TGO Daily | October 5, 2021 | Epic Adds Achievements
✏️ From the Author
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— Adrian
📰 In The News
1. Epic Games Store adds Achievements
Epic Games have announced that they will finally be bringing achievements to games in the Epic Games Store. They will only be available for a few games when it first launches, will roll out to more titles over time as developers take advantage of the feature. It will start with the following games:
Rocket League
Hades
Pillars of Eternity
Kena: Bridge of Spirits
Zombie Army 4
Alan Wake Remastered
Each achievement will be sorted into four tiers based on an XP value. Once achieving 1000 XP, you’ll be given the “Platinum Achievement” (similar to PlayStation trophies). This system is being called “Epic Achievements,” and is different from the more simplified “Developer Achievements” they had in place previously.
Diving deeper: It’s been close to three years since the Epic Games Store has launched, and it is still missing some basic features that many would have expected at launch (achievements were one — a shopping cart is the other big one). I don’t think these things are necessary to run a successful storefront — all you really need is the ability to purchase and play games. I do wonder if their attempt at taking a curated approach is the better option than flooding it with features, Steam-style.
2. Xbox Accessibility Showcase
Last Friday, Xbox held a digital showcase all about things they are doing to make gaming more accessible. They discussed the different strategies they are taking to make games themselves more friendly to those with disabilities, as well as helping the disability community find games that they can play.
Indeed, one important feature they are adding to their storefronts are storefront tags for accessibility features. They currently have 20 tags which allow people to have a more informed decisions about the games they buy (i.e., narrated game menus, subtitle options, and input remapping). Developers will be expected to meet certain criteria to have the game tagged — for example, if subtitles exist but the font-size is too small, then its not really helping anybody. These tags are in open beta, with more planned in the future.
Providing resources for developers was their other big highlight. They put together extensive guidelines for designers and developers, as well as offer a service which will test a developer’s game against those guidelines. They are also launching a free “learning path” (a course with various modules) for anyone who wants to learn about these topics.
💭Adrian’s Thoughts: It’s been pretty clear that accessibility has been a large part of Xbox’s focus for a few years now (the Adaptive Controller, anyone?). I really appreciate that they go out of their way to make these features and make it easier for everyone to share in this hobby. I hope this only becomes more and more popular across the industry.
Also, check out the Accessible Games Database. Super cool independent website!
3. Dota 2’s The International cancelled in-person audience
Only 4 days before the event, Valve has cancelled the in-person audience for Dota 2’s annual esports event The International. Set to take place in Romania, the event will continue digitally as scheduled on October 7th for the $40m prize pool. All tickets have been refunded.
Why it happened: Romanian COVID-19 numbers have been on the rise, with new local restrictions in Bucharest also taking place. More importantly, multiple members of various esports teams tested positive for COVID-19, forcing them to self-quarantine in their hotels.
Why it matters: In an arena that can hold around 50,000 people, this has likely caused a lot of attendees to lose money on travel and accommodation. Though, I suppose that’s the PR risk one takes for holding an international event through a pandemic (and a personal risk for choosing to attend).
💡 Worth A Look
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