Gaming

Unity launches Unity 2021 LTS for creators

Published

3 years ago

April 13, 2022

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Unity 2021 LTS delivers powerful improvements to workflows, rendering capabilities, and platform support to help you realize your creative ambitions. New enhancements prioritize quality, productivity, and performance for any platform, genre, or artistic style.

Today, we’re excited to announce that Unity 2021 LTS is available to download and use. This release represents more than a year of focused development across the entire Unity Editor and underlying foundational features. In 2021, we continued our commitment to putting quality first in order to make your experience working in Unity more stable, productive, and efficient than ever before.

The LTS release combines the features we rolled up in our Unity 2021.1 and Unity 2021.2 Tech Stream releases with an additional six months of quality polish. This means you can choose the Long Term Support version with confidence that you’ll experience highly dependable workflows and incredibly stable games that hum on any platform you target.

European Gaming Congress 2024 (Warsaw, Poland)

LTS releases are published annually, with two full years of support and biweekly updates to ensure you have the absolute latest fixes when you need them.

We focused Unity 2021 LTS development on four key areas.

Workflows for all

First, we focused on offering more accessible workflows for all creators, regardless of their role in the project. This enables you to build immersive experiences more quickly by taking advantage of the improvements we’ve made on how you work in-Editor.

Integrated visual scripting is available in Unity 2021 LTS. Easily the most exciting feature in the release, this approach can benefit anyone, from non-coders who want more autonomy to seasoned programmers quickly prototyping new functionality. Most Unity scripting processes can be replicated through a visual drag-and-drop interface that allows you to create and prototype without having to write a line of code.

We’ve also improved how quickly assets are imported into the Editor and made it easier to manage PSD imports for 2D game components. Get through your worldbuilding phase faster with updates to Terrain Tools, and discover improvements to VFX Graph, Shader Graph, and Cinemachine.

Faster to quality

Next, we wanted to give you the ability to iterate faster and produce higher-quality experiences for your players. We’ve upgraded workflows across the board, provided better Editor usability, and enhanced our testing tools.

Minimize time from design to hands-on creation by leveraging Feature Sets, which gather all the packages you need to start a project in a one-click bundle. Find what you’re looking for faster with improved search capability, and experience an added zippiness in common operations you use regularly.

Make sure your code is clean, performant, and high-quality with a new Mono upgrade, improved C# 8 support, and incremental builds that compile your project as you create it. A comprehensive Memory Profiler allows you to profile with multiple Players simultaneously.

Follow up that quality coding experience with tools that facilitate an equally high-quality output. In Unity 2021 LTS, you’ll find a mobile Device Simulator to check for compatibility on multiple devices. Use the production-ready Code Coverage package with the Test Runner to export code coverage data and reports from your automated tests. Additionally, the Code Coverage package offers a Coverage Recording feature that allows you to capture coverage data on demand for manual testing or when there are no automated tests in the project.

Graphics capabilities

Our third area of development was to couple all the work on the Editor with an equal focus on improving graphics capabilities for your projects. Craft stunning visuals with a collection of powerful rendering solutions, all supported by a comprehensive ecosystem of graphical tools.

Our Universal Render Pipeline (URP) is optimized for maximum platform reach so your players can enjoy fantastic graphic fidelity regardless of their device. In Unity 2021 LTS, you’ll find upgrades to URP for Point Light shadows, Lens Flares, and decals.

If you’re looking to get the maximum performance for a specific platform, the improvements we’ve made to the High Definition Render Pipeline (HDRP) include realistic cloud definition with Volumetric Clouds and Static Shadow Casting.

Craft stunning visuals with powerful rendering solutions supported by an ecosystem of tools. Push the limits of high fidelity with HDRP performance upgrades and features like NVIDIA DLSS for desktop and AMD FSR native support in URP.

Reach new generations of players

Be where your players are with support for innovative new platforms and technologies. Expand your development capabilities with ChromeOS and macOS-based Apple silicon support, and achieve even more impressive results on the latest generation of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. Develop for augmented and virtual reality worlds with OpenXR and Oculus enhancements, or create for mobile by optimizing with Samsung Adaptive Performance 3.0 and tap into seamless publishing with Android asset bundling.

Fourth Star

Fourth Star Launches Immersive Media Streaming Platform

Published

2 days ago

January 30, 2025

GamingAmericas.com

fourth-star-launches-immersive-media-streaming-platform

Fourth Star, the cutting-edge virtual reality immersive media streaming platform, is officially available to the public. This innovative platform transforms traditional entertainment by enabling users to seamlessly watch standard 2D, 180 and 360 immersive media content and movies. Fourth Star redefines how audiences engage with immersive storytelling, offering an unparalleled first-person centric perspective on entertainment.

“Fourth Star is more than just a platform – it’s a revolution in entertainment,” said Greg Simon, Co-Founder & CEO of Fourth Star. “We’ve created an immersive experience where users can not only consume content but also actively participate in it. Our vision is to transform how people experience media content and movies in a way that has never been done before.”

A New Era of Interactive Entertainment

The largest immersive media streaming platform available on Sidequest, users can explore nearly forty unique environments, interact with AI-driven crew, and experience entertainment in an entirely new way. Fourth Star offers a groundbreaking approach to digital engagement, whether socializing in the Cafe, customizing avatars in private Apartments or Ships, or stepping directly into a movie’s storyline.

“The combination of VR, AI, and blockchain in Fourth Star sets a new standard for immersive entertainment,” said Craig Wiltshire, CTO of Fourth Star. “Our vision is to seamlessly integrate all three technologies into the user experience. We are redefining the entertainment experience from passive observation to active creation.”

Built for Content Partners

Fourth Star is a self-serve platform designed for content partners of all sizes, from individual creators to blockbuster studios. Content partners can set up an account, create content channels, and begin monetizing their work immediately. No integration is required, allowing for seamless onboarding and instant access to a global audience. The Creator Portal empowers partners to distribute and profit from their immersive media with ease, making Fourth Star a truly open and accessible metaverse for digital entertainment.

Key Features of Fourth Star

VR Streaming Platform – Users can access nearly forty environments and own their own luxury apartments and ships all equipped with an immersive media streaming entertainment hub.
Social & Customization – Connect with others in dynamic social hubs, personalize your avatar, and invite your friends to your own luxury apartment and ship.
Player Portal – Users can access the web-based marketplace to explore content, invite friends,
Creator Portal – Set up an account, create content channels, and begin monetizing your work immediately. No integration is required, allowing for seamless onboarding and instant access to a global audience.
Blockchain Integration – The FSTR token, built on the Polygon blockchain, powers the ecosystem, providing secure transactions and exclusive rewards.
AI-Powered Companions – Coming soon

FSTR: The Utility Token Powering Fourth Star

FSTR serves as the primary ecosystem currency within the Fourth Star platform, enabling users to purchase Apartments, Ships, AI Companions, and exclusive content. Token holders benefit from:

VIP Access – Exclusive events, early screenings, and red carpet experiences.
Discounts – 25% savings on in-app purchases (IAPs) and entertainment content.

A New Paradigm in Entertainment

Fourth Star is designed to deliver the future of entertainment through merging cinematic storytelling with interactive gaming, offering:

A seamless transition from passive to interactive experiences.
A thriving community for players, creators, and investors.
Advanced AI integration for interactive AI characters.
Don’t just watch the star in the movie, become the star.

Availability and Access

Fourth Star is now live and available for users worldwide on Sidequest. Whether you’re an explorer, content creator large to small, storyteller, or entertainment enthusiast, Fourth Star provides an immersive space to experience digital entertainment like never before.

The post Fourth Star Launches Immersive Media Streaming Platform appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

Gaming

Flexion partners with King to launch Candy Crush Solitaire© simultaneously across platforms

Published

2 weeks ago

January 17, 2025

George Miller

flexion-partners-with-king-to-launch-candy-crush-solitaire-simultaneously-across-platforms

Reading Time: < 1 minute

Significant industry first will see game launch from day one across 5 alternative stores in addition to Apple and Google.

Flexion, the games marketing company, announces a partnership with preeminent developer King to market new game Candy Crush Solitaire^© in alternative app stores.

Expected to be one of the exciting game announcements of the year, Candy Crush Solitaire^© will be available on the Amazon Appstore, Samsung Galaxy Store, Huawei App Gallery, Xiaomi GetApps and ONE store from the get-go thanks to Flexion’s expertise and technology. The game launches globally across platforms on 6 February and is already available for preregistration in all the stores.

Flexion has had a partnership with King since June 2024 to market Candy Crush Saga^© on the alternative stores. With this latest deal, both companies are breaking new ground with concurrent launches, taking them to the leading edge of games marketing.

“This is the first time King will launch simultaneously across such a wide range of platforms,” says Jens Lauritzson, Flexion’s CEO. “King has recognised that mobile audiences come from a more diverse range of markets these days, and we are thrilled to be able to help them reach those markets. Flexion has brought to the partnership the tech, experience and expertise to ensure the ultimate in user choice.”

Commenting on the deal, Benjamin Pommeraud, General Manager of Strategic Initiatives at King, says: “We’re excited to partner with Flexion to make Candy Crush Solitaire available to more players. As our first expansion of the Candy universe into a new genre, this collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality experiences that are accessible to everyone, no matter where they choose to play.”

The post Flexion partners with King to launch Candy Crush Solitaire© simultaneously across platforms appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

FreezeNova

10-15% Of Gamers In Florida Show Signs Of Gaming Addiction: Here Are 10 Signs Your Kid Is Suffering From It (And How You Can Help)

Published

1 month ago

December 20, 2024

GamingAmericas.com

10-15%-of-gamers-in-florida-show-signs-of-gaming-addiction:-here-are-10-signs-your-kid-is-suffering-from-it-(and-how-you-can-help)

Recent studies indicate that 10-15% of young gamers in Florida exhibit signs of gaming addiction. These findings underscore the need for early identification of symptoms to prevent negative impacts on children’s mental and physical health. Gaming addiction, if not dealt with, can lead to poor academic performance, social withdrawal, and even health problems.

Marin Cristian-Ovidiu, CEO of FreezeNova, discusses key indicators of gaming addiction and offers practical advice for parents.

Recognizing Early Signs

“Early recognition of gaming addiction is crucial in preventing long-term negative outcomes,” Marin explains. The following signs can help parents identify if their child might be developing an addiction:

Exhaustion and Irritability

Constant tiredness and grumpiness during the day could indicate late-night gaming sessions interfering with sleep.

Gaming Obsession

If gaming dominates your child’s thoughts and conversations, and they plan their day around it while neglecting other responsibilities, it could be a sign of addiction.

Decline in Academic Performance and Lost Interests

A noticeable decline in academic performance or loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities may suggest your child is prioritizing gaming over more important tasks.

Emotional Volatility

Extreme emotional reactions to in-game outcomes, such as uncontrolled anger, known as ‘Gamer Rage’, or intense celebrations, could indicate an unhealthy attachment to gaming.

Physical Strain

Signs of repetitive strain injuries like ‘Gamer’s Thumb’ or ‘Nintendo Neck’ from prolonged screen time are warning signals.

Neglecting Basic Needs

If your child is neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or hygiene to keep playing, gaming has likely taken an unhealthy control over their life.

Creating a Supportive Environment

While video games can be a great source of entertainment and connection, around 70% of people with signs of gaming addiction also experience social disorders. Marin recommends a few tips for building a supportive and open environment for your child.

Teamwork and Setting Boundaries

“Parents and children should work together to create a healthy gaming environment. Gaming addiction requires a holistic approach,” Marin advises. Start by setting clear boundaries on gaming time to ensure there’s room for schoolwork, chores, and quality family time.

Revisit activities your child once loved, like football practice or exploring new hobbies together. It’s vital for your child to take breaks from screens, so create a balanced daily routine that includes homework, chores, exercise and just some gaming time. This allows your child to enjoy their games without neglecting other aspects of their life.

Open Communication

Maintain open communication. Discuss the games your child enjoys and any concerns you might have. By understanding their world, you can work together to find solutions.

Remember, you’re not alone. If you feel overwhelmed, seek professional help from specialists in gaming addiction. Marin concludes, “By working as a team, setting clear boundaries, and fostering open communication, we can help your child develop a healthy relationship with gaming and thrive in all areas of life.”