https://www.gameinformer.com/ From the latest company acquisition to exciting game reveals and announcements, Game Informer covers the latest, breaking news in the industry. en https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/05/08/the-joker-voiced-by-mark-hamill-joins-multiversus <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/08/ce8204d1/multiversus-joker.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="MultiVersus The Joker Mark Hamill" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>MultiVersus makes its <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/11/multiversus-is-back-in-action-this-may">grand return</a> on May 28, and a new trailer reveals that the Joker is joining the roster. Even better, Mark Hamill is voicing the Clown Prince of Crime once more.</p> <p>Though we don’t see gameplay, a cinematic trailer sets up a dramatic confrontation (and likely emotional reunion for fans) between Batman, voiced in the game by the late Kevin Conroy, and his archnemesis. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2FmWxARNT18" width="640"></iframe> <p>This marks the first game to feature both Batman: The Animated Series actors together as their respective characters since 2018’s <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/lego-dc-super-villains/its-quite-good-to-be-bad">Lego DC Super Villans</a>. Conroy passed away in 2022, and prior to 2024's Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, MultiVersus was the final game to feature his Batman performance. Following his death, Hamill had alluded to <a href="https://screenrant.com/batman-joker-mark-hamill-return-no-explained/">retiring the Joker</a> role for good. However, dataminers uncovered Joker’s existence in MultiVersus in 2022 and found audio files revealing Hamill’s performance. This means he likely recorded his lines before Conroy’s passing. </p> <p>Joker is the first new character to join the existing line-up of fighters, but he won't be the last. We're curious to see who else joins the fray after MultiVersus re-launches on May 28 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. </p> Wed, 08 May 2024 14:39:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122586 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/08/sonic-rumble-is-a-32-player-mobile-platforming-battle-royale-coming-this-winter <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/08/1afec4f0/sonic_rumble_header.jpg" width="800" height="427" alt="Sonic Rumble iOS Android mobile battle royale 32 player the hedgehog shadow" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Sega has revealed Sonic Rumble, a 32-player mobile platforming battle royale, and it's coming this winter. As is par for the course of battle royale-type games, Sonic Rumble puts 32 players against each other competing on various levels and obstacle courses to remain the last person standing. </p> <p>In the reveal trailer, it's clear players control various characters from the universe of Sega's Sonic the Hedgehog series, including Sonic, of course, Tails, Knuckles, Shadow, Amy, Dr. Eggman, and presumably more. As you play, you collect rings and these are used to customize your characters in special outfits and more. </p> <p><strong>Check it out for yourself in the Sonic Rumble announce trailer below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Em6-SjjaYQE" width="640"></iframe> <p>There's no release date for Sonic Rumble yet, but Sega says it's releasing this Winter. Given it's a mobile game, it's expected to hit iOS and Android. If you're interested in trying the game out, <a href="https://sonicrumble.sega.com/">you can sign up for beta tests right now</a>. </p> <p>For more about everyone's favorite blue blur, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/sonic-frontiers/into-the-wild-blue-yonder"><em>Game Informer's </em>Sonic Frontiers review</a>, and then read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/sonic-superstars/the-folly-of-teamwork"><em>Game Informer's </em>Sonic Superstars review</a>. After that, watch <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/video-feature/2024/04/08/sonic-the-hedgehogs-takashi-iizuka-reflects-on-segas-road-to-the-dreamcast"><em>Game Informer's </em>exclusive video interview with Sonic's Takashi Iizuka</a> about Sega's road to the Dreamcast. </p> <p><em>Are you going to play Sonic Rumble later this year? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Wed, 08 May 2024 11:44:45 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122584 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/05/08/nintendo-world-championships-nes-edition-hits-switch-in-july-with-150-speedrun <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/08/7fc99e21/nes_header.jpg" width="800" height="397" alt="Nintendo World Championship NES Edition Speedrunning Switch July 18" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Nintendo has revealed Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition, a game designed around speedrunning challenges and more across 13 classic NES games. Set to hit Switch on July 18, Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition features more than 150 challenges to complete, and you can compete for top spots on global online leaderboards or with friends. </p> <p>Nintendo revealed this compilation title with a trailer that pulls heavy on the Nintendo World Championship nostalgia, with previous winners appearing, footage from old competitions, and more throughout. </p> <p><strong>Check out the Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition announcement trailer for yourself below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ELmBYBga5SY" width="640"></iframe> <p>As you can see, challenges in the game include reaching the Super Mushroom as fast as you can in Super Mario Bros., defeating the Octorocks the fastest in The Legend of Zelda, and reaching a specified gate as quickly as possible in Metroid. And those are just three of the 150+ challenges available in the game, spread across 13 NES games. </p> <p>Each week, you can compete for the top spot in the World Championships Weekly  Global Online leaderboards, or you can compete against up to seven friends in the local eight-player Party Mode. </p> <p>"With 'byte-sized' challenges and an automatic rewind feature, you don't need to master entire games to feel like a Nintendo World Champion," the trailer's description reads. </p> <p>Alongside today's reveal, Nintendo has also unveiled a Deluxe Set for Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition. It includes collectible items, like art cards, a golden NES cartridge, and a physical game card.  </p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/08/886bd203/nes_deluxe_edition_2.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/08/3012ffd1/nes_deluxe_edition.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>Nintendo World Championships: NES Edition hits Switch on July 18, 2024. The Deluxe Set will cost $59.99, and the digital eShop version will cost $29.99. </p> <p><em>Are you going to pick this game up? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Wed, 08 May 2024 09:25:04 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122579 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/08/destiny-2s-shadowkeep-beyond-light-and-witch-queen-expansions-are-free-until-the <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2020/11/25/b6126379/d2_beyond_light_launch_press_kit_gear_compressed_01.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Destiny 2 Expansion Open Access The Final Shape Shadowkeep Beyond Light Witch Queen" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/destiny-2-the-final-shape">Destiny 2: The Final Shape</a> is set to wrap up the decade-long War of Light and Darkness story arc when <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/11/27/destiny-2-the-final-shape-delayed-to-june">it launches on June 4</a>, but ahead of that, developer Bungie is giving players an easy way to catch up on previous expansions. Unveiled yesterday under the initiative name "Expansion Open Access," all Destiny 2 players can access and play through the game's Shadowkeep (2019), Beyond Light (2020), and The Witch Queen (2022) expansions. </p> <p>"Prepare for The Final Shape with three epic campaigns and earn an arsenal of exotic and legendary gear," the Expansion Open Access trailer's description reads. And speaking of trailer, <strong>check out the Destiny 2 Expansion Open Access trailer for yourself below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yb80CvCeBjE" width="640"></iframe> <p>Now, of course, these three aren't the only Destiny 2 expansions but they're the only ones currently available to play through in the game. As such, it might be smart to watch a playthrough or read a narrative summary of all expansions released before The Final Shape next month. </p> <p><strong>Here's every Destiny 2 expansion/DLC released since the game's launch</strong>: </p> <ul> <li>Curse of Osiris (2017)</li> <li>Warmind (2018)</li> <li>Forsaken (2018)</li> <li>Shadowkeep (2019)</li> <li>Beyond Light (2020)</li> <li>The Witch Queen (2022)</li> <li>Lightfall (2023)</li> </ul> <p>The Destiny 2 Expansion Open Access period lasts from now until June 3. If you're a PlayStation Plus subscriber, you also currently have access to Lightfall, making now a perfect time to catch up. </p> <p>For more, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/08/22/destiny-2-bungie-pulls-back-the-curtain-on-the-final-shape-expansion-and-season-of">watch the Destiny 2: The Final Shape reveal trailer here</a>, and then check out this breakdown of <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/09/destiny-2-the-final-shape-includes-new-prismatic-subclass-enemy-faction-exotics-and">The Final Shape's new prismatic subclass, enemy faction, exotics, and more</a>. </p> <p><em>Are you going to play through these expansions before The Final Shape next month? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Wed, 08 May 2024 07:55:49 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122577 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/08/redfall-was-reportedly-set-to-receive-a-big-offline-play-update-this-month-before <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2022/06/15/ca1b9e3a/n5kzvvq5bvry3txpcgeehj.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Redfall Arkane Austin closed shutdown dlc roadmap update " typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Arkane Austin was reportedly set to release a big Redfall update this month that would have added offline play to the always-online game before Microsoft suddenly shut the studio down, according to <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/arkane-austin-redfall-update-closure-xbox?utm_source=twitter"><i>IGN</i></a>. This follows yesterday's news that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/07/xbox-is-shutting-down-arkane-austin-tango-gameworks-and-more">Microsoft was shutting down</a> Arkane Austin, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/hi-fi-rush/riff-city">Hi-Fi Rush</a> developer Tango Gameworks, Mighty Doom studio Alpha Dog Games, and absorbing Roundhouse Games into ZeniMax Online Studios.</p> <p>This offline play update would have addressed one of players' biggest complaints with the game – that Redfall always requires a connection to the internet – but now that update will never see the light of day. It's an especially concerning detail considering now that Arkane Austin is closed, the day when Redfall servers are no longer live, rendering the game unplayable, seems closer than ever before. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NqJMhCTo4Tw" width="640"></iframe> <p><em>IGN</em> also reports that it was told the now-canceled Hero Pass, which would have added two additional playable characters to Redfall, was scheduled for release around Halloween. It obviously won't be released now – Bethesda says those who purchased the Hero Pass will be eligible "to receive the value of the upgrade" – but if it had hit the game around Halloween, that would have been roughly 18 months after Redfall's launch. </p> <p>Redfall hit Xbox Series X/S and PC on May 2 to poor reviews from critics – <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/redfall/a-life-draining-trip-to-new-england">read <em>Game Informer's </em>review here</a> – and players alike, and the first-person multiplayer vampire shooter failed to recover, with Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer saying, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/05/04/xbox-head-phil-spencer-opens-up-about-redfalls-disappointing-launch-im-upset-with-myself">"I'm upset with myself," when asked about its launch</a>.</p> <p>According to reports, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/06/01/some-arkane-staff-reportedly-hoped-microsoft-might-cancel-redfall-or-reboot-it-as">some of Arkane Austin's staff hoped Microsoft might cancel Redfall</a> or reboot it as a single player game, following the former's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2020/09/21/microsoft-acquires-bethesda-the-studio-behind-fallout-the-elder-scrolls-doom-and-more">acquisition of ZeniMax Media in 2020 for $7.5 billion</a>. Arkane Austin director Harvey Smith said <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/23/redfall-microsoft-canceled-ps5-version-after-bethesda-acquisition-arkane-director-says">Microsoft canceled a PlayStation 5 version of Redfall</a> following this acquisition. </p> <p><em>[Source: <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/arkane-austin-redfall-update-closure-xbox?utm_source=twitter">IGN</a>]</em></p> <p><em>How do you feel about Microsoft shutting down Arkane Austin? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Wed, 08 May 2024 07:02:46 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122576 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/05/07/marvel-snaps-may-2024-season-takes-a-turn-for-the-multiverse-with-blink-and-the-exiles <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/07/e491f990/a-blink-in-time-banner.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The success of Marvel Snap rolls on, as does the seasonal structure of the free-to-play, deck-building card-battler from Second Dinner. Recent seasons have been themed after corners of the Marvel Universe, like Avengers vs. X-Men or Thunderbolts, but this season leans a bit more into the Marvel Multiverse with Blink and the Exiles. This season, titled "A Blink in Time," introduces five new characters, two new locations, and more.</p> <p>The new characters joining the game in A Blink in Time are as follows:</p> <ul><li><strong>Blink</strong> (5 Cost, 7 Power) <ul><li>On reveal, swap the last card you played with a higher-cost card from your deck.</li> </ul></li> <li><strong>Nocturne</strong> (3 Cost, 5 Power) <ul><li>You can move this once. When this moves, replace its location with a random new one.</li> </ul></li> <li><strong>Sage</strong> (3 Cost, 0 Power) <ul><li>On reveal, +2 power for each different power among all other cards here.</li> </ul></li> <li><strong>Namora</strong> (5 Cost, 6 Power) <ul><li>On reveal, give +5 power to each of your cards alone at another location.</li> </ul></li> <li><strong>Sasquatch</strong> (6 Cost, 10 Power) <ul><li>Costs 1 less for each card you played last turn.</li> </ul></li> </ul> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/07/cdd7137c/blink_card.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/07/e19dab71/namora_card.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/07/561beccf/nocturne_card.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/07/d5767992/sage_card.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/07/76e8c7ae/sasquatch_card.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>On top of those all-new characters joining Marvel Snap collections, there are two new locations: Panoptichron, where cards that didn't start in your deck get +2 power, and Cancun, where power at that location doesn't count toward winning the game. New albums featuring Dan Hipp and Rian Gonzales also further incentivize Variant collections by rewarding items themed after Werewolf By Night, Silk, and Iron Lad. Finally, we know the dates of the Series 5 releases of this season. Baron Zemo and Nocturne get their Series 5 release on May 7, Sage arrives on May 14, Namora on May 21, and Sasquatch on May 28.</p> <p>Marvel Snap's May season, A Blink in Time, kicks off today. For more on Marvel Snap, check out <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a49bcd85-a451-4a5f-95cd-d065b3b17c31" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/opinion/2022/10/27/i-wish-more-mobile-games-were-like-marvel-snap">Charles Harte's opinion piece</a> from when the game originally arrived on mobile devices.</p> Tue, 07 May 2024 14:00:00 CDT Brian Shea 122520 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/07/xbox-is-shutting-down-arkane-austin-tango-gameworks-and-more <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/05/08/6a9d2d44/redfall-review-game-informer.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Xbox closes Bethesda studios Arkane Austin Tango Gameworks hi-fi rush redfall" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Xbox is closing Arkane Austin, Tango Gameworks, and more under Bethesda, according to <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-closes-redfall-developer-arkane-austin-hifi-rush-developer-tango-gameworks-and-more-in-devastating-cuts-at-bethesda"><i>IGN</i></a>. Alpha Dog Games, which is behind last year's mobile Mighty Doom, is being closed as well, according to the report. Roundhouse Games is also affected, but it will be absorbed by The Elder Scrolls Online team ZeniMax Online Studios. </p> <p>Tango has confirmed the news online, with a thank you to its fans: </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/KhhqgR902g">pic.twitter.com/KhhqgR902g</a></p> — Tango Gameworks (EN) (@TangoGameworks) <a href="https://twitter.com/TangoGameworks/status/1787837929332601189?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>Arkane Austin has followed suit, confirming the news online as well alongside word that players who purchased Redfall's Hero Pass will be eligible "to receive the value of the upgrade." Here's the studio's statement: </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Signup here <a href="https://t.co/wb1R4m4emj">https://t.co/wb1R4m4emj</a> to receive details on how eligible players can receive this credit. <a href="https://t.co/69Os17kpQ8">pic.twitter.com/69Os17kpQ8</a></p> — Arkane Studios (@ArkaneStudios) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArkaneStudios/status/1787837804287860886?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>These closures arrive after Tango delivered the extremely well-received <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/hi-fi-rush/riff-city">Hi-Fi Rush</a> last year a few months before Arkane Austin released <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/redfall/a-life-draining-trip-to-new-england">Redfall</a>, which unfortunately didn't pan out as expected, with both critics and fans disappointed in the first-person vampire shooter from the studio behind the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/dishonored_2/b/playstation4/archive/2016/11/14/game-informer-dishonored-2-review.aspx">Dishonored series</a>. </p> <p><em>IGN </em>learned of these closures in emails sent to staff by Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty, where the executive cited reprioritization as the reason for the closures. Here is the email, in full: </p> "Today, I'm sharing changes we are making to our Bethesda and ZeniMax teams. These changes are grounded in prioritizing high-impact titles and further investing in Bethesda’s portfolio of blockbuster games and beloved worlds which you have nurtured over many decades.  To double down on these franchises and invest to build new ones requires us to look across the business to identify the opportunities that are best positioned for success. This reprioritization of titles and resources means a few teams will be realigned to others and that some of our colleagues will be leaving us. Here are the changes going into effect: Arkane Austin – This studio will close with some members of the team joining other studios to work on projects across Bethesda. Arkane Austin has a history of making impactful and innovative games and it is a pedigree that everyone should be proud of. Redfall’s previous update will be its last as we end all development on the game. The game and its servers will remain online for players to enjoy and we will provide make-good offers to players who purchased the Hero DLC. Alpha Dog Studios – This studio will also close. We appreciate the team’s creativity in bringing Doom to new players. Mighty Doom will be sunset on August 7 and we will be turning off the ability for players to make any purchases in the game. Tango Gameworks – Tango Gameworks will also close. We are thankful for their contributions to Bethesda and players around the world. Hi-Fi Rush will continue to be available to players on the platforms it is today. Roundhouse Games – The team at Roundhouse Games will be joining ZeniMax Online Studios (ZOS). Roundhouse has played a key role in many of our recent game launches and bringing them into ZOS to work on The Elder Scrolls Online will mean we can do even more to grow the world that millions of players call home. With this consolidation of our Bethesda studio teams, so that we can invest more deeply in our portfolio of games and new IP, a small number of roles across select Bethesda publishing and corporate teams will also be eliminated. Those whose roles will be impacted will be notified today, and we ask that you please treat your departing colleagues with respect and compassion. We will provide our full support to those who are impacted in today’s notifications and through their transitions, including severance benefits informed by local laws. These changes are not a reflection of the creativity and skill of the talented individuals at these teams or the risks they took to try new things. I acknowledge that these changes are also disruptive to the various support teams across ZeniMax and Bethesda that bring our games to market. We are making these tough decisions to create capacity to increase investment in other parts of our portfolio and focus on our priority games. Bethesda remains one of the key pillars of Xbox with a strong portfolio of amazing games and thriving communities. As we look to the future, there is an impressive line-up of games on the horizon. In 2024 alone we have Starfield Shattered Space, Fallout 76 Skyline Valley, Indiana Jones and The Great Circle, and The Elder Scrolls Online’s Golden Road. As we align our plans and resources to best set ourselves up for success in this complex and changing industry, our teams across Arkane Lyon, Bethesda Game Studios, id Software, MachineGames, ZeniMax Online Studios and the Bethesda publishing and corporate teams will be well-positioned to build new IP, explore new game concepts, and expand on our existing franchises." <p><em>Game Informer </em>has reached out to Xbox and Bethesda for comment and will update this story if it learns more. </p> <p>Arkane Austin is one half of the Bethesda-owned Arkane Studios, the other half being Arkane Lyon. Both studios often work together on Arkane games, but Arkane Austin led the charge on titles like Redfall and 2017's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/prey/b/playstation4/archive/2017/05/06/somewhere-beyond-the-stars.aspx#:~:text=I%20was%20surprised%20at%20how,it%20doesn't%20erase%20them.">Prey</a> while Arkane Lyon is behind 2021's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/deathloop/deathloop-review-the-joys-of-death-and-dying">Deathloop</a> and the in-development <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2023/2023/12/07/marvels-blade-is-coming-from-the-makers-of-deathloop-and-dishonored">Marvel's Blade</a> game. </p> <p>Arkane Lyon studio director and Marvel's Blade creative director Dinga Bakaba posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after news of Arkane Austin's closing hit the internet to explain his frustration and sadness: </p> <p>"This is absolutely terrible," Bakaba <a href="https://x.com/DBakaba/status/1787839169588265251">writes</a>. "Permission to be human: to any executive reading this, friendly reminder that video games are an entertainment/cultural industry, and your business as a corporation is to take care of your artists/entertainers and help them create value for you." </p> <p>He <a href="https://x.com/DBakaba/status/1787839171266015380">continues</a>, "Don't throw us into gold fever gambits, don't use us as strawmen for miscalculations/blind spots, don't make our work environment darwinist jungles. You say we make you proud when we make a good game. Make us proud when times are tough. We know you can, we seen it before." </p> <p>You can read Bakaba's full thread below: </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is absolutely terrible. Permission to be human : to any executive reading this, friendly reminder that video games are an entertainment/cultural industry, and your business as a corporation is to take care of your artists/entertainers and help them create value for you.</p> — Dinga Bakaba (@DBakaba) <a href="https://twitter.com/DBakaba/status/1787839169588265251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-developer-direct/2023/01/25/the-evil-withins-creators-made-a-colorful-rhythm-game-and-its-out">Tango released Hi-Fi Rush as a surprise "out today" game</a> during an Xbox Developer Direct in January of last year, and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/02/21/hi-fi-rush-arriving-on-ps5-in-march">the game recently came to PlayStation 5</a>. Before Hi-Fi Rush, Tango released <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/ghostwire-tokyo/graveyard-of-horror">Ghostwire: Tokyo</a>, and outside of those two games, it is perhaps best known for <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/the_evil_within_2/b/playstation4/archive/2017/10/12/the-evil-within-2-review.aspx">The Evil Within series</a>. </p> <p>These studio closures join a string of other disheartening 2024 closures and layoffs, which now total more than 10,000 in just the first five months of this year. </p> <p>Last week, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/02/take-two-closes-rollerdrome-and-kerbal-space-program-2-studios-while-majority-of">Take-Two Interactive closed Rollerdrome studio Roll7 and Kerbal Space Program 2 studio Intercept Games</a> alongside major layoffs to its indie-publisher Private Division label. That same week, we learned <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/05/02/deliver-us-mars-developer-keoken-interactive-lays-off-nearly-entire-staff">Deliver Us Mars developer Keoken Interactive had laid off nearly its entire staff</a>. </p> <p>Elsewhere in the year, EA laid off <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/02/28/ea-lays-off-670-employees-cancels-respawns-star-wars-fps">roughly 670 employees across all departments</a>, resulting in the cancellation of Respawn's Star Wars FPS game. <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/02/27/playstation-laying-off-900-across-insomniac-naughty-dog-guerrilla-and-more-closing">PlayStation laid off 900 employees</a> across Insomniac, Naughty Dog, Guerrilla, and more, closing down London Studio in the process, too. The day before, Until Dawn developer <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/02/26/until-dawn-little-nightmares-iii-developer-supermassive-games-is-laying-off-90">Supermassive Games announced it laid off 90 employees</a>. </p> <p>At the end of January, we learned <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/29/embracer-group-cancels-new-deus-ex-game-in-development-at-eidos-montreal-lays-off">Embracer Group had canceled a new Deus Ex game in development at Eidos-Montréal</a> and laid off 97 employees in the process. Also in January, Destroy All Humans remake developer <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/25/destroy-all-humans-remake-developer-black-forest-games-reportedly-lays-off-50">Black Forest Games reportedly laid off 50 employees</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/25/microsoft-is-laying-off-1900-employees-across-xbox-activision-blizzard-and-zenimax">Microsoft announced it was laying off 1,900 employees across its Xbox, Activision Blizzard, and ZeniMax teams</a>, as well. Outriders studio <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/25/outriders-studio-people-can-fly-lays-off-more-than-30-employees">People Can Fly laid off more than 30 employees</a> in January, and League of Legends company <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/23/league-of-legends-company-riot-games-lays-off-530-employees">Riot Games laid off 530 employees</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/18/lords-of-the-fallen-publisher-ci-games-lays-off-10-of-its-staff">Lords of the Fallen Publisher CI Games laid off 10 percent of its staff</a>, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/10/unity-to-lay-off-1800-employees">Unity will lay off 1,800 people by the end of March</a>, and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/10/twitch-to-lay-off-500-employees">Twitch laid off 500 employees</a>. </p> <p>We also learned that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/01/12/discord-lays-off-170-employees-due-to-overhiring#:~:text=Discord%20Lays%20Off%20170%20Employees%20Due%20To%20Overhiring%20%2D%20Game%20Informer">Discord had laid off 170 employees</a>, that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/17/ptw-a-support-studio-thats-worked-with-capcom-and-blizzard-lays-off-45-people">layoffs happened at PTW</a>, a support studio that's worked with companies like Blizzard and Capcom, and that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/17/thunderful-group-the-company-behind-2023s-steamworld-build-to-lay-off-roughly-100">SteamWorld Build company, Thunderful Group, let go of roughly 100 people</a>. Dead by Daylight developer <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/18/dead-by-daylight-studio-behaviour-interactive-has-reportedly-laid-off-45-people">Behaviour Interactive also reportedly laid off 45 people, too</a>. </p> <p><em>[Source: <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/microsoft-closes-redfall-developer-arkane-austin-hifi-rush-developer-tango-gameworks-and-more-in-devastating-cuts-at-bethesda">IGN</a>]</em></p> <p><em>How do you feel about these closures? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 07 May 2024 08:47:37 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122569 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/07/cdpr-working-on-free-witcher-3-mod-editor-to-allow-players-to-create-your-own <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/11/15/016bda79/the_witcher_3_mod_editor_cdpr_cd_projekt_red_2024.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Mod Editor 2024 Release Date Free PC CDPR CD Projekt Red" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><strong><em>Update, 5/07/2024:</em></strong></p> <p>Last year, CD Projekt Red announced it was working on a mod editor for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, set to hit PC sometime this year for free. Now, we know exactly when: May 21, 2024. That means we're just a few weeks away from The Witcher 3 REDkit, "an extensive mod editor based on the game's engine," being released to players around the world. </p> <p>CD Projekt Red announced this today on X (formerly Twitter), reminding players it will be free for everyone who owns The Witcher 3 on PC. </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mark your calendars — The Witcher 3 REDkit, an extensive mod editor based on the game’s engine, releases on May 21st, 2024! ⚙<br /> <br /> It will be available for free for everyone who owns The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on PC.<br /> <br /> Wishlist on <a href="https://twitter.com/Steam?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Steam</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/GOGcom?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GOGcom</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/EpicGames?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EpicGames</a>:<br /> <br /> 🖤… <a href="https://t.co/wCx8CE9SJo">pic.twitter.com/wCx8CE9SJo</a></p> — The Witcher (@witchergame) <a href="https://twitter.com/witchergame/status/1787802994773233878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>If you don't own The Witcher 3 on PC yet but want to mod the game using this REDkit, you can purchase the game on Steam, GOG, or the Epic Games Store. </p> <p><em>The original story continues below...</em></p> <p><strong><em>Original story, 11/15/2023:</em></strong></p> <p>It's been a big year for Cyberpunk 2077 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt developer CD Projekt Red. It released <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/cyberpunk-2077-phantom-liberty/so-long-night-city" target="_blank">Phantom Liberty,</a> the first and only expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/feature/2023/10/27/how-the-team-behind-cyberpunk-2077-phantom-libertys-score-created-a-spy-thriller" target="_blank">debuted its soundtrack on streaming services</a>, revealed plans for <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/10/05/a-live-action-cyberpunk-project-is-in-the-works" target="_blank">a live-action Cyberpunk project</a>, and just this week, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/11/13/here-are-the-nominees-for-the-game-awards-2023" target="_blank">nabbed four nominations for The Game Awards 2023</a>. Now, CDPR has announced it is working on a mod editor for The Witcher 3 that will hit PC sometime next year for free. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/McF9Ak1r7L8" width=""></iframe> "We're thrilled to announce that we're working on a mod editor for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," a tweet from the official Witcher Twitter account reads. "It will allow you to create your own experiences in the game by making something completely new or editing existing quests and content. We're planning on releasing it for free in 2024. Stay tuned – we'll have more to share next year."  <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">We're thrilled to announce that we're working on a mod editor for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt! ⚔️<br /> <br /> It will allow you to create your own experiences in the game by making something completely new or editing existing quests and content. We’re planning on releasing it for free in 2024.… <a href="https://t.co/e2kvXRqegZ">pic.twitter.com/e2kvXRqegZ</a></p> — The Witcher (@witchergame) <a href="https://twitter.com/witchergame/status/1724774277264654337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 15, 2023</a></blockquote> <p>Notably, CDPR says this mod editor for The Witcher 3 will allow players to create their own experiences in the game, meaning people can develop their own fantasy adventures starring everyone's favorite monster hunter. In a reply on Twitter, the official account confirms this mod editor will only be coming to PC.</p> <p>If you haven't yet played The Witcher 3, you should and you can read about why in <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/the_witcher_3_wild_hunt/b/playstation4/archive/2015/05/12/the-witcher-3-wild-hunt-review-game-informer.aspx" target="_blank"><em>Game Informer's </em>review of The Witcher 3</a>. </p> <p>For more about CDPR, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/cyberpunk-2077-phantom-liberty/so-long-night-city" target="_blank"><em>Game Informer's </em>Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty review</a> and then check out this feature about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/feature/2023/10/27/how-the-team-behind-cyberpunk-2077-phantom-libertys-score-created-a-spy-thriller" target="_blank">how the team behind Phantom Liberty created its spy-thriller soundtrack</a>. </p> <p><em>Do you have any plans to use the mod editor coming to The Witcher 3 next year? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 07 May 2024 07:49:17 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 121512 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/07/remedy-has-canceled-codename-kestrel-its-cooperative-multiplayer-game <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-media.gameinformer.com/styles/body_default/s3/2020/08/14/4009de38/control2.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Control 2 Remedy Entertainment Cancels Codename Kestrel Cooperative Co-Op Multiplayer Game" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Remedy Entertainment, the studio behind last year's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/alan-wake-2/back-to-reality">Alan Wake 2</a> and 2019's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/control/a-heady-power-trip">Control</a>, has canceled Codename Kestrel, its "premium cooperative multiplayer game." The game, which was being co-financed and co-published by Tencent, was in the early concept stage, according to Remedy, with only a small team working on it. </p> <p>The studio says it canceled Codename Kestrel to focus on other games it's developing in its portfolio, noting that because of this cancelation, its other projects will get "experienced developers reassigned from Kestrel."</p> <p>Plus, Remedy says planned investment and the need to recruit additional employees for Kestrel is removed with this cancelation. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EXlL0FpztGY" width="640"></iframe> "Codename Kestrel showed early promise, but the project was still in its early concept stage," Remedy CEO Tero Virtala writes in a <a href="https://investors.remedygames.com/announcements/remedy-entertainment-plc-codename-kestrel-cancelled-as-remedy-focuses-on-existing-franchises/">press release</a>. "Our other projects have advanced well and are moving to the next stages of development, and increasing focus on them provides us with benefits. We can reallocate talented Kestrel developers to these other game projects, and many of our support functions get additional focus on their operations. This is yet another means to ensure that our game projects continue advancing well.  "I want to thank our Kestrel development team. Though we decided to discontinue the project for wider Remedy benefits, our team has done good work and provided us with valuable learnings. I also want to thank Tencent for their partnership so far. They have been very professional and supportive." <p>Codename Kestrel, as a project, began in November 2023 as a reboot from an earlier Remedy project codenamed Vanguard. </p> <p>This cancelation arrives just a couple of weeks after Remedy's latest update about its in-development games, which is where the studio said Codename Kestrel remains in the concept stage. It's also where Remedy revealed the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/11/11/control-2-in-concept-stage-as-remedy-announces-development-deal-with-505-games">Control 2</a> team is focused on finalizing the proof-of-concept stage and that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/10/31/remedy-provides-update-on-control-2-says-max-payne-remakes-are-in-production">Max Payne 1 & 2 Remake</a> are expected to enter full production in Q2 of this year. You can read that update <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/29/remedy-shares-development-updates-for-control-2-max-payne-1-2-remake-and-codename-condor">here</a>. </p> <p><em>Do you think Remedy is making the right call by canceling Codename Kestrel? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 07 May 2024 07:41:25 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122567 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/05/07/here-are-the-nintendo-switchs-top-10-best-selling-games <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2022/08/03/faa2b7d9/mario_kart_8_deluxe_booster_pass.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Nintendo Switch Top 10 Best Selling Games" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><strong><em>Updated story, 5/07/2024:</em></strong></p> <p>Nintendo has released its latest round of <a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2024/240507_3e.pdf">financial results</a>, this time for the end of Fiscal Year 2024 (which ended in March). <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/07/nintendo-switch-surpasses-140-million-units-sold">The Switch has surpassed 140 million units sold</a>, further securing its place as the second-best-selling console in the company's history, and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/07/nintendo-says-it-will-reveal-switch-successor-by-march-2025-but-not-at-the-direct">Nintendo has also revealed it will announce the Switch successor by March 2025</a>. </p> <p>Despite great numbers in this round of financial results, Switch software is down roughly 5% compared to the same time frame for Fiscal Year 2023. Nonetheless, its games are still selling well comparatively in the wider market. With the latest numbers on Switch software, here's Nintendo's most up-to-date list of its <a href="https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html">best-selling</a> Switch games: </p> <ol> <li><strong>Mario Kart 8 Deluxe</strong>: 61.97 million units</li> <li><strong>Animal Crossing: New Horizons</strong>: 45.36 million units</li> <li><strong>Super Smash Bros. Ultimate</strong>: 34.22 million units</li> <li><strong>The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild</strong>: 31.85 million units</li> <li><strong>Super Mario Odyssey</strong>: 27.96 million units</li> <li><strong>Pokemon Sword and Shield</strong>: 26.27million units</li> <li><strong>Pokemon Scarlet and Violet</strong>: 24.92 million units </li> <li><strong>Super Mario Party</strong>: 20.66 million units</li> <li><strong>The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom</strong>: 20.61 million units</li> <li><strong>New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe</strong>: 17.45 million units</li> </ol> <p><em>The original story continues below...</em></p> <p><strong><em>Updated story, 5/09/23:</em></strong></p> <p>Nintendo has released its latest round of <a href="https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/230509_4e.pdf" target="_blank">financial results</a>, this time for the end of Fiscal Year 2023 (which ended in March). While the Switch has surpassed 125 million units sold, both hardware and software sales for the platform are down. </p> <p>Overall, hardware sales are down 22.1% while software sales are down 9%. </p> <p>With recent releases like Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Splatoon 3, and more, here's Nintendo most up-to-date list of its <a href="https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html" target="_blank">best-selling</a> Switch games: </p> <ol> <li><strong>Mario Kart 8 Deluxe</strong>: 53.79 million units</li> <li><strong>Animal Crossing: New Horizons</strong>: 42.21 million units</li> <li><strong>Super Smash Bros. Ultimate</strong>: 31.09 million units</li> <li><strong>The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild</strong>: 29.81 million units</li> <li><strong>Pokemon Sword and Shield</strong>: 25.82 million units</li> <li><strong>Super Mario Odyssey</strong>: 25.76 million units</li> <li><strong>Pokemon Scarlet and Violet</strong>: 22.10 million units </li> <li><strong>Super Mario Party</strong>: 19.14 million units</li> <li><strong>New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe</strong>: 15.41 million units</li> <li><strong>Ring Fit Adventure</strong>: 15.38 million units</li> </ol> <p><em>The original story continues below...</em></p> <p><strong><em>Original story, 8/03/22: </em></strong></p> <p>Nintendo released its latest round of financial results, this time for Quarter 1 of the 2023 Fiscal Year, which accounts for April, May, and June of 2022. In it, the company revealed that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/08/03/nintendo-switch-crosses-111-million-units-sold-but-overall-sales-are-down" target="_blank">the Switch surpassed 111 million units sold but, despite that, overall sales are down</a>. </p> <p>In terms of hardware, sales are down 22.9%, with Nintendo citing the ongoing semiconductor shortage as why. Software sales are down too, declining 8.6% this quarter. However, while 8.6% is a sizeable drop, Nintendo still moved 41.41 million units in Q1 FY23. It also revealed its top 10 best-selling Switch games, with many having seen increases since the last round of financial results earlier this year. </p> <p>Here are the top 10 best-selling Nintendo Switch games as of June 2022: </p> <ul> <li><strong>Mario Kart 8 Deluxe</strong>: 46.82 million </li> <li><strong>Animal Crossing: New Horizons</strong>: 39.38 million</li> <li><strong>Super Smash Bros. Ultimate</strong>: 28.82 million</li> <li><strong>The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild</strong>: 27.14 million</li> <li><strong>Pokemon Sword/Pokemon Shield</strong>: 24.50 million</li> <li><strong>Super Mario Odyssey</strong>: 23.93 million</li> <li><strong>Super Mario Party</strong>: 18.06 million</li> <li><strong>Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Pokemon Shining Pearl</strong>: 14.79 million</li> <li><strong>Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu!/Pokemon: Let's Go, Eevee!</strong>: 14.66 million</li> <li><strong>Ring Fit Adventure</strong>: 14.54 million</li> </ul> <p>Mario Kart 8 Deluxe had the biggest jump in this list, selling 1.48 million units this quarter. According to Nintendo, new 2022 releases are also selling well. Nintendo Switch Sports sold 4.84 million units, Mario Strikers: Battle League sold 1.91 million, and Kirby and the Forgotten Land sold 1.88 million units, making it the second-best selling Kirby game of all-time. </p> <p>For more, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/08/03/nintendo-switch-crosses-111-million-units-sold-but-overall-sales-are-down" target="_blank">read about Nintendo's latest financial results released earlier today</a> and then check out this list of <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/08/02/nintendo-switch-online-every-nes-snes-n64-and-sega-genesis-game" target="_blank">every NES, SNES, N64, and Sega Genesis game available on Nintendo Switch Online</a>. After that, feast your eyes upon <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gallery/2022/08/03/here-are-all-the-new-pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-screenshots-from-todays-pokemon" target="_blank">all the new Pokemon from Scarlet and Violet revealed in today's Pokemon Presents</a> showcase. </p> <p><em>Are there any Switch games on this list you haven't played yet? Let us know which ones and why!</em></p> Tue, 07 May 2024 07:22:01 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 118890 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/07/nintendo-switch-surpasses-140-million-units-sold <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/07/31/8e6d9236/nintendo_switch_next-gen_console_second_half_2024_release_date.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Nintendo Switch Successor Next-Gen Console 2024 Portable Hybrid Release Date" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Nintendo has <a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2024/240507_3e.pdf">revealed</a> the Switch has surpassed 140 million units sold, further securing its current place as the second-best-selling console in the company's history. This news arrives at the same time <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/07/nintendo-says-it-will-reveal-switch-successor-by-march-2025-but-not-at-the-direct">Nintendo has revealed it will announce the Switch successor by March 2025</a>, meaning there's still some time for the Switch to catch up to Nintendo's best-selling console: the Nintendo DS. </p> <p>Since the last financial results call, the Switch has sold an additional 1.96 million units, bringing its grand total up to <a href="https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html">141.32</a>. That keeps it in second place, only behind the Nintendo DS' massive 154.02 million. It's possible the Switch surpasses the Nintendo DS, especially considering the Switch will likely continue to sell even once its successor is released, but that's a big 13 million-unit gap to close. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/txYZoQtXPxM" width="640"></iframe> <p>Elsewhere in the financial results, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom/such-great-heights">The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom</a> has hit 20.28 million units sold, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/super-mario-bros-wonder/getting-its-flowers">Super Mario Bros. Wonder</a> has sold through 11.96 million, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/mario_kart_8_deluxe/b/switch/archive/2017/04/20/mario-kart-8-deluxe-game-informer-review.aspx">Mario Kart 8 Deluxe</a> another 6.79 million, and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/pikmin-4/mans-best-friends">Pikmin 4</a> 3.33 million. The fiscal year ending with March 2024 was a strong one for Switch software, selling 163.95 million units in Q1 through Q3 of Fiscal Year 2024. However, compared to the same quarters for Fiscal Year 2023, Switch software is down 4.7%. </p> <p>With the Switch successor on the horizon, that number will likely be way up this time next year. </p> <p>In the meantime, read about the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/07/nintendo-says-it-will-reveal-switch-successor-by-march-2025-but-not-at-the-direct">Nintendo Direct happening next month</a>, and then check out <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/12/18/the-top-10-switch-games"><em>Game Informer's </em>top 10 Switch games</a>. After that, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/05/09/here-are-the-nintendo-switchs-top-10-best-selling-games">check out this list of the Switch's best-selling games</a>. </p> <p><em>Do you think the Switch will surpass the Nintendo DS? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 07 May 2024 07:14:36 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122566 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/07/nintendo-says-it-will-reveal-switch-successor-by-march-2025-but-not-at-the-direct <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/11/08/9571ab49/new_switch_2_sequel_successor_hardware_console_support_nintendo.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="New Nintendo Switch 2 Sequel Successor Hardware Console Platform Plans Future" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Nintendo will reveal the Switch successor within the current fiscal year, which ends March 31, 2025. However, the company says there will be no mention of this successor during a Nintendo Direct it is holding in June; this Direct will instead be focused on the games coming to Switch in the second half of 2024. </p> <p>While this isn't the first hint of a Switch successor from the company, it is the most direct and comes from the same financial results where we learned the Switch has sold an additional 1.96 million units since the last one, <a href="https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/hard_soft/index.html">bringing its total up to 141.32 million</a>. Software has reached 1.235 billion units. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/amUkvdOFDYE" width="640"></iframe> <p>"This is Furukawa, President of Nintendo," the company's <a href="https://x.com/NintendoCoLtd/status/1787736518762881197">announcement</a> reads on X (formerly Twitter). "We will make an announcement about the successor to Nintendo Switch within this fiscal year. It will have been over nine years since we announced the existence of Nintendo Switch back in March 2015. We will be holding a Nintendo Direct this June regarding the Nintendo Switch software lineup for the latter half of 2024, but please be aware that there will be no mention of the Nintendo Switch successor during that presentation."</p> <p>This announcement follows industry reports from earlier this year stating <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/02/26/switch-successor-targeting-march-2025-according-to-new-report">the Switch successor was targeting a March 2025 release date</a>. That could still be the case given Furukawa's reveal, but given the timeline, Nintendo could also announce the successor that month, meaning we likely wouldn't have it in our hands until later that year. Only time will, though, but at least we now officially know that by this time next year, we'll know what the successor to the Switch is. </p> <p>For more, read about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/09/07/nintendo-reportedly-demoed-switch-successor-to-devs-at-gamescom">Nintendo reportedly demoed the Switch successor to developers at Gamescom last year</a>, and then check out <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/12/18/the-top-10-switch-games"><em>Game Informer's </em>top 10 Switch games</a>. </p> <p><em>What do you hope to see from the Switch successor? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 07 May 2024 06:52:45 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122565 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/06/hades-ii-is-now-available-in-early-access-on-pc <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/09/14/698e5fe4/hades_ii_development_update_early_access_2024.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Hades II Early Access Release Out Now May 6 Cover Story Game Informer" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Hades II now available in Early Access. Yes, for real. Like right now. Why are you still reading this? Go play it, you've got some gods to kill/flirt with/buy things from/etc!</p> <p>However, while you're waiting for it to download on PC, why not check out <em>Game Informer's </em>slew of exclusive Hades II content available right now because Supergiant's first sequel is gracing the next cover of our magazine:</p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/cover-reveal/2024/05/06/cover-reveal-the-making-of-hades-ii">Hades II Cover Reveal</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/ngt/2024/05/06/beating-hades-iis-second-area-and-boss-fight-new-gameplay-today">Beating Hades II's second area and boss fight | New Gameplay Today</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/hades2">Our Exclusive Hades II coverage hub</a></li> </ul> <p>If you're hopping into Hades II today, which is now in Early Access after a quick bout of recent technical tests, you can purchase it on Steam or Epic Games Store for $29.99. </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">🌒HADES II is HERE !!🌘<br /> <br /> Experience the bewitching sequel to our god-like rogue-like, now available in Early Access.<br /> <br /> 🌜Steam: <a href="https://t.co/MwAiwL8ZeW">https://t.co/MwAiwL8ZeW</a><br /> 🌜Epic Games Store: <a href="https://t.co/bKD6BvLhw6">https://t.co/bKD6BvLhw6</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HadesGame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HadesGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hades2?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hades2</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DeathToChronos?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DeathToChronos</a> <a href="https://t.co/jXhqctKj95">pic.twitter.com/jXhqctKj95</a></p> — Supergiant Games (@SupergiantGames) <a href="https://twitter.com/SupergiantGames/status/1787526288116523479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <p><em>Are you hopping into Hades II today? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Mon, 06 May 2024 12:24:10 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122561 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/06/psn-account-required-for-ghost-of-tsushimas-multiplayer-mode-on-pc-but-not-single <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2020/10/16/b161df40/multi3.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut PC PSN PlayStation Network Account Required Legends Multiplayer" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/ghost-of-tsushima">Ghost of Tsushima</a>, the hit 2020 PlayStation-exclusive samurai game, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/06/ghost-of-tsushima-directors-cut-rides-to-pc-in-may">rides onto PC on May 16</a>, and ahead of the game's launch there, developer Sucker Punch Productions has revealed players will not need a PlayStation Network account to play through the game's single-player story mode, as reported by <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ghost-of-tsushima-studio-says-the-steam-version-wont-need-a-psn-account-for-single-player/"><em>VideoGamesChronicle</em></a>. However, a PSN account will be required to play through Ghost of Tsushima's multiplayer Legends mode, or if you want to use the new PlayStation PC overlay to acquire trophies and more. </p> <p>This follows news from last week where PlayStation announced (and later walked back) that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/06/playstation-walks-back-helldivers-2-changes-psn-account-linking-no-longer-required">Helldivers 2 players will soon be required to link a PSN account to their Steam account</a>, leading to widespread anger in the game's community. It seems Sucker Punch is looking to get ahead of this by revealing its PSN plans ahead of the game's launch in 10 days. </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you for your feedback.<br /> <br /> Just so you are aware, A PSN account is required for Legends online multiplayer mode and to use PlayStation overlay. It is not required to play the singleplayer game.</p> — Sucker Punch Productions (@SuckerPunchProd) <a href="https://twitter.com/SuckerPunchProd/status/1786462939748384943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>If you're unfamiliar with <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/08/04/ghost-of-tsushima-legends-gets-a-standalone-release-new-rivals-mode-coming-soon">Ghost of Tsushima: Legends</a>, it's a standalone multiplayer experience that allows you and up to three other players to fight enemies in special missions, defeat waves of foes, and complete raids. A PSN account will be required to play Legends, but if you want to play through the game's story (<a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/08/06/ghost-of-tsushimas-iki-island-expansion-better-leave-a-certain-character-alone-this-time">and Iki Island expansion</a>), you won't need one. </p> <p>Ghost of Tsushima hit PlayStation 4 on July 17, 2020, before launching on PlayStation 5 with a <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/07/01/ghost-of-tsushima-directors-cut-for-ps5-revealed-with-new-story-content-photo-mode">Director's Cut</a> on August 20, 2021. This is the version of the game hitting PC in 10 days on May 16, 2024.</p> <p>For more about the game, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/ghost-of-tsushima/ghost-of-tsushima-review-a-most-honorable-epic"><em>Game Informer's </em>Ghost of Tsushima review</a>, and then read about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/impressions/2021/08/19/the-ghost-of-tsushima-directors-cut-is-a-must-play-for-fans">why the Director's Cut of Ghost of Tsushima is a must-play for fans</a>. </p> <p><em>[Source: <a href="https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/ghost-of-tsushima-studio-says-the-steam-version-wont-need-a-psn-account-for-single-player/">VideoGamesChronicle</a>]</em></p> <p><em>Are you going to play Ghost of Tsushima on PC? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Mon, 06 May 2024 07:51:42 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122560 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/06/playstation-walks-back-helldivers-2-changes-psn-account-linking-no-longer-required <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/06/c4d340cb/helldivers_2_patch_notes_update_balance_2.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="helldivers 2 update balance patch notes release date" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><strong><em>Update, 5/6/2024:</em></strong></p> <p>PlayStation will not be requiring Helldivers 2 players to link their Steam accounts to PlayStation Network accounts following widespread backlash from the game's community. This follows days of turmoil amongst players, leading to Helldivers 2 on Steam dropping from a "Mostly Positive"-rated game to <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/553850/HELLDIVERS_2/">"Mixed" for all reviews and "Mostly Negative" for recent reviews</a>. Even the first Helldivers started receiving bad reviews as a result of this, <a href="https://x.com/Pilestedt/status/1787234494493130925">according to developer Arrowhead Game Studios' CEO</a> Johaan Pilestedt. </p> <p>"Helldivers fans – we've heard your feedback on the Helldivers 2 account linking update," a <a href="https://x.com/PlayStation/status/1787331667616829929">post</a> made today on X (formerly Twitter) reads. "The May 6 update, which would have required Steam and PlayStation Network account linking for new players and for current players beginning May 30, will not be moving forward. </p> <p>"We're still learning what is best for PC players and your feedback has been invaluable. Thanks again for your continued support of Helldivers 2 and we'll keep you updated on future plans." </p> <p>Following this news, Pilestedt took to X to thank PlayStation for the change while noting how impressed they are with the Helldivers 2 community. </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en" xml:lang="en">Firstly, I am impressed by the willpower of the <a href="https://twitter.com/helldivers2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@helldivers2</a> community and your ability to collaborate. Secondly I want to thank our partners and friends at <a href="https://twitter.com/PlayStation?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PlayStation</a> for quickly and effectively making the decision to leave PSN linking optional. We together want to set a new… <a href="https://t.co/2rayksgH1v">https://t.co/2rayksgH1v</a></p> — Pilestedt (@Pilestedt) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pilestedt/status/1787365793379791051?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>With this change not moving forward, the Helldivers 2 community can hopefully return to killing bugs and automatons in the name of democracy, with no need for linked accounts or review bombing. </p> <p><em>The original story continues below...</em></p> <p><b><i>Original story, 5/3/2024:</i></b></p> <p>Developer Arrowhead Game Studios and Sony Interactive Entertainment have announced that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/helldivers-2">Helldivers 2</a> on Steam will soon require a PlayStation Network account to play. All new players from May 30 will have to link their Steam account to a PSN account, and all current players will have to do so by June 4. </p> <p>Up until this point, a PSN account was not required to play Helldivers 2 on PC via Steam, and with the sudden switch-up, players have taken to the game's <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/553850/HELLDIVERS_2/">Steam reviews</a> to express their frustration. Admittedly, the game's rating is still "Very Positive," with roughly 80% of user reviews falling into this category, but that 80% is lower than it has been in the weeks prior. And now, if you look at the game's <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/553850/HELLDIVERS_2/#app_reviews_hash">recent reviews</a>, you'll find plenty of negative ratings over the required PSN account change. </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/03/4c081aea/steam.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>SIE <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/553850/view/4196868529806518741?l=english">says</a> due to "technical issues at the launch of Helldivers 2, we allowed the linking requirements for Steam accounts to a PlayStation Network account to be temporarily optional. That grace period will now expire." That expiration begins on May 6 for new players and June 4 for current players. </p> <p>While frustration is understood, it's important to note a PlayStation console is not required to create a PSN account – creating one is free and can be done online, no PlayStation 5 required. SIE encourages players to do so ahead of the June 4 change. </p> <p>"We understand that while this may be an inconvenience to some of you, this step will help us continue to build a community that you are all proud to be a part of," the announcement reads. </p> <p>For more, read about the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/04/helldivers-2-democratic-detonation-premium-warbond-airdrops-next-week">Democratic Detonation premium Warbond</a> that drops into Helldivers 2 this week, and then read about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/02/new-helldivers-2-update-increases-level-cap-adds-blizzards-and-sandstorms-and-more">the latest Helldivers 2 update</a> increased the level cap, added blizzards and sandstorms, and more. Check out <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/helldivers-2/bullet-heaven"><em>Game Informer's </em>Helldivers 2 review</a> to find out why we think it's a must-play game. </p> <p><em>What do you think about these changes? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Mon, 06 May 2024 06:57:31 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122555 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/03/here-are-the-senuas-saga-hellblade-ii-pc-specs-and-system-requirements <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/03/819c55bc/hellblade-ii-senuas-saga-pc-specs-requirements.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Hellblade II Senua's Saga PC Specs Requirements " typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Senua's Saga: Hellblade II <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-developer-direct/2024/01/18/senuas-saga-hellblade-ii-releases-in-may">hits Xbox Series X/S and PC this month</a>, and while we know this sequel will be <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/04/senuas-saga-hellblade-ii-locked-to-30-fps-on-xbox-series-xs-according-to-vfx">locked to 30 FPS on consoles</a>, PC players will be able to tap into higher frame rates. Ahead of the game's May 21 launch, developer Ninja Theory has <a href="https://x.com/NinjaTheory/status/1786410666993074227">revealed</a> the PC specs and system requirements for Senua's Saga: Hellblade II and to play the game at its best, you'll need quite a powerful system. </p> <p>If you're familiar with Ninja Theory's work, you likely already know it pushes the envelope with technology so it might not come as a surprise your PC will need to do the same. But if you're new to this team, or just want to check if you're ready for the game later this month, we've got you covered. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nRqLDCBxW04" width="640"></iframe> <h2>Senua's Saga: Hellblade II PC Specs And System Requirements</h2> <p>Below is a chart released by Ninja Theory detailing everything you need to know about running Senua's Saga: Hellblade II at its most demanding, recommended specs, and even at the bare minimum. And as you can see, it's a game that requires a lot of power (click the image to enlarge). </p> <a class="linkoriginal" data-featherlight="image" href=""> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/03/ccee1be0/hellblade_ii_pc_specs.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> </a> <p>Hellblade II hits Xbox Series X/S and PC on May 21. </p> <p>For more, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-developer-direct/2024/01/18/senuas-saga-hellblade-ii-releases-in-may">watch the latest Hellblade II trailer here</a>, and then read about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/15/senuas-saga-hellblade-ii-will-have-photo-mode-new-screenshots-revealed">Hellblade II's photo mode and what to expect from it at launch</a>. After that, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2023/2023/12/07/get-a-look-at-senuas-saga-hellblade-iis-visceral-combat-in-new">watch this Hellblade II gameplay trailer</a>. </p> <p><em>Is your PC prepared to run this game? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Fri, 03 May 2024 10:21:22 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122557 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/02/ubisofts-free-to-play-fps-xdefiant-finally-gets-release-date-and-its-this-month <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/04/11/e0cde430/xdefiant_key_art.jpg" width="800" height="395" alt="xdefiant ubisoft may 21 release date free to play fps first person shooter" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>XDefiant, the free-to-play first person shooter starring factions across Ubisoft's catalogue of franchises, finally has a release date and it's out very soon. Ubisoft announced today that XDefiant drops onto PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Ubisoft Connect) on May 21. </p> <p>This is the day the XDefiant preseason will take begin, giving players a chance to enjoy the shooter before its official first season begins. This release date reveal follows various betas and tests for the game, which at one point, resulted in <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/10/10/ubisoft-indefinitely-delays-xdefiant-preseason-launch">the game getting indefinitely delayed last year</a>. </p> <p>"Thank you to everyone who participated in the Server Test Session," an XDefiant <a href="https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/xdefiant/news/sPz4QJDRBDgOJIYUnflBf?ucid=SMO-ID_189234&maltcode=brand_C2W_SMO_twitter___TCXD____&addinfo=">blog post</a> reads. "It was exciting to see all the love for the game and the great feedback that was shared. Coming out of the test, we are excited to say that we will launch our Preseason on May 21 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S. Preseason will last 6 weeks before going into our seasonal cadence." </p> <p>As for that seasonal cadence, Ubisoft has already outlined the first four season, which together will encompass the game's Year 1 roadmap. You can check it out below: </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/02/c970ca11/xdefiant_year_1_roadmap.jpg" alt="XDefiant Ubisoft free to play first person shooter watch dogs far cry the division release date May 21" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>As for what to expect in XDefiant's preseason, there's a lot of content on offer, and it's all free: </p> <h3>Factions</h3> <ul><li>Echelon (Splinter Cell)</li> <li>Phantoms (Ghost Recon Phantoms)</li> <li>Cleaners (The Division)</li> <li>Libertad (Far Cry 6)</li> <li>Dedsec (Watch Dogs 2, after unlocking or purchasing)</li> </ul><h3>Maps</h3> <ul><li>Arena</li> <li>Attica Heights</li> <li>Dumbo</li> <li>Echelon HQ</li> <li>Emporium</li> <li>Liberty</li> <li>Mayday</li> <li>Meltdown</li> <li>Midway</li> <li>Nudleplex</li> <li>Pueblito</li> <li>Showtime</li> <li>Times Square</li> <li>Zoo</li> </ul><h3>Modes</h3> <ul><li>Domination</li> <li>Hot Shot</li> <li>Occupy</li> <li>Escort</li> <li>Zone Control</li> </ul><p>Ubisoft says a new Ranked Mode Practice Playlist will be live in the preseason, too, giving players a practice go at the game's upcoming ranked mode where players battle it out in 4v4 competitive matches. This playlist will include 4v4 versions of Domination, Occupy, Escort, and Zone Control. </p> <p>All rewards earned during the previously held Server Test Sessions and Insider Sessions will be available at launch in the preseason. </p> <p>Here's another look at what to expect in XDefiant's 6-week preseason:</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/02/cb81fe7f/xdefiant_preseason.jpg" alt="XDefiant Ubisoft free to play first person shooter watch dogs far cry the division release date May 21" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>For more about the game, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2023/04/13/crossfire-crossover"><em>Game Informer's </em>XDefiant impressions</a> after going hands-on with the game, and then check out this <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/ngt/2023/04/13/xdefiant-new-gameplay-today">XDefiant New Gameplay Today</a> for a look at how it plays. </p> <p><em>Are you hopping into XDefiant later this month? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Thu, 02 May 2024 13:29:41 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122551 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/05/02/deliver-us-mars-developer-keoken-interactive-lays-off-nearly-entire-staff <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/02/06/194e295c/deliver_us_mars_2.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Keoken Interactive, developer of <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/deliver-us-the-moon/deliver-us-the-moon-review-love-and-loss-in-space">Deliver Us The Moon</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/deliver-us-mars/rocky-terrain">Deliver Us Mars</a>, has laid off nearly its entire staff. The studio’s two founders are the only remaining employees.</p> <p>Founders Keon Deetman (CEO) and Paul Deetman (managing director) <a href="https://twitter.com/KeokeN/status/1785294530054385774">announced on social media</a> that after the studio failed to secure funding during the Game Developer’s Conference (GDC) in March, it had “exhausted all our possible options for publishing, work for hire, and co-development.” As a result, the remainder of its staff has been let go. <em><a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/keoken-interactive-lays-off-team-after-failing-to-find-funding-at-gdc">GameIndustry.biz</a></em> confirmed that 13 employees were affected, 11 of which were full-time and 2 freelance contractors. </p> <p>The Deetmans have made a call for any studios with open positions to hire its affected staff. The founders plan to stay in business and have vowed to rebuild, which includes launching a Kickstarter to crowdfund Deliver Us Home,  a sequel to Deliver Us Mars. </p> <p>It was clear Keoken was in trouble when the founders <a href="https://twitter.com/KeokeN/status/1767913578487513512">posted a video</a> in March revealing it had been unable to land a publishing deal after spending two years pitching five games to over 40 publishers. Instead, the founders decided to publicly reveal these projects to help garner interest, one of which was Deliver Us Home and two were Deliver Us The Moon spin-offs, including a VR game. </p> <p>Keoken once employed 45 employees, but the headcount was reduced to 20 by March 2024 before four more employees were let go that month. In an <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/keoken-interactive-the-way-games-are-made-and-funded-is-failing">interview</a> with <em>GameIndustry.biz</em>, the Deetmans revealed they had gone months without collecting a salary to help stay afloat. </p> Thu, 02 May 2024 09:38:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122548 https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/05/02/universal-orlando-confirms-three-super-nintendo-world-rides-including <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/02/4f0a7449/super-nintendo-world-donkey-kong-country-rollercoaster-ride.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Super Nintendo World Universal Epic Universe Orlando Florida Mario Donkey Kong Country Ride" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Universal Orlando Resort has released a new video detailing what to expect at its Florida-based Super Nintendo World when it opens as a land in its Epic Universe theme park next year. In it, the company confirms the land will have three rides, including the Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness coaster <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/12/04/super-nintendo-worlds-donkey-kong-country-opens-at-universal-studios-japan-in-spring">that's expected to open later this year in Osaka, Japan's Super Nintendo World</a>. </p> <p>The video includes digital fly-overs of the park, showing viewers what it will look like when it opens next year. If you've seen Super Nintendo World in Japan, this park looks nearly identical, with both the Donkey Kong Country (and mine cart coaster) section and the Mushroom Kingdom with Peach's Castle, Mt. Beanpole, the Mario Kart: Bowser's Challenge augmented-reality ride and Yoshi's Adventure dark ride. </p> <p><strong>Check it out for yourself in the new Super Nintendo World overview video below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/asmd0jGpg9o" width="640"></iframe> <p>As you can see, the Donkey Kong Mine Cart Madness coaster will feature state-of-the-art track technology that allows it to create the illusion that riders will actually jump off the tracks, just like in the Donkey Kong Country games. </p> <p>Like in Hollywood's Super Nintendo World, which does not have the Yoshi's Adventure ride or the Donkey Kong expansion as a result of space at the location, and Osaka's Super Nintendo World, guests can purchase Power-Up Bands to play in interactive Key Challenges to earn coins and more. Plus, returning locations like the Toadstool Cafe restaurant and more will be at Orlando's iteration of the park. </p> <p>Here's a look at some of the locations to expect when Universal Epic Universe opens next year: </p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/02/35242417/mk_ride.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/02/e039b3fb/meet_mario.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/02/cd616f12/toadstool_cafe.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/02/72717a1a/yoshis.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/05/02/4ebd48da/dk_country.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>For more details about the park, read <em>Game Informer's </em>breakdown of <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/30/super-nintendo-world-comes-to-florida-in-universals-new-epic-universe-theme-park">everything coming to Epic Universe next year</a>. After that, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/11/10/super-nintendo-world-a-photo-tour-of-universal-studios-japans-mario-themed-amusement">check out photos from our visit to Japan's Super Nintendo World</a>, and then watch this <a href="https://youtu.be/RRIeT8uS3wQ?si=Zjec4tVvlW-patpB">vlog</a> of our day at the theme park. </p> <p><em>Are you excited for Epic Universe and Orlando's Super Nintendo World? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Thu, 02 May 2024 09:19:00 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122547 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/05/02/take-two-closes-rollerdrome-and-kerbal-space-program-2-studios-while-majority-of <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2022/08/15/a13f3407/roller3.jpg" width="800" height="490" alt="take two closes Kerbal Space Program 2 Intercept Games Private Division Rollerdrome" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p><strong><em>Update, 2:47 p.m., May 2, 2024:</em></strong></p> <p>Earlier today, we learned that Take-Two Interactive, the company-publisher behind the Grand Theft Auto series, had closed Rollerdrome studio Roll7 and Kerbal Space Program 2 studio Intercept Games. Both of those games, and many others including the recently released No Rest for the Wicked, were published by Private Division, an indie-publishing arm under Take-Two.</p> <p>Now, in a new update from <a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/take-two-reportedly-shuts-down-roll7-and-intercept-games-private-division-suffers-mass-layoffs"><em>GamesIndustry.biz</em></a>, the publication reports that Take-Two has shuttered the "vast majority" of Private Division's teams in Seattle, New York, Las Vegas, and Munich, according to one of its sources. When <em>GamesIndustry.biz</em> reached out to Take-Two for confirmation, the company issued the same statement that can be read in <em>Game Informer's </em>original story below. </p> <p><em>The original story continues below...</em></p> <p><strong><em>Original story, 9:48 a.m., May 2, 2024:</em></strong></p> <p>Take-Two Interactive, the company behind games like <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/grand-theft-auto-v">Grand Theft Auto V</a> that also <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/05/24/take-two-acquires-zynga-second-biggest-deal-in-games-history">acquired mobile giant Zynga in 2022</a> in the second-biggest deal in games history, has closed Roll7 and Intercept Games, the studios behind <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/rollerdrome">Rollerdrome</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/kerbal-space-program-2">Kerbal Space Program 2</a>, respectively. After a report from <em><a href="https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/take-two-confirms-kerbal-space-program-2-is-safe-despite-seattle-layoffs#close-modal">GameDeveloper.com</a></em> indicated Take-Two was laying off 70 people at Intercept Games, <em><a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-01/take-two-interactive-shuts-down-two-game-studios?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTcxNDU5MzkzNCwiZXhwIjoxNzE1MTk4NzM0LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJTQ1RPWlVEV1JHRzAwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.bAGtiU7JzBiIoFWWcHxk0LHPfxjEHho9NhMqunueBxI">Bloomberg</a> </em>released a report confirming that Take-Two was shuttering both Intercept Games and Roll7. </p> <p>The publication reports that Take-Two is closing the London-based Roll7 and offering severance to staff. A notice filed with the Washington State Employment Security Department indicates that Take-Two is planning to close a Seattle-based studio with 70 employees, which aligns with Intercept Games' employee count and location. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/asFE3p8wOwI" width="640"></iframe> <p>While Take-Two hasn't yet addressed the closures, it gave the following statement to <em>IGN</em> regarding the layoffs and the status of Kerbal Space Program 2, which launched into Early Access last year. </p> "On April 16, Take-Two announced a cost reduction program to identify efficiencies across its business and to enhance the Company's margin profile while still investing for growth. As part of these efforts, the Company is rationalizing its pipeline and eliminating several projects in development and streamlining its organization structure, which will eliminate headcount and reduce future hiring needs. The company is not providing additional details.  "On April 18, Private Division successfully launched Moon Studio's No Rest for the Wicked. The label continues to make updates to Kerbal Space Program 2 and plans to release Wētā Workshop Game Studio's Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings game in the second half of 2024."  <p>These closures arrive roughly a month after Take-Two announced it was laying off 5% (579 employees) at its various companies while canceling projects in the works. The publisher also <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/28/take-two-purchases-gearbox-entertainment-from-embracer-for-460-million">acquired Gearbox Entertainment</a> in late March. Roll7 won a BAFTA award for Rollerdrome last year and also developed 2022's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/olliolli-world/video-days">OlliOlli World</a>.</p> <p>The hearts of the <em>Game Informer </em>staff are with everyone who's been affected by layoffs or closures. </p> <p><em>[Source: <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-01/take-two-interactive-shuts-down-two-game-studios?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTcxNDU5MzkzNCwiZXhwIjoxNzE1MTk4NzM0LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJTQ1RPWlVEV1JHRzAwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.bAGtiU7JzBiIoFWWcHxk0LHPfxjEHho9NhMqunueBxI">Bloomberg</a>, <a href="https://www.ign.com/articles/take-two-shutters-kerbal-space-program-2-studio-amid-layoffs">IGN</a>]</em></p> Thu, 02 May 2024 08:33:11 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122546 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/05/01/nba-2k24-removes-collector-level-reward-kobe-bryant-at-last-second-sparking-fan-outcry <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/01/bdc1b285/kobe1.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The late legend Kobe Bryant has served as the cover star for <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/nba-2k24/a-flagrant-stepback">NBA 2K24</a> and, for many, a strong incentive to reach the top Collector Level in the game's MyTeam mode. As the NBA playoffs' first round wraps up, many fans are more disappointed than excited with the most recent NBA 2K title, as developer Visual Concepts has pulled back on a promise made prior to launch. </p> <p>In the lead-up to the game's release date, the NBA 2K24 developer Visual Concepts <a href="https://nba.2k.com/2k24/courtside-report/myteam/">released a blog post</a> running down the features of its card-collection mode, MyTeam. In that blog post, the developer laid out several features and rewards for the then-upcoming title. It took special care to devote a section to an upcoming Collector Level reward, Kobe Bryant. </p> <p>In that post, the developer highlights just how crucial Collector Level rewards are to the overall MyTeam experience. "Collector level rewards have always been important in MyTEAM, and last year the rewards came as surprises with a hidden end goal," the blog post from prior to launch stated. "So let's look forward a few months and reveal that Kobe Bryant will be the top reward in the Collector Level, and this reward will be available in April, during Season 6."</p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/HerbScribner/status/1785443210430677374">First reported by <em>The Washington Post</em>'s Herb Scribner</a>, with <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/paultassi/2024/05/01/nba-2k-players-furious-about-kobe-bryant-collector-level-reward-removal/?sh=75bd0e614b65">further reporting done by Forbes' Paul Tassi</a>, NBA 2K24 has changed its top Collector Level reward to not include Kobe Bryant. Instead, players can now choose from two previously released 100-overall cards. However, according to multiple community members, the most recent 100-overall card, Yao Ming, is not an option for players to choose from.</p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/01/7c69eef4/2k24.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>Centering a Collector Level reward around such an iconic and beloved player likely encouraged many to grind (or spend) to achieve the top Collector Level and obtain the reward. Many players have taken to social media and the NBA 2K Community Discord server to voice their displeasure. As of this writing, neither the official <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA2K">NBA 2K</a> nor <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA2KMyTEAM">NBA 2K MyTeam</a> account has posted anything regarding the situation, and the "developer-supported and community-run" <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/NBA2k/">NBA 2K Subreddit</a> contains zero posts about the missing reward. However, <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/MyTeam/">the MyTeam Subreddit</a> has multiple player-posted threads regarding the problem.</p> <p>The only community-facing comment from the NBA 2K team that I have found was posted on the official NBA 2K Community Discord. That comment matches the comment provided to me by a 2K spokesperson when I requested comment from the publisher. You can read the entire statement provided by a 2K spokesperson below.</p> 2K strives to deliver the very best NBA 2K24 MyTEAM experience to the community. Please note that a change to a reward has occurred. Players who achieve a top Collector Level will now receive an Option Pack for two picks out of ten previously released 100 OVR Cards. We appreciate that players have dedicated time and effort throughout the year to achieve this reward and 2K is committed to ensuring players continue to earn valuable content as their reward. <p>I followed up requesting additional information on why the change was made, but the spokesperson declined to comment further. Some online speculation has posited that licensing issues are to blame, but there is no confirmation or evidence to support that theory outside of 2K's unwillingness to comment further at this time.</p> <p>NBA 2K24 arrived on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC on September 8, 2023. While the gameplay is one of the stronger elements of the title, among our reviewer's chief complaints involved the increasingly intrusive microtransactions that permeate multiple long-term modes within the game. This controversy surrounding one of the most monetized modes does little to refute that criticism. You can read our full review <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/nba-2k24/a-flagrant-stepback">here</a>.</p> Wed, 01 May 2024 12:45:00 CDT Brian Shea 122533 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/05/01/batman-arkham-shadow-announced-for-meta-quest-3-this-year <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/05/01/9e0e7807/batman2.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Batman: Arkham Shadow" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The Batman: Arkham series redefined the superhero genre and changed the course of action games in the decade following Arkham Asylum's release. While four mainline entries – Asylum, City, Origins, and Knight – delivered similar gameplay, a smaller spin-off game, 2016's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/batman_arkham_vr/b/playstationvr/archive/2016/10/05/become-the-detective.aspx">Batman: Arkham VR</a>, let players step into the shoes of the Caped Crusader using their PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, or HTC Vive headset. Batman: Arkham VR felt more like a tech demo than a fully fleshed-out game, but its relatively high sales showed that the appetite was there. Today, Oculus Studios announced another VR title set in the Batman: Arkham universe titled Batman: Arkham Shadow.</p> <p>Though Rocksteady Studios, the developer of Asylum, City, and Knight, was behind Batman: Arkham VR, the developer that most recently released <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/suicide-squad-kill-the-justice-league/noise-and-confusion">Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League</a> does not appear to be involved with Batman: Arkham Shadow. Instead, Camouflaj, the studio behind République and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/marvels-iron-man-vr/marvels-iron-man-vr-review-not-quite-invincible">Iron Man VR</a>, is in charge of Batman: Arkham Shadow. </p> <p>Details are scarce, but Camouflaj founder and studio head Ryan Payton penned a letter on behalf of the team, which is posted on the <a href="https://www.camouflaj.com/">studio's website</a>. "From the start, Batman: Arkham Shadow is being crafted to be the ultimate VR game and take full advantage of the Meta Quest 3," the letter said. "Leaning into our eight years of dedicated VR game development history has enabled us to not only create a distinctly Arkham-feeling game but done in a way that leverages the immersive magic only VR can provide."</p> <p>"Batman: Arkham Shadow is the largest Camouflaj development project to date and marks our second release as a first party member of Oculus Studios, following 2022's critically-acclaimed release of Marvel's Iron Man VR for Quest 2," the letter later said.</p> <p>When combined with the key art, the teaser trailer seems to hint at The Ratcatcher being the main villain in this title. Check out the very brief teaser video below.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DDOI0pXdcGY" width="640"></iframe> <p>We can expect a full reveal at Summer Game Fest 2024's livestream, set for June 7 at 2 p.m. PT. Batman: Arkham Shadow is coming exclusively to Meta Quest 3 later this year.</p> Wed, 01 May 2024 11:08:00 CDT Brian Shea 122531 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/30/star-wars-hunters-gets-june-release-date-for-switch-in-new-trailer <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/b9874ff0/star_wars_hunters_june_4_release_date_trailer_2.jpg" width="800" height="448" alt="star wars hunters zynga switch mobile ios android arena battle release date june 4 gameplay trailer" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Zynga has released a new trailer for its upcoming competitive multiplayer game, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/star-wars-hunters">Star Wars: Hunters</a>, revealing a June 4 release date alongside a new cinematic look at some of the characters. Star Wars: Hunters will hit Switch and iOS and Android devices on that day, giving players the chance to compete with others in iconic locations like the forest moon of Endor, the icy planet of Hoth, and elsewhere while controlling Hunters like J-3DI, a droid who thinks he's a Jedi, Utooni which is two Jawas stacked on top of each other in a trench coat, and more. </p> <p>Zynga says each Hunter boasts their own unique set of abilities to aid them in the Arena, which is the marquee attraction of the new planet of Vespaara. "Star Wars: Hunters features a number of game modes for players to test their mettle, such as Squad Brawl, in which opposing teams will battle to rack up the most eliminations, and Trophy Chase, where competing teams will vie for control of the elusive droid TR-F33," a press release reads. </p> <p><strong>Check out the action in the new Star Wars: Hunters trailer below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/behOiHKp268" width="640"></iframe> <p>"We are beyond excited to welcome fans across the globe to Vespaara," Zynga vice president Sam Cooper writes in a press release. "We can't wait for gamers to meet our Hunters and hop into the Arena. There are so many fun twists and winks to recognizable, beloved Star Wars settings, creatures, and themes within our game that we also are eager to see players worldwide get the chance to discover." </p> <p>Star Wars: Hunters will be available worldwide on Switch, iOS, and Android devices. It will be free, and on Switch, it does not require a Nintendo Switch Online membership to download and play.</p> <p>For more, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2021/02/17/star-wars-hunters-announced-for-switch">watch the Star Wars: Hunters reveal trailer</a>, and then check out some gameplay from it <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/09/14/star-wars-hunters-gameplay-unveiled-during-apple-event">here</a>. </p> <p><em>Are you going to check out Star Wars: Hunters in June? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 30 Apr 2024 12:59:07 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122529 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/30/xbox-games-showcase-announced-for-june-followed-by-a-secret-direct-for-a-beloved <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/eb8120fb/xbox-showcase.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="xbox showcase summer june 9 redacted direct activision call of duty" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Xbox will livestream an Xbox Games Showcase this summer. Similar to last year's Starfield Direct, the showcase will be followed by a special "Redacted" direct that will dive deep into a beloved franchise. As for when, the Xbox Games Showcase will begin at 10 a.m. PT/1 p.m. ET on June 9, with the Redacted showcase streaming immediately after. </p> <p>"Like our double feature last year with Starfield Direct, immediately following the Showcase we'll be airing a special deep-dive into the next installment of a beloved franchise," an <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2024/04/30/xbox-games-showcase-2024-redacted-direct/?ocid=Event_soc_omc_xbo_tw_Photo_lrn_4.30.2&linkId=100000258822665">Xbox Wire blog post</a> reads. "We can't say much, so for now, we'll call it the Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] direct. This will also be our first showcase featuring games from our portfolio of studios across Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda, and Xbox Game Studios, in addition to titles from our third-party partners." </p> <p>And speaking of Activision Blizzard, I'm guessing the redacted showcase is about the next Call of Duty, based on the associated image that you can see in the X (formerly Twitter) post below: </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">We’re going to be talking about games of course<br /> <br /> Tune in to the Xbox Games Showcase followed by [REDACTED] Direct on Sunday, June 9 @ 10am PT: <a href="https://t.co/z78G8h75r2">https://t.co/z78G8h75r2</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/XboxShowcase?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#XboxShowcase</a> <a href="https://t.co/XgOGJy2gLv">pic.twitter.com/XgOGJy2gLv</a></p> — Xbox (@Xbox) <a href="https://twitter.com/Xbox/status/1785308276063633588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 30, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>We know another Call of Duty is coming this year, following up last year's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-iii/not-so-special-ops">Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III</a>, and that logo looks very militaristic. The Capitol Building behind it adds to this guess, too, especially if the next Call of Duty is about the Gulf War, which is what the latest rumors are saying (with Black Ops series developer Treyarch up to bat). Regardless, we'll find out soon because that presentation follows the Xbox Games Showcase happening in less than two months on June 9. </p> <p>This Xbox Games Showcase will follow <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/13/this-years-summer-game-fest-streams-live-on-june-7">this year's Summer Game Fest livestream on June 7</a> (and takes place during SGF's media-only days, where press and influencers will play various games on-site in Los Angeles, California, from June 8 to June 10). Following the Xbox Games Showcase, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/03/ubisoft-forward-confirmed-for-june-same-week-as-summer-game-fest">Ubisoft will host another Ubisoft Forward event on June 10</a>. </p> <p><em>What game do you think the redacted direct will be about? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:38:32 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122526 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/30/square-enix-has-seemingly-canceled-some-games-in-an-effort-to-be-more-selective-and <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/5bbc8884/square-enix.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="square enix canceled games losses HD abandons" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Square Enix, the company behind last year's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/final-fantasy-xvi/victory-in-the-land-of-gods-and-monsters">Final Fantasy XVI</a> and this year's Final <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth">Fantasy VII Rebirth</a>, has seemingly canceled some in-development games, taking on some big losses as a result. As for why, the company is aiming to be more selective about its projects moving forward. </p> <p>This news comes from a <a href="chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://www.hd.square-enix.com/eng/ir/pdf/20240430_01_en.pdf">release</a> related to Square Enix's holdings, which explains the company is incurring losses of 22.1 billion Yen, or roughly $140 million, on its financial books for the fiscal year that ended in March. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oiwylYoKIv4" width="640"></iframe> <p>"At the meeting convened on March 27, 2024, the Board of Directors of Square Enix Holdings voted, in light of the myriad changes underway in the environment surrounding its group, to revise the group's approach to the development of high-definition (HD) games with the intention of being more selective and focused in the allocation of development resources," the release reads. "As a result of a close examination, the company expects to recognize approximately 22.1 billion Yen in content abandonment losses on its books for the fiscal year ended March 2024." </p> <p>While potentially canceled games might sound doom and gloom, it sounds more like Square Enix is sharpening its developmental focus to ensure that the games it releases are hits or, at the very least, financially successful for the company. Nonetheless, it sounds like roughly $140 million of games in development have been canceled and it's unlikely we'll ever find out what they were. </p> <p>This release comes after a big splash from <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/final-fantasy-vii-rebirth/cracking-the-planet-wide-open">Final Fantasy VII Rebirth</a>, which Square Enix released in February. Elsehwere in 2024, Square Enix is releasing <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/feature/2023/07/28/everything-you-need-to-know-about-final-fantasy-xiv-dawntrail">Final Fantasy XIV: Dawntrail</a>, the new expansion for the MMO that will kick off a new saga for the long-running game, in <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/25/final-fantasy-xiv-dawntrail-launches-july-2-collectors-edition-revealed">July</a>. </p> <p><em>What's your take on this news? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:05:08 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122524 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/30/housemarque-celebrates-returnals-3-year-anniversary-with-fallen-asteria-animated <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/c82f0c30/returnal_3_year_anniversary_fallen_asteria_3.jpg" width="800" height="449" alt="housemarque dark horse comics returnal fallen asteria graphic novel animated adaptation artbook" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Housemarque is celebrating the three-year anniversary of its hit shooter roguelike <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/returnal">Returnal</a> by teaming up with Dark Horse Comics for a graphic novel, artbook, and a new animated adaptation you can watch right now. This news follows <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/29/returnal-developer-housemarque-teases-mysterious-announcement-for-tomorrow">yesterday's tease</a> from both Housemarque and later Dark Horse Comics about Returnal, sending fans into an understandable frenzy about what the teams had in store for players. </p> <p>"Another year, another cycle," a <a href="https://x.com/Housemarque/status/1785293476034146605">post</a> on X (formerly Twitter) from Housemarque reads. "The Third time around, extra loot is exposed with Dark Horse flair." </p> <p>Here's what that flair brings to the Returnal universe: </p> <ul><li><strong><em>Returnal: Fallen Asteria</em> Graphic Novel</strong></li> <li><strong>Returnal Artbook</strong></li> <li><strong>Fallen Asteria Animated Adaptation</strong></li> </ul><p>Now, even with PlayStation dipping its toes into cross-media production with <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2022/12/14/god-of-war-series-ordered-at-amazon-prime-video-cory-barlog-will-executive">Amazon's God of War series</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/06/09/netflixs-horizon-tv-show-will-reportedly-be-split-between-game-timeline-and-the-fall-of">Netflix's Horizon adaptation</a>, this Returnal adaptation isn't the same. Instead, it's an "animated version of the first issue of the upcoming graphic novel, <em>Returnal: Fallen Asteria</em>." Check it out for yourself below: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JR_3tPMJgGw" width="640"></iframe> <p>Housemarque says the 88-page graphic novel will arrive in paperback on bookstore shelves starting October 22, 2024, and it will hit comic book shops the next day. </p> <p>It's unclear if the animated adaptation above is <em>the </em>animated adaptation today's announcement refers to or if it's just the first part of it since it only adapts the first issue of the graphic novel. </p> <p><strong>Here's a look at the Returnal: Fallen Asteria issues coming this October</strong>: </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/30/527d4590/returnal_3_year_anniversary_fallen_asteria.jpg" alt="housemarque dark horse comics returnal fallen asteria graphic novel animated adaptation artbook" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>There's no word on when the Returnal artbook will arrive, but presumably it's this year. </p> <p>For more about the game, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/returnal/returnal-review-haunting-harmony">read <em>Game Informer's </em>Returnal review</a>, and then check out this story about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2022/2022/12/08/update-ps5-hit-returnal-coming-to-pc-next-month-pc-specs-revealed">the PC specs required to play Returnal</a> on a desktop or laptop. After that, read about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/22/returnals-ascension-update-which-adds-co-op-and-a-new-challenge-tower-is-now-live">Returnal's Ascension update</a>, which added co-op gameplay and a new challenge tower to the game. </p> <p>Returnal hit PlayStation 5 on April 30, 2021. It launched on PC on February 15, 2023. </p> <p><em>Are you excited about today's Returnal news? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 30 Apr 2024 08:46:01 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122525 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/30/starfields-first-expansion-shattered-space-to-release-this-fall <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/08/31/0bfc96cb/starfield3.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Starfield shattered space expansion first fall release date todd howard" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Starfield's first expansion, Shattered Space, is set to arrive this fall, according to director Todd Howard. Plus, a new update for Starfield is coming later this week that will make changes to ship-building mechanics and more. </p> <p>Howard revealed this and more about Starfield in a new interview with <a href="https://youtu.be/7wvqF41_Bgw"><em>Kinda Funny</em></a>, which is where the Bethesda executive producer also discussed <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/2024/04/10/the-fallout-tv-show-is-good-season-1-review#:~:text=It's%20a%20small%2C%20quiet%20moment,at%20nearly%20every%20new%20location.">Amazon's <em>Fallout </em>TV show</a> and the Fallout series in general, as reported by <a href="https://xboxera.com/2024/04/29/starfield-shattered-space-is-coming-this-fall-small-update-later-this-week/"><em>XboxEra</em></a>. As for what to expect of Shattered Space, Howard didn't say much. However, we already know it will bring new story content, locations, gear, and more to Starfield. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7wvqF41_Bgw" width="640"></iframe> <p>As noted by <em>XboxEra</em>, Shattered Space will be free for all Starfield Deluxe Edition owners. </p> <p>As for the update coming to Starfield later this week, Howard says it will focus on the ship-building. This lines up with what the <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/12/21/bethesda-outlines-2024-plans-for-starfield-including-expanded-ship-customization">Starfield team shared last year in its 2024 plans for the game</a>. Here's what it said at the time: "For those who love ship building, we'll also be expanding on ship customization with ship decorations, new ship building options, and more."</p> <p>Other updates scheduled for 2024 include new ways to travel, city maps, mod support, accessibility and additional difficulty options, and more. </p> <p>For more about the game, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/starfield/overwhelming-scope"><em>Game Informer's </em>Starfield review</a>, and then read about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/opinion/2023/09/01/starfield-is-surprisingly-great-using-remote-play">Starfield is surprisingly great as a remote-play game</a>. After that, check out this story about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/opinion/2023/08/31/starfield-is-more-like-a-sci-fi-theme-park-than-an-open-world-adventure">Starfield is more like a sci-fi theme park than an open world adventure</a>. </p> <p><em>[Source: <a href="https://youtu.be/7wvqF41_Bgw">Kinda Funny</a> via <a href="https://xboxera.com/2024/04/29/starfield-shattered-space-is-coming-this-fall-small-update-later-this-week/">XboxEra</a>]</em></p> <p><em>What do you hope to see in the Shattered Space expansion? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 30 Apr 2024 08:09:06 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122523 https://www.gameinformer.com/idxbox-showcase/2024/04/29/new-pals-and-a-new-location-are-coming-to-palworld-this-summer <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/29/b4bbfbe5/screenshot_2024-04-29_at_12.24.23_pm.png" width="800" height="448" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The latest teaser for new Palworld content, shared during IGN's ID@Xbox presentation, shows four new Pals and a new location. There is a frog Pal, a mushroom Pal, a bipedal dog-like Pal, and a peacock Pal. The new location is also heavily inspired by Japan and is covered with cherry blossoms.</p> <p>You can check out the footage below.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/imfpYNpA_mE" width="640"></iframe> <p>For more on Palworld, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/02/22/what-is-palworld-the-new-pokemon-with-guns-survival-game-everyones-playing">head here</a>.</p> Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:22:51 CDT Kyle Hilliard 122519 https://www.gameinformer.com/idxbox-showcase/2024/04/29/jackbox-naughty-pack-is-the-first-m-rated-game-in-the-series <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/1d35873c/jackbox1.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Jackbox Naughty Pack" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The Jackbox Party Packs have always allowed for adult-themed responses, but it was never solicited or directly encouraged by the games themselves. For those who have wanted a more <em>mature</em> experience, Jackbox Games is finally granting you your wish, as it has announced Jackbox Naughty Pack, a new release of three games that promises spicy prompts and dirty fun later this year.</p> <p>We don't know what kinds of games will be included, but Jackbox Games teases "spicy surprises and maybe even some familiar faces." Does that tease a new, mature-themed You Don't Know Jack? Will we get dirtier iterations on some classic Jackbox titles? Or will these be all new games that just so happen to include some favorite characters from past games? Unfortunately, for now, Jackbox Games is being tight-lipped with the contents of Jackbox Naughty Pack.</p> <p>However, the studio did release a teaser trailer, which you can view right <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dun3ye7EC6Q">here</a>. Jackbox Naughty Pack will arrive sometime this year, and Jackbox Games promises more details this summer.</p> <p>Are you excited for a spicier take on Jackbox Party Pack? Do you and the people you play Jackbox games with typically go mature-themed with your answers, or are you more of a family-friendly Jackbox gamer? Let us know what you hope from Jackbox Naughty Pack in the comments below!</p> Mon, 29 Apr 2024 12:19:00 CDT Brian Shea 122510 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/29/remedy-shares-development-updates-for-control-2-max-payne-1-2-remake-and-codename-condor <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-media.gameinformer.com/styles/body_default/s3/2019/03/04/2fadceaa/red.jpg" width="800" height="437" alt="Remedy Control 2 Max Payne Remake Project Condor" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Remedy has provided updates on its portfolio of upcoming titles via a quarterly business review. In addition to painting the overall financial health of the studio, the report shares details on the current development state of <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/11/11/control-2-in-concept-stage-as-remedy-announces-development-deal-with-505-games">Control 2</a>, Max Payne 1&2 Remake, the Control multiplayer spin-off <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/06/29/remedy-reveals-new-control-multiplayer-spin-off-with-project-condor-new-505-games-deal">Codename Condor</a>, and more.</p> <p>According to the <a href="https://investors.remedygames.com/app/uploads/2024/04/remedy-q1-2024-business-review.pdf">report</a>, the Control 2 team is “focused on finalizing the proof-of-concept stage, in which the game world, game mechanics and visual targets are proven.” The project is expected to move into the production readiness stage in Q2 of this year. Control 2 was first announced in 2022. </p> <p>Max Payne 1&2 Remake, first announced in 2022 as a rebuilt version that combines both games into a single title, remains in the production readiness stage, as <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/10/31/remedy-provides-update-on-control-2-says-max-payne-remakes-are-in-production">first announced last October</a>. However, the game is expected to enter full production in Q2 2024.</p> <p>Codename Condor has entered full production. Remedy describes its core loop as “engaging” and that “the game brings a unique Remedy angle to the genre.” Codename Kestral, Remedy’s other multiplayer title described as a “premium game with a strong, cooperative multiplayer component”, remains in the concept stage. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EXlL0FpztGY" width="640"></iframe> <p>Remedy also shares that Alan Wake 2 has sold 1.3 million units as of early February, recouping a “significant” chunk of its development and marketing expenses in the process. The development team continues to work on its upcoming expansions, Night Springs and Lake House. </p> <p>Following Remedy’s <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/02/28/remedy-acquires-full-rights-to-control-franchise-from-publisher-505-games">acquisition of the rights to Control</a> from publisher 505 Games in February, the studio is now free to do what it wants with the IP. CEO Tero Virtala states, “We are currently weighing self-publishing and related business models. Simultaneously, we are actively looking into different partner publishing models and evaluating potential partners.” Remedy also expects to have two projects in full production simultaneously, stating "We are confident that the good progress of the beginning of the year carries over to the full production stages."</p> <p>You can read our review of Alan Wake 2 <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/alan-wake-2/back-to-reality">here</a> and for Control <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/control/a-heady-power-trip">here</a>. </p> Mon, 29 Apr 2024 11:10:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122516 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/29/returnal-developer-housemarque-teases-mysterious-announcement-for-tomorrow <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/29/3291639f/housemarque_tease_1.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Housemarque new annoucement" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Housemarque, the developer of titles such as Returnal and Resogun, has teased some kind of announcement for tomorrow. </p> <p>In a post on X, the developer simply posted a graphic of what appears to be a fractured reflection of a woman’s eyes with the word “Tomorrow.”</p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/F4R6TYFyZ1">pic.twitter.com/F4R6TYFyZ1</a></p> — Housemarque (@Housemarque) <a href="https://twitter.com/Housemarque/status/1784895491123405216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>Less than two hours later, Housemarque shared a brief video clip of the same image but in animated form.</p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="zxx"><a href="https://t.co/uAkzYOCjjn">pic.twitter.com/uAkzYOCjjn</a></p> — Housemarque (@Housemarque) <a href="https://twitter.com/Housemarque/status/1784931755931177197?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 29, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>While the kneejerk reaction is to assume this announcement is related to Returnal, be it a sequel or something else, that seems unlikely. In 2022, Housemarque stated it was <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/03/housemarque-is-developing-a-new-game-but-it-isnt-returnal-2">developing a new IP</a> for its next title. However, that wouldn't necessarily rule out the possibility of more Returnal DLC, if nothing else. Much has changed for Housemarque since Returnal launched in April 2021, such as <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2021/06/29/sony-acquires-returnal-studio-housemarque-evidence-suggests-bluepoint-also-acquired">being acquired by Sony</a> just a couple of months later. Returnal <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2022/2022/12/08/update-ps5-hit-returnal-coming-to-pc-next-month-pc-specs-revealed">launched on PC</a> in February 2023 and has been updated with additional content and features such as co-op. </p> <p>Thankfully, we don’t have to wait long to learn what Housemarque has up its sleeve next. In the meantime, be sure to check out our review of Returnal <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/returnal/returnal-review-haunting-harmony">here</a>.</p> Mon, 29 Apr 2024 08:56:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122515 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/26/blizzard-announces-its-skipping-blizzcon-this-year <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/26/d86d9363/blizzcon-graphic-2024.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="BlizzCon 2024 canceled" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Blizzard has decided to cancel this year’s BlizzCon. The company states the event will return in the future, but it plans to showcase upcoming games in a different manner over the coming months. </p> <p>First announced in a <a href="https://blizzcon.com/en-us/news/24072107">blog post</a>, Blizzard plans to share details on upcoming games like <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/11/06/blizzard-reveals-three-new-world-of-warcraft-expansions-starting-with-the-war">World of Warcraft: The War Within</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/11/06/diablo-iv-vessel-of-hatred-expansion-brings-players-to-a-lush-jungle-biome-late">Diablo IV’s Vessel of Hatred expansion</a> at other trade shows, such as Gamescom. The company also plans to launch “multiple, global, in-person events” for Warcraft’s 30th anniversary, which are described as being “distinct” from BlizzCon. </p> <p>“Our hope is that these experiences – alongside several live-streamed industry events where we’ll keep you up to date with what’s happening in our game universes – will capture the essence of what makes the Blizzard community so special,” Blizzard states in the blog post.</p> <p>A Blizzard representative tells <em><a href="https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/blizzcon-is-skipping-2024">Windows Central</a></em> that Blizzard made the call to cancel BlizzCon and not Microsoft, which completed its <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/10/13/microsoft-has-officially-acquired-activision-blizzard-for-69-billion">acquisition</a> of the company last year. In a statement to the outlet, the representative says, “This is a Blizzard decision. We have explored different event formats in the past, and this isn't the first time we're skipping BlizzCon or trying something new. While we have great things to share in 2024, the timing just doesn’t line up for one single event at the end of the year.”</p> <p>BlizzCon began in 2005 as an annual convention celebrating all things Blizzard. Last year's show saw the reveal of World of Warcraft’s next expansion, The War Within, as well as two other expansions coming after it. It's good that event is only taking a year off as opposed to being canned for good, and we're curious to see how the alternative events shape up over the coming months. </p> Fri, 26 Apr 2024 12:04:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122509 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/25/fallout-4-gets-a-next-gen-update-today-heres-what-to-expect <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/25/5e58b683/fallout-4-enclave-creation-club-armor.jpg" width="800" height="363" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The Fallout franchise is in the midst of a resurgence lately, thanks to the live-action series adaptation on Amazon Prime (<a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="77931a3c-3f80-4855-9ad5-3f76e5fbcb32" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/2024/04/10/the-fallout-tv-show-is-good-season-1-review">which is good, by the way</a>). Even though it's been almost a decade since its release, Fallout 4 has rocketed to the top of sales charts like a mushroom cloud into the atmosphere, which makes today's update perfectly timed: Fallout 4 is finally getting <a>a proper next-gen update</a>.</p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">ICYMI: The Fallout 4 free next-gen update lands on consoles and PC April 25th! <a href="https://t.co/lFnD4X5Q3o">https://t.co/lFnD4X5Q3o</a><br /><br /> 📺 Performance and Quality Mode<br /> 🛠️ Stability improvements and fixes<br /> 💻 PC widescreen support<br /> 🎮 Steam Deck Verified<br /> 🎁 Free Creation Club Content <a href="https://t.co/JrJDqdn9tW">pic.twitter.com/JrJDqdn9tW</a></p> — Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) <a href="https://twitter.com/BethesdaStudios/status/1781326921818677470?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 19, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>The update brings major technical upgrades to console players. The PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S now get their own native versions of the game rather than relying on running applications made for older consoles. These new apps come with a Performance Mode, which targets 60 fps with 4k resolution and standard graphics settings, as well as a Quality Mode, which plays at 30 fps with a 4k resolution and graphics set to ultra. The notes also clarify that, when connected to a 120 Hz display, Quality Mode will target 40 fps, and when connected to a 1440p display, the game will run at 60 fps with a 1440p resolution regardless of rendering mode.</p> <p>PC players aren't left out, either. In addition to launching on the Epic Store, the game will also support widescreen and ultra-widescreen for those who have them. Steam players will also be happy to hear that the game is now officially Steam Deck Verified, so you can take it on the go. That said, the update is not yet available on GOG, but will be sometime soon. "We will let you know as soon as we can," the patch notes read.</p> <p>In addition to a number of bug fixes across PC and console, the update provides all players with nine free Creation Club items. <a href="https://bethesda.net/en/article/4RcipuAES2k0KP7eYf2DwD/fallout-4-next-gen-patch-notes">You can read the patch notes in their entirety here</a>. For more Fallout, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/12/26/fallout-london-the-expansive-fallout-4-overhaul-mod-gets-april-release-date-in-new">check out the trailer for the (now delayed) Fallout 4 London mod</a>, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/19/amazons-fallout-tv-series-renewed-for-season-2">get ready for season 2 of the TV series</a>, and <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8527a581-81eb-42d6-a5d2-743301ca073c" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/fallout_4/b/xboxone/archive/2015/11/09/a-familiar-wasteland.aspx">read our review of Fallout 4</a>, which we called "one of the most rewarding (and time-consuming) experiences in gaming."</p> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 11:33:00 CDT Charles Harte 122504 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/25/todays-dragons-dogma-2-update-makes-dragonsplague-more-visible-pawns-less-annoying <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/03/19/d3605d81/dd2_beastren_warrior.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Dragon's Dogma 2 launched a little over a month ago and has already managed to sell <a href="https://www.capcom.co.jp/ir/english/news/html/e240402.html">2.5 million copies</a>, but Capcom is still releasing updates to patch minor issues with the game. While a large volume of complaints have been about the lack of a performance mode, this update (like the last update) does not address that issue. However, it does aim to clean up a number of irritating errors involving the behavior of pawns, the player's AI companions.</p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">An update for Dragon's Dogma 2 is now live on all platforms!<br /> <br /> It includes adjustments to the dragonsplague, Pawn behavior and fixes to various issues.<br /> <br /> See details on the official website:<a href="https://t.co/waEdG0ntSv">https://t.co/waEdG0ntSv</a><br /> <br /> We will keep you posted for future updates.</p> — Dragon's Dogma (@DragonsDogma) <a href="https://twitter.com/DragonsDogma/status/1783306639367663817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>For starters, this update makes it easier to detect dragonsplague, an affliction that, if untreated, can lead to devastating consequences for your pawns and your world. It's also contagious, so it's a good idea to nip it in the bud as soon as you first encounter it. When afflicted, pawns' eyes will glow red – after this update, they'll glow more noticeably. The update also causes the disease to infect pawns less frequently.</p> <p>Pawns should also be a lot less annoying now, thanks to a whole slate of minor refinements to their behavior. They'll jump off cliffs less often (which is hilarious but a wild inconvenience), say some lines less often, say other lines at more appropriate times and become less likely to offer to be hired while passing by on the street. They're one of the highlights of the game, so anything done to make their constant presence more consistent is always welcome.</p> <p>There are also smaller adjustments, like adding the ability to zoom in on a character's face in shops, preventing monster attacks in town from leading to the player's arrest, and other miscellaneous bug fixes. You can read the <a href="https://www.dragonsdogma.com/2/en-us/topics/update/">full list of updates, as well as all past updates, here</a>.</p> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 10:03:00 CDT Charles Harte 122503 https://www.gameinformer.com/exclusive/2024/04/25/deathbound-a-single-player-party-based-soulslike-hits-playstation-xbox-and-pc <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2023/08/04/0ceabfb8/deathbound_soulslike_reveal_trailer_gameplay.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Developer Trialforge Studio and publisher Tate Multimedia revealed Deathbound, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/08/07/deathbound-is-a-new-soulslike-with-a-unique-class-based-twist">a new Soulslike with a unique class-based twist</a>, last August. At the time, PC was its only platform but now, <em>Game Informer </em>can exclusively reveal Deathbound will also come to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S day-in-date with PC later this year. </p> <p>As we learned with <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/deathbound">Deathbound's</a> reveal last year, the game wears its Soulslike inspiration on its sleeve. However, it aims to differentiate itself within the ever-growing genre with what Trialforge calls a single-player party-based system. Players will control a single vessel that channels various heroes known as the fallen. These are individual characters, each with unique skill sets, combat styles, and lore, that share the player-controlled vessel. As such, players can switch between different characters, but they'll need to do so with caution as they aren't all necessarily in alliance with each other. </p> <p><strong>Check out the newest Deathbound trailer for yourself below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kCIz4JrZwzs" width="640"></iframe> <p>"The relationships between characters also must be taken into effect as it greatly impacts gameplay," a press release reads. "The Church of Death and Cult of Life are at odds with one another. Aligning opposing factions close to one another in the vessel will cause conflict, resulting in consequential combat effects. Alternatively, strong synergies with shared beliefs may offer combat buffs that can spell disaster for the ruthless boss awaiting steel and magic. No matter the creed, the fallen must fight as one." </p> <p>Trialforge says in combat, players will charge something called a sync meter that's shared across the fallen within the vessel. When the right opportunity shows itself, players can dispel the sync meter to unleash a devastating "Morphstrike, with the combined power of the party." </p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2023/08/04/8de8e1d5/deathbound_soulslike_indie_game_play2.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2023/08/04/eed75cdf/deathbound_soulslike_indie_game_play3.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2023/08/04/1fa59884/deathbound_soulslike_indie_game_play4.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2023/08/04/d668995f/deathbound_soulslike_indie_game_play5.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2023/08/04/8207e9fa/deathbound_soulslike_indie_game_play6.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2023/08/04/fb5a356d/deathbound_soulslike_indie_game_play_header.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2023/08/04/2ca6216f/deathbound_soulslike_indie_game_play1.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>Deathbound will hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam, GOG, and Epic Games Store sometime this year. If you're curious how it plays, there's a demo available right now on Steam. </p> <p>For more, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/08/07/deathbound-is-a-new-soulslike-with-a-unique-class-based-twist"><em>Game Informer's </em>write-up about Deathbound's reveal from last year</a>. After that, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/01/the-top-10-soulslike-games">check out our list of the top 10 best Soulslike games</a>. </p> <p><em>Are you excited for Deathbound? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Thu, 25 Apr 2024 08:00:00 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122501 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/23/the-latest-minecraft-update-adds-wolf-armor-wolf-breeds-and-armadillos <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/6737a623/armored-paws-header.jpg" width="800" height="337" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Taming a wolf in Minecraft is one of the game's simplest joys, and no matter how many times I start a new world, I always hoard bones in case I encounter one. But once you've adopted a canine companion, you probably hide them away in a house for safe-keeping, shielding them from the horrors of the game's hostile mobs. Today, Minecraft is adding a way to make them a little stronger – wolf armor.</p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UKF91_m_B2Q" width="640"></iframe> <p>Like leather armor, wolf armor can be colored using dyes in-game, so if you've got multiple adopted animals, it'll still be easy to tell them apart. This variation is separate from the collar colors as well, creating plenty of possibilities. Even better, the game is also adding wolf fur variants for the first time, bringing eight new patterns for a total of nine. Each variant (Pale, Woods, Ashen, Black, chestnut, Rusty, Spotted, Striped, and Snowy) spawns in a specific biome. You can take a look at all the new breeds in the gallery below.</p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/23/c53305fb/snowy_wolfarticle_image_1280x720.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/23/fdb5e87f/spotted_wolfarticle_image_1280x720.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/23/339a4fd2/striped_wolfarticle_image_1280x720.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/23/1c102aa0/woods_wolfarticle_image_1280x720.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/23/9f20665f/ashen_wolf_with_puparticle_image_1280x720.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/23/d0aee770/black_wolfarticle_image_1280x720.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/23/98e9be24/chestnut_wolfarticle_image_1280x720.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/23/3a3dc46a/pale_wolfarticle_image_1280x720.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/23/1750129a/rusty_wolfarticle_image_1280x720.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>Of course, players will need to be able to craft this wolf armor as well, which is where the new mob, the armadillo, comes in. These armored relatives of anteaters can be found in savannah or badland biomes, where they can be seen strolling around and curling into a defensive ball when certain enemies come near. Armadillos drop armadillo scutes, which are used to make the wolf armor, but the developers have reassured players that they can be brushed rather than defeated, so you won't have to go on an armadillo massacre to protect your pets. Armadillos can also be used to scare away spiders since they eat insects and arachnids in real life, and spider eyes can be used to breed them if you want to make your own armadillo farm.</p> <p><a href="https://www.minecraft.net/en-us/article/minecraft-java-edition-1-20-5">You can read the rest of the notes for the 1.20.5 update right here.</a></p> Tue, 23 Apr 2024 10:08:57 CDT Charles Harte 122497 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/23/fortnite-adds-new-setting-to-hide-confrontational-emotes <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/ac646ee6/fortnite_take_the_l_emote_change.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="fornite confrontational emotes setting fortnite take the l" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Epic Games has revealed a new setting for Fortnite that allows players to hide emotes the company considers "confrontational." This doesn't outright ban these emotes from the game and those with them can still use them, but if someone has this new setting turned off, they won't see others use them. </p> <p>Called "See Confrontational Emotes," players can choose whether they want to see emotes like "Laugh It Up," "Take the L," "Whipcrack," and "Make It Plantain" from anyone, from friends in a party, or never. Epic <a href="https://www.fortnite.com/news/new-see-confrontational-emotes-setting-in-fortnite">says</a> players who have these emotes hidden with this new setting will see a player using the emote standing still, with no emote sound. </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/4b2c83bd/fortnite_menu_change.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>This new setting can be found under "Social Privacy" in the Fortnite settings and it defaults to only show these confrontational emotes from friends in your party. Epic stresses that this setting does not change a player's ability to use any emotes. It is now live in-game. </p> <p>For more about Fortnite, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/09/avatar-the-last-airbender-skins-now-available-in-fortnite">check out these <em>Avatar: The Last Airbender </em>skins now available in the game</a>, and then read about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/15/fortnites-next-star-wars-crossover-will-span-lego-festival-and-battle-royale-modes">Fortnite's next Star Wars crossover will span Lego, Fortnite Festival, and Battle Royale</a>. After that, read about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/22/billie-eilish-is-headlining-fortnite-festival-season-3">Billie Eilish is headlining Fortnite Festival Season 3</a>. </p> <p><em>How do you feel about this new emote setting? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 23 Apr 2024 08:41:04 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122496 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/23/metaphor-refantazio-gets-october-release-date-in-new-gameplay-trailer <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/19bbc971/metaphor_refantazio_header.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Metaphor: ReFantazio gameplay trailer release date october 11 2024" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Publisher Atlus and developer Studio Zero have released a new trailer for the upcoming fantasy RPG, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/metaphor-refantazio">Metaphor: ReFantazio</a>, and it features plenty of new gameplay. It also reveals Metaphor: ReFantazio will hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on October 11. </p> <p>Dubbed "The King's Trial," this new trailer sets up a bit of the Metaphor: ReFantazio's world more, highlighting a tournament for the king's throne at the center of the narrative. It seems our protagonist and the friends and allies they encounter along the way are vying for a crown that others are also after. In order to claim it, players must complete trials across the lands, proving their worth. </p> <p><strong>Check it out for yourself in the Metaphor: ReFantazio gameplay trailer below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zmMz9QjUHmA" width="640"></iframe> <p>As you can see, Metaphor: ReFantazio continues to look excellent, with its Persona inspirations on full display. That's not surprising, though, considering Studio Zero is composed of various leads from Atlus' popular Persona series, including the latest in the franchise, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/persona_5/b/playstation4/archive/2017/03/29/persona-5-review-game-informer.aspx">Persona 5</a>. </p> <p>If you've played <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/persona-5-royal/persona-5-royal-review-revealing-its-true-form">Persona 5 Royal</a>, or even the recently released <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/persona-3-reload/into-the-light">Persona 3 Reload</a>, then you know we're likely in for a treat when it comes to a few things: combat, narrative, and art. And if this new look at the game's menu are any indication, the Persona team has been cooking something special for Metaphor: ReFantazio. </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/ec41a0b9/metaphor_refantazio_menu.jpg" alt="Metaphor: ReFantazio gameplay trailer release date october 11 2024" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>The trailer also reveals Metaphor: ReFantazio will get a special Collector's Edition for $149.99. The game's standard release will cost $69.99.</p> <p><strong>Here's what the Collector's Edition looks like</strong>: </p> <img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/23/02729ac8/metaphor_refantazio_collectors_edition.jpg" typeof="foaf:Image" alt="" class="image-style-body-default" /> <p>Metaphor: ReFantazio hits PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on October 11, 2024. </p> <p>For more about the game, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2023/06/11/persona-makers-announce-metaphor-refantazio">watch the Metaphor: ReFantazio reveal trailer.</a> Read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/persona-5-royal/persona-5-royal-review-revealing-its-true-form"><em>Game Informer's </em>Persona 5 Royal review</a>, and then read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/persona-5-tactica/one-more-uprising"><em>Game Informer's </em>Persona 5 Tactica review</a> after that. </p> <p><em>Are you picking up Metaphor: ReFantazio on day one? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Tue, 23 Apr 2024 07:47:45 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122495 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/22/billie-eilish-is-headlining-fortnite-festival-season-3 <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/22/1f79ec6c/billie-eilish-fortnite-large.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>With the introduction of Fortnite Festival, Epic's rhythm game within the chart-topping Battle Royale, there's more incentive than ever for musicians to have their likenesses added to the game. The latest of these artists is Billie Eilish, who announced her collaboration with the game <a href="https://x.com/billieeilish/status/1782439458216042970">on social media earlier today</a>.</p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">Fortnite Festival Main Stage: 4.23.24 <a href="https://t.co/dxaQBsqD4A">pic.twitter.com/dxaQBsqD4A</a></p> — billie eilish (@billieeilish) <a href="https://twitter.com/billieeilish/status/1782439458216042970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>Eilish is not just getting a skin added to the game (like <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="532b57f2-62c6-43c4-9680-d594b69b4b9d" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/11/22/eminem-is-coming-to-fortnite" style="font-size: 1.7rem;">Eminem</a>, for example), she's the next headliner for Fortnite Festival's main stage event, which will start tomorrow, April 23. This includes a set of artist-specific rotating songs players can compete for high scores in, as well as unlockable skins, songs, instruments, and other cosmetics, though unlocking all of these requires the purchase of the pricey 1,800 V-Buck Festival Pass. Previous headliners were <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="a0a3f08a-d3a8-4932-9580-955c3d2b3ff3" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/12/11/fortnite-festival-season-1-is-live-epic-confirms-rock-band-controller-support" style="font-size: 1.7rem;">The Weeknd</a> and <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="8bfcc084-7394-49bc-87ad-83b345a2f921" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/02/20/lady-gaga-is-coming-to-fortnite" style="font-size: 1.7rem;">Lady Gaga</a>.</p> <p>Eilish recently made headlines for winning a Grammy, Golden Globe, and Oscar for "What Was I Made For" from the Barbie movie, which is a task she's now accomplished twice. Even more recently, she announced her upcoming album Hit Me Hard And Soft, which is likely her main marketing incentive for appearing in the game. For more Fortnite, check out the current <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f5b5da80-dc07-4895-9626-9cdca5c3d817" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/09/avatar-the-last-airbender-skins-now-available-in-fortnite">Avatar: The Last Airbender crossover</a> and read about <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/15/fortnites-next-star-wars-crossover-will-span-lego-festival-and-battle-royale-modes">the upcoming Star Wars event</a>.</p> <p><em>Will you be buying Eilish's festival pass? Which artist do you want to see in Fortnite next? Let us know in the comments!</em></p> Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:03:54 CDT Charles Harte 122491 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/22/tales-of-the-shires-first-trailer-reveals-it-is-middle-earth-animal-crossing-with <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/22/442cc0d7/tales_of_the_shire_heder.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="the lord of the rings tales of the shire first trailer screenshots gameplay animal crossing middle earth hobbits" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Developer Wētā Workshop and publisher Private Division have released the first trailer for <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/tales-of-the-shire">Tales of the Shire</a>, and it showcases what looks like a Middle-earth Animal Crossing game with hobbits and a cozy place to call home. This trailer arrives <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/10/were-getting-our-first-tales-of-the-shire-trailer-later-this-month">after the companies teased releasing the first Tales of the Shire trailer this month</a>, following <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/09/22/tales-of-the-shire-is-a-cozy-lord-of-the-rings-game-coming-next-year">the game's reveal last year</a>. </p> <p>In Tales of the Shire, players will create their own Hobbit before setting forth into Bywater, the shire setting of the game. Here, players can forage fruits and herbs, tend to gardens, fish, trade with townsfolk, and more, all while working to help Bywater, which has not yet been established as an official village in Hobbiton, flourish. </p> <p>"Greet comfort at the door as you deocrate your own Hobbit hole, tend to your garden, fish at the clear ponds, forage wild fruits and herbs, or trade with townsfolk, " a press release reads. "Prepare homemade meals to share with fellow Hobbits and foster relationships. With much to see and lots more to eat, enjoy days of splendor in the picturesque forests, lakes, and pastures."</p> <p><strong>Check out the first official Tales of the Shire trailer for yourself below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kzb87t6FksY" width="640"></iframe> <p>Tales of the Shire's Hobbit hole customization features grid-free placement, allowing players to put furniture and home decor anywhere they want, however they want. You can harvest seasonal crops and flowers as time passes in your homestead, and stock your Hobbit hole pantry afterward. Plus, you can cook using unique recipes, partake in second breakfast, and even host dinner parties with other Hobbits in Bywater. Sharing meals with guests will create new relationships to cultivate as the seasons go by. </p> <p>Wētā Workshop says ever-changing weather will affect daily routines and bring seasonal surprises to Bywater. You can obtain rewards through story progression all while meeting familiar and iconic characters, too. You can trade with them for upgrades to skills, clothes, your home, and more, and joining clubs and completing missions and daily activities will further Bywater's status as an official village. </p> <p><strong>Here are some screenshots from Tales of the Shire</strong>: </p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/22/606e17fc/tots_screenshot_announce_01-3840x2160.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/22/7a9e2b94/tots_screenshot_announce_02-3840x2160.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/22/d2843155/tots_screenshot_announce_03-3840x2160.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/22/60be9147/tots_screenshot_announce_04-3840x2160.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/22/0c7f87e3/tots_screenshot_announce_05-3840x2160.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/22/83c772f2/tots_screenshot_announce_06-3840x2160.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>For more about the game, head to <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/tales-of-the-shire"><em>Game Informer's </em>Tales of the Shire hub</a>. </p> <p><em>Are you excited for Tales of the Shire? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Mon, 22 Apr 2024 11:00:01 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122487 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/22/idxbox-digital-showcase-announced-for-next-week <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/22/4e8fb3ad/idatxbox-promo_blogroll-01_jpg-1dd5b5f6d71a35f9cb71.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Summer Game Fest is just a few months away, but that's not stopping Xbox from hosting its own indie event next week. Partnering with IGN, the ID@Xbox Digital Showcase will air live next Monday, April 29, at 10 AM PT/ 1 PM ET. The event will feature "epic trailers, fresh gameplay, and new reveals," <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2024/04/22/ign-x-idxbox-digital-showcase-returns/">according to the announcement blog</a>.</p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">This announcement is brought to you by great indie games 📣<br /><br /> Tune in to the ID@Xbox x IGN Showcase on April 29 at 10am PT: <a href="https://t.co/ODYWGtHqzB">https://t.co/ODYWGtHqzB</a> <a href="https://t.co/KdkACE03Ri">pic.twitter.com/KdkACE03Ri</a></p> — Xbox (@Xbox) <a href="https://twitter.com/Xbox/status/1782425383847010615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>They've also given a heads-up on some games we can expect to see. Vampire Survivors, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/goty-2022/2022/12/23/game-informers-top-10-games-of-2022">which cracked our top ten games of the year back in 2022</a>, has been on the platform for some time now, but recently <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/10/vampire-survivors-is-getting-contra-dlc-next-month-ps5-release-this-summer">announced a new expansion featuring weapons and characters from the Contra series</a>. Dungeons of Hinterberg is an action-adventure title announced at SGF last year <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2023/09/04/not-your-typical-idyllic-countryside">that we got a chance to preview</a>. The showcase will also spotlight co-op roguelike <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="03458b05-3a85-4e38-b354-f41283b245b3" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/33-immortals">33 Immortals</a> and Don't Nod's upcoming adventure title, <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="48357755-d2af-4e53-8716-80295c246c16" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/lost-records-bloom-rage">Lost Records: Bloom & Rage</a>.</p> <p>For more context, last year's version of this event <a href="https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2023/07/11/ign-id-xbox-games-list-recap/">included over 20 games</a>, including <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="aff082be-a677-44ab-9c06-d3ba74dc698c" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/theindieissue">Sea of Stars</a>, <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="c27cb9ab-48eb-4d49-97a8-06fa617a8b83" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/games/karateka/b/ps3/archive/2012/11/13/karateka-review-throwback-arcade-fun-with-a-modern-sheen.aspx">Karateka</a>, and Vampire Survivors again, somehow. Regardless of whether or not it appears, you can bet the comment section will be flooded with Hollow Knight: Silksong fans clamoring for the game, which we haven't seen since the <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="f78e9a18-c309-4fa1-8457-b5b57c5e205d" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2022/06/12/play-hollow-knight-silksong-on-day-one-with-xbox-game-pass">Xbox summer showcase in 2022</a> when it was announced the game would come to Game Pass on day one.</p> <p>You can watch the showcase next week <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKy1dAqELo0zrOtPkf0eTMw">on IGN's YouTube channel</a>. The showcase will also be <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OwojiONuVDU">available in American Sign Language</a>.</p> <p><em>What are you hoping to see from the showcase? Let us know in the comments!</em></p> Mon, 22 Apr 2024 10:10:40 CDT Charles Harte 122488 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/22/embracer-group-to-split-into-three-companies-including-one-called-middle-earth <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/22/bfef5d30/embracer-group.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="embracer group three entities split up company middle-earth enterprises and friends coffee stain asmodee" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Embracer Group, the company that recently <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/03/15/embracer-reportedly-set-to-sell-star-wars-kotor-remake-dev-saber-interactive-in-500">sold Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake developer Saber Interactive for $500 million</a>, has announced its plans to split into three individual, publicly traded companies. As such, Embracer Group as we know it will be no more; instead, it will largely consist of Asmodee, Coffee Stain & Friends, and Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends. </p> <p>Each of these companies will be run individually and traded publicly in the market, with IP and franchises under the Embracer Group umbrella spread across them. This separation follows a rocky period for Embracer Group, which is behind layoffs at companies like<a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/25/destroy-all-humans-remake-developer-black-forest-games-reportedly-lays-off-50"> Black Forest Games</a> and <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/01/29/embracer-group-cancels-new-deus-ex-game-in-development-at-eidos-montreal-lays-off">Eidos-Montréal</a> after a planned $2 billion deal with Saudi Arabia-backed Savvy Games Group fell through in 2023. </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xap47IbByoU" width="640"></iframe> <p>"During the past years, the Group has made significant investments in acquisitions and into a strategy of accelerated organic growth. To further realize the untapped potential in Embracer Group and better optimize the use of its resources, Embracer Group announced a restructuring program in June 2023 divided into different phases lasting until March 2024," the company writes in a <a href="https://embracer.com/releases/embracer-group-announces-its-intention-to-transform-into-three-standalone-publicly-listed-entities-at-nasdaq-stockholm/">press release</a>. "Focus of the program has been cost savings, capital allocation, efficiency and consolidation, while also divesting selected studios.</p> <p>Following a careful and thorough review, it is the assessment of the Board of Directors that the current Group structure does not create optimal conditions for future value creation both for Embracer Group's shareholders and other stakeholders. To continue the transformation of Embracer Group into the future for the benefit of all employees, gamers and shareholders, the Board of Directors and the executive management have therefore decided to propose a separation of Embracer Group, creating three separate publicly listed entities: 'Asmodee,' 'Coffee Stain & Friends,' and 'Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends.'"</p> <p>Embracer Group says each of these entities will have its own balance sheet, financial targets and structure, and allocation strategy. In short, each of these companies will be essentially independent of each other, even if they're formed from the same umbrella. </p> <h3>Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends</h3> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PDehcsJNyl0" width="640"></iframe> <p>After this new split, Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends is "intended to remain a creative powerhouse in AAA game development and publishing for PC/console," a press release reads. It will remain the stewards of The Lord of the Rings and Tomb Raider IPs, with its main focus being the former.</p> <p>It will consist of studios like Crystal Dynamics, Dambuster Studios, Eidos-Montréal, Flying Wild Hog Studios, Tripwire, Vertigo Games, Warhorse Studios, 4A Games, and more, with IPs including Dead Island, Killing Floor, Kingdom Come: Deliverance, The Lord of the Rings, Metro, and Tomb Raider.</p> <h3>Coffee Stain & Friends</h3> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2wkTsOoxqQc" width="640"></iframe> <p>Embracer Group says this company "is intended to consist of leading publishers and developers focused on a variety of games for PC, console, and mobile, including community-driven free-to-play games, LiveOps games, and indie/AA games." It will operate under two segments, according to the company: Premium and Free-To-Play. </p> <p>Its "Premium" operations include studios like Coffee Stain, Ghost Ship, Tarsier, Tuxedo Labs, THQ Nordic, and Amplifier Game Invest. Its IPs include Deep Rock Galactic, Goat Simulator, Satisfactory, Wreckfest, Teardown, Valheim, and more than 200 others. </p> <p>Its "Free-To-Play" operations include studios like Easybrain, Deca, CrazyLabs, and Cryptic, with IPs in its wheelhouse including Soduku.com, Blockudoku, Jigsaw Puzzle, Star Trek Online, D&D Neverwinter Online, and more. </p> <h3>Asmodee</h3> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zGkdzec6-tY" width="640"></iframe> <p>Asmodee consists of 23 fully owned studios and more than 300 IPs and consists of the tabletop games section of Embracer Group. It will continue focusing on tabletop properties while collaborating in transmedia partnerships for IPs like The Lord of the Rings and others in the Embracer wheelhouse. "As a global leader in board and trading card games, with a proven track-record of profitable growth, Asmodee is well-positioned to build on its strategy and continue to prosper as a standalone entity." </p> <p>Its IPs include Ticket to Ride, 7 Wonders, Azul, Catan, Dobble, Exploding Kittens, and other board games based on The Lord of the Rings, Marvel, Game of Thrones, Netflix, Lego, and Star Wars. </p> <p>"This transformation is an important step in unlocking shareholder value," chair of the Embracer Group board Kicki Wallje-Lund writes in a press release. "With this new structure, the three entities will be able to focus on executing their core strategies and leveraging their own strengths, providing more differentiated and distinct equity stories to both existing and new shareholders." </p> <p>Embracer Group co-founder and CEO Lars Wingefors adds, "This is the start of a new chapter, a chapter that I intend to remain part of as an active, committed, and supportive shareholder of all three new entities, with an evergreen horizon. This move toward three independent companies reinforces Embracer's vision of backing entrepreneurs and creators with a long-term mindset, allowing them to continue to deliver unforgettable experiences for gamers and fans across the globe." </p> <p>Middle-earth Enterprises & Friends will remain within the current publicly listed Embracer Group, which itself will eventually be renamed. Asmodee and Coffee Stain & Friends will hit the market as separate companies within 12 months, during the 2025 calendar year. </p> <p><i>How do you feel about this split in Embracer Group? Let us know in the comments below!</i></p> Mon, 22 Apr 2024 08:23:26 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122486 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/19/telltale-games-releases-new-screenshots-of-the-wolf-among-us-2-alongside <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/19/2ec4a968/twau3.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="the wolf among us 2 telltale games development update new screenshots" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>The Fabletown gang will be back, developer Telltale Games has promised in a new development update for The Wolf Among Us 2, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/the-game-awards-2019/2019/12/12/telltale-returns-with-the-wolf-among-us-2">its sequel to The Wolf Among Us it announced in 2019</a>. This update, which reveals the studio is still hard at work on the game, arrives after <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/10/05/telltale-games-confirms-layoffs-in-development-games-remain-in-production#:~:text=Telltale%20has%20now%20confirmed%20to,he's%20received%20a%20severance%20package.">an unspecified number of layoffs hit Telltale Games last October</a>. </p> <p>"We've been quiet because we've been heads down, focusing on the promise of [The Wolf Among Us 2]," the <a href="https://community.telltale.com/discussion/124817/twau-2-work-in-progress#latest">update</a> reads. "While we can't give a big update yet, here's a little something for you: in-progress shots from the current build. The work continues. The Fabletown gang will be back. Thanks for being fans." </p> <p>The four in-progress shots from the current build of The Wolf Among Us 2 can be viewed below: </p> <section class='type:slideshow'><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/19/664f4124/twau4.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/19/820ffa0d/twau1.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/19/f1062437/twau2.jpg'></figure><figure><img src='https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entity_browser_thumbnail/public/2024/04/19/2ec4a968/twau3.jpg'></figure></section>   <p>The Wolf Among Us 2 was originally due out last year but was <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/03/01/the-wolf-among-us-2-has-been-delayed-out-of-2023">delayed out of 2023</a> in a March update from the studio. </p> <p>For more about the game, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/02/09/the-wolf-among-us-2-gets-first-trailer-and-2023-launch-window">watch The Wolf Among Us 2's official trailer</a>, and then read about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2022/03/24/the-wolf-among-us-2-episode-one-will-catch-you-up-to-speed-if-you-didnt-play-the-first">the game's first episode will catch you up on what happened in the first game</a>. </p> <p><em>Are you still excited for The Wolf Among Us 2? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:17:19 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122482 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/19/playstation-and-k-pop-singer-nakedbibi-team-up-for-stellar-blade-music-video <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/19/9f9214c9/stellar-blade-nakedbibi-eve-music-video.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Stellar Blade music video Eve nakedbibi kpop " typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>PlayStation and K-Pop singer NakedBibi, or Bibi for short, have teamed up to create a new song and music video inspired by <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/stellar-blade">Stellar Blade</a>, the upcoming action game from developer ShiftUp. Stellar Blade hits PlayStation 5 exclusively next week on April 26 so this new track, appropriately titled "Eve," is coming at a perfect time to keep excitement for the game going. </p> <p>The song itself is pretty great, too, and the music video visuals are very reminiscent of Stellar Blade itself. If you're excited about the game, or a fan of NakedBibi, it's definitely worth your time. </p> <p><strong>Check out the "Eve" Stellar Blade music video by NakedBibi for yourself below</strong>: </p> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/pVTauvn4uz8" width="640"></iframe> <p>If you haven't yet checked it out, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/25/stellar-blade-gets-a-free-demo-this-friday">there's a free Stellar Blade demo available right now on PS5</a> to give you a taste of what's in the final release. For more about the game, read <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/03/26/stellar-blade-feature-angel-from-heaven"><em>Game Informer's </em>exclusive interview with Stellar Blade's director</a> for behind-the-scene details and more. After that, read about how <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/04/stellar-blade-director-reveals-new-game-plus-mode-says-no-microtransactions-with">Stellar Blade will have no microtransactions, with one exception</a>. </p> <p><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/stellar-blade">Stellar Blade</a> hits PS5 on April 26, 2024. </p> <p><em>What do you think of this song? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Fri, 19 Apr 2024 08:01:35 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122481 https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/19/amazons-fallout-tv-series-renewed-for-season-2 <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/19/3cdfd137/fallout-amazon-prime-video-tv-show-season-2-confirmed-renewal.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="fallout amazon prime video tv show series season 1 2 confirmation renewal" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Amazon Prime Video has renewed its <em>Fallout </em>television show for another season, confirming that Season 2 is in the works following an <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/04/08/amazons-fallout-series-primed-for-second-season-ahead-of-premiere">earlier report</a>. This news arrives just over a week after the series' release on April 10, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2024/04/09/all-8-episodes-of-amazons-fallout-tv-series-now-dropping-one-day-earlier#:~:text=Amazon%20Studios'%20Fallout%20TV%20series,new%20look%20at%20the%20show.">which premiered two days earlier than expected</a> to rave reviews from both fans and critics. </p> <p>We loved <em>Fallout </em>Season 1, and you can read about why in <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/2024/04/10/the-fallout-tv-show-is-good-season-1-review"><em>Game Informer's </em>Fallout review</a>, so we're excited to revisit the wasteland with Lucy, Ghoul, Maximus, and others. As for when to expect Season 2 of <em>Fallout</em>, that remains unknown. The announcement simply confirms another season is coming with no details on Season 2's production. </p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Wouldn't want to keep you on the edge of your seat, now, would we?<br /> <br /> See you back in the Wasteland for SEASON 2. <a href="https://t.co/ULs6DEPHDW">pic.twitter.com/ULs6DEPHDW</a></p> — FALLOUT⚡️ (@falloutonprime) <a href="https://twitter.com/falloutonprime/status/1781095366315888903?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2024</a></blockquote> <p><em>Fallout </em>joins a string of other hit Amazon Prime Video series currently airing on the streamer service, like <em>The Boys </em>(with a new season dropping June 13) and <em>Invincible</em>, which just had its second season wrap up. It also joins a string of other successful video game adaptations, like <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/01/09/kaitlyn-dever-joins-the-last-of-us-tv-show-as-abby">HBO's <em>The Last of Us</em></a>, <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/news/2023/11/03/hbos-the-last-of-us-season-2-set-to-premiere-in-2025">which is getting a Season 2 next year</a>, Peacock's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2023/07/26/a-twisted-reinvention-how-peacocks-twisted-metal-renewed-my-love-of-the-franchise"><em>Twisted Metal</em></a>, Netflix's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2023/11/10/season-2-of-netflixs-arcane-league-of-legends-series-drops-next-november"><i>Arcane</i></a>, and Netflix's <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2022/09/06/cyberpunk-edgerunners-check-out-the-english-dub-in-new-gory-trailer"><em>Cyberpunk: Edgerunners</em></a>. </p> <p><em>Fallout </em>Season 1 is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video. </p> <p><em>Did you enjoy Season 1 of Fallout? Let us know in the comments below!</em></p> Fri, 19 Apr 2024 07:44:39 CDT Wesley LeBlanc 122480 https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/04/18/jack-black-all-but-confirms-hes-steve-in-the-minecraft-movie <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://s3.amazonaws.com/prod-media.gameinformer.com/styles/body_default/s3/2019/03/27/56fd743c/minecraft.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Minecraft movie Jack Black" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Jack Black seems to have more or less confirmed his rumored role as Steve in the upcoming Minecraft movie. </p> <p>The actor took to Instagram on Tuesday to post a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5yyqluSQpc/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">short video</a> of himself on a film lot observing a rainbow before entering a trailer labeled “Steve, Minecraft.” The interior features promotional art of Steve as the actor smiles at the camera. </p> <p>A <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/01/03/jack-black-joins-live-action-minecraft-movie-reportedly-as-steve">report in January</a> stated Black would be voicing Minecraft’s mascot but had not been officially confirmed by the film’s production companies, Warner Bros. and Legendary. Although this <em>technically</em> isn’t an official announcement either, I'd say there's roughly a 99.99 percent chance that Black is involved.</p> <p>The Minecraft movie, which has been in development in some form or another since 2014, is directed by <em>Nacho Libre</em> director Jared Hess. The cast includes Jason Momoa (<em>Aquaman, Game of Thrones</em>), Danielle Brooks (<em>The Color Purple</em>), Jennifer Coolidge (<em>The White Lotus, American Pie</em>), and Emma Myers (<em>Wednesday</em>). <em>Minecraft</em> is scheduled to hit theaters on April 4, 2025. </p> <p>Jack Black is obviously no stranger to video game movies. He voiced Bowser in <em>The Super Mario Bros. Movie</em> and portrays Claptrap in the upcoming <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/02/21/the-borderlands-movies-first-trailer-looks-as-ridiculous-as-the-games"><em>Borderlands</em></a>. </p> Thu, 18 Apr 2024 10:13:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122474 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/17/everything-announced-during-the-april-2024-nintendo-indie-world <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/17/3a0215ce/swheist2screen1.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Nintendo Indie World April 2024" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Today's Nintendo Indie World featured 20 minutes of new indie game reveals and updates to anticipated titles. If you missed the event, we've gathered each announcement here for a cursory glance at what showed up. </p> <h2>Little Kitty, Big City - May 9 </h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LWUdu2q88K4" width="640"></iframe> <p>As the title suggests, you control a small cat in a mini-open world set within a bustling, Japanese-inspired metropolis. Your goal is to find a way home, but plenty of distractions and opportunities to help fellow animal friends or cause chaos will likely delay your departure. </p> <h2>Yars Rising - Late 2024</h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IPLapjFwSKo" width="640"></iframe> <p>Wayforward and Atari are teaming up for a 2D Metroidvania spin-off of the 1982 classic Yars’ Revenge. This side-scrolling platformer stars Emi Kimura, a young hacker (using the handle of Yar) who gets embroiled in an intergalactic conspiracy centered around a corrupt corporation. Yar can blast robots, climb platforms, sneak through vents, hide in doorways, and more. </p> <h2>Refind Self: The Personality Test Game - Summer 2024 </h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QHoWSjUrhhM" width="640"></iframe> <p>This 2023 choice-driven adventure stars an android whose creator has passed away. Unaware of its purpose, you’ll piece together your past by interacting with characters and making decisions to determine what the doctor had in mind for you. Decisions mold the android into one of 23 personality types. Are you a hero, researcher, artisan, or gambler? Whichever the case, Refind Self encourages multiple playthroughs, and you can share results and compare choices and personality results with other players. </p> <h2>Sticky Business - Today</h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7kveCJz9y3k" width="640"></iframe> <p>First arriving last summer, this cozy shop simulator is now available on Switch. Players run a sticker shop where you’ll use over 400 elements and effects, such as sparkles and glitter, to fulfill specific customer requests. Giving customers their desired stickers causes them to open up to players and share their individual stories. The Plan with Me DLC adds new sticker elements and customer stories, and a bundle containing the DLC and the base game is also available. </p> <h2>Antonblast - November 12</h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6nnjueEx8Gw" width="640"></iframe> <p>As Dynamite Anton or Annie, smash through levels to reach Satan himself, who stole your prized spirit collection. Levels begin by setting bombs, then use your powerful hammer to smash enemies through destructible environments Reaching the end triggers a timer where you must race back to the start before the entire level detonates. A demo will be available later today, and Antonblast will launch as a timed console exclusive when it releases. </p> <h2>Valley Peaks - 2024</h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iP2zieFUrwA" width="640"></iframe> <p>As a mountain-climbing frog, use your tongue to swing across mountain peaks to place radio towers and reestablish communications with fellow climbers. Each mountain presents its own platforming puzzle, challenging players to find the correct path. Along the way you’ll find equipment to ease climbing, play minigames, and take on side quests from other froggy climbers</p> <h2>Lorelei and the Laser Eyes - May 16</h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SreQDMyQNHE" width="640"></iframe> <p>This Annapurna-published non-linear puzzle game finally hits next month. Created by the team behind Sayonara Wild Hearts, players control a woman invited to take part in a project set in an old European hotel. Her journey becomes a nightmarish and surreal adventure sporting over 100 puzzles with shifting mechanics and perspectives. </p> <h2>Europa - 2024</h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CTj1ndTPknY" width="640"></iframe> <p>This vibrant sci-fi fantasy game could be mistaken for a Studio Ghibli joint. Players control an android boy with a jetpack-like device who explores a picturesque alien moon. Soar through levels to uncover the secrets of a lost civilization. A free demo is available later today. </p> <h2>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate - July 2024</h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/75aZnLv0h3k" width="640"></iframe> <p>Originally an Apple Arcade exclusive, this roguelike adventure sees the Turtles traveling through reality-bending portals to find a kidnapped Master Splinter. Each turtle has their own abilities to take down the Foot Clan and other familiar foes, with every room granting new powers and upgrades. Spending earned currency at the sewer base unlocks permanent upgrades, and you can play alongside three other players in drop-in/drop-out co-op. TMNT: Splinter Fate is launching on Switch as a timed console exclusive. </p> <h2>Cat Quest III - August 8</h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K5TQm1N8vuM" width="640"></iframe> <p>Sail the seven seas as an adorable feline pirate to engage in navel combat alone or with a friend in co-op. When you’re not sailing the waves, you're blasting enemies in dungeons using a refined combat system with tighter combos and new weapon swapping. </p> <h2>Stitch - Today</h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OfU7pXpWZKs" width="640"></iframe> <p>Embroidery fans rejoice! Apply those skills (sort of) to complete over 180 Picross-esque puzzles, called Hoops, to bring embroidery patterns to life. Completed hoops can be replayed endlessly in free play mode where you can recolor them as you wish. Limited daily puzzles offer tougher challenges, and weekly hoops are themed after holidays and other real events. First released on Apple Arcade, Stich is a console exclusive on Switch. </p> <h2>SteamWorld Heist II - August 8</h2> <iframe width="560" height="315" frameBorder="0" allow="autoplay" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QfGfBMxhtT4" width="640"></iframe> <p>The sequel to SteamWorld’s 2015 turn-based strategy game takes to the seas. New features include the ability to perform trick shots to ricochet enemies off each other, a revamped job system, and an interactive world map with real-time naval combat. You can befriend new steambots to join your crew and your actions impact their lives. </p> <h2>Quick Release Date Updates</h2> <p><strong>Bzzzt </strong>- Summer 2024</p> <p><strong>Schim</strong> - July 18</p> <p><strong>Animal Well</strong> - May 9</p> <p><strong>Duck Detective: The Secret Salami</strong> - May 23</p> <p><strong>Another Crab’s Treasure</strong> - April 25</p> <p><em>Which announcement interested you the most? Let us know in the comments!</em></p> Wed, 17 Apr 2024 10:33:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122464 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/16/eiyuden-chronicle-hundred-heroes-and-more-assemble-on-xbox-game-pass-this-month <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/16/60a75ebd/eiyudenchronicleartcrop.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Xbox Game Pass April 2024" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>April’s second batch of new Xbox Game Pass titles has been revealed. The headliner is the long-awaited Suikoden-inspired Eiyuden Chronicles: Hundred Heroes, which hits the library on launch day. Other anticipated indies include the Soulslike Another Crab’s Treasure and the hotly anticipated strategy city-builder Manor Lords, which enters Xbox Game Preview.</p> <p>Check out what’s joining and leaving Xbox Game Pass as well as our reviews for applicable titles. You can also see the games that arrived during the first half of April <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/02/xbox-game-pass-for-april-includes-day-one-releases-harold-halibut-and-botany-manor">here</a>. </p> <h2>What’s Coming </h2> <p><strong>Harold Halibut </strong>(Xbox Series X|S, PC, Cloud) - Today</p> <p><strong>Orcs Must Die! 3</strong> (Console, PC) - April 17</p> <p><strong>EA Sports NHL 24 via EA Play </strong>(Console) - April 18</p> <p><strong>Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes</strong> (Console, PC, Cloud) - April 23</p> <p><strong>Another Crab’s Treasure</strong> (Cloud, Console, and PC) - April 25</p> <p><strong>Manor Lords</strong> (Game Preview) (PC) - April 26</p> <p><strong>Have a Nice Death</strong> (Console, PC, Cloud) - April 30</p> <h2>What’s Leaving on April 30</h2> <p><strong>7 Days to Die</strong> (Console, PC, Cloud0</p> <p><strong>Besiege</strong> (Console, PC, Cloud)</p> <p><strong>EA Sports NHL 22</strong> (Console) | <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/nhl-22/nhl-22-review-superstar-letdown">Our Review</a></p> <p><strong>Loot River</strong> (Console, PC, Cloud) | <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/loot-river/pieces-sailing-into-place">Our Review</a></p> <p><strong>Pikuniku</strong> (Console, PC, Cloud)</p> <p><strong>Ravenlok</strong> (Console, PC, Cloud)</p> Tue, 16 Apr 2024 12:45:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122461 https://www.gameinformer.com/2024/04/16/the-next-nintendo-indie-world-showcase-is-set-for-tomorrow <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/16/b5103a51/indie-world-4-17.jpeg" width="800" height="450" alt="" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>With huge winter game releases behind us and huge summer announcements right around the corner, the games industry is set for a relatively quiet month or two. Luckily, Nintendo plans to briefly step in to fill that void. Today, <a href="https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1780219598505144668">it announced the next Indie World Showcase</a>, a live stream event focused on the latest indie titles to come to the Switch, for tomorrow, April 17. The showcase will air at 7 AM PT/10 AM ET and last for around 20 minutes.</p> <blockquote class="tw-align-center twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en" xml:lang="en">New <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndieWorld?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndieWorld</a> Showcase incoming! 💡<br /><br /> Tune in tomorrow, 4/17 at 7am PT for roughly 20 minutes of announcements and updates on indie games headed to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NintendoSwitch?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NintendoSwitch</a> in 2024.<br /><br /> Watch live here: <a href="https://t.co/jGiccyBhME">https://t.co/jGiccyBhME</a> <a href="https://t.co/V31Dfuxs0N">pic.twitter.com/V31Dfuxs0N</a></p> — Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) <a href="https://twitter.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1780219598505144668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <p>It's in the name so it might be obvious to some, but don't expect any first-party games or hardware announcements out of this event. An Indie World Showcase is also not the same thing as a Nintendo Partner Showcase, which is just a show about third party games. This can include indie titles (the last one had a trailer for Another Crab's Treasure, for example) but also includes larger developers, like Sega or Atlus.</p> <p>If that's confusing, you can get a sense of the games that have been showcased in this type of presentation in the past by <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/us/indie-world/">visiting the official Indie World site</a>. Fans will most likely be clamoring for a trailer or release date for <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="397ffff5-b587-494f-a21e-f154c24e246b" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/product/hollow-knight-silksong">Hollow Knight: Silksong</a>, the sequel to the 2017 bug-themed Metroidvania. But while it's (hopefully) right around the corner, there's no specific reason to believe it will appear at this event other than the fact that it's an indie game coming to the Switch.</p> <p>We won't know until the Indie World Showcase properly airs tomorrow. When it does, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTjjKC9gHPM">you can watch it right here</a>.</p> Tue, 16 Apr 2024 09:59:00 CDT Charles Harte 122459 https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/04/15/keanu-reeves-reportedly-voicing-shadow-in-sonic-the-hedgehog-3 <p><img loading="lazy" src="https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/body_default/public/2024/04/15/f29a59ab/keanu-shadow.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Sonic the Hegehog 3 movie keanu reeves shadow the hedgehog" typeof="foaf:Image" class="image-style-body-default" /></p> <p>Keanu Reeves is joining the cast of <em>Sonic the Hedgehog 3</em>, according to a report by <em><a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/keanu-reeves-joins-sonic-3-shadow-1235874487/">The Hollywood Reporter</a></em> (and first broken by <em><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ff0m7Z6VfZw">The John Campea Show</a></em>). The outlet’s sources report that the John Wick and Matrix star is voicing Shadow the Hedgehog.</p> <p><em>Sonic the Hedgehog 3</em> is set to premiere on December 20 and will pit Shadow alongside a <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/02/02/update-jim-carrey-returns-in-sonic-the-hedgehog-3-new-cast-members">returning Dr. Robotnik</a> (played by Jim Carrey) against Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles. The returning cast includes Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, James Marsden, and Colleen O'Shaughnessey. The film's first trailer premiered in front of a select audience at Cinemacon in Las Vegas last week and it provided the first real look at Shadow. Unfortunately, the trailer has yet to be publically released. </p> <p>Paramount has yet to officially confirm Reeves' casting, but if this is true, he will join fellow new cast members, including Krysten Ritter, Alyla Browne, James Wolk, Sofia Pernas, Cristo Fernández, and Jorma Taccone. Shadow's debut was teased at the end of <a data-entity-substitution="canonical" data-entity-type="node" data-entity-uuid="b8e707f7-abc2-407a-bbc7-4bcf237b8c0a" href="https://www.gameinformer.com/movie-review/2022/05/24/sonic-the-hedgehog-2-movie-review-full-speed-ahead"><em>Sonic the Hedgehog 2</em></a>, but his voice performer has been a tantalizing mystery since the third film was announced in August 2022. </p> <p>Meanwhile, the standalone <em>Knuckles</em> series premieres on Paramount Plus on April 26. You can watch the first full-length trailer for that <a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/gamer-culture/2024/02/08/the-knuckles-paramount-series-gets-a-full-proper-trailer">here</a>.</p> <p>[Source: <em><a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/keanu-reeves-joins-sonic-3-shadow-1235874487/">The Hollywood Reporter</a></em>]</p> Mon, 15 Apr 2024 15:57:00 CDT Marcus Stewart 122457