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Ninja Hits 1 Million Subscribers On Mixer

In one of the biggest moves ever in the game-streaming world, Tyler Blevins AKA Ninja recently quit Twitch to stream exclusively on Microsoft’s Mixer platform. His move to Mixer was immediately successful, it seems, as Ninja has racked up 1 million active subscribers in under a week.

That makes him among the most popular streamers on Mixer; this is the kind of quick success that Microsoft was likely looking for when recruiting him to the platform. Ninja’s rapid climb on Mixer was expected, given he tallied 100,000 subscribers in 24 hours.

It’s likely Microsoft paid Ninja to leave Twitch for Mixer, but no terms have been announced. Responding to the 1 million subscriber achievement, Ninja said, “Thank you for all the incredible support. I haven’t felt this good in a long time.”

Microsoft’s signing of Ninja comes not long after the company laid off content creators and producers at Mixer and Inside Xbox, according to GameDaily.

According to Ninja, nothing will change in terms of content on his streams for Mixer compared to Twitch. “It’s the same me, just a different platform,” he said. Intriguingly, Ninja also said he plans to “get back in touch with my roots” as it relates to streaming. That’s noteworthy because Ninja started out as a popular Halo streamer before going on newer titles; he is most recently famous for streaming Fornite. Microsoft’s next Halo game, Halo Infinite, launches in Holiday 2020.

Ninja coming to Mixer could be part of Microsoft’s plan to promote Halo Infinite, but nothing is confirmed at this stage.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ninja-hits-1-million-subscribers-on-mixer/1100-6468950/

Rocket League Removing Paid Crates Later This Year

Following its acquisition by Epic Games in May 2019, Rocket League developer Psyonix has starry plans for its vehicular soccer game. One of these plans includes the complete removal of “all paid, randomized crates” from the game later this year.

Pysonix confirmed in a brief blog post that the current paid, randomized loot boxes will be replaced by a new system that “shows the exact items you’re buying in advance.” The developer cited Fortnite‘s changes to V-Buck Llamas, which now display the contents before you buy them, as a point of reference. Pysonix said this decision reflects its “dedicat[ion] to creating the best possible experience for our players all over the world.”

There’s no confirmation as to when this new system will be implemented. Pysonix said that the new system will come “later this year” and that information about it will be shared “in the coming months.” Though paid, randomized crates will no longer be offered in Rocket League, Psyonix made it clear that Rocket Pass Premium, DLC Cars, and Esports Shop items will still be offered for direct purchase alongside the new system.

Loot boxes, much like crunch, are a hot-button topic in the games industry–particularly among elected officials. In April 2019, Pysonix axed loot boxes in two European countries because of “government regulations.” This follows a string of other games scrapping loot boxes, including Overwatch and Star Wars Battlefront II. Earlier this year, EA removed FIFA Points from FIFA in accordance with new laws in certain countries where the game thrives.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/rocket-league-removing-paid-crates-later-this-year/1100-6468948/

Light-Up Dock Shields Are The Switch Accessory I Never Knew I Needed (And They’re On Sale)

If you have a Nintendo Switch, chances are you have the standard, grey dock that came with the console (unless you sprung for special editions like the Pikachu and Eevee console or the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate one). I had accepted my plain, boring dock as a fact of life–until I spotted these PDP Switch dock shields that light up with Pikachu, Mario, or Legend of Zelda-inspired designs. They’re currently on sale for $15 and normally sell for $20, which is a great price considering these things are stunning.

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Legend of Zelda / Super Mario Odyssey Light-Up Dock Shield

$15 ($20)

See it at Amazon

There are two different dock shields available. One dock shield is Pokemon-themed, with a lightning-charged Pikachu on one side and a Poke Ball design on the other. The other dock shield is a Legend of Zelda / Super Mario Odyssey combo design–one side has a Sheikah crest pattern, and on the other side, you’ll find a Mario Odyssey theme. Both dock shields have 17 different colors and light effects, such as Flash Mode, Strobe Mode, and Smooth Mode. The product itself comes with an electronic base (that holds and connects to the dock via USB) and two acrylic panels that display the artwork.

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Pokemon Light-Up Dock Shield

$15 ($20)

See it at Amazon

Amazon’s product pictures (shown above) don’t really do it justice, so when you look at the listing, I recommend scrolling down to check out the photos customers have posted of the dock in action. The LED lights are vibrant and glow beautifully in a darkened room. There’s also a color cycle mode where you can customize the light effects to your preference, as well as a plain “on” mode. You can also just leave the lights off and enjoy the design itself (but at that point, you might as well just get a simple dock cover that doesn’t light up).

With 4.7 out of 5 stars and over 300 reviews, it’s clear this is one accessory Switch owners have put their stamp of approval on, and you’re getting a great deal at $15. Check out the dock shields at Amazon if you’re interested, and see some fan photos we spotted on Twitter below.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/light-up-dock-shields-are-the-switch-accessory-i-n/1100-6468941/

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