The Turbulent Launch of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

January is just about done and dusted, with some pretty big news left in its wake. During its last few days, we've had sobering reminders of the gaming industry's volatile nature along with yet another early-access release hitting the big time. At the same time, not all launches are proven equal as a major title is off to a rough start. All of that and more in the key headlines for January 25 - 31.

(Credit: youtube.com/@glp)

Let's dive into the rollercoaster ride that is the launch of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. It's a tale of early access gone awry, a controversial Batman scene, and gamers grappling with their $100 feeling a bit... well, villainously snatched.

(Credit: twitter.com/suicidesquadRS)

The game barely had time to spread its wings before a bug turned it into a speedrunner's dream - or nightmare, depending on who you ask. Imagine logging in and finding out you've already 'completed' the game. And all this for the hefty price of the Deluxe Edition. Players were promised a head start, but instead, they got a finish line they never saw coming.

(Credit: twitter.com/buggy_con)

And then there's the scene that's got everyone talking - and not in a good way. Batman, under Brainiac's control, meets his end at the hands of Harley Quinn. Yes, it's a game about taking down the Justice League, but this... this was a bit much for some. The demise of the Arkham Batman, possibly the last portrayal by the late, great Kevin Conroy, has left fans divided and a bit heartbroken.

(Credit: blog.playstation.com)

But let's not forget, this is the Suicide Squad we're talking about. It was never going to be sunshine and rainbows. Still, the way Batman's story wrapped up has sparked debate across the internet. Some say it's a fitting end for a villain-centric game, while others lament the missed opportunities, comparing it unfavorably to how Gotham Knights handled the Dark Knight's fate.

Enshrouded: A Million Reasons to Celebrate in the Survival Game Arena

(Credit: twitter.com/KeenGamesStudio)

Switching gears from superhero squabbles to survival game triumphs, let's talk about Enshrouded. This game has burst onto the scene with a million players joining the fray in just four days. That's right, Keen Games is popping the champagne as Enshrouded makes a splash in the Steam Early Access pool.

Unlike its conversation-dominating counterpart, Palworld, Enshrouded brings a fantasy-fiction twist to the survival genre. Players aren't just battling the elements; they're exploring forests, crossing deserts, and delving into dungeons, all while fighting off creatures twisted into horrors by the Shroud. It's survival with a side of epic fantasy, and gamers are eating it up.

Sure, Enshrouded may not have reached the dizzying heights of Palworld's 1.8 million peak concurrent players, but let's not downplay its success. Hitting over 160,000 concurrent players is a feat in itself, especially for a newbie in the early-access game.

(Credit: steamdb.info)

The game's already drawing comparisons to fan favorites like Valheim and with good reason. From hidden cellars to intricate skill trees, Enshrouded is dishing out a full plate on day one. And the best part? This is just the beginning. Keen Games is promising an entire year of early access development, fueled by player feedback and support.

Deus Ex Machina No More: Embracer Group Axes Project Amidst Layoffs

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In a plot twist that feels like it's straight out of a dystopian novel, Embracer Group has decided to pull the plug on an unannounced Deus Ex game, leaving fans and employees alike in a state of uncertainty. This decision is part of a broader narrative of layoffs and restructuring that's shaking the foundations of Eidos Montreal, known for their work on the Deus Ex series.

(Credit: twitter.com/EidosMontreal)

The gaming world is reeling from the news that 97 talented individuals at Eidos Montreal are being shown the door. This move comes amidst a storm of layoffs that seem to be sweeping across the industry. The Deus Ex series, a beacon of cyberpunk storytelling and immersive gameplay, now faces an indefinite hiatus. The last installment, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, left us hanging on a cliffhanger that now, sadly, might never see a resolution.

(Credit: embracer.com)

Embracer Group's acquisition spree in 2022, which saw them take control of Eidos Montreal and Crystal Dynamics, seemed at first like a new dawn for gaming. However, the reality has been a series of tough decisions, including the cancellation of the mobile game Deus Ex Go, leaving fans and players in the lurch.

Game Over for Some: Microsoft's Major Layoffs in Gaming Divisions

(Credit: news.microsoft.com)

In a move that's sent shockwaves through the gaming industry, Microsoft has announced a massive round of layoffs, affecting 1,900 employees across Activision Blizzard and Xbox divisions. This decision, which affects roughly 8% of the Microsoft Gaming division, is a stark reminder of the volatile nature of the gaming industry.

(Credit: twitter.com/K__Med)

The internal memo from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer paints a picture of a company grappling with the challenges of integrating huge teams and aligning strategies post-merger. The cuts, though painful, are part of a larger plan to streamline operations and focus on sustainable growth. But for those 1,900 individuals, it's a personal and professional blow, one that Microsoft promises to cushion with severance benefits and support.

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Amidst these sweeping changes, high-profile departures are also making headlines. Blizzard president Mike Ybarra, a veteran with over two decades at Microsoft, has chosen this moment to step down. Additionally, Allen Adham, one of Blizzard's co-founders and a key figure in the company's creative success, is also leaving, though he plans to continue mentoring young designers.

(Credit: news.blizzard.com)

Blizzard's survival game, which had been generating buzz, has also been axed as part of these changes. While some team members will be reassigned to new projects, it's a disappointing turn for fans looking forward to this new direction.

Tekken 8 Throws a Knockout Punch in UK Sales, Outperforming Street Fighter 6

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It's only January, and we're witnessing one of the biggest brawls in fighting game history, at least in terms of sales figures. And guess what? In the UK, Tekken 8 has not just entered the fray; it's dominating it, leaving Street Fighter 6 in its wake.

When it comes to the battle of the fighting game giants, Tekken 8 has already doubled the launch figures of its longstanding rival, Street Fighter 6. This is no small feat, considering the heavyweight status of both these franchises in the gaming world, and not merely within their own respective communities. It seems like, at least in the UK, Tekken might just be the reigning champion.

(Credit: twitter.com/Chris_Dring)

However, before we declare a total knockout, it's important to note that these figures only represent physical sales, which account for just over 10% of total game sales in the UK. That means there's a whole 90% of the market we're not seeing – the digital realm. Could Street Fighter 6 be the king of the digital ring? Only time will tell.

(Credit: twitter.com/TEKKEN)

It's also worth considering that different fighters resonate differently around the globe. Tekken 7 was a chart-topper in the UK at its launch, suggesting a strong regional preference for the series. Meanwhile, Street Fighter 6 had a somewhat sluggish start in the same market.