Page 3 - Video Games
Govt proposes self-regulatory mechanism, due diligence for gaming firms
The government has proposed a self-regulatory mechanism, mandatory verification of players and physical Indian address for online gaming companies, according to the draft online gaming rules published on Monday. Online gaming companies will be covered under the new IT rules that were issued in 2021 for social media platforms. The online gaming platforms are expected to comply with the laws of the land, including any such law that relates to gambling or betting or the age at which an individual is competent to enter into a contract. "The draft amendments are aimed at addressing the said need while enabling the growth of the online gaming industry in a responsible manner," the notice said. The draft amendments envisage that an online gaming intermediary will observe the due diligence required under the rules, "including reasonable efforts to cause its users not to host, display, upload, publish, transmit or share an online game not in conformity with Indian law, including any law on
 "Govt proposes self-regulatory mechanism, due diligence for gaming firms")
Xbox exclusive game 'Redfall' likely to be launched in early May 2023
Redfall will join the 'Starfield' game as part of the tech giant's big Xbox and PC gaming console line-up
 "Xbox exclusive game 'Redfall' likely to be launched in early May 2023")
State governments to oversee law for online games in their jurisdictions
The states will also be asked to appoint grievance redressal executives and nodal contract executives
 "State governments to oversee law for online games in their jurisdictions")
IT ministry appointed as nodal ministry for online gaming in India
The Department of Sports under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has been notified as the nodal agency for e-sports
TDS guidelines for gaming companies may require greater disclosure
The move is aimed at improving reporting and transparency in these sectors
 "TDS guidelines for gaming companies may require greater disclosure")
Centre appoints MeitY as the nodal ministry for gaming, to set rules soon
The industry came under scrutiny after the proliferation of games like cards, casinos, and fantasy sports among young people led to addiction and financial losses, with some reported cases of suicide
 "Centre appoints MeitY as the nodal ministry for gaming, to set rules soon")
Indian gaming industry needs stable regulatory environment: Sameer Barde
The industry's worry is the "knee-jerk reaction" of states in regulating the industry, Barde said
 "Indian gaming industry needs stable regulatory environment: Sameer Barde")
Online games with monetary bets likely to have a 'child lock' mechanism
MeitY could also call for formation of a self-regulatory organisation; policy release likely in 2-3 weeks
 "Online games with monetary bets likely to have a 'child lock' mechanism")
Epic Games adds for-kids accounts in Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys
While signing in, all players will be required to enter their date of birth
 "Epic Games adds for-kids accounts in Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys")
Microsoft offers 10-year contract on new 'Call of Duty' games to Sony
Microsoft has offered a 10-year contract to Sony to make future 'Call of Duty' (CoD) games available on PlayStation, if its proposed Activision Blizzard acquisition goes ahead
 "Microsoft offers 10-year contract on new 'Call of Duty' games to Sony")
Microsoft plans to raise Xbox first-party game prices by $10 in 2023
Microsoft will reportedly raise its first-party Xbox game prices from $59.99 to $69.99 next year
 "Microsoft plans to raise Xbox first-party game prices by $10 in 2023")
Meta to roll out new mode in VR game to let players make their own levels
Sandbox mode will launch on December 14 within the VR battle royale game
 "Meta to roll out new mode in VR game to let players make their own levels")
Nintendo partners with DeNA to strengthen digital games, services
Nintendo said that the partnership will "strengthen the digitalisation" of its business which has already been incredibly successful for the company
 "Nintendo partners with DeNA to strengthen digital games, services")
AMD introduces advanced gaming graphics cards based on RDNA 3: Details here
The new graphics cards are the world's first gaming graphics cards to feature an advanced AMD chiplet design
 "AMD introduces advanced gaming graphics cards based on RDNA 3: Details here")
Indian gaming worth $2.6 bn in FY22, will grow four-fold by 2027: Report
Country has 507 million gamers and more than 900 companies in the sector
 "Indian gaming worth $2.6 bn in FY22, will grow four-fold by 2027: Report")
After 3 years, Niantic announces to roll out new updates to Pokemon Go map
The company also warned users to be aware of their surroundings and follow guidelines from local health authorities when playing the game
 "After 3 years, Niantic announces to roll out new updates to Pokemon Go map")
Smartphone storage space is the new turf war for mobile game makers
The most common workaround from game studios is to put only a basic installer in app stores, which then downloads further game assets once the player starts
 "Smartphone storage space is the new turf war for mobile game makers")
Video games may trigger lethal heart rhythm problems in children: Report
There was a high incidence of potentially relevant genetic variants (63 per cent) among the patients, which has significant implications for their families
 "Video games may trigger lethal heart rhythm problems in children: Report")
Netflix sets up first internal studio to expand range of video games
The new studio will be based in Helsinki and headed by Marko Lastikka, according to a statement from Netflix on Monday
 "Netflix sets up first internal studio to expand range of video games")
Google Stadia rolls out 1440p quality setting for Pro subscribers
Saturday, October 1 will see all the titles come to the $9.99 per month membership, starting with Arcade Paradise
 "Google Stadia rolls out 1440p quality setting for Pro subscribers")
