Skillz Weekly News Recap – Nintendo Switch to Launch in China
Tencent and Nintendo have announced that the Nintendo Switch is launching in China. The gaming device includes cloud infrastructure for online gaming, along with the ability to buy games through WeChat Pay. (The Verge)
Digital/Mobile News
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Facebook launched a photo transfer tool that enables users to transfer pictures directly to Google’s photo storage service. The feature is debuting at the company’s UK headquarters in Ireland and will roll out globally in 2020. (TechCrunch)
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Twitch announced a new set of tools and features for its Creator Dashboard. The update includes customizable designs and a slew of new features that will streamline editing for content creators. (VentureBeat)
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Imgur launched Melee, an app that provides subscribers with a feed of gaming-related memes and gameplay clips. The app is the company’s first venture from its flagship image-hosting service, which has over 300 million monthly users. (TechCrunch)
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Mega Sg console maker Analogue is releasing an 11-song album in exclusive cartridge format. The album will feature artists such as Jessy Lanza, Kode9, Burial, and DJ Taye. (Polygon)
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“Pokémon GO” developer Niantic is working with Qualcomm to build 5G AR glasses. The project marks a multi-year collaboration between the two companies. (TechCrunch)
Gaming News
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Tencent and Nintendo have announced that the Nintendo Switch is launching in China. The gaming device includes cloud infrastructure for online gaming, along with the ability to buy games through WeChat Pay. (The Verge)
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Teatime Games launched “One Word,” a word puzzle game focused on social interaction. The game supports face-to-face, two-way communication. (VentureBeat)
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Slitherine Software is bringing “Fantasy General II” to PS4 and Xbox One next year. The game will include generated maps, an Ironman mode, and a series of new units. (VentureBeat)
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Riot Games announced it will publish new “League of Legends” games created by third-party developers under a new label called Riot Forge. Although specific titles were not announced, Riot says multiple are in development. (Polygon)
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Finland-based developer Surrogate, along with six esports organizations, launched “SumoBots Battle Royale.” The game allows players to create an online robot arena, with each organization having a dedicated robot in-game. (Esports Insider)
Business News
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Facebook acquired Beat Games, which will join Facebook’s Oculus Studios to develop more gaming content. The Prague-based VR game studio created “Beat Saber,” which is regarded as one of the most popular VR titles ever published. (Business Insider)
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“Hearthstone” streamer Jeremy “DisguisedToast” Wang announced joining Facebook Gaming. The streamer will leave Twitch and exclusively stream on Facebook’s gaming network. (GamesIndustry.biz)
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Super League Gaming announced a partnership with OnePlus to sponsor the “PUBG” North American Super League. The tournament will take place in 16 cities across the country. (Esports Insider)
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Torque Esports Corp., Frankly Inc., and WinView, Inc. partnered to form Engine Media, a news, gaming, and sports platform. Engine Media plans to operate an esports arena in Miami, along with daily esports tournaments for “Call of Duty” and “NBA 2K20.” (The Wrap)
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Zippo has partnered with players from NRG Esports’ “Apex Legends” division. The partnership involves advertising for Zippo’s first gaming product, a rechargeable hand warmer. (Esports Insider)