The 8bA Podcast is a podcast bringing you the latest and greatest gaming news of the past week.

NEWS ITEMS

Embracer Group. TheVerge reports that corporate conglomerate Embracer is splitting into three separate companies: Asmodee (for tabletop games), Coffee Stain & Friends (indie, mid-market, and F2P games), and Middle-Earth Enterprises & Friends (AAA games that include Dead Island, Tomb Raider, and Lord of the Rings). Additionally, Embracer’s CEO Lars Wingefors  admits that he “deserves a lot of criticism.”

EPIC v. Apple. TheVerge reports that the legal battle between the two corporations reignited, and this time things may swing in favor of EPIC.

Humble Bundle. A $20 farming sim bundle is available on Humble Bundle to benefit Kiss the Ground, which promotes regenerative agriculture. The bundle includes The Witch of Fern Island, Cornucopia, Immortal Life, Cattails: Wildwood Story, Ikonei Island, Everdream Valley, Littlewood, and No Place Like Home. The bundle ends May 10th.

Roll20. Polygon reports that Roll20 is working on Discord integration so that you can view that playing board directly in Discord. Notably, GMs may still need to keep the browser open to make changes.

Tales of the Shire. TheVerge reports that an Animal Crossing-style game set in Middle Earth is coming Fall 2024 to consoles and PC.

World of Warcraft. IGN reports that Blizzard is aware that paid early access is a controversial idea. Players who purchase an upgraded expansion bundle get three days of early access to the War Within content. Additionally, there will be no BlizzCon this year.

LINKS

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“1-UP” is by Professor Shyguy. You can find his work at https://professorshyguy.bandcamp.com