Games industry roundup: Google Stadia insights, Blockchain Game Alliance opens up, and TikTok explained
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.
Looking for a mobile roundup? You can check out our Hot Five here. You can also catch up on all the news coming out of Asia in our East Meets West roundup here.
Hottest stories
Over on PCGamesInsider.biz, Valve and Riot vets Chet Faliszek and Kimberly Voll set up a new studio called Stray Bombay, and there's an opinion piece on what was and wasn't announced for the Google Stadia - the tech giant's new game streaming platform.
In the blockchain space, Blankos Block Party reveals UGC and customisation gameplay, while the Blockchain Game Alliance has opened up to new members.
InfluencerUpdate.biz meanwhile delves into the hot new media platform TikTok, while YouTube becomes a key part of the big Google Stadia announcement.
#1: PC game news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site PCGamesInsider.biz for the last week.
We caught up with the development duo to see why they've set up this new firm, how AI could be used to improve co-operative games and what they have learnt from their times at Riot and Valve.
GDC 2019 - ID@Xbox games have made more than $1.2bn in revenue since programme's launch
Titles in Microsoft's indie scheme had generated $200m in the last 12 months.
Showing off at GDC, it's possible that the firm felt leading with tech was the way to go; but developers care about things like who their audience is going to be and how they're going to make money.
"We're capable of operating the company for decades more with or without a hit to the magnitude of Fortnite."
GDC 2019 - Oculus: Facebook negative PR has not affected our business
The comments come after a year full of bad news about the social network giant.
#2: Blockchain game news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site BlockchainGamer.biz for the last week.
Blankos Block Party reveals UGC and customization gameplay
From when it was first revealed, Blankos Block Party managed to draw in hundreds of thousands of views on its teaser trailer. It’s through this enormously successful initial reveal that we can see that players are excited to see more.
Check out our exclusive SXSW Blankos Block Party giveaways
We’re thrilled to bring you this exclusive interview with the Mythical Games team in the lead-up to SXSW. We speak to the company’s Head of Blockchain, Rudy Koch, and its CCO — Jamie Jackson.
Loom to integrate TRON and EOS
We have seen a number of blockchain game projects go from one chain to multi-chain. Examples of this include the 0xGames team, EverDragons, and Blockchain Cuties, each citing a need for player interoperability.
Blankos Block Party giveaway — and the winners are…
It’s been a truly exciting first few months in the blockchain gaming world. From beginning betas and pre-sales to very exciting trailers coming out of SXSW and GDC.
Blockchain Game Alliance now open for new members
Since being announced back in September 2018, the Blockchain Game Alliance set its sights on advocating for and supporting blockchain developers.
#3: Influencer news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site InfluencerUpdate.biz for the last week.
What is TikTok? A marketer’s guide to the new kid on the block
TikTok is taking Gen Z by storm. It’s collaborative, it’s addictive and it was the fourth most-downloaded app last year, beating Instagram, YouTube and Snapchat. Here's everything you need to know about getting involved with this elusive platform.
GDC 2019: YouTube head of gaming and YouTuber MatPat discuss Google Stadia creator experience
Last week, Google unveiled Stadia, a new cloud-powered streaming platform. During the announcement, YouTube head of gaming Ryan Wyatt took to the stage with content creator MatPat to discuss the platform's potential for gamers and creators.
Patreon introduces tiered price plans for its creators
Patreon announced that it is stepping back from its one size fits all pricing to make way for a multi-tiered payment system - a basic Lite plan and a more in-depth Pro plan. Only new users will be affacted by the change.
Instagram introduces check-out feature to allow in-app purchases
Instagram has revealed it is implementing a checkout feature to its mobile apps. The checkout feature supports the platform's expansion into commerce, allowing users to store payment information on Instagram and make purchases directly through posts.
Research shows how much influencers are paid per post, and how many care about disclosing it
A new study conducted by Vuelio has revealed how much some influencers are paid per post. It also revealed how many influencers care about accurate and clear disclosure in their sponsored posts, which may not be as many as it should be.