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Nintendo Switch dominated in yet another quiet week for the UK games retail market.
This year's biggest hit game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, is back at No.1 after an 11-week absence. The game has been a mainstay in the charts since its launch in March. Last week, Nintendo revealed Animal Crossing sales have exceeded 20 million globally, making it the Switch's second best-selling game after just over three months on shelves.
In total there are six Switch-only games in the UK physical retail Top Ten. The others being Mario Kart 8: Deluxe at No.3, Minecraft on Switch at No.5, Paper Mario: The Origami King at No.7, Ring Fit Adventure at No.9 and 51 Worldwide Games at No.10.
Last week's No.1, PS4 exclusive Ghost of Tsushima, slips to No.2 after a 46% sales drop. Meanwhile, FIFA 20 is now back in the Top Ten at No.4 after some price discounting at retail. EA's game was at No.19 last week, and unusually disappeared from the Top 40 entirely for two weeks before that.
In fact, FIFA isn't the only EA game where this has happened. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is at No.20 after several weeks out of the Top 40, while Need for Speed: Heat has returned at No.16. Both enjoyed a bump in sales of 78% and 91% respectively. It's possible these games suffered from distribution and stock issues.
There was just one new game in the charts this week in the form of Fast & Furious: Crossroads, which limps over the line at No.17. The game is from Project CARS developer Slightly Mad Studios (now owned by Codemasters) and published by Bandai Namco. Its performance seems disappointing, although this data only tracks physical game sales and does not include digital.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articl...of-the-top-ten ...

The Xbox Series X has been given a slightly narrower release window today, this time honing in on November of 2020 from a previously-stated holiday 2020.
This was announced today in a post on Xbox Wire, which emphasized the console's backward compatibility for select games across four generations, as well as optimized games for the system and its Game Pass library at launch.
However, the system's key console exclusive title, Halo Infinite, has been officially delayed into 2021, leaving the Xbox Series X with no known major launch-day exclusives.
Furthermore, pricing details for Microsoft's console still have not yet been announced; nor has a rumored Xbox Series S model been confirmed by official sources, though a leaked controller earlier this week appears to verify its existence.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articl...ch-in-november ...

A new study by the UK's National Literacy Trust linked video games to improved literacy, creativity, positive communication, empathy and mental wellbeing in young people.
According to this survey, 79% of young people who play video games also read material related to the medium. This includes in-game communications for 40% of the respondents, reviews and blogs for 31%, books for 22%, and fan fiction for 19%.
35% of the respondents also said that playing games made them better readers. This link between gaming and improved literacy was particularly strong for boys and "reluctant readers," the study added.
Games seem to be a good way to engage reluctant readers with stories, with 73% of the respondents who don't like to read saying that playing games helps them feel "more part of a story" than reading a book.
Video games also improve young people's creativity through writing, the research found. 63% of young people playing games also write about them. That includes video game scripts for 28% of them, advice to help others for 22% of them, fan fiction for 11%, and blogs or reviews for 8%.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articl...prove-literacy ...

Video games were the most purchased entertainment products during the first 12 weeks of lockdown measures in the UK.
A new report from the Entertainment Retailers' Association shows that, while Disney had the two best-selling products, the rest of the chart was dominated by video games.
From March 23 go June 13, three of the top five best-selling entertainment items were video games: FIFA 20, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Grand Theft Auto 5, respectively.
They were outsold only by the home releases of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker and Frozen 2.
Video games accounted for half the top ten best-selling product, and 21 positions in the Top 40.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articl...hs-of-lockdown ...

If you would love information on the best Xbox one games for 2020, you're in the right place. The gaming industry presents players with many options. To remain competitive, gaming platforms have become more innovative. For instance, when you use the CampeonUK Casino Bonus Code to register on CampeonUK Casino, you get bonus money and free spins. For gamers that prefer the Microsoft Xbox One games, there are many in the market they might be spoilt of choice. Read on to find the best you could start with.

Apex Legends

Respawn Entertainment created apex Legends. The game that is based in the Titanfall universe is squad-based, and teams of three are involved in a battle royale shoot out against 57 others. The winner is the last man standing.
The game lets players take on a class, each embodied by a special character. The various categories, capabilities, and limited time events offer players a more enhanced experience.

Key Attributes:

• Flawless gameplay
  
• Inventive Ping system
  
• Some weapons require refilling
  
• The battle pass is routine

Assassin's Creed Odyssey

This game is the latest addition to the classic Assassin's Creed RPG brand. The Peloponnesian War inspires odyssey. In the game, you'll be a mercenary in the shoes of Alexios or Kassandra in their quest to unearth their history in chaotic Ancient Greece.
The game's graphics are exceptional and will give you a real experience of prehistoric Greece. When you get this game, you'll enjoy over 100 hours of content.

Key Attributes

• Exceptional graphics
  
• A vast world to discover
  
• Great characters
  
• Thrilling storyline

Battlefield 1

Battlefield 1 is a first-person shooter adventure that takes you back to World War One. The game's epic setting sets it apart from the other contemporary military shooters available in the market. Unique weapons, vehicles, and level plans are breathtaking and correctly capture the war's disarray and cruelty.
In the game, you'll enjoy a single-player campaign. The adventure is divided into six levels, with each section following a unique character. You can never get bored playing this game. The graphics and the storyline are immersive.

Key Attributes

• Epic setting
  
• Immersive single-player experience
  
• Thrilling action
  
• Lacks crafty elements

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare (2019)

Modern Warfare gives you an experience of the actuality of war. The gear, weapons, and gadgets represent the modern times' war happening in Russia and the Middle East.
It is the best release in the series so far. The tense shooting and extra multiplayer modes will keep you glued to your screen.

Key Attributes

• Requires deliberation and tactic
  
• Many multiplayer forms
  
• Alters history in some instances
  
• Format and tone different from previous releases

Control

Remedy Entertainment created this action-adventure in 2019. In the game, you'll assume the role of Jessie Faden, the latest director of the covert Federal Bureau of Control (FBC). The FBC is a government bureau whose objective is to control psychic activity.
The designers managed to court multiple complicated films and games to create a tremendous mind-boggling storyline.

Key Attributes

• Spectacular element effects
  
• Brilliant art course
  
• Crumbly gunplay
  
• Starts slowly

Cuphead

Cuphead, an Xbox indie exclusive, hit the market in 2017 after a long wait. The game is a blend of the 1930s soundtracks and 1980s animation and gameplay.
You might be frustrated as you play the game because you might die a lot.

Key Attributes

• Remarkable visuals from the 30s
  
• Challenging satisfactorily
  
• Evocative of epic platforms
  
• Hard to play

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Consider this scenario: If you were buying a new smartphone today, would the reviews you read of that smartphone look at the same factors that they did, say, ten years ago? For instance, when covering the new Samsung Galaxy S20, would reviewers cover the same areas they did for the original Samsung Galaxy S in 2010? Some areas would be similar, but there are countless new additions to the S20 that makes the emphasis very different.

When it comes to online casinos, there is a lot of uniformity in the review material out there. Besides, reviews tend to focus on areas that don’t really need attention anymore. For example, talking about how a casino can offer mobile games is equivalent to saying a smartphone has text messaging capabilities – it’s expected.
The point is that reviewers can concentrate on unnecessary areas while overlooking the evolution of online casinos. The games have changed dramatically, as have the expectations of players. If you want the best casino, you should be looking at these factors:

Do They Have “New” Live Games?

Good casinos have live casino tables as part of their site. Again, that’s been an expectation of players for a few years now. But how far do they take this new trend in real dealer games? A site like casino.com has ZA’s top online roulette options, but it also goes further with new variations of live games from top providers like Playtech. That variety is important, and players are looking for more than just the standard versions of classic casino table and card games.

Is the Finger on the Pulse?

We are big fans of NetEnt games, and the developer is definitely one of the world’s best. One of its creations, Starburst, is among the most popular casino games ever created. As such, you will see casino sites and reviewers trumpeting that they stock the game. However, this is 2020, and Starburst has been around for almost a decade; it’s not the game that the trendsetters are playing. Instead, look for sweeping connected game series like Kingdoms Rise or high-octane games like the Megaways range. Want proof? Check out YouTube and Twitch casino streaming channels, where you will see streamers playing these games.



Multiple Payment Methods

It might surprise you to learn that some casinos will only accept payments by debit and credit cards. It defies belief. Moreover, some reviewers will tout this as acceptable. You want to see internet wallets – Skrill, PayPal, Neteller – as well as voucher payments like Paysafecard. Other options like Pay By Phone should also be on the list. If a casino is not doing this, it almost feels lazy.

The Social Element

Do you consider playing video games a social or solitary activity? Twenty years ago, it would have been the former. However, now as you strap on your headset and log in to play COD with your buddies, it’s very much a social activity. Casinos should be the same, so you’ll want to have plenty of options to socialise with other players and your friends. This is particularly important when it comes to live dealer casino games, where having a chat with friends enhances the experience.

Licence

Last, but certainly not least, comes the licence. Still the most important factor you should look for in an online casino. If it isn’t licenced, then you are taking a big risk. It doesn’t matter how positive the reviews are off a site that doesn’t carry a licence is – avoid it. The best thing to do is have a look yourself before joining. Head to the bottom of the homepage to see the latest accreditations, and then click the links to ensure they are genuine. ...

Microsoft is no longer offering an annual subscription to Xbox Live Gold.
Reports emerged last week that the 12-month option had disappeared from the company's website across all territories, but a statement to True Achievements has now confirmed its removal.
"At this time, Xbox has decided to remove the 12 months Xbox Live Gold SKU from the Microsoft online store," a spokesperson said. "Customers can still sign up for a one-month or three-month Xbox Live Gold subscription online through the Microsoft Store."
It is currently still possible to buy 12-month subscriptions from third-party retailers.
Xbox Live Gold is the platform holder's subscription service that gives players access to online multiplayer in their games, discounts on digital store purchases, plus a few free titles per month under the Games with Gold promotion.
Microsoft offered no reason as to why it has dropped the 12-month subscription option. It has been speculated this is an effort to shift more people towards Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articl...d-subscription ...

The Last of Us Part 2's debut led another big month for video game software sales in the US, supported by the usual cadre of Nintendo Switch titles -- including the return of Ring Fit Adventure to store shelves.
According to The NPD Group's data and analysis by Mat Piscatella, overall spending on games in June was up 26% year-over-year to $1.2 billion, the highest June spending's been since 2009.
Specifically, hardware spending was down in June by 17% year-over-year to $191 million, with the Nintendo Switch continuing its trend as the best-selling console in both unit and dollar sales.
Accessories sales, however, were up 29% year-over-year to $417 million, with new dollar sales records across multiple categories including gamepads, headsets, steering wheels, and controller enhancements. The Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller was both the best-selling accessory for the month and for 2020 so far.
Finally, in software, dollar sales in June were up 49% year-over-year to $570 million -- the highest total for a June month since 2010.
By title, The Last of Us: Part 2 debuted at No.1 and is now the third best-selling game of the year, behind Call of Duty: Modern Warfare at No.1 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons at No.2. Final Fantasy VII Remake was bumped to No.4 year-to-date.
Additionally, The Last of Us: Part 2 reached both the highest launch month dollar sales of any 2020 new release so far, and the second-highest launch month dollar sales for a Sony-published game in history, second only to Marvel's Spider-Man.
Ring Fit Adventure saw an enormous leap, from No.835 last month to No.7 thanks to significant increases in stock following a long period of unavailability due to COVID-19 impacts on hardware production and high demand due to stay-at-home orders.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articl...stock-increase ...

Microsoft has announced the date for its previously-teased Xbox Series X summer games event: July 23.
A tweet today announced that the Xbox Game Showcase will take place at 9am PT that day, with a pre-show at 8am PT hosted by Geoff Keighley to tie into the Summer Game Fest.

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articl...e-on-july-23rd ...