_{Issue #44}

Rune: Gaming - Hold onto your IP!

_{Sept 7, 2024 • 10 minutes}

The gaming world is abuzz with controversy and milestones as Sony's CFO sparks debate with comments on the company's original IP, while Street Fighter 6 celebrates selling 4 million units globally. In hardware news, a new Nintendo Switch OLED bundle has been leaked, featuring Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Meanwhile, Xbox users face frustrating backward compatibility issues following a recent update. The multiplayer scene sees ups and downs with the shutdown of Concord after just two weeks, highlighting the challenges in the competitive gaming market. These stories paint a picture of an industry in constant flux, balancing innovation with fan expectations and technical challenges.

Gaming News

Sony CFO's Comments on Original IP Spark Debate Among PlayStation Fans

Sony CFO Hiroki Totoki recently made controversial comments about the company's lack of original IP, particularly in games, films, and anime. In an interview with The Financial Times, Totoki stated, "Whether it's for games, films, or anime, we don't have that much IP that we fostered from the beginning. We're lacking the early phase (of IP) and that's an issue for us."

This statement has puzzled many PlayStation fans, who point to the numerous successful original IPs launched by Sony in recent years, including Astro Bot, Bloodborne, Ghost of Tsushima, Horizon, and The Last of Us, among others.

Despite these successes, Sony's upper management seems focused on creating even more new IP to foster growth across their entertainment divisions. This strategy has sparked debate among fans about the balance between developing new franchises and supporting existing ones.

New Nintendo Switch OLED Bundle Leaked

A new Nintendo Switch OLED bundle has been leaked, featuring the popular game Super Mario Bros. Wonder. According to Dealabs, the bundle is expected to include a White Switch OLED Console, a digital code for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a 3-month subscription for Nintendo Switch Online, and will retail at $349.99.

The bundle is rumored to release before mid-October, with potential launch dates of September 23 or October 3. This offer could be attractive for those who haven't yet upgraded to the OLED model or new Switch owners looking for a complete package.

However, with reports of a Switch successor potentially launching in 2025, some consumers might hesitate to invest in current-generation hardware.

Concord Servers Shut Down, Refunds Issued

PlayStation and Firewalk Studios' hero shooter Concord has officially ceased operations, with its online servers going offline on September 6, 2024. The game's short-lived run, lasting less than two weeks from its August 23 launch, ended due to poor reception and low player counts.

Refunds are being processed for purchasers, and developers are "exploring options" for the future of Concord, possibly as a free-to-play title. The shutdown coincided with the launch of PlayStation and Team Asobi's new platformer Astro Bot for PlayStation 5, which is receiving critical acclaim.

Xbox Users Face Backward Compatibility Installation Issues

Following a recent update that fixed multiplayer connectivity problems, many Xbox One and Series X/S users are now experiencing difficulties installing backward compatible original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles. Users report receiving a "There's a problem getting this content right now" message when attempting to install these games via disc.

A potential workaround involves searching for the title in the Xbox store while the disc is in the console, though this method isn't always successful. This issue is particularly frustrating for fans who recently purchased backward compatible games ahead of the Xbox 360 Marketplace closure in July.

Xbox's backward compatibility program has been widely praised for allowing gamers to play older Xbox and 360 games on newer consoles. The company is likely working on a fix for this new problem, but no official statement has been released yet.

Street Fighter 6 Reaches 4 Million Units Sold Globally

Capcom's Street Fighter 6 has achieved a significant milestone, selling four million units globally since its release in June 2023. This achievement brings the total sales for the Street Fighter franchise to over 50 million units since its inception in 1987.

The game's success is attributed to its blend of familiar characters and modern gameplay mechanics, including the new Drive System. Capcom has thanked fans for their support and confirmed that the team is working on more events and new content for the game.

Upcoming improvements include the introduction of Replay Takeover and V-Rival features, as well as the debut of Fatal Fury's Terry Bogard as a playable character. Fans are hopeful for more collaborations and special events to celebrate this milestone.

Stay tuned for more gaming news and updates in our next edition of Gaming Pulse!

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