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Machinima Settles In FTC Xbox Promotion Case

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Machinima settles FTC dispute

Machinima, the massive YouTube gaming network, has settled its case with the Federal Trade Commission over its “deceptive” promotion of the Xbox One. Machinima paid its content creators to talk about the Xbox One after the console’s launch without disclosing to its audience that it was part of any promotion. The content creators were also prohibited from discussing the details of the deal with the public.

The promotion, which ran in early 2014, saw Machinima content creators offered additional payments for videos that featured Xbox One footage. The terms of the deal meant that the video-makers couldn’t show anything disparaging about the Xbox One or any of its games. The creators were offered an additional $3.00 per thousand views on the videos. The creators were also prohibited from discussing the deal publicly or even disclosing that the deal existed, which is against FTC guidelines.

The FTC noted that the videos not only failed to disclose the existence of a deal between Machinima and Microsoft regarding the Xbox One, but that they were also presented so that it appeared that the videos “reflected the independent opinions of impartial video game enthusiasts.” According to the FTC, Microsoft also had the power to have any of the videos taken down if it felt that its products were portrayed in a negative light.

“In truth and in fact, the video reviews for Xbox One and the Launch Titles did not reflect the independent opinions of impartial video game enthusiasts,” the FTC complaint reads. “Respondent’s influencers created the video reviews as part of the global advertising campaign to promote sales of Xbox One and the Launch Titles.” The complaint went on to say that “this fact would be material to consumers in their purchasing decisions regarding Xbox One and the Launch Titles.”

The FTC called this behaviour “deceptive practice” and noted in particular a deal that lead to one prominent Machinima YouTuber getting $30,000 for a video promoting the Xbox One and another who received $15,000. The two videos were commissioned to revolve around talking points about what features they were looking forward to in the Xbox One.

The settlement sees Machinima promising to disclose any future video promotions in full to its viewers and to refuse to pay video makers who fail to disclose any deals they may have.

Rhiannon likes video games and she likes writing, so she decided to combine them. As well as writing about video games, she also belts out the occasional science fiction or fantasy story, edits videos, and eats strawberry oreos. In that order.

Gaming

Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game

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Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.

Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.

Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.

What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.

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ReFantazio Takes a Different Approach to Romance, Setting Itself Apart from the Persona Games

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Atlus’ highly anticipated RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, appears to incorporate familiar systems reminiscent of the developer’s acclaimed Persona series. The game features turn-based battles that heavily rely on exploiting enemy weaknesses. Additionally, players have the ability to summon warrior spirits during combat. However, the most significant aspect of this game, which will be discussed in this article, is the bonding system. Through this system, players can spend time with important characters and gain deeper insights into their personalities and stories.

In contrast to the Persona games, the bonding system ends at that point. Unfortunately, players will be unable to pursue romantic relationships with their beloved waifus, which may come as a disappointment to those who have developed strong feelings for Hulkenberg, the party’s charismatic red-haired elven knight.

According to Siliconera, the absence of romance came up during a recent question and answer session. Atlus emphasized the continued opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with your allies while also introducing additional narratives through substories. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the supporting characters will grant you access to new archetypes, which serve as the game’s character classes.

In the Persona games, romance is not obligatory; rather, it serves as a means to customize your playthrough. However, it is quite unexpected that Metaphor has chosen not to pursue such a venture, considering the significant amount of discussion it typically generates!

Were you anticipating any romantic elements in Metaphor? If you’re not satisfied with your pre-order, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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Shift Up unveils the intriguing details behind the physical packaging of Stellar Blade for the PS5

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It appears that many

are eagerly anticipating the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade. Shift Up, the developer, has shared a lengthy video showcasing the “secrets” found in the physical box of the game for PS5. From what we can gather, these secrets include a reversible cover/dust jacket and a download code for cosmetic items.

We must clarify that while we do appreciate the variant cover, it may be more appealing than the game’s standard art. However, it is not something we would typically classify as a “secret.”. However, what’s interesting is that Shift Up has confirmed through the comments section that this will be the case in all regions. Additionally, the visually striking action RPG will remain uncensored worldwide.

It’s refreshing to witness a developer going the extra mile for physical collectors, and it’s evident that the developer is determined to leave a favorable mark in the console realm. Stellar Blade is set to make its highly anticipated debut this Friday, April 26th, exclusively on the PS5.

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