The Weekly Digest: Unity’s Runtime Fee Controversy, Monster Hunter Now Launches, Final Fantasy Struggles, Talent Shortage, and Ubisoft London Closure

1. Unity’s Runtime Fee Controversy: The Whole Story in One Place

Unity, the popular game development platform, recently faced backlash from tens of thousands of loyal users due to the introduction of a runtime fee. This unexpected move has left many in the mobile gaming industry furious. Find out more about this controversy and why some of the biggest mobile games are being affected by checking out the link provided.

Source: Aaron Astle, News Editor

2. Monster Hunter Now Launches with Three Million Pre-registrations

This week was packed with exciting announcements and releases in the mobile gaming world. One game that stood out was Monster Hunter Now, a collaboration between Niantic and Capcom. With three million pre-registrations, this game has the potential to replicate the success of Pokémon Go. Players can now embark on real-world monster hunting adventures using augmented reality technology. Stay tuned for more updates and hopefully, the addition of more monsters!

Source: Lewis Rees, Staff Writer

3. Final Fantasy Struggles: Square Enix Shares Drop 30%

Square Enix, known for its beloved Final Fantasy series, recently released the mobile game Ever Crisis. While it garnered five million downloads in the first week, the game received mixed reviews for its use of gacha mechanics, which can be problematic due to their reliance on luck and in-app purchases. This critique raises the question of whether gacha mechanics are always necessary in mobile games. Square Enix may need to reconsider its strategy on mobile platforms to regain the success it has achieved elsewhere.

Source: Lewis Rees, Staff Writer

4. The Global Talent Shortage in the Games Industry

A recent report by software developer Perforce highlighted a major challenge faced by game developers: a talent shortage in the industry. However, the issue may not lie in the lack of talent but rather in the expectations of game studios. Many studios prioritize university degrees and years of experience, potentially overlooking creative individuals without a triple-A game under their belt or advanced degrees. It is crucial for the industry to give these talented individuals a chance to showcase their skills and contribute to the gaming world.

Source: Iwan Morris, Staff Writer

5. Ubisoft London to Close: A Reflection of Uncertainty in the Mobile Gaming Industry

It is always disheartening to witness the closure of a game development studio, especially one with a significant history like Ubisoft London. This closure may reflect the uncertainty surrounding Ubisoft’s mobile strategy. With their recent focus on bringing core console titles to mobile devices, there is concern about the potential impact on the industry. While the ability to run high-quality games on smartphones is an exciting development, it may risk losing the uniqueness and creativity that mobile gaming has thrived on.