Games industry roundup: The hottest stories across the PC, blockchain and influencer sectors
While PocketGamer.biz focuses on the world of mobile gaming, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on the trends, controversies and opportunities of other sectors.
To that end, each week we round up the hottest stories as selected by our expert editorial team across our network of sites that includes PCGamesInsider.biz, InfluencerUpdate.biz and BlockchainGamer.biz.
The hottest stories
Over in the PC space, Auroch Digital's Tomas Rawlings discuss the Steampocalypse, EA marketing vet Stephen Hey talks crafting good key art, and No More Robots' Mike Rose bigs up Early Access and China's impact on Descenders' success.
Over on InfluencerUpdate.biz, there's an in-depth and honest look at how streamers are dealing with chronic illnesses while trying to manage a career online. Elsewhere there was trouble as Paypal declined Patreon payments, while Zorka.mobi provides a detailed analysis of influencer marketing country-by-country.
In blockchain gaming news, BitCrystals launched its blockchain game sector market map, Reality Clash has partnered with Danish esports team Sørby, and Enjin’s Minecraft DonationCraft plugin is set to be updated for ERC1155 compatibility.
#1: PC game news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site PCGamesInsider.biz for the last week.
Auroch Digital's Tomas Rawlings on how a massive number of games has made Steam a hostile environment for devs.
Why it's so important to nail video game key art
EA marketing vet Stephen Hey on what makes good key art.
How Early Access and China helped make Descenders a success
No More Robots' Mike Rose on the performance of his label's debut title.
How to build a community to market your game
Marketing, branding and PR expert Claire Sharkey tells us how to create a community and how best to use it.
Super Evil Megacorp's mobile MOBA Vainglory is coming to PC
After positioning itself as the premiere MOBA experience on iOS and Android, the title is making the leap to PC.
#2: Influencer news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site InfluencerUpdate.biz for the last week.
InfluencerUpdate.biz editor Danielle Partis and streamers discuss living with chronic illnesses and how they are forging careers regardless.
Content creators in financial disarray after Patreon declines payments
Some creators on Patreon have been left in a panic after finding that the platform has declined their payout for this month. Patreon has since apologised.
How to make the most from influencer marketing in different regions
Zorka.mobi's Regina Tsvyrova goes into detail on how to deal with content creators in different countries and the general costs involved.
Ninja becomes first Twitch streamer to cross 10 million followers
The likeable Fortnite Twitch star continues to set milestones and break records.
Logan Paul's interview with Casey Neistat is hard proof that he has learned absolutely nothing
Logan Paul discusses past controversies with Casey Neistat but appears to understand little about what made people so angry.
#3: Blockchain game news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site BlockchainGamer.biz for the last week.
BitCrystals launches its blockchain game sector market map
BitCrystals game sector market map charts out all the various ways in which blockchain is revolutionising gaming.
Reality Clash inks partnership with Danish esports team Sørby
The partnership between the two comes as Sørby prepares to compete in the upcoming Supreme Masters Counter-Strike tournament in Switzerland, which takes place from August 31st to September 2nd.
Enjin’s Minecraft DonationCraft plugin to be updated for ERC1155 compatibility
One of the features that wasn’t part of the original plugin, however, was recent Enjin creation, its ERC1155 blockchain token standard, a system which will be used in games like War of Crypto and 9 Lives Arena. In a recent announcement, the game platform will be introducing an update to its DonationCraft plugin to give it ERC1155 compatibility.
How blockchain platform Terra Virtua hopes to shake up VR gaming
“Behind each gate is an experience that comes with your [Terra Virtua] subscription. Life Netflix, but for games and experiences.” – Keith Ramsdale, Terra Virtua CCO.
Video: Why Ubisoft is experimenting with blockchain games
None of the big publicly-owned game publishers talk about blockchain; they’re too scared of spooking their investors. French outfit Ubisoft has no such fears, however.