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Phil Spencer wants to discuss StarCraft and other vintage RTS games with Blizzard

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The chief of gaming at Microsoft has expressed a desire to meet with Blizzard to talk about future options for its iconic RTS games, like StarCraft.
When Microsoft’s anticipated takeover of Activision Blizzard is complete, Wired asked Phil Spencer if he would like to bring back the sci-fi strategy franchise.

He responded, “The first thing I would say is that I have no control over what happens at Blizzard, Activision, or King. You’re totally correct, but all of this is just discussing and thinking about what the potential is.

“When you consider the history of RTS games that we’re talking about here, specifically from Blizzard, not only StarCraft but WarCraft as well. Moreover, I don’t have any specific plans for today because I am unable to interact with the teams in a meaningful way.

But you do realize that StarCraft was a turning point in gaming? from the perspectives of esports, RTS on consoles, and just RTS narrative in general.

 

“And I’m looking forward to sitting down with the teams at Activision, Blizzard, and King to speak about our back library and any potential opportunities,” he continued.

I’ll avoid answering the question by just stating that I’m unable to work on it right now. However, as someone who spent a lot of time playing those games, the idea of being able to speculate about what might happen with those franchises excites me quite a bit.

Should the acquisition by Microsoft be allowed by authorities, Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has also voiced a wish for the company to resuscitate established properties under Xbox.

In an interview with VentureBeat earlier this year, Kotick mentioned Guitar Hero and Skylanders as two franchises that were once hugely successful for Activision but were ultimately discontinued for a variety of reasons.

One of them, according to Kotick, was the requirement for a distinct manufacturing team, which Microsoft, in his opinion, ought to have, but which Kotick claims he wasn’t prepared to build up.

Additionally, he expressed the expectation that Microsoft would use its social integration technologies to enhance the Candy Crush multiplayer experience.

As Editor here at GeekReply, I'm a big fan of all things Geeky. Most of my contributions to the site are technology related, but I'm also a big fan of video games. My genres of choice include RPGs, MMOs, Grand Strategy, and Simulation. If I'm not chasing after the latest gear on my MMO of choice, I'm here at GeekReply reporting on the latest in Geek culture.

Gaming

Battle Pass for Crash Team Rumble is not necessary to unlock new characters; the upcoming closed beta

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The competitive multiplayer spinoff of Crash Team Rumble, which will be available on both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, will debut on June 20. A closed beta for the game will be held in the coming weeks, and the good news that character unlocks won’t be dependent on Battle Pass progress was just revealed.

Publisher Activision made its intentions very clear in a lengthy blog post, writing, “New heroes and powers will be unlocked through in-game challenges rather than being connected to the Battle Pass because we want every player to have a balanced experience while enjoying the N. Sane fun that Crash Team Rumble has to offer.” “For those who wish to get a WUMP on the season’s newest looks, Battle Passes will solely reward cosmetic goods; however, cosmetics will still be earnable through participation in seasonal events.”

Those who preorder the platformer/battle royale mix can take part in a limited beta between April 20 and 24. For those who want to jump right in, online matches against other players and practice matches versus AI bots will be offered.

How does Crash Team Rumble strike you? Will you participate in the closed beta test?

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Gaming

Indie Not on PlayStation Wins BAFTA Game of the Year, Beating PS5, PS4’s Greatest Hits

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God of War Ragnarok and Elden Ring were both beaten out for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for Best Game by a tiny little independent title called Vampire Survivors, which isn’t even accessible on PlayStation systems. Do you really believe that?

Putting all lightheartedness aside, Vampire Survivors was something of a phenomenon in 2022, and you would have to be living under a rock (or live offline) to have missed it. It burst into prominence and eventually became a favorite among industry insiders. A fiendishly addictive fundamental gameplay loop hides beneath a deceptively simple exterior, earning developer Luca Galante, aka Poncle, this year’s BAFTA for Game Design as well as another honor.

There hasn’t been any news of the mega-hit coming to PlayStation as of yet, so there’s probably some sort of exclusivity agreement in place or anything else blocking it. Perhaps one day we will be granted access to it, but until then, console yourself with one of the numerous high-end games on our preferred platform, such as The Last of Us, which won Best Game back in 2014.

In slightly related news, Shuhei Yoshida, a PlayStation legend, received a BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.

What do you think about the Vampire Survivors’ victory—do you believe it was well-deserved or totally absurd?

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Gaming

On May 17, Crusader Kings 3: Royal Court Expansion will be available on consoles

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While we felt Crusader Kings 3: Console Edition was fantastic when it was launched on the PS5 last year, we were only able to play the base game. We are incredibly grateful that the great Royal Court extension will be coming to consoles. This is a regal proclamation that we could not be more delighted to make.

It’s pretty difficult to switch back after you’ve experienced the conveniences and enhancements that Royal Court offers to the well-stocked table, as anyone who has played Crusader Kings 3 on PC knows. It’s not just for show; players will be able to use trophies and priceless pieces of art to adorn their throne room, which adds a minor RPG system to an already magnificently complex adventure.

If you haven’t already and like the basic Crusader King’s experience, we highly encourage you to give Royal Court a try. This expansion is the ideal reason to jump back in for another round of backroom maneuvering. Are you going to create your own royal court?

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