The Iterative Digest #98
Merge Games, accessible gaming, business and gaming consoles for man's best friend!
Hello and welcome to issue #98 of the Digest! This week we discuss video game consoles for dogs, how to improve the accessibility of your game, a dive into those merge games (you’ve seen the ads) and resources for the business side of game development.
So without further ado, sit back, relax, and enjoy this week’s latest - curated by yours truly! Remember, if you like what you see, don’t forget to share and subscribe. Have a great week!
Microsoft and Sony don’t expect to launch next-gen consoles until 2028 at the earliest, based on statements published as part of the CMA’s ongoing investigation of Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
Microsoft is reportedly expected to offer concessions to EU regulators in a bid to help push through the proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition. This could potentially include a ten-year licensing deal for Call of Duty to be on PlayStation.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet have cracked the highest global sales level for any software on any Nintendo platform within the first three days with ten million copies sold as well as accounting for 96% of the top 10 titles sold in Japan.
BBC Radio 4 is producing an 8-part Splinter Cell radio drama series which will be broadcast this December. The drama will follow Sam Fisher on a new mission, recruiting and training the next generation of Splinter Cell operations for the National Security Agency’s covert action division.
A UK-based start-up called Joipaw has plans to release a console tailored for dogs. The console will let dogs play games designed to provide both physical and mental stimulation for man’s best friend.
So you’re making a game and you want everyone to play it. The real question is can everyone play it? In this blog post, Alan Zucconi walks through some of the accessibility challenges players face in gaming and what you can do as a developer to address them.
Soccer Story
Soccer Story is a physics-driven adventure RPG, where every problem can be solved with your magical ball! Soccer Inc. has closed down every local stadium, team, and tournament. What kind of world can survive without the beautiful game? Thankfully this magical soccer ball has chosen you, our Savior of Soccer!
Coming to PC, Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation on November 30th.
The Knight Witch
The Knight Witch is a metroidvania adventure game with fast-paced, shoot-’em-up combat set in a beautifully hand-drawn world. Cast devastating card-based spells, forge close bonds, and make moral choices all in your quest to save your home and discover who’s behind the War Golem invasion.
Coming to PC, Xbox, Switch, and PlayStation on November 30th.
Retro Gadgets
Retro Gadgets is a gadget creation station where you invent, build, solder, code and customize your own electrifying gadgets and then share them with the world. Build video game consoles, weather machines, lightboards, radios, drum machines… any gadgets you can think of. What will you come up with next?
Coming to PC on December 1st.
The Gamedev Business Handbook is an instructional guide for creating and sustaining your independent game studio. Designed for both students and experienced developers it allows you to get a better handle on the business side of game development.
From help on cleaning up your personal finances, budgeting, hiring, IP, licensing agreements, and more this resource will assist in the less glamourous side of game development.
Ever wondered about the actual gameplay behind those cryptic and mystery-filled merge game ads that pop up everywhere? Kelsey took the plunge and breaks down three different merge-type games. Check out this blog post where she reveals her likes and dislikes within the genre and gives you all the deets about matching items, completing quests, and uncovering the progressive storylines you probably never expected.
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We are The Iterative Collective - an indie games incubator & publisher! Each week, we shed light on the latest gaming trends for all folks interested in the scene by going through a summary of the latest news from the industry as well as promising upcoming game releases! Click to learn more about us below!