Games industry roundup: Activision Blizzard job cuts could have negative impact, Blockchain Games Next mini-summit, and top 10 streamed games
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.
Hottest stories
In the PC space, Activision Blizzard has added the possible negative impacts its recent bout of job cuts could have on its business to its 'risk factors' for investors, Mediatonic's Haley Uyrus discusses the effectiveness of Sunless Skies trailers, and THQ Noric apologises for its 8chan AMA.
Meanwhile over on blockchain, Enjin gets a special feature from Samsung in showcasing its flagship Galaxy S10 handset, there's more information on the upcoming Blockchain Games Next mini-summit, and there's a piece on why there's reason for optimism in the blockchain space in 2019.
In the world of influencers, we get a look at the top 10 streamed games of the week, TikTok gets slapped with a record $5.7 million in a child privacy case, and there's a newbie's guide to Instagram business.
PC game news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site PCGamesInsider.biz for the last week.
Activision Blizzard says job cuts could have possible negative impact on financial performance
SEC filing cites the effect of the company's eight per cent workforce cull might have as a risk factor
INSIGHT: How effective were Failbetter's trailers for Sunless Skies?
Haley Uyrus - now working at Mediatonic as marketing and communications manager - tells us about the trailers for Failbetter's latest release
Meet Klang: the Berlin-based indie studio with ambitious MMO dreams
Co-founder and CEO Mundi Vondi talks building single-shard MMOs with the help of Improbable's cloud tech
THQ Nordic PR and marketing director Brock apologises for controversial 8chan AMA
"I do not condone child pornography, white supremacy, or racism in any shape or form. I am terribly sorry for the short-sightedness of my (!) decision, and promise to be far more vigorous in my assessment of these activities in the future"
Inside Track: Making moves with 3D animation tech firm Ikinema
Technical director Ahmed Elhasairi dives deep into its procedural animation technology and how to monetise your moves
Blockchain game news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site BlockchainGamer.biz for the last week.
Enjin gets a special feature from Samsung in showcasing its flagship Galaxy S10
Enjin has become an interesting centerpiece for mobile users and blockchain enthusiasts alike. Whether that’s from the collaborative multiverse that it’s helped create, or thanks to the likes of Samsung.
This blockchain gaming mini-summit will explore the current state of play and opportunities in the sector. It’s all about having the big discussions in a relaxed setting, uniting blockchain developers and platform partners.
HyperSnakes becomes latest to join TRON Arcade
With the conclusion of its pre-registration period on 27th February, the PvP retro hybrid Hypersnakeshas an interesting surprise. According to the team, that game will now be the latest to integrate into the TRON Network.
Game On! Blockchain – From 2018’s winter to 2019’s optimism
2018 has been a bitter winter for cryptocurrency enthusiasts, investors and blockchain developers alike. And it’s something that the blockchain gaming space has not been exempt from.
Block and Chain Studios officially announces a release date for BlockFight!
Some of the biggest problems that game developers face is creating a project that can draw in mainstream users. Block and Chain Studios intends to do this both through the design of its platform, and titles such as BlockFight, the latter of which will be released soon.
Influencer news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site InfluencerUpdate.biz for the last week.
New kid on the block Apex Legends enjoys another week in first place, but a 25 per cent drop in hours watched last week brings it back down to earth a little. Fortnite is crawling back to the top, and Anthem makes its first appearance on the chart.
TikTok slapped with record $5.7 million fine for collecting children's personal data
Video sharing app TikTok has been slapped with the largest ever fine from a US regulatory body in a child privacy case after it was found to have illegally gathered personal data on children.
Summer in the City reveals first round of guests for 2019
UK online video festival Summer in the Cityhas unveiled the first group of guests scheduled to appear at the event this year, which takes place in August.
A newbie's guide to Instagram business: five things you need to know
It’s never too late to get started on Instagram. With a billion monthly active users, the snap-happy social network is a marketing Shangri-La. Whether you’re a brick-and-mortar business, small agency or a solo freelancer wanting a little recognition, there’s an audience on Instagram ready for you.
Buzzoole launches new tool to battle influencer marketing fraud
Influencer marketing Buzzoole has unveiled a new tool that will help businesses and brands counter fraud in the space, by analysing multiple aspects of an account including followers, reach and growth over time.