Microsoft buys Minecraft, Apple unleashes iOS 8, and we tackle GamerGate
The past 7 days in bite-sized portions
GamerGate, iOS 8 install sizes, and Notch leaving Mojang: this week's Week That Was is like a pick 'n' mix shop for gaming controversies. So, just what was all the fuss about?
Following Microsoft's purchase of Mojang and Minecraft, indie idol Notch decided to leave the firm to protect his sanity, and step out of the spotlight.
It was a move that led some to believe the Minecraft creator had simply taken the money and run: a notion Notch strongly refuted.
Apple also caused a stir when it was revealed that the iOS 8 install would consume a massive 5.7 GB of free space, while we tackled GamerGate with two articles that caused quite a stir.
It's not all chaos and controversy though, and the games industry proved it does have a heart by honouring Adam Saltsman and Anita Sarkeesian in the 2014 Gaming Insiders 30.
As always, that slice of news was merely a tantalising taste of what's to come, so find a nice quite spot, make sure no one is watching, and behold the terrifiying beauty of our Week That Was.
Industry Voices- TIGA called for an incubator program between universities and developers to help British devs take on the world.
- Adam Saltsman and Anita Sarkeesian were honored in the 2014 Gaming Insiders 30.
- Pocket Gamer's Mobile Mixer panelists discussed the power of triple-A.
- Notch revealed he left Mojang and Minecraft behind for the sake of his sanity.
- Our mobile mavens discussed the Apple Watch's gaming potential.
- We spoke to Wargaming's Dmitry Yudo to find out more about the making of World of Tanks Blitz.
- PocketGamer.biz contributing editor Keith Andrew explained why GamerGate is one gate that needs to be kept open.
- Freelance writer Carter Dotson also weighed in on the issue, suggesting that the GamerGate debacle prives game culture is sick.
- Tango announced that Road Riot broke through the 1 million DAUs barrier.
- TapDaq found that Apple is clamping down on reskinners with a new App Store algorithm.
- Gameloft launched App Bundles and Metal updates, but only for A7 and A8-class hardware
- Dormant developer Pangea Software woke up to launch three App Store game bundles.
- Tapjoy estimated that iOS 8 adoption rate was significantly lagging behind previous OSes.
- Vrvana promised a universal VR solution with its multi-platform Totem headset.
- Vungle's revealed its new tech takes 300 milliseconds to decide between a pre-cached or streaming ad.
- iOS 8 got a frosty reception when consumers found out the update required 5.7 GB of free space to install.
Funding, acquisitions, personnel and shuttering
- In the biggest news of the week, Microsoft acquired Minecraft for $2.5 billion.
- Ovum suggested Alibaba could make a $1.5+ billion move for Tango
- With H1 2014 sales up 71% to $21 million, Feiyu Technology announced Hong Kong IPO plans.
- Swrve raised $10 million to provide the tools enabling brands to grow the consumer relationship.
- Ironhide Studios, the developer behind popular tower defence series Kingdom Rush, revealed it turned down a buyout offer by Rovio in 2013.
- Chobolabs raised $1.3 million to redefine competitive shooters on mobile.
- Our chart of the week found that Microsoft paid 100 percent too much for Minecraft.