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Lawmakers start to push back against predatory monetization practices in games
The consumer backlash surrounding the implementation of loot boxes, card packs, digital currencies, and other aggressive monetization strategies has been the big story of the gaming industry for the past two months. With billions of dollars involved and mainstream news being made it was only a matter of time until the government would take notice and examine the practices and consider regulation. It appears that time is now. Read more
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3v3 Live Run added to NBA Live 18
A patch released today for NBA Live 18 on both Xbox One and PlayStation 4 has added a 3v3 variant to the online pick-up mode called Live Run. The 3v3 joins the standard 5v5 Live Run that has become a staple of the series. 3v3 can be played either with random teammates or together with friends. Live Run involves the user-created characters from Career mode in street games populated by all human teammates and opponents.
The patch also includes a handful of random fixes and the rosters have been updated with accurate transactions and jersey numbers as of November 15. Read more
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Madden NFL 18 gets gameplay-heavy patch
The fifth patch of substance arrived today for Madden NFL 18 and will likely be welcomed by those who have been waiting for more in the way of improvements to the core of the game given it has primarily been focused on gameplay. Other areas such as Franchise and Ultimate Team have also been affected by the update but undoubtedly the approach taken for this one was to deliver considerable improvements and fixes to gameplay. Read more
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Press Row Podcast: Evolution or Revolution
It’s an especially tumultuous time for the gaming industry as aggressive monetization tactics face intense pushback from media and consumers. Even as sports games consistently reside near the top of the sales charts and generate extraordinary digital revenue publishers are looking ahead for how to not only sustain that success but grow even further.
In this episode of the Press Row Podcast the subject of microtransactions/loot boxes and their influence on game design is revisited with discussion on how publishers are now responding to the backlash, the adjustments they are making and will have to consider going forward, and the prospects of a subscription-based future which sports games may be best suited and most prepared for of any genre.
Check out the podcast through iTunes for iOS, on Android with the Stitcher app, or with Pocket Casts on iOS, Android, and Windows. The show can also now be found on the recently launched Google Play Music for podcasts. Subscribe and review to help support the show! You can also listen with the streaming player below.
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The Line Drive for November 19
The Line Drive is a weekly collection of news, links, deal alerts, and updates that didn’t necessarily warrant their own postings.
♦Identifying the biggest ratings movers so far this season in Madden NFL 18.
♦Amazon has Everybody’s Golf for just $20 in a pre-Black Friday deal.
♦Digital sports game deals on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One remain active.
♦Details on the latest big Ultimate Team program to roll out in Madden NFL 18.
♦EA Sports is teasing the addition of a 3-on-3 mode for NBA Live 18.
♦Hyped last for Live by EA though ended up just being some new player apparel.
♦Details on the latest roster update to have released for NHL 18.
♦Details on an Xbox One specific patch that has gone out for FIFA 18.
♦Details on the latest patch fixing some issues with NASCAR Heat 2.
♦Ashes Cricket for Xbox One and PlayStation 4 has officially released.
♦Trial version on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One now available for F1 2017.
♦Nominations have now been announced for the upcoming Game Awards show.
♦Amazon has a year subscription to PlayStation Plus for just $40. -
Madden NFL 18 roster update details following week 10 of the season
The roster update reflecting performances through the tenth week of the season is now available to download in Madden NFL 18. The story of the week is the continued rise of Tennessee Titans safety Kevin Byard. With an increase of 3 points Byard is now at 88 Overall after finding himself as low as a 73 only 7 games ago. That’s a bigger swing than even that of Micah Hyde who has gone up 12 points in a similar stretch of time.
Other notable movers in the latest update include Calais Campbell (+1 to 94), Kam Chancellor (+1 to 94), Le’Veon Bell (-1 to 94), Marshon Lattimore (+1 to 88), Keanu Neal (+3 to 86), Adam Thielen (+2 to 86), Janoris Jenkins (-2 to 86), and Adrian Clayborn (+3 to 84).
Check out full details on current ratings and any changes in this week’s update through the form on the official Madden NFL 18 website.
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Sony matches some early Black Friday deals on PS4 games
Microsoft has come out out with some tempting deals on sports games in advance of Black Friday for games on Xbox One, and Sony has now followed in the hours since by offering a number of their own on PlayStation 4. These are deals worth considering particular for those who prefer to a digital library of games, but other retailers will have physical copies likely for slightly cheaper (and NBA 2K18 significantly cheaper) come the end of next week, and those have the additional bonus of those being sellable or tradeable down the line. PlayStation Plus is required to get the discount. Some of the best options from the bunch are listed below!
Madden NFL 18 for $30
NHL 18 for $30
PES 2018 for $30
FIFA 18 for $36
WWE 2K18 for $36
Need for Speed Payback for $36
Madden NFL 18 Holiday Edition for $40
NHL 18 Young Stars Edition for $40
NBA 2K18 for $42
NBA 2K18 Legend Edition for $60 -
Several deals on sports games as Microsoft gets head start on Black Friday
Black Friday is now just a week away and as always seems to be the case companies are anxious to roll out the deals as early as they can to capitalize on the frenzy and beat others to the punch. Microsoft has done that by pushing their deals live now, and among a large list of games that have gone on sale are several of this year’s sports titles. The deals require an Xbox Live subscription. Those with an EA Access subscription should also receive an additional 10% off.
Keeping in mind that several retailers will have deals on physical copies of the big annual games for as low as $25 here are the best options from Microsoft’s digital sale for Xbox One owners:
NBA Live 18 for $15
NHL 18 for $30
Bundle with FIFA 18 and NBA Live 18 for $40
Madden NFL 18 Holiday Edition for $40Other deals that may not quite stack up to the coming Black Friday offerings but aren’t a bad option for those who insist on going digital:
STEEP for $20
Madden NFL 18 for $30
FIFA 18 for $36
F1 2017 for $36
Need for Speed Payback for $36
WWE 2K18 for $36
Pro Evolution Soccer 2018 for $36
NBA 2K18 for $42
FIFA 18 Ronaldo Edition for $48
FIFA 18 ICON Edition for $60
NBA 2K18 Legend Edition for $60
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