The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has forced immediate, profound lifestyle shifts for consumers around the world, many of whom have turned to gaming for much-needed distraction and social connections. According to a new report released today by Unity Technologies, the world's leading platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D (RT3D) content, there has been an increase of nearly 50% in daily active users of HD games due to COVID-19. The report's findings stem from a cross-platform study focused on COVID-19's impact on consumer gaming for the period from January 1 to mid-May 2020 as compared to the same period in 2019, including an analysis of player behaviors in games, and how games have thus far proven to be stable revenue generators during a global economic crisis.

The data in the report was sourced globally from mobile games that deploy Unity's monetization platform as well as games made with Unity for PC and mac OS, Android, and iOS, and Unity's deltaDNA which provides sophisticated player engagement tools for game-makers powered by deep data analytics. Unity Ads are seen by more than 114 million end users every day.

It seems many companies just never learn, you would think with Bethesda's various controversies surrounding Fallout 76 that they would have taken a step back and reevaluated their position. You would also think that their first decision would not have been to add more horrendously overpriced downloadable content to their Atom shop. However, instead of making an educated decision Bethesda continues to march straight for the cliff like a group of lemmings.

What did they do this time you ask? Well, they decided to offer more absurdly priced bits of cosmetic gear. First up was their Holiday Emote bundle for 1200 Atoms which is 50% off the regular 2400 Atoms. Next is the Mr. and Mrs. Claus outfits listed for 2000 Atoms, down from 3000. Finally theres the Red Rocket Mega Sign for 1400 Atoms. All told buying those three featured items from the Atom Shop would run you about 4600 Atoms or $40 which is coincidently the highest price the game sells for currently. It would appear Bethesda really wants to earn back their development costs on this one.

Obsidian Entertainment, which have recently announced their latest videogame in the form of "The Outer Worlds", have now come out of woodwork to assuage some fears gamers might have. In an increasingly microtransaction-ridden digital world, and perhaps not helped by the Microsoft acquisition that Obsidian Entertainment has undergone, fears of microtransactions being added to the game that's expected to be a Fallout spiritual successor naturally grew. Timothy Cain, original creator of Fallout, in an interview with Gamestar, put those thoughts to rest. He said, in no uncertain terms that "There are no microtransactions in the game. You buy it once and then enjoy it forever."

New screenshots and details for the game have also been made known, including an interesting "Flaw" system, which pairs with the now well-known "Perk" to give players debuffs for some of their "weak traits" during gameplay in exchange for perk points. Companions with their own motivations and storylines, choice-driven gameplay with some emergent dynamics, are all part of the recipe. Check out the screenshots and Obsidian's own explanations of some of the games' features after the break.

Star Citizen is easily one of the greatest success stories of our times. Even though the game is currently in the alpha stage, Cloud Imperium, the company behind Star Citizen, managed to raise over $168 million through crowdfunding. However, the amount raised doesn't seem to cut it as the developer has decided to implement even more microtransactions into the game. Cloud Imperium has considered it necessary to start selling virtual parcels to their intergalactic citizens as another source of income. According to the company, the money will be reinvested into the game's development. If there's a particular planet, moon or asteroid that you would like to colonize, now is the time to break your piggy bank. However, it won't be cheap. You've been warned.

The current market price for a 4 km by 4 km lot is $50, while the bigger 8 km by 8 km lots are going for $100. As a Star Citizen landowner, the player will be rewarded with a fancy GEOTACK planetary beacon. This beacon prevents other players from invading the owner's property, while also serving as an aid for owners to find their way home. Cloud Imperium is kind enough to give the player complete freedom to what they want to do with their property. So, it's up to the landowner to decide if he wants to use the land to build a cozy home or put a business on it. Do you have some extra money lying around? Invest it in a virtual piece of land to start building your patrimony today!