ESRB Requires Ratings on Physical Indie Releases

The new rule itself requires games to obtain an ESRB rating before being published on Sony platforms. Previously, only games seeking a retail release had to receive an ESRB rating.

While digital games can be rated for free through the board's short form process, any title seeking a physical launch is now required to go through the long form rating process before being cleared for release. That means devs are required to pay a fee and submit details about the content of the game both through an online questionnaire and a physical DVD capturing "all pertinent content" for ESRB review

Special Reserve Games has cancelled a planned physical release of Ruiner because it “tipped production costs”

The new mandate introduces a valued tier for under $1 million production budget for being rated digitally but physical copies will require $3000

SAG-AFTRA Voice Actors Strike Over

90% of those striking voted to accept the tentative agreement.

EA Acquires Respawn For $455 Million

Total is made from $151 million cash, $164 restricted long term stock, and possible bonus of $140 million

Patrick Soderlund EA executive vice president said that they have a good relationship and the acquisition will help with publishing. For example last year, TitanFall 2 and Battlefield 1 came out too close together. October 21st compared to 28th.

Sony Offers Real Currency For Playstation Trophies

Sony Rewards systems will let you cash in your trophies for money. This policy is US only for now.

100 Silver trophies – 100 points
25 Gold trophies –  250 points
10 Platinum trophies – 1,000 points

1,000 points breaks down to $10

TellTale Games Lays Off 25% of Staff

The reduction affects 90 employees

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