Games industry roundup: The hottest stories across the PC, blockchain and influencer sectors
While here on 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, much like mobile, Fortnite is one of the hottest games around right now. So PCGamesInsider.biz has run down 10 ways the smash hit battle royale title has impacted the games industry.
Over on InfluencerUpdate.biz meanwhile there's an interview with Mixer on how it's making its own mark on the sector and why it isn't trying to compete with Twitch (until it is).
In hot blockchain gaming news, BitCrystals has launched a map of the blockchain games market to give the industry a better idea of what's going on.
#1: PC game news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site PCGamesInsider.biz for the last week.
One year on - 10 ways Fortnite has impacted the games market
In just 12 months, Epic's survival game-turned-battle royale behemoth has had a massive impact on the global games market.
AI, narrative and experimentation - Chet Faliszek tells us what he's up to at Bossa
The Valve vet takes us behind the scenes on his work on using AI to improve narrative in video games.
Why Microsoft is trying to make games more accessible
Xbox gaming and disability community lead Tara Voelker shares why the Big M is trying to help differently-abled people into video games and what more needs to be done.
Why Surprise Attack has rebranded as Fellow Traveller
Managing director Chris Wright shares why the Australian indie label has a new coat of paint and why it is focusing on "offbeat narrative games".
Mini Metro has actually sold 1.4m copies
Public transport puzzler has shifted around 400,000 more units than previously reported.
#2: Influencer news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site InfluencerUpdate.biz for the last week.
Why Microsoft's Mixer isn't trying to compete with Twitch
When Microsoft acquired streaming service Beam back in August 2016, there was a great deal of cynicism surrounding the deal. Imagine our surprise when Microsoft's streaming offering has actually gone on to make a real mark on the sector following its Mixer rebrand and relaunch in May 2017.
Escapex explains how decentralising social media can give influencers more power
It's no secret that social media is a revolutionary way to market and make money, but it's a highly competitive and saturated space. Escapex is taking a different approach to social media. It wants every influencer to have their own social platform. But what sort of opportunities will that give creators?
Fortnite is one year old today - and this is what it did to the influencer space
As Fortnite celebrates it's first birthday, we take a look back at how its release paired with the battle royale boom has impacted the games industry - and more importantly - how the influencer space has been affected.
Twitch announces creator camp to help nurture rising streamers
Twitch has launched a new initiative to help streamers hone their craft. The creator camp will provide educational content, insight and guidance from full-time streamers to those looking to turn their hobby in to a full-time gig.
Tankee creates online destination for kids to watch gaming videos safely
In an age where more kids are online than ever before, it's important that they're protected. Tankee is taking steps to provide that service, with a new mobile app that will ensure online videos are safe for children.
#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
Not content with announcing its new game á Table! and forthcoming mobile wallet called Casa Tookan, it’s looking to simplify the entire blockchain game sector with the release of its neat market map too.
The future of blockchain gaming: it’s a question of design
“Much of the focus on blockchain gaming to-date has been on the use of cryptocurrencies or attempts to create platforms that enable the sharing of gaming assets, rather than delivering satisfying games.”
Etherbots developer Fuel Bros announces esports game Gods Unchained
Blockchain gaming is becoming more competitive, especially when it comes to esports. While there are a vast number of blockchain games in circulation, the numbers for daily and monthly active users are still small-scale.
Spells of Genesis dev Everdreamsoft announces á Table!
Called á Table! (Dinner’s Ready! in French) it will launch on the BitCrystals ecosystem in September 2018 in conjunction with the release of BitCrystals’ digital wallet Casa Tookan.
How NIFTY is encouraging game developers to lead the NFT revolution
“I was reading an article about how [blockchain game] Etheremon was integrating with Decentraland when I had the idea for NIFTY,” explains Jehan Chu of the spark behind the conference and hackathon that’s promoting the importance of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs).