In this week’s TPoI, Chinese Super League invests $15 million in a six-year game development deal, Xbox One X sells through initial supply to break pre-order records for Microsoft, and Electronic Arts rolls out sweeping changes for this year’s Madden NFL 18.
Chinese Super League Invests $15 Million to Develop New Soccer Game
Chinese Super League, China’s largest soccer competition, has announced plans to invest $15 million in Beijing-based studio Crazy Sports to develop a new soccer game. Gamesindustry.biz reports that the game will include the 16 teams and stadiums involved in the league. While the Chinese Super League itself has risen in popularity, ESPN FC states that 13 of the league’s top football clubs are at risk for expulsion due to outstanding debts.
Xbox One X Surpasses Previous Preorder Records for Microsoft
Microsoft’s upcoming 4k console, the Xbox One X, has already sold through it’s initial pre-order supply in advance of the console’s November 7 launch, according to the Corporate Vice President of Marketing for Xbox, Mike Nichols. While these numbers are promising for Microsoft, Business Insider reports that GameStop is having trouble selling the original Xbox One and Xbox One S and that the retailer hopes that the Xbox One X will help drive more console sales for Microsoft.
Electronic Arts Introduces New Features for Madden NFL 18
E.A Sports is implementing new features to one of their most popular franchises with Madden NFL 18, including a new story mode and social media implementation. Kat Bailey of USGamer reports that this year’s iteration of Madden is more than just a roster update as fans have come to expect from yearly sports games. SB Nation reports that the new story mode is a choice driven narrative that has players following a single quarterback as he works his way up in the NFL. The inclusion of a new story mode and the inclusion of beginner specific features like an updated arcade mode made Business Insider call Madden NFL 18, “the most accessible, ambitious ‘Madden’ game in years.”