Hey speedrunners and gaming aficionados! Welcome back to GamingSpeedrun.com, your ultimate hub for all things fast-paced gaming and breaking records. In this week's roundup, we're diving deep into the most significant happenings from Week 19 of 2022. From major game delays and surprising studio splits to console sales figures that paint a clear picture of the market. Whether you're chasing that next World Record or just want to stay in the loop, you've come to the right place.
The Big Headlines: Delays, Splits, and Cancellations
This week in the gaming world has been a whirlwind of unexpected news. Major titles have seen their release dates pushed back, long-standing partnerships have dissolved, and certain highly anticipated projects have been unceremoniously scrapped. It's a stark reminder of the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of game development and the industry at large. We'll break down the key stories that have gamers talking.
Starfield and Redfall: Bethesda's Shifting Sands
One of the most significant pieces of news this week revolves around Bethesda's highly anticipated titles, *Starfield* and *Redfall*. Both games, which were slated for release in 2022, have now been officially delayed to the first half of 2023.
This decision, while disappointing for eager fans, is understandable from a development perspective. Bethesda has stated that these delays are necessary to ensure the games meet the high standards players expect. For *Starfield*, the extra time is crucial for polishing what is touted as their most ambitious RPG to date. For *Redfall*, the delay aims to refine its cooperative vampire-slaying gameplay. As speedrunners, we know the importance of precision and a polished engine for executing complex
speedrun strategies. Delays can sometimes lead to even better optimized runs down the line.
The pursuit of perfection in game development often necessitates patience. For speedrunners, this means more time to study, strategize, and perfect our routes once the games are finally in our hands.
EA and FIFA: The End of an Era
In a move that sent shockwaves through the sports gaming community, Electronic Arts (EA) and FIFA announced the end of their long-standing partnership. After nearly three decades, the FIFA video game franchise will be rebranded as *EA Sports FC* starting in 2023.
This split means EA will lose the rights to use the FIFA name and its associated branding. However, EA has assured fans that their popular football simulation will continue with "more innovation, more immersion, and more choice." They also highlighted their extensive portfolio of officially licensed
real-world sports leagues, stadiums, and player rosters, which they will retain. The impact on potential
speedrunning categories for these titles remains to be seen, but it's a major shift in the sports
gaming landscape.
Gotham Knights: A Knight's Tale Cut Short
For those looking forward to swinging through Gotham as one of Batman's proteges, there's some unfortunate news. Warner Bros. Games has announced the cancellation of *Gotham Knights*. Originally slated for release later this year, the decision to cancel the game, developed by WB Games Montréal, has left many fans disheartened.
While the reasons for the cancellation haven't been fully disclosed, it signifies a significant project that won't see the light of day. This is a tough pill to swallow for the community, especially for those who were already theorizing about potential
speedrun categories and glitches that might emerge in a title set in the DC universe.
PlayStation 5: Dominating the Sales Charts
On the hardware front, the PlayStation 5 continues to show strong sales momentum. Recent reports indicate that Sony has sold over 20 million PS5 consoles worldwide. Despite ongoing supply chain issues that have plagued the
PlayStation console since its launch, this milestone is a testament to its popularity and demand.
The robust sales figures for the PS5 are significant for the
gaming ecosystem. It suggests a strong player base actively engaging with the latest generation of consoles, which will likely fuel the development of new, ambitious titles. For speedrunners, a larger installed base means a broader audience for competitive
speedrunning showcases and potentially more participants in
speedrun marathons.
Hitting 20 million units sold is a massive achievement for the PS5. It solidifies its position in the market and bodes well for the future of exclusive titles and gaming experiences on the platform.
Beyond the major industry news, the
gaming community remains vibrant. Discussions are rife with speculation about upcoming E3-like events, potential new indie game discoveries, and, of course, ongoing
speedrun attempts. The relentless pursuit of personal bests (
PB) and
world records (
WR) never stops.
We're seeing incredible runs in titles across the board, from classic
RPGs to the latest action-packed titles. The dedication of these players to master complex
strats, optimize movement, and overcome challenging
glitches or
RNG manipulation is truly inspiring. Keep an eye on platforms like
Speedrun.com to see the latest
record-breaking performances!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new name for the EA FIFA game?
The *FIFA* franchise will be rebranded as *EA Sports FC* starting in 2023.
When will Starfield and Redfall be released?
Both *Starfield* and *Redfall* have been delayed and are now expected to release in the first half of 2023.
How many PS5 consoles have been sold?
Sony has sold over 20 million PlayStation 5 consoles worldwide.
Was Gotham Knights cancelled?
Yes, Warner Bros. Games announced the cancellation of *Gotham Knights*.
Where can I find the latest speedrun records?
You can find the latest
speedrun records and leaderboards on
Speedrun.com.
This week's news brings both excitement and disappointment, a common thread in the ever-evolving world of gaming. While delays and cancellations can sting, they often pave the way for more polished and enjoyable experiences in the long run. The continued success of the PS5 is fantastic news for the platform and for players seeking cutting-edge games.
What are your thoughts on this week's news? Did any of these announcements surprise you? Let us know in the comments below or join the conversation on our
Discord server! We're always eager to hear your takes and see your latest
speedrun achievements. Keep practicing, keep pushing those boundaries, and we'll see you next week with another rundown!
