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Sony Studio Firesprite Faces Allegations of Toxic Work Environment in Recent Report

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There are some issues at Sony Studio Firesprite, which was acquired by the platform holder in 2021. Despite relocating to costly new premises in Liverpool, a recent report by Eurogamer portrays a bleak situation for the company. It is said to be experiencing a significant loss of employees and faced the sudden departure of managing director Graeme Ankers in May.

The team in the UK that was developing Horizon Call of the Mountain for PSVR2 faced layoffs earlier this week. There are allegations that the Twisted Metal reboot they were working on has been cancelled due to this. Allegedly developing a major PlayStation series, possibly a follow-up to Until Dawn, the team is reportedly facing numerous setbacks.

According to a report by Eurogamer, a significant number of employees have departed the studio in the past few months. This exodus follows a bonus distribution from Sony last year, intended to incentivize staff retention post-acquisition. Following the departure of several previous managers, the Japanese company has reportedly brought in staff from XDev to take charge of the team, a move that has been labeled as “nepotism.”

These new leaders have reportedly been involved in an internal investigation, facing allegations of ageism and sexual discrimination. According to reports, Sony denied these accusations as a misinterpretation, but it seems that some individuals did consult outside legal experts to delve deeper into the issue and reportedly received compensation in exchange.

According to sources who spoke to Eurogamer, the main issue seems to be a slow decline in the studio’s culture. “Sony’s decision to acquire a studio and heavily interfere with its operations could potentially lead to a downward spiral, hindering the completion of its ongoing projects,” a source claimed.

The platform holder has not responded to these allegations yet. It is important to mention that not all individuals quoted share the same perspective. One individual mentioned a positive aspect, highlighting a focus on inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. It can be challenging to accurately gauge the actual seriousness of the situation.

Sony has a reputation for being tough on its UK-based developers. This week saw the closure of its long-standing London Studio, adding to a list of British teams that have also shut down, such as Evolution Studios, Guerrilla Cambridge, BigBig Studios, Liverpool Studio, and others. Hopefully, Firesprite can regain their momentum before it becomes a critical issue.

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

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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