Nintendo is committed to providing the safest and most secure environment they can with their new Switch console. It’s becoming more and more common for companies to enlist the outside help of so-called “White Hat Hackers” to expose vulnerabilities in sites or software and reward them for successful ethical hacking ahead of more nefarious individuals. Nintendo has followed suit, adding a reward of up to $20,000 for information on security vulnerabilities in the Nintendo Switch. This program is added in addition to the program they already have to detect issues with their 3DS. The Switch program is operated through a third party website, just like that for the 3DS, called Hacker One.
Nintendo is specific on what they’re looking for with potential security flaws. They’re most interested in vulnerabilities that enable piracy, cheating, or dissemination of inappropriate information or content to children. Piracy and cheating are huge issues for any developer or publisher, and a focus on kid-friendly content has made Nintendo’s devices the consoles of choice for families. It makes sense that Nintendo would take absolutely any measures necessary to ensure the Switch remains safe and appropriate for the audiences it was intended for.
There have yet to be any real security flaws discovered on the Nintendo Switch, but hackers remain hopefully after a hidden internet browser was discovered soon after launch. Without a reliable way to access the internet, it would have been much more difficult to cause issues with the Switch. Nintendo stated they weren’t going to include a browser on the Switch, but the fact that the console can link to Facebook proves that there is the ability to access the internet present – it’s just not easy to get to.
There will be a race to discover issues with the Switch, as only the first hacker to report a vulnerability will be rewarded. A $20k reward is only offered for the most severe issues, and what the company actually pays hackers for their work is at Nintendo’s discretion. Cash rewards can vary from $100 to the $20k we mentioned above, so there’s a wide range of monetary compensation available for the likely wide range of severity these issues will include.
Gaming
Battle Pass for Crash Team Rumble is not necessary to unlock new characters; the upcoming closed beta
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?
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.
Last up it’s the award for Best Game. Huge congratulations go to… Vampire Survivors! 🌟🦇🌟#BAFTAGamesAwards pic.twitter.com/nnH9xRQkn1
— BAFTA Games (@BAFTAGames) March 30, 2023
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?
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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