Simply Binge Gaming News
Week of May 26
Netflix…for games?
According to a report in The Information, Netflix has privately approached several video game industry executives regarding a new position they want to create to head up an expansion into video games. Reportedly Netflix’s new service would be similar to Google Play or Apple Arcade, where users pay a monthly fee to have access to a bundle of games. While not exactly confirming or denying the report, Netflix told Polygon they were excited to do more interactive content.
“Our members value the variety and quality of our content. It’s why we’ve continually expanded our offering — from series to documentaries, film, local language originals and reality TV. Members also enjoy engaging more directly with stories they love — through interactive shows like Bandersnatch and You v. Wild, or games based on Stranger Things, La Casa de Papel and To All the Boys. So we’re excited to do more with interactive entertainment.”
Zelda Skyward Sword locks features to Amiibo
To celebrate the upcoming release of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD, Nintendo is also putting out an amiibo that features Zelda beside a blue Loftwing. While a bit pricey at $25 USD, collectors love these and it is an objectively beautiful trinket. Unfortunately, Nintendo has locked a very important game feature to this item. One of the biggest critiques of Skyward Sword when it originally came out was that the game suffered from poor pacing, with lots of backtracking. In the new HD version of Skyward Sword, If you tap the Loftwing Amiibo to the Switch, Link will warp to the floating hub world from anywhere, even the middle of a dungeon. Yes, that’s right, Nintendo has locked a time saving life improvement behind a 25 dollar paywall.
Twitch gets steamy
Earlier last week, Twitch pulled advertising revenue from several streamers who broadcast from inflatable pools while wearing bikinis and other swimsuits. Not so fast said the advertisers, this is actually content we WANT to sponsor. After pushback from advertisers, Twitch has created an all new section called “Pools, Hot Tub and Beaches”, and restored ad revenue to affected streamers.
In a blog post, Twitch said, “Being found to be sexy by others is not against our rules, and Twitch will not take enforcement action against women, or anyone on our service, for their perceived attractiveness.”
Twitch says its policies on what is and isn’t allowed on the platform aren’t changing. While sexually suggestive content and nudity remain banned, Twitch will not prevent people from streaming in hot tubs or swimwear.
