Devcom 2023, the leading European event for games industry professionals, is set to kick off on August 21st. With over 170 sessions and 240 speakers, including SNK Corporation's Kenji Matsubara, Keyword Studios' Sharon Fisher, Composer Inon Zur, and game director John Johanas, this year's Devcom promises to be their biggest and best event yet. Organizers have also implemented various updates to ensure the safety and comfort of attendees, including a silent room, anonymous contact form for harassment reports, and a focus on creating safer environments for all industry professionals.
Veteran game developer Mark Darrah has discussed the "live service trap" in a video, highlighting the mistakes companies make when trying to develop games in the MMO or live service genre. He emphasized the underestimation of production costs, the limited time players have, the importance of content support, and the non-linear growth of live service game development as key factors that companies often overlook, leading to projects shutting down or failing to launch.
The video game industry has made significant strides in making gaming more accessible for disabled gamers. Microsoft's Xbox Adaptive Controller, which allows users to customize their gaming experience with external devices, has been a major breakthrough. However, there is still work to be done in terms of making the technology more affordable and inclusive for all types of disabilities.
VR Skater is an arcade VR skateboarding simulator developed by Deficit Games. The game offers a challenging learning curve, relying on arm swinging for acceleration and gesture motions for tricks. While mastering the game may frustrate those seeking quick gratification, the satisfaction of earning gold medals across maps makes it rewarding.
Valorant players looking to make money from their passion have several options. They can become professional players, stream their gameplay on platforms like Twitch, create YouTube content, participate in Valorant tournaments, offer coaching services, become Valorant casters, join a Valorant boosting service, create Valorant merchandise, or seek sponsorships and brand collaborations. However, it's important to have realistic expectations and explore multiple avenues to generate income. Additionally, building a strong online presence, consistency in content, and networking within the Valorant community are key to success.