PC Gaming Era | October 2018 - Jason and the $10 Argonauts

Jimrpg · Oct 10, 2018

People that don't like the Obsidian acquisition, look on the bright side, its about time Microsoft actually started competing in this console race, Sony is running away with it and getting arrogant again. Look how long it took them to add in crossplay.

I'm happy for Obsidian - they were skating on thin ice.

BasilZero · Oct 10, 2018

Woo

Closer to completing my dream media room/game room - Entertainment room :P

Bought a 75'' Sony X900F and a Vizio 36'' 5.1 sound bar system

Also bought the appropriate mounts too for them.

Gonna buy a sofa, a table for it and a table for my consoles and my future new gaming desktop.

Edit: Also got Fiber internet now :)

Dio · Oct 10, 2018

and finished The Surge. gotta say i disagree with you there, zkylon
It does have some problems, specially with Black Cerberus, where devs think a high damage output from an enemy means good difficulty, alongside a sometimes confusing level design, as areas aren't really that different.
All in all, great foundation for the sequel. hopefully you'll like it, Nabs

Dakath · Oct 10, 2018

I guess the thing that gets me about the Obsidian acquisition is that I can't really see a scenario where they end up being more ambitious because of the funding rather than safer for the sake of being more broadly appealing. Them following the Bioware trajectory might mean their projects are more financially successful, but successively less (oh god) ludonarratively interesting. It'd be nice to be surprised, but I literally can't think of any studio that got wilder and weirder post-acquisition.

Jadax · Oct 10, 2018

I mean, BioWare released some decent games even after getting acquired by EA. It's just that the BioWare of old is gone - they haven't released anything good since Dragon Age 2? So..7 years now? (I know Inquisition was released, but I didn't like it - and it has nothing to do with Origin, I don't mind using it tbh).

And yee, EA fans are going to be like but ANTHEM?! And I really hope it's good, but so far it looks like a big nope for me.

Reven Wolf · Oct 10, 2018

Jadax said:
And yee, EA fans are going to be like but ANTHEM?! And I really hope it's good, but so far it looks like a big nope for me.

Yeah, outside of the art design and the flying, I'm not seeing anything particularly unique or interesting about it's design yet which is disappointing.

texhnolyze · Oct 10, 2018

I really can't see Obsidian developing a mainstream RPG, but I'd be glad to be proven wrong. I hope they'd become the new Bioware of last gen.

Jadax · Oct 10, 2018

Exactly, so people saying studio direction/priorities don't change after getting acquired are not 100% correct. Something definitely changes, and it's been a recurring theme where studios that were releasing good games before being bought out, have tended to struggle for a bit afterwards.

Tbh the only reason I'm a little annoyed with the whole Obsidian thing (even though it was probably better for them since they have financial issues), is that I like playing RPGs like PoE/Tyranny - and historically the studio has released some really good games. Guess we'll find out how this will affect their release quality (if the rumor is confirmed ofc).

texhnolyze · Oct 10, 2018

Jadax said:
Exactly, so people saying studio direction/priorities don't change after getting acquired are not 100% correct. Something definitely changes, and it's been a recurring theme where studios that were releasing good games before being bought out, have tended to struggle for a bit afterwards.

Tbh the only reason I'm a little annoyed with the whole Obsidian thing (even though it was probably better for them since they have financial issues), is that I like playing RPGs like PoE/Tyranny - and historically the studio has released some really good games. Guess we'll find out how this will affect their release quality (if the rumor is confirmed ofc).

I highly doubt Microsoft would make Obisidian develop another CRPG with this acquisition. RPG in the same veins as Dragon Age Origins, perhaps, but certainly not isometric CRPG.

Vibranium · Oct 10, 2018

I'm happy that Obsidian employees get financial stability and such. But I would like the company to insist to Microsoft to continue to release their games on both Steam and the Windows Store. Ah well, we'll see what they develop.

Reven Wolf · Oct 10, 2018

Vibranium said:
I'm happy that Obsidian employees get financial stability and such. But I would like the company to insist to Microsoft to continue to release their games on both Steam and the Windows Store. Ah well, we'll see what they develop.

That's where I'm at as well.

I'm really glad the employees will get some stability, but I really do want for it to be in both stores, or if that can't be done, I really wish the Microsoft Store when through some drastic changes to improve.

Derrick01 · Oct 10, 2018

texhnolyze said:
I highly doubt Microsoft would make Obisidian develop another CRPG with this acquisition. RPG in the same veins as Dragon Age Origins, perhaps, but certainly not isometric CRPG.

I'm almost leaning towards the opposite. With MS' history as a publisher I just can't see them funding some $100 million single player focused RPG. The last time they did anything like that was mass effect 1 and I believe that was in the 20-30 million range.

If they do let them make an expensive AAA game I expect it to be GaaS/live serviced out the ass with possible MP and co-op. So basically the antithesis of what Obsidian is known for.

AHA-Lambda · Oct 10, 2018

texhnolyze said:
Posted yet?

I'm not even gonna bother to comment on the pricing. Sigh.

Eh par for the course at this point for the UK. If anutanyt slightly cheaper than some like Sekiro

AHA-Lambda · Oct 10, 2018

chadskin said:
20% off. Bought!

Nice!!

Edit: sorry, dp

texhnolyze · Oct 10, 2018

Derrick01 said:
I'm almost leaning towards the opposite. With MS' history as a publisher I just can't see them funding some $100 million single player focused RPG. The last time they did anything like that was mass effect 1 and I believe that was in the 20-30 million range.

If they do let them make an expensive AAA game I expect it to be GaaS/live serviced out the ass with possible MP and co-op. So basically the antithesis of what Obsidian is known for.

You're right. It will still be an RPG, but heavily influenced with GaaS design. A revival of Fable Legends or something like that, perhaps?

Chance Hale · Oct 10, 2018

I didn't even like Origins but I'm weak and bored and bought Odyssey, damn my corporate worship

I hope the pc version of 3 gets updated, looking forward to replaying that. Game had so many unique kill animations.

matimeo · Oct 10, 2018

Jawmuncher said:
A good chunk of them have come over. There doesn't seem to be any real rhyme or reason on how and what gets picked. Outside perhaps the bigger titles have a longer exclusivity period.

Internally developed by studios owned by Microsoft have not made their way to steam as of yet. The pattern is pretty clear imo.

Playground is the only slight difference but even pre buy out they were handled differently and basically considered 2nd party and shared quite a few resources with t10. They also use an engine wholly owned and developed by MS which also might explain why horizon didn't make the jump pre official buyout.

Knurek · Oct 10, 2018

Adding insult to injury, the only reason that the October 2018 Update deletes those original folders is aesthetics. Some Windows users had apparently complained that the old, empty folders were still left even after enabling KFR. Microsoft wanted to "tidy up" those empty folders by deleting them. The rest, like affected users' files, is history.

Click to expand...

Click to shrink...

Presented without comment.

Mivey · Oct 10, 2018

arbok26 said:
People that don't like the Obsidian acquisition, look on the bright side, its about time Microsoft actually started competing in this console race, Sony is running away with it and getting arrogant again. Look how long it took them to add in crossplay.

ghoulie · Oct 10, 2018

BasilZero said:
Woo

Closer to completing my dream media room/game room - Entertainment room :P

Bought a 75'' Sony X900F and a Vizio 36'' 5.1 sound bar system

Also bought the appropriate mounts too for them.

Gonna buy a sofa, a table for it and a table for my consoles and my future new gaming desktop.

Edit: Also got Fiber internet now :)

lets see some pics

Deleted member 1839 · Oct 10, 2018

If any of y'all plan to get Left Alive, GMG is doing a 20% deal for it right now.

Jimrpg · Oct 10, 2018

Mivey said:

LOL.

Sony being number 1 is the worst. Having them chase and beg is far better.

This is coming from a Sony (semi) fan.

Atraveller · Oct 10, 2018

The bad part of Obsidian getting bought by MS is no more PoE3 or Tyranny 2 from them.

Is PoE 2 Switch port still happening?

eonden · Oct 10, 2018

Kyougar said:
Why didn't Paradox buy them :[

Tyranny mess probably soured them. Obsidian didnt look like it had that much healthy management and paradox likes to buy companies that are mostly stable.

Pixieking · Oct 10, 2018

eonden said:
Tyranny mess probably soured them. Obsidian didnt look like it had that much healthy management and paradox likes to buy companies that are mostly stable.

Yeah, remembering that Chris Avellone thread from a few months back, one of his main criticisms was that upper management had no clue, and the company basically lucked into several decent opportunities. Which seems like it's happened again, with MS buying them.

eonden · Oct 10, 2018

Pixieking said:
Yeah, remembering that Chris Avellone thread from a few months back, one of his main criticisms was that upper management had no clue, and the company basically lucked into several decent opportunities. Which seems like it's happened again, with MS buying them.

The main part is that Obsidian is a really talented group that people want to work with (as well as being lucky with the CRPG "rennaisanse" and Kickstarter) but they tend to burn their bridges with people they have to work with. Paradox tends to like to either have long term relationships in publishing deals or buy studios they worked with and had good relationship but would need more money (Triumph or Harebrained).
Also, what is Paradox doing with White Wolf? They have done ZERO with those ips :/
Edit: to sum it up, Paradox doesnt like to change the structure of the bought studios although they tend to recommend a different take on the GAAS model with DLC and good communication with the players with the Dev Diary. Hopefully MS can fix some of the management issues of Obsidian without destroying the innovation and resoursfulness of the studio.

Uzzy · Oct 10, 2018

Atraveller said:
The bad part of Obsidian getting bought by MS is no more PoE3 or Tyranny 2 from them.

Is PoE 2 Switch port still happening?

Yup, the RTWP renaissance is dead.

ColdSun · Oct 10, 2018

eonden said:
Also, what is Paradox doing with White Wolf? They have done ZERO with those ips :/

I'm still hopeful we'll see a Vampire:TM or Werewolf:TA/TWW, or a Kindred of the East in a few years. So many great IPs just waiting to be utilized.

Pixieking · Oct 10, 2018

eonden said:
The main part is that Obsidian is a really talented group that people want to work with (as well as being lucky with the CRPG "rennaisanse" and Kickstarter) but they tend to burn their bridges with people they have to work with. Paradox tends to like to either have long term relationships in publishing deals or buy studios they worked with and had good relationship but would need more money (Triumph or Harebrained).

True that,

eonden said:
Also, what is Paradox doing with White Wolf? They have done ZERO with those ips :/

Maybe they were going to get Obsidian to do something with them, when they had time?

(Unlikely, tbh, but now it's a definite no. :( )

Mivey · Oct 10, 2018

I'm still curious what that new big IP is that Obsidian is working on. I guess it was something they worked on with MS? That might make sense. It could also be that it fell through, and they were forced to sell ASAP to stop the company from going under.

His Majesty · Oct 10, 2018

eonden said:
Tyranny mess probably soured them. Obsidian didnt look like it had that much healthy management and paradox likes to buy companies that are mostly stable.

November release date and a low key marketing campaign didn't help the game either. Real shame.

eonden · Oct 10, 2018

His Majesty said:
November release date and a low key marketing campaign didn't help the game either. Real shame.

I am not saying the mess was the low sales but rather that there was a mess between the Paradox - Obsidian relationships. I think those things were likely a result of that with Paradox just wanting to end the relationship asap.

Vault · Oct 10, 2018

POE2 had terrible marketing, people don't even know it exists.

POE2 being on FIG and published by Versus Evil sealed the series fate from the outset

Putting a trailer on a channel with 400 subscribers isn't a good way to sell your game.

Deques · Oct 10, 2018

My Antivirus software is detecting a Steamoverlayrender as malware for some reason. How come it suddenly does that?

Echo · Oct 10, 2018

Is there anyway to delay the Steam overlay hook? Just a second or two would be swell. Every now and again it just refuses to work if ReShade hooks first.

lucebuce · Oct 10, 2018

Deques said:
My Antivirus software is detecting a Steamoverlayrender as malware for some reason. How come it suddenly does that?

The antivirus developer found out about the 30% cut and has now marked Steam as unsafe.

KainXVIII · Oct 10, 2018

arbok26 said:
People that don't like the Obsidian acquisition, look on the bright side, its about time Microsoft actually started competing in this console race, Sony is running away with it and getting arrogant again

Why this should bother PC Gaming Era?
MS definitely will be trying to chase Destiny/Anthem with Obsidian acquisition, so no more classic CRPGs for you, sorry!

Atraveller · Oct 10, 2018

Uzzy said:
Yup, the RTWP renaissance is dead.

Larian and inXile are carrying isometric RPG on their backs.

Vault · Oct 10, 2018

Atraveller said:
Larian and inXile are carrying isometric RPG on their backs.

Owlcat games are the new chosen one

Atraveller · Oct 10, 2018

Vault said:
Owlcat games are the new chosen one

OH I've heard a lot of alt-right types review bombing it. How's the actual game?

Jimrpg · Oct 10, 2018

KainXVIII said:
Why this should bother PC Gaming Era?
MS definitely will be trying to chase Destiny/Anthem with Obsidian acquisition, so no more classic CRPGs for you, sorry!

Maybe, but I wouldn't say its a lock. Obsidian have accrued far more experience with CRPG games than Destiny/Anthem type games.

CRPG games work fine with a controller as Diablo on consoles proves.

Personally I'm expecting them to deliver a CRPG as that's where the gap is in Microsoft's line up plus its something Sony does not have exclusively either.

Vault said:
POE2 had terrible marketing, people don't even know it exists.

POE2 being on FIG and published by Versus Evil sealed the series fate from the outset

Putting a trailer on a channel with 400 subscribers isn't a good way to sell your game.

Or perhaps POE wasn't even that great for some people, so they didn't bother with the sequel for full price.

It also didn't help with the delay as it lost a lot of momentum, but I feel like its probably to do with the quality of the first game, specifically the writing, which didn't do a whole lot for me.

Hektor · Oct 10, 2018

arbok26 said:
Maybe, but I wouldn't say its a lock. Obsidian have accrued far more experience with CRPG games than Destiny/Anthem type games.

CRPG games work fine with a controller as Diablo on consoles proves.

Personally I'm expecting them to deliver a CRPG as that's where the gap is in Microsoft's line up plus its something Sony does not have exclusively either.

Diablo isn't a CRPG and even that had to be changed functionally to work well on consoles.
And regardless, it's not about the question wether the games could work on console, but wether microsoft would even be interested in publishing these oldschool kinda games.

Atraveller · Oct 10, 2018

Do any of you know what ever happened to iOS Steam Link app?

Vault · Oct 10, 2018

Atraveller said:
OH I've heard a lot of alt-right types review bombing it. How's the actual game?

pretty great, one of the best DnD games in a long time

needs a couple of months of bug fixing though

Jimrpg · Oct 10, 2018

Hektor said:
Diablo isn't a CRPG and even that had to be changed functionally to work well on consoles.
And regardless, it's not about the question wether the games could work on console, but wether microsoft would even be interested in publishing these oldschool kinda games.

Well yes Diablo isn't a CRPG, it is an isometric dungeon crawler and i think a POE style game will have a similar controller layout.

Agreed that these games don't sell as well as say a third person RPG/action game or a well done multiplayer shooter, but most of Microsoft's acquisitions have been pretty strategic playground games, ninja theory etc. I don't know, I just expect them to concentrate on their strengths and make the same games. Obsidian is really the only one that's done a mix of games like South Park, Fallout New Vegas, POE, Tyranny.

texhnolyze · Oct 10, 2018

arbok26 said:
Maybe, but I wouldn't say its a lock. Obsidian have accrued far more experience with CRPG games than Destiny/Anthem type games.

CRPG games work fine with a controller as Diablo on consoles proves.

Personally I'm expecting them to deliver a CRPG as that's where the gap is in Microsoft's line up plus its something Sony does not have exclusively either.

But... Diablo is not something that I'd call a CRPG. It's ARPG where you only control 1 character. Compared to CRPGs (especially RTwP ones) where you have to control 5-6 party members, designing them on a controller is indeed hard. They've actually pulled it off with the first Pillars, but it's not ideal at all as you're emulating mouse cursor with an analog stick.

TC McQueen · Oct 10, 2018

Shiba said:
If any of y'all plan to get Left Alive, GMG is doing a 20% deal for it right now.

Honestly, Left Alive looks like one of those games where you're better off preordering close to release or seeing if there's a deal on release, because there just isn't enough footage out there right now.

sredgrin · Oct 10, 2018

Games like PoE control more like an RTS than they do like Diablo.

Jimrpg · Oct 10, 2018

texhnolyze said:
But... Diablo is not something that I'd call a CRPG. It's ARPG where you only control 1 character. Compared to CRPGs (especially RTwP ones) where you have to control 5-6 party members, designing them on a controller is indeed hard. They've actually pulled it off with the first Pillars, but it's not ideal at all as you're emulating mouse cursor with an analog stick.

I see.. it doesnt feel great to use the control stick as the mouse but that would be ok I guess.

If it was 4 party members, you could have each party member selectable on the dpad. 5 or 6 would indeed be tricky, maybe a select all/deselect all button which would be very quick to use majority of the time.

texhnolyze · Oct 10, 2018

I think it won't be a problem as long as they're not resorting to RTwP. CRPG with turn-based combat feels more natural with either kb/mouse and controller.

I play Divinity Original Sin games with a controller.

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