With the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak rapidly changing daily life around the world, the gaming industry continues to feel its impact. CD Projekt RED has joined other developers in working remotely, many game demos meant for this year’s canceled GDC have found a new home online during the Steam Game Festival, and GameStop shuts down in California amid reports of their questionable response to the crisis. Today’s gaming roundup also talks about Animal Crossing joining the Switch, tips for playing other new games, and some new PS5 details.
Highlights From This Week's Gaming News
GameStop Shuts Down All Stores in California; Retracting Their Earlier Statement
Between reports of GameStop employees worrying that the store wasn’t using adequate safety measures against the coronavirus outbreak and GameStop corporate management claiming they were an “essential” business that could stay open during government ordered-closures, the retail chain has been floundering to respond appropriately to the ongoing crisis. Finally, GameStop complied with the California government lockdown decision and closed all their stores within the state. But according to Kotaku, GameStop employees won’t receive pay, and they have to use their sick days or vacation days; if they can’t, GameStop has told them to file for unemployment.
LOTRO and DDO Make Tons of Premium Content Temporarily Free
While not directly said, Standing Stone Games has clearly made a lot of content from The Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online available for free in response to people staying home due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Devs Talk Cheating, Cloud Saves
During an interview with IGN, developers Aya Kyogoku and Hisashi Nogami stated that Nintendo left out cloud saves to stop the possibility of cheating, saying that cloud saves could be manipulated to multiply items and Animal Crossing's currency of bells. They added that the team is working on a system to make sure that save files don't disappear if a Switch console is lost or dies.
The Steam Game Festival Spring Edition is Here
Several game demos originally slated for this year's GDC are now available through the Steam Game Festival online. There are several exhibiting games, including Eldest Souls and Garden Story. People can try out the festival titles until 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on March 23.
The PS5 Specs Have Been Unveiled
Sony streamed an in-depth presentation on the hardware of the PS5 (TechRaptor believes this was probably based on a technical talk intended for developers at this year's canceled GDC). The presentation included news that PS5 will have some backwards compatibility.
No Cyberpunk 2077 delay as CD Projekt RED shifts to remote work
Like other developers, CD Projekt RED has switched to remote work in response to concerns over the coronavirus. They have stated this should not delay Cyberpunk 2077, currently scheduled for a September release.
Control’s ‘The Foundation’ Expansion Revealed
"The Foundation," Control’s first expansion, launches on March 26. It will be followed by another expansion called "AWE." Owners of the Digital Deluxe version of Control on the PS4 will get "The Foundation" for free.
Features and Reviews of the Week
How to Get Bells Quickly in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Have you just arrived on your new island and want to give a boost to the local economy? TechRaptor’s tips include selling fruit, finding the randomized money rock, and fossil appraisal.
How to Collect All Seeds in Ori and the Will of the Wisps
If you want help collecting all the seeds in Ori and the Will of the Wisps, check out TechRaptor's guide on locations and rewards.
Exit the Gungeon Beginner Guide
TechRaptor has strategies for early bosses, as well as information on playable characters and gameplay mechanics.
7 Games from PAX East 2020 to Add to Your Wishlist
Before coronavirus concerns led to the cancellation of several events, TechRaptor was able to attend this year’s PAX East and find some hidden gems. TechRaptor’s list of recommended titles include Colt Canyon and Bonfire Peaks.
What games are you playing while at home—Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Steam Game Festival demos, or something else? What do you think of GameStop’s response to the coronavirus? Did you see other news in gaming this week that deserves attention? What did we miss from the last week in gaming? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
