The Verge reports: “Sony and Microsoft’s next-gen consoles are both expected to launch later this year, and developers are gearing up with new games. According to GDC’s new annual survey, developers are more likely to be working on a game for the PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, previously known as Project Scarlett, than game streaming services like Google Stadia and Project xCloud.”
VentureBeat reports: “ProGuides announced today that it has secured $5 million in seed funding. ProGuides offers esports training via online courses, videos, and coaching. It helps players with popular games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Fortnite, Hearthstone, and League of Legends.”
Billboard reports: “Gail Samuel has been promoted to president of the Hollywood Bowl and chief operating officer of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association, it was announced Wednesday (Jan. 22) by LA Phil chief executive officer and David C. Bohnett chief executive officer chair Chad Smith.”
Hollywood Reporter reports: “The Game Developer’s Conference report indicates that the PC remains the most popular platform among game makers, while next-generation consoles are attracting considerable interest.”
TechCrunch reports: “Italy’s Competition and Markets Authority has launched proceedings against Facebook for failing to fully inform users about the commercial uses it makes of their data.”
Forbes reports: “2019 was a growth year for virtual and augmented reality (VR/AR)– known collectively as extended reality (XR). The presence of these breakthrough technologies began to be felt far away from the fields of gaming and entertainment, where they first became popular.”
VentureBeat reports: “Quantum Tech Partners, a gaming-focused advisory group for financial deals, said in its first report that $1 billion was invested in the esports industry in 2019.”
Hypebot reports: “Global indie licensing powerhouse Merlin has signed a global partnership with hugely popular short-form mobile video app TikTok.”
Billboard reports: “The results of a new study conducted by Vice Media Group for Ontario Creates — the government agency that provides potential funding and economic development opportunities for the province’s creative industries — focus on how Gen Z discovers, consumes and shares culture content, including music, film, television, art, lifestyle, gaming and literature.”
Variety reports: “The U.K. Parliament on Wednesday evening passed legislation paving the way for the country to leave the European Union on Jan. 31, 2020.”
