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SNK Returns to their Former Glory Financially

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SNK

SNK has been having a very rocky performance on the last few years. However, it seems like one of the titans behind fighting games have returned to their glory once again. Shin Nihon Kikaku has become a stable business once more after their short crisis. This happened after starting to focus on video game development once again.

SNK shared its official financial statements in Gazette Magazine today, showing off that the company is doing quite well for itself now despite having to face red numbers last year.

The difference is significant as well – in FY 2016, the developer posted a loss of 558 million yen, while FY 2017 brought it to a 3,105-billion-yen net profit. In other words, SNK became part of the mainstream once again

The company had been struggling slightly after its acquisition by Chinese company 37Games. CEO Koichi Toyama decided that the developer would turn its back on the semi-lucrative pachinko business and focus on video games again.

I mean, considering the fact that only Konami thought that Pachinko was the future, why would they do this? Regardless of such, both Konami and SNK came back from the dead, now SNK is even helping eSports players with sponsoring. Especially in a huge event such as the Hadouken Fest, which is coming in December.

Their love from video games came with a rebrand from SNK-PLAYMORE to SNK. The first initiative of this newfound passion for games was King of Fighters XIV, which has apparently done quite well for SNK.

I mean, this is one of the most popular fighting games to date. A very important thing to mention considering that King of Fighters XIII was also loved by fans of the genre. Personally I hope that we get another iteration of Metal Slug that isn’t based on 30s cartoons. But hey, it’s very cool to see a company I grew up with back in action and glory once more.

I always wanted to be a journalist who listens. The Voice of the Unspoken and someone heavily involved in the gaming community. From playing as a leader of a competitive multi-branch team to organizing tournaments for the competitive scene to being involved in a lot of gaming communities. I want to keep moving forward as a journalist.

Gaming

TopSpin 2K25 appears to be a standout title in the recent PS5 and PS4 gameplay showcase

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This author has consistently praised the realistic portrayal of tennis in TopSpin 4. After more than a decade, we are thrilled to witness the release of TopSpin 2K25, which expands upon the success of its renowned predecessor. This gameplay video provides a comprehensive overview of the features discussed in our recent preview while also incorporating relevant footage to enhance understanding.

The series’ swing system sets it apart from arcade-style games like Virtua Tennis, as it requires players to charge up their shots in a different way. In order to succeed, timing is crucial, and fortunately, a new meter above your player will assist you in achieving that. Surfaces have their own distinct characteristics, such as clay, where you’ll experience a noticeable amount of sliding.

The game ensures that every player has a distinct set of animations, adding a touch of individuality to each competitor. The courts, found in all Grand Slams, possess a remarkable amount of individuality and charm. It is mentioned in the video that with each in-game season, players can expect a plethora of additional content, such as animation packs. This indicates that there will be plenty to anticipate even after the game’s initial release.

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Gaming

Developers are reportedly questioning the purpose behind Sony’s PS5 Pro upgrade

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Two major stories have emerged at GDC this year: the decline of Xbox’s brand and the speculation surrounding the purpose of the PS5 Pro. During a podcast discussion, Christopher Dring, a prominent reporter from GamesIndustry.biz, expressed his observations about the lack of understanding surrounding Sony’s rumored mid-gen upgrade. Dring claims that he came across a lot of people at the show who were confused about its purpose.

He made it clear that he anticipates “PS5 fans” upgrading, which gives Sony certain advantages. However, game developers are finding it difficult to generate enthusiasm for the system. “Developers don’t seem to see the necessity for it, based on my conversations with them,” he disclosed. Some people believe they aren’t fully maximizing the potential of the PS5 from the start.

With the lingering effects of the pandemic and the lengthy development cycles, the PlayStation 5 has yet to showcase a substantial lineup of exclusive blockbuster titles. “Some companies expressed skepticism about the potential for growth and impact,” Dring nonchalantly remarked. This current generation of consoles appears to have barely begun, with no apparent demand for a mid-generation update. How about we focus on developing fresh, cutting-edge software?

The journalist later explained that Sony likely has realistic expectations for the refresh, understanding that it will likely have limited appeal to a specific audience. As we’ve mentioned before, the introduction of PlayStation Spectral Resolution and other innovative features is aimed at enhancing the performance modes in games like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. Thus, if such an experience resonates with your preferences, you likely fall into the niche audience that PlayStation aims to cater to.

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Bend Studio, the development team behind Days Gone, is expanding their staff for an exciting new project in the world of AAA live service gaming

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Sony’s Bend Studios is expanding its team for another high-profile game, signaling PlayStation’s ongoing pursuit of the live service trend. When we last heard from the Oregan-based developer of Days Gone, Bend expressed their anticipation and confidence in their upcoming project, suggesting that it would propel the studio to new heights.

By way of Eurogamer, the studio has alerted us to this most recent update. It appears that a recruitment ad has been recently posted on the company’s website. Bend is looking for a lead project manager who can effectively manage project scope based on current team velocities and milestone schedules. The role requires hands-on game development experience in leadership roles, specifically in shipping AAA live-service games. Specifically, the ideal candidate should possess a proven ability to transform game development studios from a traditional focus on boxed products to dynamic live service development, all while holding a key leadership position.

It’s worth noting that while a service game out of Bend has the potential to be great, it’s important to acknowledge the numerous failed attempts in recent history. Over the past couple of weeks, we’ve reported on a cancelled Spider-Man game, rumors of an online Twisted Metal project, and a fantasy co-op game that got axed when London Studio shut down. And mind you, that’s just scratching the surface of what Sony has been up to. Choosing to take a chance with a studio that specializes in single-player games seems questionable, to say the least.

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