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
This week's hot PC stories include Rebellion CEO Jason Kingsley discussing how it plans to harness the 2000AD catalogue for several games, Microsoft Studios' Matt Booty on the console giant's big first-party spending spree, and how Compulsion developed We Happy Few in Steam Early Access.
Meanwhile in the influencer space, there's a look at the role Twitch chat mods play in building better communities, E3 2018 organisers reveal key streaming and video stats, and Pocket.Watch raises $15 million.
Over in the blockchain gaming sector, Oscar Clark takes a deep dive in blockchain game design, HTC agrees a deal to publish CryptoKitties on its phones, and Etherbots developer Fuel Bros announces esports game Gods Unchained.
#1: PC game news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site PCGamesInsider.biz for the last week.
Rebellion has several 2000AD games in the works
CEO Jason Kingsley OBE says that there are a number of projects set in that universe, and we'll be hearing more later this year.
Behind the scenes of Microsoft's E3 2018 spending spree
Recently-appointed CVP of Microsoft Studios Matt Booty on why the Big M splashed so much cash on its first party line-up.
How Compulsion developed We Happy Few in Early Access
Narrative designer Alex Epstein on the ups and downs of developing with the community.
INSIGHT - How to make a kickass trailer
Failbetter marketing chief Haley Uyrus shares her top tips for creating a great trailer in her second regular column for PCGamesInsider.biz.
Why OPSkins is okay destroying its business with the blockchain
CIO Malcolm CasSelle talks about the firm's recent run-in with Valve and why it is creating its own blockchain-powered competitor.
#2: Influencer news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site InfluencerUpdate.biz for the last week.
Behind the hammer: How chat mods make communities a better place
Community moderator Harry Mitchell takes a look at how Twitch mods work to keep online chats clean and make a broadcast feel safe and welcoming, with word from a number of mods that give up their spare time for their favourite streamers.
E3 2018 press conferences racked up a record breaking 4.4 million views
E3 2018 saw some record breaking numbers online, with a staggering 4.4 million people tuned in to the conferences with 15 million tweets between them, as well as 1.2 million Facebook posts.
Family-friendly network Pocket.watch raises $15 million with Viacom
Kid friendly network Pocket.watch has raised $15m with a Series B funding round in collaboration with Viacom.
UK teenagers are tuning out of broadcast TV and heading online
Teenagers watch watching on average an hour of YouTube content a day, according to a new report from UK communications regulator Ofcom.
We caught up with Streamlabs CEO Ali Moiz to learn more about the services that Streamlabs provide, and why these sorts of interactive tools are so important to a creator's work.
#3: Blockchain game news and insights
Here are the five hottest stories from our sister-site BlockchainGamer.biz for the last week.
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 currencies or attempts to create platforms that enable the sharing of gaming assets, rather than delivering satisfying games.
HTC to publish CryptoKitties on its phones, including in China
With the company focusing on its Vive VR business, mobile phones have taken a backseat for over recent years. It’s looking to revigorate its once core activity, however, with a focus on blockchain; something that’s integral to its forthcoming Exodus device.
Etherbots developer Fuel Bros announces esports game Gods Unchained
From their previous game, EtherBots, Fuel Bros intend to increase the level of exposure that blockchain games get from the mainstream audience, explicitly targetting esports.
While the game recently released, we explored the features of Gods Unleashed from how it works, including what it has in store.
High speed, game-focused blockchain MagnaChain launches testnet
Funded by the likes of DraperDragon Innovation Fund, JRR Crypto and Chinese game publisher The9, MagnaChain says it’s developed a novel technology designed for the deployment of distributed apps, especially games.