recorded on 3/22/2019

Headliners

 

From Software new IP Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice launch today! The reviews are at an 89 (MetaCritic)

·         Here are some impressions on it with some gameplay in the background

 

Google had their keynote at GDC on Tuesday and unveiled its game streaming platform Stadia (Google)

·         The datacenter is the platform and is boasting 10.7 TFLOPS which is more than the Xbox One X

·         Features like State Share, Crowd Play, Style Transfer ML, and Stream Connect were highlighted

·         Various console controllers like DualShock, Xbox, and Switch will be compatible with Stadia

·         The Stadia controller has a capture/share and Google Assistant button

o    The Google Assistant button allows players to search for something in game they are stuck on and pull up helpful YouTube videos without leaving the game

o    The controller is connected via Wi-Fi not to the system to reduce lag

·         Google also announced its own 1st party studio in Stadia Games and Entertainment

·         Google has partnered with Unreal and Unity engines and physics engine Havok along with others

·         Google claims that Stadia will support 4K 60 fps gaming at launch with 8K 120 fps in the future

·         Stadia will also implement full cross-platform play as long as platform holders opt into it

·         Stadia will launch later in 2019 in the US, UK, Canada, Europe with more info in the Summer

 

Little Bits

 

The Xbox One S All Digital Edition launches May 7, it is the industry’s first discless console (The Verge)

·         The All Digital Edition looks exactly the same but is missing the disc drive and eject button

·         The console will come preloaded with Forza Horizon 3, Sea of Thieves, and Minecraft

·         There is no word on pricing but an ideal price would be between $150-$190

·         RUMOR: Xbox may offer option to pick games to ship with the console upon purchase

 

Apex Legends Season 1 launched on Tuesday revealing first Battle Pass and new legend Octane  (IGN)

·         All the rewards in the Battle Pass are attainable from playing the game

·         All the rewards from Battle Pass 1 in Season 1 can only be earned while season 1 is live

·         Also some balancing with guns, legends, and legend abilities

 

Overwatch League is adopting Home-and-away teams for a city based competition

·         In 2020, teams will start playing in their local areas

·         This makes OVerwatch league the first major esports league to feature a city-based model

·         Potential big effect on esports in general. Brings competitive gaming more into the mainstream

 

Nintendo Nindies Showcase happened on Wednesday and a few highlights are below (Nintendo)

·         Cuphead is shooting his way over to Switch and will be available on April 18 w/ Xbox live support

·         My Friend Pedro comes to Switch as an exclusive in June

·         RAD comes to Switch this Summer and is the new game by Double Fine….could be good for kids

·         Creature in the Well is a pinball inspired action game rele