Famitsu Critic’s Cameo in Death Stranding Sparks Controversy | The Jampack Report 11.12.19

Kojima’s Newest Game Received a Rare Perfect Score from the Outlet

Hideo Kojima’s Death Stranding is under fire in Japan after it was discovered that the game features a cameo from Hirokazu Hamamura, former editor-in-chief of Famitsu (now president of Famitsu’s publisher, Enterbrain). The game is one of the few to receive a perfect score from the infamously difficult gaming news outlet, bringing many to question the transparency and validity of Famitsu’s review.

In Japan, Fans Question Famitsu-Related Cameos In Death Stranding

The character of Japanese gaming news outlet Famitsu is being called into question after its former editor-in-chief received a prominent cameo in Kojima Productions’ Death Stranding (a game which received the incredibly rare perfect score from the traditionally critical outlet).

Tencent reportedly wants to develop its own games with Nintendo characters

The Wall Street Journal reports that Tencent is wanting to expand their collaboration with Nintendo, developing new games with Nintendo’s existing intellectual property. Although unlikely, Tecent has partnered with Nintendo to bring the Switch console to the Chinese market. With an existing relationship, the possibility of a deeper collaboration — even on this level — isn’t completely out of the question.

Google Stadia will launch with 12 games

Google’s cloud-based gaming platform, Google Stadia, will launch to early adopters on November 19. A full list of all 12 titles hitting the service on day one has been revealed, though many have criticized the lineup for including older games and few exclusives.

Xbox One test offers ‘surprise’ suggestions for what to play

For players who struggle to choose their next game, the newest update in the Alpha Skip-Ahead preview program includes a “Surprise Me” button that — as its name suggests — selects a random game from a user’s library. While it’s unclear if the selection is random or based on a user’s habits, the new feature is an interesting way for players who simply can’t pick the next title to tackle.

Sonic the Hedgehog movie reveals less awful design

After a disastrous original reveal last December, a revised character design for Sonic the Hedgehog has been revealed by Sega and Paramount Pictures. The “new” Sonic clearly takes more inspiration from classic Sonic images, ditching realistic muscle design and facial animations for a more cartoon-focused approach.