris movie: Inside the great game business deal of all time | Maya Rogers interview | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/tetris-movie-inside-the-great-game-business-deal-of-all-time-maya-rogers-interview/

Top Apparel Brands February 2023 - Stream Hatchet
https://streamhatchet.com/blog/top-apparel-brands-february-2023/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
The promise of Pinterest | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/the-promise-of-pinterest/

Could Gift Cards Be A Gold Mine For Games? — Naavik
https://naavik.co/digest/could-gift-card-be-a-gold-mine-for-games


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Fortnite to expand creation tools with Unreal Engine 5 editor
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/-i-fortnite-i-to-expand-creation-tools-with-unreal-engine-5-editor

What self-publishing on the Epic Games Store means for gaming | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/what-self-publishing-on-the-epic-games-store-means-for-gaming/

PlayStation Mobile continues its hiring spree | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/job-news/81088/playstation-mobile-continues-its-hiring-spree/

Microsoft & Ubitus (cloud gaming provider) signed 10-year partnership
https://twitter.com/XboxP3/status/1635989326202011655

PUBG Mobile’s fifth anniversary brings custom build tools to the game | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81084/pubg-mobiles-fifth-anniversary-brings-custom-build-tools-to-the-game/


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Neal Stephenson's Lamina1 unveils early access program for open metaverse ecosystem | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/metaverse/neal-stephensons-lamina1-unveils-early-access-program-for-open-metaverse-ecosystem/

South Korea's 4:33 Creative Lab launches Delabs Web3 game studio | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/south-koreas-433-creative-lab-launches-delabs-web3-mobile-game-studio/

Polygon announcing Blueprint: A Web3 Games Guide
https://twitter.com/0xlegofan/status/1636019304838881280

Why blockchain games are going to have to be free
https://twitter.com/blockchaingmg/status/1636111386131456000


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Important lessons and key takeaways for collaborative worldbuilding
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/book-excerpt-collaborative-worldbuilding-for-video-games

Unity vs Unreal Engine: Differences and Performance Comparison
https://kevurugames.com/blog/unity-vs-unreal-engine-pros-and-cons/

One step beyond: how game contracts could evolve
https://newsletter.gamediscover.co/p/one-step-beyond-how-game-contracts


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Bandai Namco's investment fund invests in 2 tech startups to advance gaming | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/bandai-namcos-investment-fund-invests-in-2-tech-startups-to-advance-gaming/

‼️ Our weekly newsletter just dropped! 👀

IN THE LOOP w/ kapital k

Check out what happened last week with the top five headlines, all fundraising news, as well as the threads, blogs, and pods you missed!

https://tinyurl.com/tgtosub

Look at Gaming #175 | Monday March 20th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
The Generative AI Revolution Will Enable Anyone to Create Games @zebird0 @joshlu
https://twitter.com/zebird0/status/1636747294979813379


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Lucy Hoffman: Unleashing Africa’s Gaming Opportunity - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ikt_XeD0BrI&ab_channel=NaavikGamingPodcast

Video game publisher tries a novel strategy: hyping shorter games
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/17/video-game-publisher-short-n-sweet

GDC 2023 in-person attendance could double to 24K | The DeanBeat | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/gdc-2023-in-person-attendance-could-double-to-24k-the-deanbeat/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
The Generative AI Revolution Will Enable Anyone to Create Games
https://twitter.com/zebird0/status/1636747294979813379

The TikTok question and the urgency of a Federal privacy law | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/tiktok-federal-privacy-law/

Mobile Monetization Challenges
https://www.konvoy.vc/newsletter/mobile-monetization-challenges

Epic’s 2022 Year In Review — Naavik
https://naavik.co/digest/epic-2022-year-in-review

The future of game consumption | Playable Futures Podcast | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/the-future-of-game-consumption-playable-futures-podcast


🌈 Platforms 🏔
VentureBeat Lab and Xsolla announce growing multi-media strategic partnership for 2023 | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/venturebeat-lab-and-xsolla-announce-growing-multi-media-strategic-partnership-for-2023/

Splash Damage collaborates with content creators to develop Project Astrid | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/splash-damage-collaborates-with-content-creators-to-develop-project-astrid

Inside Epic Games' "dogfooding" of Unreal Engine using Fortnite
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/inside-epic-games-dogfooding-of-unreal-engine-using-fortnite


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
@DrDisrespect's @Deadrop from @12AM hit 29k concurrent viewers
https://twitter.com/pixiekate13/status/1636899820282445825

Baron Davis Launches SLiC, a Web3 Platform for Athlete Creators and Fans - CoinDesk
https://www.coindesk.com/consensus-magazine/2023/03/17/baron-davis-web3-slic/


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Crafting a "narrative instrument" with Yarn Spinner's Jon Manning - GD Podcast ep.31
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/programming/crafting-a-narrative-instrument-with-yarn-spinner-s-jon-manning-game-developer-podcast-ep-31

VFX for Games: Everything You Need to Know & Examples from Famous Games - Kevuru Games
https://kevurugames.com/blog/vfx-for-games-everything-you-need-to-know/


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Flying Sheep Studios gets $1.2M in German government funding for metaverse game | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/flying-sheep-studios-gets-german-government-funding-for-metaverse-game/

Look at Gaming #176 | Tuesday March 21st 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Netflix Games will add Monument Valley, Ubisoft, and more to service
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/netflix-games-will-add-monument-valley-ubisoft-and-more-to-service


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Newzoo: PC & Console Markets in 2023 - by Dmitriy Byshonkov
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/newzoo-pc-and-console-markets-in

Global Mobile Games in Feb.｜Dumb Ways to Die gained popularity through TikTok to surpass 0.1 billion downloads
https://www.socialpeta.com/blog/global-mobile-games-in-february-2023


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Meet CliCli, the next big user-generated games content platform | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/meet-clicli-the-next-big-user-generated-games-content-platform


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Netflix Games will add Monument Valley, Ubisoft, and more to service
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/netflix-games-will-add-monument-valley-ubisoft-and-more-to-service

Zack Snyder is making a Rebel Moon RPG that’s on a ‘ridiculous scale’ - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/20/23649237/zack-snyder-rebel-moon-rpg-ridiculous-scale-netflix

Twitch lays off over 400 staff amid Amazon downsizing | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/twitch-lay-offs-400-staff-amazon-downsizing/

Riot and Prime Gaming renew deal for in-game rewards, esports | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/riot-games-prime-gaming-partnership-renewed-in-game-content-esports/

Microsoft hopes to launch its mobile app store next year | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81115/microsoft-hopes-to-launch-its-mobile-app-store-next-year/

Roblox launches generative AI materials & coding tools | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/roblox-launches-generative-ai-materials-coding-tools-gdc-2023/


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Web3 gaming will onboard up to 100M gamers in next 2 years, Polygon and Immutable presidents predict | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/20/polygon-immutable-web3-gaming/

Bitcoin Miner surpasses 1 million players and becomes the biggest play-to-earn g | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81113/bitcoin-miner-surpasses-1-million-players-and-becomes-the-biggest-play-to-earn-game/


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Technologies to use in probabilistic matchmaking
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/designing-efficient-systems-for-expressive-matchmaking

How to give better feedback in game writing (and beyond)
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/how-to-give-better-feedback-in-game-writing-and-beyond-

Navigating the "ocean" of fandom as a community manager
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/navigating-the-ocean-of-fandom-as-a-community-manager

Creating convincing NPCs in Horizon Forbidden West
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/adding-texture-to-the-people-and-places-of-horizon-forbidden-west


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Creators Behind Web3 Game Aavegotchi Raise $30M in Multiyear Token Sale
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/20/creators-behind-web3-game-aavegotchi-raise-30m-in-multi-year-long-token-sale/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Subway Surfers surpasses 4bn downloads | News-in-brief | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/subway-surfers-surpasses-4bn-downloads-news-in-brief

Look at Gaming #177 | Wednesday March 22nd 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
A16z Leads $40M Funding Round for CCP Games
https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/03/21/a16z-leads-40m-round-for-ccp-games/


🌊 MARKET ☎️
49% of China’s gamers play on their phones | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/81127/49-of-chinas-gamers-play-on-their-phones/

Twitch viewership dips 8% in February as it hit 1.64bn hours | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/twitch-viewership-dips-8-in-february-as-it-hit-164bn-hours

Beamable launches live services marketplace for gaming backend software | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/beamable-launches-live-services-marketplace-for-gaming-backend-software/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Microsoft's mobile gaming opportunity | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/microsoft-the-mobile-gaming-behemoth/

Epic Games Store: 2022 Results - by Dmitriy Byshonkov
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/epic-games-store-2022-results

Kylan Gibbs: Using AI to Build Smarter NPCs - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0tgzNotx2s&ab_channel=NaavikGamingPodcast


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Microsoft reveals developer acceleration program for ID@Xbox | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/microsoft-reveals-developer-acceleration-program-for-idxbox/

Super Evil Megacorp expands team for upcoming Netflix title | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/super-evil-megacorp-expands-team-for-upcoming-netflix-title


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Nexon heads into NFTs with MapleStory Universe and Polygon deal | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/nexon-heads-into-nfts-with-maplestory-universe-and-polygon-deal/

Yat Siu Says ‘Pro-Capitalist’ Asian Countries Are More Ready to Embrace Web3
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/21/yat-siu-says-pro-capitalist-asian-countries-are-more-ready-to-embrace-web3/

Magic Eden Embraces Ordinals, Releases Bitcoin NFT Marketplace
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/21/magic-eden-embraces-ordinals-releases-bitcoin-nft-marketplace/

A race to the bottom on creator royalties? — Deconstructor of Fun
https://www.deconstructoroffun.com/shorts/2023/3/21/race-to-the-bottom-creator-royalties

Sony Files Patent for NFTs to Allow Transfers Between Games and Consoles
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/21/sony-files-patent-for-nfts-to-allow-transfers-between-games-and-consoles/

Blur: Efficiency in the NFT Market
https://ancient8.gg/research/en/articles/blur-efficiency-in-the-nft-market


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Functional narrative outlines that your team will actually read
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/how-to-create-functional-narrative-outlines-your-team-will-actually-read

Second Dinner reveals the secrets of Marvel Snap’s onboarding and card design - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/second-dinner-reveals-the-secrets-of-marvel-snaps-onboarding-and-card-design/

Five tabletop RPG mechanics that video games should definitely steal
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/five-tabletop-rpg-mechanics-that-video-games-should-definitely-steal

Five key publishing contract pitfalls for indies to avoid
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/five-key-publishing-contract-pitfalls-for-indies-to-avoid


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Mystic Games seed round aims towards bringing Web3 mobile games "into the mainst | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81128/mystic-games-seed-round-aims-towards-bringing-web3-mobile-games-into-the-mainstream/

A16z Leads $40M Funding Round for CCP Games
https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/03/21/a16z-leads-40m-round-for-ccp-games/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Virtuix targets Omni One VR treadmills at home consumers | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/virtuix-targets-omni-one-vr-treadmills-at-home-consumers/

Look at Gaming #178 | Thursday March 23rd 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Epic to unify storefronts and offer creators 88 percent revenue cut
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/epic-to-unify-content-marketplaces-and-offer-creators-88-percent-revenue-cut


🌊 MARKET ☎️
The Playtika-Rovio deal is off – but talks with other suitors continue - Mobilegamer.biz
https://mobilegamer.biz/the-playtika-rovio-deal-is-off-but-talks-with-other-suitors-continue/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
PC & console games: predictions for 2023 - by Simon Carless
https://newsletter.gamediscover.co/p/pc-and-console-games-predictions

How Five Mobile Games Cracked The Top 100 — Naavik
https://naavik.co/digest/how-five-mobile-games-cracked-the-top-100

Here are more details on Ubisoft's Ghostwriter AI tool from GDC 2023
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/here-are-more-details-on-ubisoft-s-narrative-ai-tools-from-gdc-2023


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Epic launches Unreal Editor for Fortnite, will give 40% of all revenue to creators | TechCrunch
https://techcrunch.com/2023/03/22/epic-launches-unreal-editor-for-fortnite-will-give-40-of-all-revenue-to-creators/

Meta reveals Oculus Publishing as Meta Quest Store revenues pass $1.6bn | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/meta-reveals-oculus-publishing-as-meta-quest-store-revenues-pass-16bn

Epic to unify storefronts and offer creators 88 percent revenue cut
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/epic-to-unify-content-marketplaces-and-offer-creators-88-percent-revenue-cut


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Tim Sweeney believes the metaverse is "happening for real" | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/tim-sweeney-believes-the-metaverse-is-happening-for-real

Crypto Game Aavegotchi to Build Custom Blockchain Using Polygon Technology
https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/03/22/crypto-game-aavegotchi-to-build-custom-blockchain-using-polygon-tech/

The industrial metaverse: Are we there yet? | GTC panel | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/metaverse/the-industrial-metaverse-are-we-there-yet-gtc-panel/

Web3 Community Management Platform TYB Joins Shopify App Store
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/22/web3-community-management-platform-tyb-joins-shopify-app-store/

@a16zGames SPEEDRUN - a startup school for gaming companies
https://twitter.com/ndrewlee/status/1638644150039121920


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Lessons from making Horizon Forbidden West's Tallneck Cauldron
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc-2023-updates/lessons-from-making-one-of-i-horizon-forbidden-west-s-i-tallneck-cauldron

Kirby at 30: Looking at a game's anniversary through lens of new games
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/kirby-at-30


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Valve announces Counter-Strike 2, a free replacement for CS:GO - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/22/23651939/counterstrike-cs2-valve-smoke-grenades-limited-test

Look at Gaming #179 | Friday March 24th 2023

🔦 Spotlight 🌟
In case you missed our WAGME newsletter earlier this week!
https://tinyurl.com/WAGMEMar21telegram


🌊 MARKET ☎️
Tencent’s revenue increased 0.5% year-on-year in Q4 2022 | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/81152/tencents-revenue-increased-05-year-on-year-in-q4-2022/

74% of women play mobile games daily | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81150/74-of-women-play-mobile-games-daily/


🌈 Platforms 🏔
The New York Times touts continued Wordle success
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/23/new-york-times-wordle-game-developers-conference


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Metaverse NFT Trading Volume Hit New All-Time High, DappRadar Says
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/23/metaverse-nft-trading-volume-hit-new-all-time-high-dappradar-says/

In case you missed our WAGME newsletter earlier this week!
https://tinyurl.com/WAGMEMar21telegram


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Unpacking a smart plan for long-tail post-launch marketing
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/unpacking-a-smart-plan-for-long-tail-post-launch-marketing


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Hadean raises $5M for metaverse infrastructure solutions | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/hadean-raises-5m-for-metaverse-infrastructure-solutions/

Look at Gaming #180 | Monday March 27th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Misfits Gaming launches creator-led Roblox studio Pixel Playground | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/misfits-gaming-launches-creator-led-roblox-studio-pixel-playground/


🌊 MARKET ☎️
11 members of Congress argue Sony is unfairly hurting Xbox in Japan
https://www.axios.com/2023/03/27/congress-xbox-playstation-japan

Spring is here! 86 new Chinese game licences flower this March | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81175/spring-is-here-86-new-chinese-game-licences-flower-this-march/

Mobile 'paid competitive gamers' are on the rise | Newzoo & MPL | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/mobile-paid-competitive-gamers-are-on-the-rise-newzoo-mpl/


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
How Automakers Are Diving Into Gaming — Naavik
https://naavik.co/digest/in-car-gaming-entertainment-future

Build or Buy: Gaming Backends - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-rxoezPDQI&ab_channel=NaavikGamingPodcast

What if Meta launches a mobile app store? | Mobile Dev Memo by Eric Seufert
https://mobiledevmemo.com/what-if-meta-launches-a-mobile-app-store/

Expansions and Partnerships - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZFMXnhfd1c&ab_channel=NaavikGamingPodcast


🌈 Platforms 🏔
Misfits Gaming launches creator-led Roblox studio Pixel Playground | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/misfits-gaming-launches-creator-led-roblox-studio-pixel-playground/

Wings Interactive announces Elevate mobile game accelerator in collaboration with Netflix | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81174/wings-interactive-announces-elevate-mobile-game-accelerator-in-collaboration-with-netflix/

Unity details 2023 roadmap | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/unity-details-2023-roadmap


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
Bored Apes owner Yuga Labs launches 2nd Trip Otherside metaverse experience | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/metaverse/bored-apes-owner-yuga-labs-launches-2nd-trip-otherside-metaverse-experience/

Blockchain game startups for Web3 Games Collective | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/blockchain-game-startups-for-web3-games-collective/

NFT Investor Animoca Brands Cuts Target for Metaverse Fund to $800M: Reuters
https://www.coindesk.com/web3/2023/03/24/nft-investor-animoca-brands-cuts-target-for-metaverse-fund-to-800m-reuters/


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Validate, 'hype', release: The Wandering Village's successful discovery approach
https://newsletter.gamediscover.co/p/validate-hype-release-the-wandering


💰 Fundraising 🧧
Hathora raises $7.6M to democratize multiplayer game development | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/hathora-raises-7-6m-to-democratize-multiplayer-game-development/


👾 Game & Stats Releases 🎮
Nintendo is showing off ‘roughly 10 minutes’ of Tears of the Kingdom gameplay on March 28th - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/27/23658177/legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-nintendo-direct-gameplay

The Diablo IV beta let players do a lot — but not pet the dog - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/27/23658630/diablo-iv-beta-impressions-pc-ps5

Look at Gaming #181 | Tuesday March 28th 2023


🔦 Spotlight 🌟
Fortnite’s generous new creator economy has an Epic catch - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/28/23659492/fortnite-creator-economy-2-0-epic-games-catch


🌊 MARKET ☎️
The USA, India, and emerging markets are leading the way in app installs | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/data-and-research/81181/the-usa-india-and-emerging-markets-are-leading-the-way-in-app-installs/

Mobile game spend up almost 30% compared to pre-pandemic levels | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/news/81178/mobile-game-spend-up-almost-30-compared-to-pre-pandemic-levels/

Sensor Tower: Mobile Gaming Market in 2023
https://gamedevreports.substack.com/p/sensor-tower-mobile-gaming-market-d46


💎 Deep Dives 🔎
Fortnite’s generous new creator economy has an Epic catch - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/3/28/23659492/fortnite-creator-economy-2-0-epic-games-catch


🌈 Platforms 🏔
NetEase Games enters the world of animation with Anici Anime | Pocket Gamer.biz | PGbiz
https://www.pocketgamer.biz/asia/news/81186/netease-games-enters-the-world-of-animation-with-anici-anime/

Disney Lays Off Metaverse Team: Report
https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/03/28/disney-lays-off-metaverse-team-wsj/

Take-Two acquires mobile games subscription service GameClub | GamesIndustry.biz
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/take-two-acquires-mobile-games-subscription-service-gameclub


✨ Web 3️⃣ + Meta 🌎
MetaKing Studios partners with Polygon Labs on Blocklords game | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/metaking-studios-partners-with-polygon-labs-on-blocklords-game/

How a crypto skeptic is making Web3's most anticipated game | Paul Bettner | VentureBeat
https://venturebeat.com/games/how-to-make-a-triple-a-blockchain-game-that-is-as-fun-topaul-bettner/


🧠 Knowledge Hub 📚
Telling stories and creating character arcs in Far Cry 6's open world
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/gdc2023/telling-stories-and-creating-character-arcs-in-i-far-cry-6-i-s-open-world

How designing for families inspired and shaped co-op mode in Figment 2
https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/deep-dive-how-one-design-decision-totally-reinvented-co-op-in-figment-2