NEWS
Nintendo’s Epic Zelda Sequel ‘Tears Of The Kingdom’ Sparks Global Gaming Frenzy
After a six-year anticipation, fans of the beloved “Zelda” franchise around the globe finally rejoiced on Friday as Nintendo unveiled the highly anticipated latest chapter in its iconic gaming series, which has been captivating audiences for four decades.
Dedicated gamers showed their unwavering commitment by forming lengthy queues outside a store in Paris, hours before midnight struck, in their quest to be among the first to obtain the much-awaited game, titled “Tears of the Kingdom.”
“I’m going crazy actually, because it’s been six years that we’ve been waiting for this game,” 19-year-old Taylor Meguira told AFP as he waited in line.
“When ‘Breath of the Wild’ came out, it was a real revolution in the world of games,” he added, referring to the 2017 instalment of the saga.
“Knowing that there is a sequel, which is coming out in an hour or a little less, it’s just incredible, it just makes me so happy.”
Since its initial release in 1986, the game series showcasing the adventures of Princess Zelda and the courageous hero Link has achieved remarkable success, with a staggering 125 million copies sold worldwide.
Notably, “Zelda” played a pivotal role in shaping the concept of “open world” gaming, allowing players to freely explore vast virtual landscapes—an innovation that later inspired titles such as “Grand Theft Auto” and “Skyrim.”
The franchise’s influence on the gaming industry is evident as it paved the way for immersive gaming experiences and expansive virtual realms.
However, the primary hurdle for the Japanese gaming powerhouse this year lies in enhancing its earnings and extending the lifespan of its Switch console, which industry experts claim has reached a mature stage after gracing store shelves for seven years.
Prior to its release, preview clips circulating on the internet garnered millions of views, generating immense anticipation. Analyst Serkan Toto from Kantan Games predicts that the game will significantly contribute to Nintendo’s sales this year, surpassing other titles by a wide margin.
Nonetheless, when the franchise made its debut in the 1980s, it was a daring move for a company primarily recognized for games like “Donkey Kong” and “Super Mario Bros.” The launch of “Zelda” marked a significant gamble for Nintendo at the time.
The inaugural release, “The Legend of Zelda,” thrust gamers into an unfamiliar universe with minimal guidance or instructions.
During an era when most games could be completed within a couple of hours, “Zelda” presented an expansive and grandiose scale.
Kiyoshi Tane, a renowned author specializing in video game history, acknowledged the game’s groundbreaking nature, stating, “It was a forerunner of what open-world games would eventually evolve into.”
With its vast and immersive world, “Zelda” pushed the boundaries of gaming conventions and set the stage for future titles to explore the possibilities of open-world gameplay.
Following its release, “Zelda” entered the market a few months after the iconic “Super Mario Bros.”
While Mario’s adventures involved traversing platforms from left to right, Zelda took a distinct approach by enticing players to delve into its vast world, encouraging exploration, discovery, and the mapping of its intricate landscapes.
This unique characteristic of the game was highlighted by Mark Brown, an analyst of game design who shares insights on his YouTube channel.
The original “Zelda” quickly became a resounding success, pushing the boundaries of game design and setting new standards for the industry over the next two decades.
However, as the 2010s arrived, the franchise encountered challenges and experienced a decline in its popularity.
The designers rethought the basics of the game, eventually creating 2017’s “Breath of the Wild”, which launched alongside the Switch and has since become the best-selling edition of Zelda.
“This game set a high bar for the open-world action-adventure genre, and Zelda is still at the top,” Katsuhiko Hayashi, representative for Famitsu Group, which publishes industry magazine Famitsu, told AFP.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed
Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors
Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
BBNaija’s Eloswag Responds To Leaked Sextape
Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly
N1.3trn Fraud: EFCC Arrests Ex-Delta Gov, Ifeanyi Okowa
Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians
Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes
#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors
OSSG Raises Alarm Over Murder Plot By APC Chieftain
NCC, SMEDAN, NAICOM, SEC, Others Set for SUPERNEWS SMEs Conf June 13
Sahara’s Tonye Cole resigns from GPHCDA
Oando opens ultra-modern petrol station in Lagos
Niger Delta Avengers: President Buhari Reads riot Act …considers the carrot and stick option
