Latest News - Page 2527

Just how much does EA make from "extra content" - or DLC, per year? A very cool $1.3 billion, which was revealed by the company during the recent Morgan Stanley investor conference.

EA's Chief Financial Officer, Blake Jorgensen, said: "The extra content business is a billion-three [$1.3 billion] a year. Half of that is roughly our Ultimate Team business". One of the big money spinners for EA is Ultimate Team, which was the biggest contributor to the earnings of EA's extra content category.

Ultimate Team combines the FIFA, Madden and NFL franchises and lets gamers buy, trade and sell player cards for both real, and in-game money. Ultimate Team's mega success is due to human nature, says Jorgensen, where he also added that players will "typically pay money to beat their friends".

Microsoft has a few tricks up its sleeve when it comes to Windows 10, with one of them being DirectX 12. We loved the explicit multi-GPU support found in Ashes of the Singularity, powered by DX12.

Well, the company has just released a new teaser video that shows off the benefits of DX12, with the vide featuring footage from DX12-powered titles like Quantum Break, Forza Motorsport 6: Apex, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, Ashes of the Singularity, and Just Cause 3.

Microsoft says that DX12 offers up to 20% more performance from your GPU when compared to DX11, and up to 50% from your CPU.

Oculus founder Palmer Luckey has fired off some shots in Apple's general direction, saying that the current Macs aren't powerful enough to provide a good VR experience.

Luckey was speaking with Shacknews at the time, saying that in order for Oculus to provide Mac support for the Rift, Apple will need to release a Mac with enough GPU horsepower. Luckey said: "If they ever release a good computer, we will do it". The Oculus founder and flip-flop wearer said that that current Macs are just no good, as they don't have the right combination of hardware.

Luckey added that Apple "doesn't prioritize high-end GPUs", so even if you dump $6000+ onto a new Mac Pro with AMD FirePro D700 graphics "it still doesn't match our minimum specs". Oculus doesn't want to support Macs because of the lack of high-end GPUs, as they wouldn't be capable of playing VR games at the intended resolution and 90FPS frame rate. But, if Apple does decide to throw in better GPUs inside of future Macs, Luckey added "like they used to for a while back in the day", then Oculus might change its tune.

Quantum Break is nearly here, and while it looks like it won't support multi-GPU setups out of the box (thanks Windows Store, you suck) - developer Remedy Entertainment has no immediate plans for DLC.

During a chat with RedBull Games, Remedy's Communication Director Thomas Puha was asked if there would be DLC for Quantum Break, where he said the developer has no plans, but it has ideas on how to expand the Quantum Break universe in the future. He said: "There are always plenty of ideas discussed in the initial stages of creating a game - way more than humanly possible to fit into one game".

Puha continued: "That said, we are very happy with what we are shipping, but there have definitely been challenges along the way. We don't have any DLC plans, but that's not to say we don't have plenty of ideas for the future of Quantum Break. Microsoft owns the Quantum Break IP, so its future is up to them. The most important thing for Remedy is that we make the game as awesome as possible, hopefully players like it and we'll see what the future brings".

The Division isn't even out yet, but Ubisoft is already talking about its v1.1 patch - heck, the pre-loading is only just starting. The v1.1 patch for The Division will include a complete overhaul to the appearance menu, visual improvements, and much more. Here's what you can expect:

Tom Clancy's The Division v1.1

Appearance Menu has received a complete overhaul:

It feels like we've been promised this many times before, but Apple is expected to make the big leap to OLED displays with its next-gen iPhone, something the company will reportedly unveil next year, according to Nikkei.

Apple contacted both of its rivals in LG and Samsung in December, to talk about the possibility of increasing OLED production for the 2017 iPhone. But, the OLED displays would most likely be exclusive to the higher-end iPhone 7 Plus (or whatever Apple calls it), or the rumored iPhone Pro, due to supply constraints.

Apple is reportedly close to inking a deal with Samsung regarding flexible OLED displays, but I don't see that happening for years yet, as Apple seems to drip feed its consumers upgrades and features to the iPhone. The company has also been interested in curved OLED displays, but according to Nikkei, Apple might leave curved OLED displays to the side for now - in favor of normal OLED displays for the 2017 iPhone. The company is apparently wanting to move to OLED displays quickly, as it wants to squeeze more life out of iPhone sales, which analysts expect to stall in the coming months.

Ever since Sony Pictures announced plans to completely reboot the classic supernatural sci-fi hit 'Ghostbusters', it's been received with somewhat of a skeptical response. The studio has today released the first look at the 2016 release, and well perhaps the ominous signs were right. Judge for yourself.

While Sony have struggled on how to progress the franchise since the release of 'Ghostbusters II' in 1989, they've made it known they want to exploit the franchise in as many ways as possible. But if this film isn't a success, then it certainly would put those plans back again.

'Ghostbusters' hits theaters worldwide from July 16th.

Not all figures within the US government oppose encryption, today shows.

Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter made his position on the matter clear today at the RSA 2016 security conference, stating, "I'm not a believer in backdoors. It's not realistic and it's not technically accurate," later continuing, "[The Department of Defense is] not in the executive branch seeking legislation of this kind. I don't think writing a law without an exploration of all the technical solutions out there [is a good idea]."

He also isn't a fan of implementing "a law written by people [without tech expertise] or written in an atmosphere of anger and grief" and feels that one case shouldn't "drive the solution."

Apple owners should be pleased to know the company has started a support account on Twitter, allowing you to get help easily and quickly. Although Apple already offers chat support, Twitter support is likely the more comfortable route when you're on mobile.

The account -- @AppleSupport -- has garnered nearly 70,000 followers as of press time.

The new account might make you wonder if Apple will finally take up a unifying @Apple account (currently it's being squatted, likely in hopes Apple will one day purchase it for a hefty sum), instead opting for the frustrating dissemination approach with various accounts for various services. We've put in an inquiry with the company and will update this story should we hear back.

After an absolutely gangbusters theatrical release which saw the much anticipated 'Star Wars' sequel 'The Force Awakens' gross over $2 billion at the worldwide box office making it the third highest grossing film of all time, Disney are prepping the film to make an equally massive launch on Blu-ray and DVD when it's available in just 4 weeks time.

According to our friends at TheDigitalBits, the 'Force Awakens' Blu-ray release will include the full length documentary 'Secrets of The Force Awakens: A Cinematic Journey', as well as seven featurettes; 'The Story Awakens: The Table Read', 'Building BB-8', 'Crafting Creatures', 'Blueprint of a Battle: The Snow Fight', 'John Williams: The Seventh Symphony', 'ILM: The Visual Magic of The Force' and 'Force For Change', as well as some Deleted Scenes. The studio has even released a trailer to get fans excited all again.

Coming to stores in the United States on April 5th and to digital platforms on April 1, the 2 disc set will be joined by a 3D re-release later in the year and perhaps also a 4K UltraHD Blu-ray release.

As once predicted by Wikileaks, former Google CEO and current Alphabet chairman Eric Schmidt has been appointed to the Defense Innovation Advisory Board. The goal: keep the Pentagon up on Silicon Valley happenings and inform them on how they can be applied at the Department of Defense.

Secretary of Defense Ashton Carton, who appointed Schmidt, says he has a "unique perspective on the latest practices in harnessing and encouraging innovation."

He's certainly no stranger to the Obama administration, appearing at technology leader summits with the nation's leader as well as in circles with Hillary Clinton. The relationships aren't always amicable, though: the FTC almost sued Google for antitrust violations just three years ago, and Google is expected to joint file an amicus brief today with other tech giants in defense of Apple's smartphone encryption stance.

As promised last week, tech giants -- and some smaller folk -- have just now jointly filed an amicus brief in support of Apple's stance on smartphone encryption. (An amicus brief is a filing that allows those not directly involved in a case to have their say in it.)

Apple has been battling for the right to encryption publicly and in court for some time now; with Twitter, eBay, LinkedIn, Reddit and others giving its legal backing today with this brief, its position is strengthened significantly.

The 37-page document doesn't mince words. It starts by aggressively criticizing the US government's methods but also explains the importance of the right to privacy today, the result of which is something of a manifesto for the information age.

The Dwarfs of Warhammer are a much more dynamic species than you'd think. Capable in the arts of diplomacy as much as they are in fighting and engineering. The campaign is no less complex and full of wonder. And the newest developer walkthrough shows off the intricacies of their campaign.

What's interesting is how the tech tree differs quite vastly in the directions you can go. There are two core disciplines, the Way of the Guilds which lets you improve the more domestic-based issues (and help improve your aptitude for diplomacy), such as reducing the nasty vampiric corruption, and then the Way of the Clans branch, which is the war-making section.

One of the best parts of being a Dwarf? Being able to record and settle grudges with enemy and friendly factions. No one gets away with messing you, and it's one of the major parts of playing as a Dwarf. Check out the video, they delve deep into the overall campaign mechanics.

Rumors are floating around the Internet that Nintendo is going to become invested in the future of Beyond Good and Evil. And it might be a launch title for their upcoming NX console.

There's been a persistent buzz about an HD remake of the original coming, something that expands upon the already upgraded PlayStation 3 version that showed up on the PSN. But now Destructoid has received a rumor that points towards a full-fledged sequel being made, courtesy of Nintendo.

That is a game with the working title of Beyond Good and Evil: The Prejudices of Philosophers is apparently in development and the project is being funded by Nintendo. The source is close to the information and has been reliable thus far, so there's no reason to completely doubt the claim.

Nintendo is holding yet another Direct presentation today that's supposed to be all about the future of the Wii U and the 3DS, their beloved consoles. And if you'd like to take a peek at what they'll announce during the event, you can watch it below. It'll kick off today at 2PM PT/5PM ET.

It's no secret that development on the Wii U has slowed down since Nintendo starting talking about their next generation console. The NX has taken up the spotlight, and even some of this years most anticipated games have been delayed. The next Legend of Zelda might even end up being a launch game due to its release window.

With the huge news that No Man's Sky is launching on June 21 on PS4 and PC, Hello Games has opened up pre-orders across a ton of storefronts.

No Man's Sky will be priced as a fully-fledged AAA game at $59.99, and is now up for pre-order at Steam, GOG.com, and the PlayStation Store. A retail PS4 version will also be available in stores for $59.99, along with a physical limited edition bundle that includes a bunch of goodies (check below for a full list).

If you pre-order No Man's Sky on PC you'll get access to the Horizon Omega Pack, which boosts your spaceship. "Kickstart your adventure in No Man's Sky's vast, mysterious universe with the Horizon Omega ship, equipped with an upgraded hyperdrive and increased firepower to help you travel faster and survive longer on your interstellar journey."

DiRT Rally is one of the best racing games that's ever been created. Not because of the intense realism and well well rendered tracks, but because it's so incredibly fun to play. And the latest trailer shows off some of the slick driving skills from the best drivers in the community.

Codemasters has a thriving community around their DiRT series of games, and Rally is no exception. They asked for people to submit recordings of some of their favorite experiences in the game, and then they put them all together in a professional fan-made showcase of how actual people play and have fun in the game, not just a pre-recorded trailer. And some of these videos show some pretty crazy stunts. Just imagine this but in VR.

The leaks turned out to be right on the money: the hugely anticipated space sim No Man's Sky will release on June 21, 2016 on the PlayStation 4 and PC.

Hello Games' Sean Murray revealed the news on the PlayStation Blog, confirming that No Man's Sky will get its own retail PS4 release. So it looks like No Man's Sky will be $59.99 after all.

"We're excited for you all to play too, and we have some news a lot of you have been guessing at already," Murray wrote. "No Man's Sky will have a full blown Blu-ray retail version! Sony has a history of working closely with indies, and this feels like some sort of culmination of that story. It means more people will have a chance to join us in exploring the universe than ever before. I can't really imagine what it will feel like to walk into a shop and see our game on a shelf."

A single-player, story campaign has been one of the most wished for components of Star Wars Battlefront. It seems that EA and DICE have been strangely resistent to the idea though. The offline missions leave a lot to be desired and while they're fun, they aren't really in the spirit of Star Wars. We need that overarching narrative. Even John Boyega, Finn from Star Wars: The Force Awakens, wants a full-on story campaign. And he's got a date with EA UK to talk more about it.

The actor admitted that he's a long-time Battlefront fan, and it looks like he's less than impressed with the "missions" portion of the game, and hopefully his input can help to change it for the better. Who knows, maybe we''ll get a story campaign leading up to the defection of Finn as a result his collaboration.

By bringing Xbox games to PC, Microsoft is seriously talking its way out of Xbox One sales. If all future Xbox games are coming to PC anyway, why should you even buy an Xbox One?

In a bid to further its unified cross-platform ecosystem, future Xbox games will also see a simultaneous release on Windows 10 PC's. We've already seen this with Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, whose PC version is in utter shambles, and with the upcoming DirectX 12 exclusive Quantum Break. While all of that sounds pretty nifty, Microsoft's PC games are exclusive to its dreaded Windows Store storefront service, which severely restricts basic features of PC gaming.

At Microsoft's recent press event, company exec Peter Orullian told CNET that pretty much all future Xbox One games will also be coming to PC as Windows 10/Windows Store exclusives. "We'll get to the point where [shipping simultaneous versions] is the intent for every title," he said. So why would anyone buy a Xbox One? Microsoft seems to be shooting themselves in the foot and fumbling with its console presence while maintaining that it just wants to "break down the walls and bring gamers together".