1up Yours this week (11/09/07) mentions a couple of "hot rumors" near the end of the podcast. Here are the transcripts from the relevant segments in the podcast:
Shane: I won't go into exacting detail because these rumors haven't been confirmed but they're definitely swirling around. They're probably gonna break next week. So a preview of what you may be seeing next week. A big Microsoft first-party title that has been in the works for a very long time that people are very excited for, sounds like it's being canceled. And a Microsoft executive who's pretty high up, who's been a voice for the company, sounds like he's on the way out. (1:58:11-1:58:37)
Simon: How solid are these rumors? (1:58:46-1:58:48)
Shane: I would give these rumors like a 97-percent chance. (1:58:50-1:58:55)
Notes:
• The voices are host/EGM editor Shane Bettenhausen, 1UP Network VP of Content Simon Cox, and Jane Pinckard of GameGirlAdvance.
• The source link downloads a one-minute MP3 file, which is cut from the original podcast and contains only the relevant segment.
• For the full podcast, please see first alternative source.
Plenty of unforgettable games have completely messed up their players throughout the years, all the way back from the PS1 days to the dark recesses of the modern internet.
With so many games fighting for players' attention and interest losing out over time, time sink games are at risk of eventually losing steam.
It was worrisome to begin with.
It's a niche genre with only a handful of hits that can stand the test of time.
Only a few will catch on. You need a perfect storm to be successful in GaaS and a bit of luck on top of that. But a potential cash cow will keep them trying and some will go out of business because of it.
Helldivers 2 manages just fine…
Keep production costs low… don’t just make custscenes until the mechanics and enemies are perfected first.
Make so much content that you can drip extra content for years, and the game already feels complete without them.
Most importantly: make weapons, enemies, levels, and mechanics that will stand the test of 1000 hours. This might require more devs embracing procedurally generated leveled, which I think separates Helldivers 2 from Destiny’s repetitiveness.
Nameer from eXputer: "Some exceptions aside, I don't think the battle pass is a net positive for gaming with how they're implemented in most live service titles."
I like the way Helldivers 2 does battle passes. It allows you to make purchases on each level of the battle pass and gives you the option of choosing which item to unlock first. The more purchases you make using medals the further you progress. There is no timer and you can earn medals towards purchasing stuff via personal orders and Major orders.
I haven't played much live service games that have battle passes but I remember some games that have battle passes where you progress through it linearly using an exp system. What makes it really bad is that the battle pass will have like 50 or more levels with the cooler stuff being closer to the end. They also have an in-game shop that sells exp boosters so you can reach the end of the pass before it refreshes. Everyone ilse will have to grind their way through.
battle pass in fortnite is perfect; buy one and it buys the rest for every other season as it gives you more money than the first cost. so 8.50 and season ends with you getting 13.00, it pays for the next and you have some pocket change to save up for cash shop. All of which is optional
my money on Alan Wake....
The official site was there a while ago, and now it's gone! Now the link redirects to the main page.
http://www.banjo-kazooie.co...
lame, prolly gonna be alan wake...
Alan Wake is owned by Remedy(MS only has publishing rights like Mass Effect, unlike Halo and Gears of War) so it isn't exactly first party.
from Alan Wake forums(see comment by mod):
http://www.alanwake.com/for...
i think its too human it has to be cause it is the only game from ms that every time u look around something else is goining wrong, beside alan wake site was just updated why would they up date there site just to canle the game.