Pokémon Children and the Adult Brain
Sony’s Visual Arts and PlayStation Studios Malaysia are facing layoffs amid restructuring efforts, affecting teams behind major AAA projects. Meanwhile, Acclaim, a well-known name from the 1990s gaming scene, is making a comeback under new leadership with a focus on supporting indie developers. In tech, Nvidia’s GTC 2025 is set to welcome 25,000 in-person attendees, showcasing the latest in AI and accelerated computing. Elsewhere, Sega is doubling down on key franchises, while Roblox’s 'The Hunt: Mega Edition' is offering a $1 million grand prize, making it one of the biggest competitions in the platform’s history.
Sony Lays Off Employees at Visual Arts and PlayStation Studios Malaysia Amid Restructuring
Sony has implemented layoffs across its Visual Arts and PlayStation Studios Malaysia divisions as part of a broader restructuring effort. While the exact number of affected employees remains undisclosed, reports suggest that the cuts are widespread. Visual Arts, known for supporting major titles like The Last of Us, and PS Studios Malaysia, which collaborated on AAA PlayStation projects, have both been impacted. These layoffs follow the cancellation of an unannounced live-service game from Bend Studio, the developer behind Days Gone, with some developers from that project reportedly among those laid off. Former employees have taken to social media, expressing concerns over the loss of experienced talent and the ongoing challenges in the gaming industry.
Popular 90’s Game Publisher Acclaim Revived Under New Leadership to Support Indie Developers
Acclaim, the renowned 1990s video game publisher, has been relaunched with a focus on supporting indie developers and reviving classic franchises. The company is now led by CEO Alex Josef, former founder and CEO of Graffiti Games. Acclaim aims to provide resources such as funding, marketing, and PR support to independent studios. An advisory board comprising industry veterans—including Striker Entertainment's Russell Binder, Ridge Partners' Mark Caplan, and professional wrestler Jeff Jarrett—has been established to guide this initiative. The company's growth strategy is further bolstered by partnerships with VaynerFund's Phil Toronto and Jet Management's Eric Vogel.
Nvidia's GTC 2025 Anticipates 25,000 In-Person Attendees
Nvidia has announced that its GTC 2025 conference will take place from March 17 to 21 in San Jose, California, expecting 25,000 in-person and 300,000 virtual attendees. The event will feature over 1,000 sessions, with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivering a keynote on March 18 at the SAP Center, focusing on advancements in AI and accelerated computing. Notable speakers include Pieter Abbeel (UC Berkeley), Drago Anguelov (Waymo), and Frances Arnold (Caltech), among others. The conference will also showcase demos, hands-on training, and an autonomous vehicle exhibit, highlighting Nvidia's role in addressing global challenges across various industries.
⚡Quick Bytes
Sega to Focus on Core Franchises with Strategic Investments in Sonic, Atlus, and Like a Dragon Studios
Sega has announced plans to release fewer new titles in the upcoming fiscal year, shifting its focus toward strengthening key franchises. The company intends to bolster development teams for Sonic, Atlus, and Like a Dragon (formerly Yakuza) through targeted hiring and potential mergers and acquisitions.
Roblox Announces 'The Hunt: Mega Edition' with $1 Million Grand Prize
Roblox has announced 'The Hunt: Mega Edition', a large-scale event starting March 13, 2025, where players can compete across 25 games for a $1 million grand prize. Participants will complete game-specific and exploration-based quests, with the top 10 finalists advancing to a live-streamed showdown on April 4 at Roblox HQ.
💡Did You Know
A Stanford study found that adults who played Pokémon extensively as children have a specific brain region—the occipitotemporal sulcus—that responds preferentially to Pokémon characters. This discovery sheds light on how specialized brain areas develop based on early visual experiences.
📜Quote of the Day
“There Ain't No Shame In Looking For A Better World.”
Arthur Morgan, RDR2
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