Posts

Are Netflix’s Interactive Experiences Games?

By Corrigan Goodwin on November 19, 2022

Earlier in November Netflix released Triviaverse a new interactive title that has players answer trivia questions with their remote. Triviaverse is not in an episode format like previous Netflix interactive trivia Trivia Quest and it does not have much in the way of story like the interactive trivia show Cat Burglar. Triviaverse also is not listed as a part of Netflix’s game options, which is currently limited to their mobile games, no interactive experiences. The Netflix app itself leaves the genre of Triviaverse blank and refers to it as a movie. The way Triviaverse operates is not entirely new, Netflix has other interactive options that are not split into episodes. However, it does raise questions of what something like Triviaverse actually is, a game, a show, something else entirely? Google lists it as a TV Show and calls its November release the first episode. Different review articles call it a “quick-hit trivia experience”, an “interactive game”, “interactive experience”, and one review site states that “Triviaverse is strictly a game and not a show”. The Netflix interactive titles are somewhat reminiscent of the simple games that were part of the extra features on DVDs; Triviaverse is a very simple version of a trivia game, the narrator very briefly mentions how the game works and then the user answers trivia questions in rounds that get increasingly more difficult. Once the rounds are completed, the player gets to see what their rank is and then you either quit or play more rounds. It has one and two player options.

Introducing 'Triviaverse': Fire Up Those Fast Fingers for a New Trivia Experience - About Netflix

(Image From: https://about.netflix.com/en/news/introducing-triviaverse-new-trivia-experience)

On Netflix it’s labeled “Interactive” in some places and “Trivia” in others and called an “Interactive Title”, its rating is TV-G. Comparatively, the narrator in Cat Burglar calls itself an “Interactive Show” and a title sequence labels it a “A Half-Witted Interactive Heist”. All of Netflix’s interactive options can be found under a category called “Interactive Specials”. If going with the term interactive special then it seems that Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, which was a movie with an interactive element, would be considered as being in the same category as Triviaverse, Cat Burglar and Trivia Quest. While Headspace: Unwind Your Mind, Netflix’s interactive version of the Headspace meditation app, categorizes itself as a documentary/docuseries, which is the same category as the previous, non-interactive, Headspace shows on Netflix.

The somewhat scattered categorizations of the interactive titles raises questions, some that were discussed previously in class, about what Netflix’s plans are. Also new in November, Netflix added a QR code that appeared when you clicked on the TV show Stranger Things, and the QR code led to the Netflix mobile app where you could be redirected to download the updated Stranger Things mobile game, which Netflix acquired when it bought the game publisher that created the game. For a set number of days in November downloading and playing the mobile game got players access to a new fan favourite character from the show in the puzzle game. Stranger Things the show resulted in a mobile app and in an almost opposite set of circumstances Netflix’s Trivia Quest was based off a pre-existing trivia mobile game called Trivia Crack which Netflix turned into an episodic, interactive trivia game.

Netflix appears to be taking multiple routes into gaming and has committed to continuing to offer subscribers gaming options. It will be interesting to see if it continues to build its mobile games section, or its interactive experiences, or something else entirely. Or maybe it will do all of the above.

Sources:

https://www.netflix.com/ca/browse/genre/2869704

https://www.polygon.com/22286070/netflix-interactive-shows-movies-ranked-jurassic-world-barbie

https://www.rd.com/article/triviaverse/

https://www.online-tech-tips.com/fun-stuff/what-is-netflix-games-and-how-does-it-work/#:~:text=Netflix%20recently%20released%20a%20new,related%20to%20Netflix%20original%20series‘.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/what-is-netflixs-game-plan-this-week-in-business (From Lecture)

https://www.businessinsider.com/netflix-gaming-plans-marketing-device-for-engagement-2021-7

https://help.netflix.com/en/node/121936

https://www.whattowatch.com/watching-guides/netflix-triviaverse-everything-you-need-to-know

https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/08/netflix-launches-a-new-interactive-trivia-experience-triviaverse/

https://techcrunch.com/2022/11/06/netflix-is-bringing-back-stranger-things-puzzle-tales-with-new-gameplay/

https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/stranger-things-puzzle-tales-rpg-game-release-date-eddie-munson

https://about.netflix.com/en/news/let-the-games-begin-a-new-way-to-experience-entertainment-on-mobile

Read More | No Comments

New Pokemon Game facing performance issues – is this false advertising?

By eric cislak on November 17, 2022

The new entries into the main-series Pokemon franchise, Scarlet & Violet, officially release worldwide tomorrow but with reviews starting to be released, there seem to be one main sentiment emerging: the current Nintendo Switch console has difficulty processing the game. Frame-rate drops, leading to visuals and characters resembling still photos more than active pieces of the digital environment, are the main culprit and result in breaking the immersion of players from pretending they are a part of a living, breathing world.

Pokemon games have never exhibited the cutting edge in graphical quality and technological development, instead relying on its successful gameplay loop and nostalgia it fosters from its fanbase. In fact, it has often been slammed for its poor graphics relative to how financially successful the games are. The prevailing opinion of fans seems to be that Nintendo & The Pokemon company don’t have any incentive to make huge improvements since they make a ton of money regardless of game quality. However, this time is different; the game shows great ambition and effort that is betrayed by the processing power of the console.

These issues remind me of a similar game that faced backlash over the game-breaking bugs featured in CD Projekt Red’s much-hyped game Cyberpunk 2077 that released in late 2020. Infamously, the game was virtually unplayable on launch for players on PS4 or Xbox One and resulted in the sterling reputation of CDPR taking a massive hit. In response, CDPR offered refunds for those who purchased digital copies of these games and later contained a warning message for those who were looking to buy the game on PS4, with Sony writing that “Purchase for use on PS4 systems is not recommended”. It is way too early to consider if Nintendo will feel any pressure to take similar actions, but it’s worth monitoring.

What’s interesting is whether issues of these type could lead to a cause of action for consumers against these companies on the basis of an implied condition that the games are usable and enjoyable in the way it was advertised. Cyberpunk’s remedies seemed to be based on an attempt to make up for the bad PR and fan backlash more than any real fear of legal action. Any inquiry in this area would first require a determination of what it exactly means for a game to be “playable”, which is a fascinating question in and of itself, especially considering all the gameplay that was featured in game advertisements.

What do you think? Is there a point of quality where a game should be considered to be so beyond expectations that players are entitled to a refund?

Sources:

https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-performance-game-freak-nintendo-1849794943

https://kotaku.com/pokemon-scarlet-violet-bugs-performance-paldea-nintendo-1849798801

https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/22/22545876/cyberpunk-2077-refunds-microsoft-store-xbox-digital-july

https://www.theverge.com/2021/6/21/22543298/cyberpunk-2077-playstation-store-ps4-warning

Read More | 1 Comment

New Game Release (an hour early!): Warzone 2.0

By Lovneet Aujla on November 16, 2022

Hey everyone,

Not really a substantive post, but a sequel to one of the biggest games of the last few years (Call of Duty: Warzone) just came out today (see: https://kotaku.com/warzone-2-early-launch-release-date-mw2-download-size-1849790962). What is somewhat interesting is that the game came out an hour early. Gamers (including myself) are usually suspect of a big online release because of server crashes, bugs, and large downloads (the Warzone 2.0 file is so large that Call of Duty let’s you preload the game in advance) (see: https://kotaku.com/warzone-2-early-launch-release-date-mw2-download-size-1849790962).

(image sourced from: https://kotaku.com/warzone-2-early-launch-release-date-mw2-download-size-1849790962)

Everything looks great right now – but time will tell when more users login tonight.

Read More | No Comments

Twitter’s New Blue-Tick Verification Policy

By charis liu on November 16, 2022

Earlier this month, Elon Musk implemented a blue paid subscription service on Twitter called Twitter Blue. This service allows for anyone to get the blue-tick verification on their account, simply by paying a small fee of $8 a month. Many people were interested in this service, but as you can imagine, some issues quickly arose.

A wave of imposter accounts began impersonating high-profile accounts and brands and posting misleading tweets. An account using the name and logo of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical manufacturers, Eli Lilly and Co., posted a tweet: “We are excited to announce insulin is free now.”

Yup, this tweet was fake. Eli Lilly and Co.’s stock plummeted soon after this tweet was published. According to one article, Google analytics shows that “after that initial tweet and subsequent copycat accounts, the pharma company’s stock sank from $368 a share to $346 a share”. The next morning, the company stopped all Twitter ad campaigns. Amy O’Connor, a former senior communications official at Eli Lilly, said “what’s the benefit to a company … of staying on Twitter?” This new service threatens the reputation of companies. It also poses a threat to the health and wellbeing of consumers because companies like Eli Lilly often tweet about things such as side effects and long-term care. Other major advertisers, such as Omnicom Media Group (which represents companies like Apple), have recommended clients pause all Twitter activity.

Unsurprisingly, Twitter has now removed the paid checkmarks and reinstated the ‘official’ badges on some Twitter accounts. Elon’s strategy in creating this service was likely to boost profits, given the loss in advertising revenue that his company has been facing. But it seems like things aren’t going his way – more brands have been pulling back from the platform since the the paid blue-check service was implemented. For only $8, the company is potentially losing out on millions in ad revenue.

Elon announced that the verification service will be returning on November 29th, once the service is “rock solid”. I am curious to see what sorts of updates he will be making to help make a distinction between fake and real accounts. Where does he draw the line between ensuring the site is safe for advertisers and public figures, and monetizing the blue checkmark? Elon has tweeted that Twitter plans to add a ‘parody’ tag to fake blue-check accounts. I guess we will see what happens in the next few weeks.

Sources:

https://www.engadget.com/the-morning-after-elon-musk-wants-you-to-pay-for-verification-111547920.html

https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/eli-lilly-pulls-twitter-ads-after-blue-check-fallout-report

https://gizmodo.com/twitter-eli-lilly-elon-musk-insulin-1849779323

https://gizmodo.com/twitter-elon-musk-verified-impersonators-checkmark-1849768462

https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/11/14/twitter-fake-eli-lilly/

Read More | 1 Comment

Class 8 – “Is A.I. A Game We Can Win?″ + “Mens Rea of A.I.”

By Jon Festinger on November 15, 2022

Slides & video below…

Jon

Read More | No Comments

Group Presentation Outline – Come for Donuts!

By brian palaschuk on November 13, 2022

Hey everyone! For our presentation this week, we will be having a comparative discussion on aspects of video game law across the UK, the US, and Canada.

We don’t have any pre-reading for you all, but our presentation is quite interactive so we’re hoping to get as many people to class as we can. If you needed a little extra motivation, we will have some donuts for everyone in the morning!

See you all on Wednesday.

-Brian, Katie, Jack, and Rareș

Read More | No Comments

Pokemon dethroned?

By NY Bae on November 12, 2022

Japan’s game industry has seen some change over the past months — while the Pokemon games have been been the best-selling games since the 90’s, Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) has displaced their long reign and has become the most sold game according to Nintendo’s latest financial report.

The success of ACNH can be heavily attributable to the pandemic, during which people were in lockdowns and found solace in a relaxing, perhaps even mind-numbingly boring (in a good way), game. But even still, what about the game makes it so attractive to displace a long-standing champion game like Pokemon?

Interestingly, the article by GameRant speculates ACNH will not be displaced from its throne any time soon. As an avid ACNH player, this is interesting as Nintendo has officially announced there will be no more free, major updates to ACNH. There are rumours about whether this means there will still be “paid” major updates, or perhaps free “minor” updates, but if ACNH is now a done deal for Nintendo, wouldn’t Pokemon (or some other game) be able to attempt at the throne in the near future?

Original article: https://gamerant.com/best-selling-video-games-japan-pokemon-animal-crossing/?fbclid=IwAR3E0W__xpy4g7qy4K06sHbE–Qiuml_fixTNkkv7A3QyyT0nuOma0C52T4

Video Game Law Presentation – Lovneet Aujla

By Lovneet Aujla on November 12, 2022

Hello class! Please find attached the link to my presentation. I chose to discuss my research topic, corporate social responsibility in the video game context. https://youtu.be/2jp6CKsIcRA

Also find attached my Presentation Outline

Read More | No Comments

“Contract Jail” in Esports

By rares minecan on November 11, 2022

After the League of Legends World Championship concluded, many of the pro esports teams have begun to restructure their rosters for the next season. Restructuring in this sense refers to adding players that have performed well and dropping/benching players that have not performed well. A recent topic of conversation has been the way that one particular European Esports franchise, G2, treats their players. Players Rekkles and Jankos most recently, but others such as Perkz, Wunder, and Mikyx, have gone on social media and revealed the difficulties the organization has caused them through their contract practices, namely placing inflated buyouts (such that it makes it extremely hard for other teams to purchase these players) and clauses that severely decrease the pay of a player if they are benched (in the case of Rekkles, leading to only 6% of the yearly pay). This situation leads to what is referred to as “Contract Jail”, in which players are stuck on a team making little pay while also not being able to be purchased by other teams.

What could the possible solution to this be? Of course, these players need to have capable legal advice when entering into these contracts. But even more than this, perhaps there needs to be a strong player union which somewhat standardizes some contract practices and could eliminate this “Contract Jail” situation from arising. Maybe there could also be other creative ways to move difficult contracts. In the NBA, difficult contracts are often moved by packaging them with future draft picks or accepting other difficult contracts in return. Perhaps some future incentives can be provided between the Esports organizations during trade negotiations so that contracts can be more easily moved around.

Sources:
https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/they-fed-me-over-rekkles-says-he-would-have-been-paid-6-percent-of-his-salary-if-he-stayed-with-g2
https://dotesports.com/league-of-legends/news/g2-posts-questionable-meme-on-social-media-amid-contract-negotiations-with-jankos

Read More | 1 Comment

Call of Duty Moderators Can Permanently Mute Toxic Players

By Corrigan Goodwin on November 10, 2022

More on Call of Duty, and in follow up to the previous post about Call of Duty’s Code of Conduct, I found it interesting to see recent articles about Activision adding a system where moderators can permanently mute toxic players with its new “overhauled” reporting system. Players being muted on text and chat functions is a potential punishment for second offenses according to Activision’s Call of Duty Security and Enforcement Policy.

In the new system players will still need to complete reports for the Moderators to be able to use the new muting tool, however it still offers more options than previously available for dealing with an issue that has plague COD for a long time.

Is this a beneficial way to combat derogatory speech in games? Will it serve as a useful tool alongside the Code of Conduct and reporting system? Will it be embraced by players who have long lamented how toxic text and chat functions in games like COD have become? Or will there be player communities that fight back against the increased censorship?

It is also interesting to consider what impact this will have on other games looking to deal with in-game communication and the potential legal ramifications of toxic gaming communities.