Gaming - Page 771

2019 has already kicked off to a fantastic start with Humble, the charity website that dishes out some of the best deals on games has now added Nintendo Switch and 3DS games to their library.

Those that have never used Humble before should note that all the games that are sold throughout the website come in the form of official digital game codes. These codes can then be activated within the platform that you have chosen to purchase your game on, examples include; Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and now Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch.

The current line-up of Nintendo games on the Humble Store consist of some quite popular titles; Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Pokemon: Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee, The Legend of Zelda: Breathe of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. Unfortunately it seems that Humble haven't yet found a medium with Nintendo for discounts for these titles, as none of the ones I have listed above appear to feature any discounts in any form. It should also be noted that Humble is also selling Nintendo expansions as well, users can purchase the Nintendo Online membership which could suggest that we will see Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC characters listed here as well.

Team Ninja, the developer behind the coming Dead Or Alive 6 has announced that the title is now delayed until March 1st. This announcement comes just weeks out from its originally planned release date.

The announcement has been posted onto the official Dead Or Alive and Team Ninja Twitter account, as well as in press release format. KOEI TECMO's Producer and Director, Yohei Shimbori has given a statement to as why Dead Or Alive is being delayed, here is what he had to say "The title's development is already near complete; however, we would like to take more time to further polish its balance, gameplay, and expressivity. In return for your patience, we commit to bringing you the best DEAD OR ALIVE gaming experience."

In conclusion, Shimbori apologizes to his fan-base saying "I am truly sorry for the inconvenience caused by the release delay of DEAD OR ALIVE 6." The official release date for the title has been moved from the previously scheduled February 15th to the now solidified March 1st, 2019. Hopefully this doesn't mean that Dead Or Alive 6 is unstable mess when it releases, usually delays right before when a title is meant to launch could suggest that it is riddled with unfixed development problems. Lets be optimistic about the current state of Dead Of Alive 6, but also mindfully cautious.

Back at E3 last year, Betheda announced The Elder Scrolls VI through a quick teaser trailer, and with many fans hyped for the coming game some may be discouraged by the recent news regarding its soundtrack.

Jeremy Soule was the composer that created the soundtracks for Bethesda's Morrowind, Oblivion and Skyrim. With each of these soundtracks creating such an impactful experience on the game, many fans of The Elder Scrolls series and particularly wanted Soule to continue his work on the new coming game. Soule revealed on his Twitter that he was in-fact "not involved" within the creation process of Elder Scrolls VI's soundtrack. In response to this news, fans offered a crowd funding option to Soule if the reasoning he was cut from The Elder Scrolls VI was due to lack of funding.

In response to a tweet from a fan discussing possible crowd-funding, Soule says "While I've not said much about this out of courtesy to Bethesda, I would never turn my back on TES [The Elder Scrolls], and I believe that my involvement would hinge on a creative decision on their part and where they want to take the franchise. To confirm, I am currently not involved with TES VI." Soule further stated in response to a fan saying he is the only composer who can do the Elder Scrolls series "Thank you, but you'll find Inon Zur is scoring Blades and I'm confident in the work that he will do. Brad Derrick at TES Online has also done a fine job. Either of these composers could score TES VI. It may be time for new creativity for TES VI but I'm ready if Bethesda calls."

We all know that Rockstar is working on its next-gen Grand Theft Auto 6 and plenty of other new unannounced games, but the developer is now actively listing jobs for new, unannounced games that the developers refers to as "next-generation" projects.

Rockstar India is looking for new staff with positions like a technical artist, senior environment artist, and others noticed by Gear Nuke, with these people tasked at creating "next-generation worlds for some exciting upcoming projects". One of the job listings is for a vehicle artist which makes sense for Rockstar as there are plenty of vehicles of all shapes and sizes to be found in Grand Theft Auto 6, which is a next-generation project.

Rockstar New York is looking for MoCap tool developers so that the team can build next-gen games "upon the next generation of MoCap tools and pipeline", with another position seeking a technical face developer that would "help research and develop new technology for future titles". Rockstar Toronto is also looking for new people that will help work on projects that use that next-gen tech.

Alien games aren't going anywhere, and FOX is planning some big moves with the next xenomorph-slaying experience.

Today FOX disappointed gamers by announcing Alien: Blackout, a new standalone mobile game starring Amanda Ripley from Alien: Isolation. But this is just one piece of the new Amanda Ripley expanded universe, and I predicted that Blackout is just a small interactive slice that will bridge Isolation to the next big Alien game. While that's yet to be confirmed, some of my predictions are true: the next Alien game will be an online-based multiplayer shooter.

We've known about FoxNext's new Alien FPS for a while now. But we didn't know exactly what kind of scope it'd take--would it be singleplayer-driven with a campaign, or molded into a live service shooter? In a previous article I outlined a possible roadmap for the new Alien games. The new FPS could be like the 1986 action film Aliens (just as Isolation was akin to the 1979 classic Alien) with tons of alien-slaying action, engagement elements, and co-op PVE chaos.

Amanda Ripley's story may always have been an episodic multi-game endeavor, and we trace some interesting parallels that give us an idea of what to expect in future titles. This article is full of predictions based on the Alien films, industry trends, and how transmedia franchises work.

Fox is making two new Alien games. One is Alien: Blackout, a not-to-exciting mobile game, and an unannounced Alien shooter for consoles and PC. Both of these games are likely to continue Amanda Ripley's storyline, effectively turning her interstellar survival into a three-part trilogy of games (Isolation -> Blackout -> Alien FPS). I think Blackout will bridge the events between Isolation and the new FPS and directly affect the events, characters, and starting point of the new shooter. In many ways Blackout is probably a stopgap that gives players a dynamic point of entry to the new shooter; who survives, the decisions you make, etc. may effect what happens in the new Alien FPS.

The Alien films also give us an idea of what to expect, at least when it comes to framing and themes. By making us into hunted prey and putting us on big haunted house in space, Alien: Isolation was largely like the first Alien movie from 1979. The new Alien FPS is then geared up to be a big action game like Aliens (1986) and is likely a big-budget AAA title with online multiplayer. Amanda Ripley should star in the shooter alongside a cast of die-hard marines, similar to how Ellen Ripley guided bullet-chewers like Vasquez, Hicks, and Hudson in Aliens.

Remember when I told you not to get too excited about Alien: Blackout because it could be a mobile game? Yeah...it's totally a mobile game. But it could be the beginning of an expanded Alien universe with transmedia tie-ins.

Today Fox announced Alien: Blackout, a new strategy-based mobile game centered around Amanda Ripley's unfolding story. The game isn't a sequel to to Alien: Isolation but instead a standalone game, and isn't a first-person action game: instead developer D3Go has you playing as Ripley and remotely guiding your crew simulation-style through various levels. Get used to seeing the screen below because this is how you'll interact with the game (as well as brief cinematic-style interludes with xenomorph death cam kills).

Thankfully Alien: Blackout shouldn't be infused with microtransactions. The listing has it pegged as a "premium mobile game experience" which typically means buy-to-play. I'm also thinking this is just the beginning and that this mobile game will directly tie into the new Alien FPS that's in development at FoxNext. I'm thinking your progress in Blackout will carry over to the FPS game and offer unique events and storylines based on your actions. 3DGo mentions that outcomes are different in Blackout, and maybe we'll see a kind of Dragon Age Keep-style interaction between the mobile game and the new Alien FPS.

Nintendo isn't about to flip their Switch and focus exclusively on mobile games.

In a recent interview with Nikkei Asia Review, Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa said the games-maker could "shift away" from dedicated consoles if the industry did the same. This led to a lot of articles purported that Nintendo could eventually stop making consoles and just release a bunch of smartphone games instead. But this is extremely unlikely to happen, and here are a few reasons why.

First let's take a look at what the Nintendo President said: "We aren't really fixated on our consoles. At the moment we're offering the uniquely developed Nintendo Switch and its software, and that's what we're basing how we deliver the 'Nintendo experience' on," Furukawa said, then reiterating that being able to adapt is quite important.

Raf Grassetti, the artistic mind and hand behind Sony Santa Monica Studios' critically acclaimed God of War has blessed Super Smash Bros. Ultimate fans with an awesome selection of detailed images of some fighters within the game.

Raf Grassetti worked on the artistic creation of God of War and has now diverted his attention to Nintendo's recently released Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Grassetti has taken to both his Instagram and Twitter account to release the below and above images of the following characters; Samus, Link, Bowser and Fox.

From the images we can see extreme detail in all aspects that are shown, and also a humanoid life like experience brought from the characters. Above you can see Bowser, and the King of the Koopas has never been depicted as more terrifying than this. Personally, when viewing the amazing work that Grassetti has done when capturing each of these characters, I feel as if the way the artist has depicted them is if they were in the real-world, or movie ready. Grassetti has teased that he will be doing Sonic the Hedgehog next, so make sure to check out both his Twitter and Instagram if you are interested in following any new posts.

For many retro gamers, titles such as Mario Bros., Metal Gear, Ninja Gaiden and of course The Legend of Zelda are completely timeless. With games titles solidified in gaming history, many gamers are still playing through them and discovering new aspects of gameplay, in this case the original The Legend of Zelda has had a new world uncovered.

The original Zelda game which was first released in Japan on February 21, 1986 on the Famicom Disk System is a staple game in Nintendo's library of iconic gaming franchises. The success of The Legend of Zelda motivated Nintendo to continue making Zelda games which has now reached (so far) 19 Zelda titles within the franchise. Many people would think that since the first Zelda game is 30 years of so old, that every nook and cranny would have already been discovered by players, that just isn't the case...

Zelda fan, SKELUX uploaded a video to his YouTube Channel detailing a discovery he made within the first Zelda game. SKELUX managed to access what has been called the 'Minus World' through his wall walking code, this has uncovered what seems to be another half of the map that has not been completed by Nintendo developers. SKELUX explores the 'Minus World' and uncovers buggy enemies, caves, many gravestones, an old man and much more. Check out the above video if you are curious towards what could be hidden in the original Legend of Zelda.

IO Interactive, the developers and publishers behind the well known Hitman series have announced that they will be releasing a complete remaster of two Hitman titles. The remaster will feature numerous visual and performance improvements.

In a recent press release and also a Twitter post by the developer, IO Interactive has revealed that on January 11th the 'Hitman HD Enhanced Collection' will be released. This new collection will feature two overhauled Hitman titles, "Hitman: Blood Money" and "Hitman: Absolution." Both of these titles will have visual and performance upgrades such as; 60FPS support, 4K resolution support and lighting and texture improvements.

CEO of IO Interactive, Hakan Abrak chimed in on the recent announcement, saying "We're very happy with this collection and how we were able to update and remaster two of our classic Hitman titles for modern consoles. Hitman: Blood Money' and 'Hitman: Absolution' have helped us on our journey to where we are today, and we're looking forward to players enjoying them in 4K and 60 fps." It should be noted that the Hitman Enhanced Collection will only be releasing digitally on both the Xbox One and PS4.

While Call of Duty: Black Ops 4's Blackout mode may be a bunch of fast-paced fun, the looting has mostly always been a complaint for console players. That is all about to change as it has been confirmed that a new system will be implemented in the near future.

The news has come from Studio Design Director, David Vonderhaar who Tweeted the above image. From the image we can see that the contents of backpacks or crates will now be displayed in two rows. Vonderhaar explains in the Tweet that this design may be subject to change to three rows if it is found to be more accessible by the testing teams that are currently playing with the design.

The update unfortunately does not have a solid release date as of yet, but what we do know is that it is currently being playtested by the developers. If everything goes smoothly I'm sure that this update will be rolled out as soon as possible. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 is currently available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. For further information, visit the official Call of Duty website here.

CES 2019 - HP has just unveiled its monstrous Omen X Emperium 65, a new out-of-this-world gaming display that measures in at a whopping 65-inch, which makes it a TV - especially considering HP has joined NVIDIA's new Big Format Gaming Display (BFGD) family with this new set.

It's a beast, with HP's new Omen X Emperium 65 rocking native 4K and 120Hz refresh rate it's joined by HDR and G-Sync technology, with a Shield TV built into the BFGD. Inside, the TV rocks a 64.5-inch 8-bit AMVA panel that has a native 3840 x 2160 resolution with 750-1000 nits of brightness (typical/HDR) and 3200:1 to 4000:1 contrast ratio (again, minimum/typical). We have native 120Hz and overclocked 144Hz refresh rates, with gray-to-pray response time of 4ms when overdrive is enabled.

HP is including a custom-designed soundbar that is rated at up to 120W, which will gel beautifully with the built-in NVIDIA Shield TV that is 4K-capable.

Nintendo seeks to use mobile as a source of recurring earnings to supplement quarterly growth, and this typically means microtransactions will be involved in some form.

Mobile gaming is the industry's most lucrative segment and remains a strong source for consistent revenue for titans like Tencent, NetEase and Nexon. Mobile is expected to earn over $70 billion in 2018, or 51% of total yearly earnings, and Nintendo wants to see its latent smartphone gaming business grow with that number. To do this, we expect Nintendo to continue embracing the free-to-play model with its future games and infuse more gacha-style microtransactions for maximum exposure and accessibility and earnings potential. This strategy is working well and Fire Emblem Heroes made 72% of Nintendo's mobile earnings in 2018.

In a recent interview with Nikkei (as translated by Nintendo Everything), Nintendo President Shuntaro Furukawa says he'd like to release more mobile games with more guaranteed revenue-generating models.

More and more publishers are looking toward new technologies like game streaming and blockchain infrastructures as potential avenues towards revenue growth.

Like its competitors EA, Microsoft, and Ubisoft, Square Enix is interested in jumping into the game streaming realm. This kind of digital focus is nothing new for the Japanese games-maker, however, and there are signs it may open up its own Steam-like digital storefront and browser combo. The publisher has also significantly embraced the games-as-a-service business model by experimenting with various online engagement strategies in key games like Deus Ex: Mankind Divided. This may only be the beginning and we could see Square Enix push into subscriptions similar to Xbox Game Pass as well as a service similar to Microsoft's upcoming Project xCloud streaming.

In a recent New Year's letter to investors, Square Enix president Yosuke Matsuda discussed the company's interest in latent technologies like blockchain and game streaming.

BioWare's next game isn't too far away with Anthem set for release on the Xbox One, PS4 and PC on February 22 - but now IGN is ramping up the hype with 15 minutes from the game.

The new Anthem gameplay footage opens with a new mission from the start of the game where you'll need to track down and rescue an Arcanist called Mathias. The world and the mission itself is open-ended, and while the environment looks good the motion blur and lower quality graphics aren't great. This is an alpha build however, so things should hopefully improve in the coming weeks.

I don't know if it's just me, but holy crap does Anthem look boring. This isn't the type of pre-release hype video the game needs during CES 2019 and all of its hoopla, with Origin/EA Access members open to try the game out with a demo on January 25, I can see this being tested and sales being low and then EA discounting the game a few weeks after release and then BioWare staff jumping ship.

Microsoft has been snapping up key development talent to bolster its flagging game exclusives, and this shouldn't stop any time soon.

Microsoft recently bought AA studios like Obsidian Entertainment, inXile, Ninja Theory, and Playground Games to fold them into the Microsoft Studios banner. This paints an interesting future for the games titan that sees smaller, more frequent AA titles being released between the long development cycles of AAA games like Gears of War 5 and Halo: Infinite. The new games will release on the Xbox Store, across retailers, and more importantly on Xbox Game Pass. These acquisitions are just the beginning, though, and analysts agree.

In a recent interview with GamingBolt, IDC analyst Lewis Ward reinforces the points we've long predicted. The buyouts will be strategically planned to cater to gametypes that Microsoft doesn't typically make any more, including RPGs and the like (hence the Obsidian purchase).

As we see in 15 minutes of new gameplay footage, id Software's RAGE sequel is colorful, chaotic, and filled with post-apocalyptic mayhem.

RAGE 2 looks like a lot of fun and has the hallmark staples of something special. Sure we haven't played it yet, but everything we've seen and heard about the dystopian FPS makes it like a caustic cocktail of Borderlands, Mad Max, and Doom--all supercharged with some nitrous oxide. It's fast-paced and should be a Doom 2016 fan's dream game, complete with lots of loot, vehicles, and powers to keep things engaging and fresh. With the FPS masters id taking the reins of ultra-gory shoot-em-up action and Avalanche bringing their stalwart vehicle and environment crafting to the table, the game takes on a kind of radical Road Warrior vibe with a tenacity that's all its own.

In a new RAGE 2 gameplay stream, Bethesda illustrated many of these bloody points. The footage highlights abilities like Overdrive (kind of like a limit break or supercharge skill from Destiny) and even confirmed that gamers can drive pretty much everything in the game. "If you can see it, you can drive it, including not just vehicles...but let's say flying vehicles," one of the announcers said.

The franchise's official Twitter account may have teased the next big Alien game.

Alien: Isolation is one of the best horror games I've ever played and is absolutely haunting in VR. Sadly the game didn't meet SEGA's planned sales figures, leading many devs at Creative Assembly to rule out a sequel. But something is happening and it could be related to Amanda Ripley's bloody adventure on the Sevastopol.

A new snippet on the Alien Twitter account strongly hints a new game will happen, but it might not be what we're expecting. The message says "read, play, watch" and could be connected to the mysterious Alien: Blackout game that was trademarked by 20th Century Fox. Before we get too excited, remember that this could be a trans-media campaign for comics/books, an interactive "game" app of some sort, and a CGI or animated series based on Ripley--all of which are interconnected in some way.

Take-Two Interactive is mostly known for big AAA releases like Grand Theft Auto and NBA 2K, but the publisher is branching into more AA experiences to help diversify its releases.

Any games-maker needs to have multiple products in development at one time, but more importantly, it must have new titles regularly released to fund those projects. Most publishers (Activision, EA, Ubisoft, Take-Two) use live service games to achieve this. Rather than having to release constant streams of games, they release one big game with microtransactions and rake in continual earnings over years-long periods, and this strategy has worked: GTA Online has made over $1 billion to date. Despite this, though, publishers like Take-Two often have whole quarters with few titles released, and one of the best ways to fix that is to focus on a healthy slate of AAA and AA titles.

The new Private Division label is Take-Two's way of achieving this. But rather than trying to infuse its AAA business model into the new AA-based label, Take-Two is letting developers like Obsidian create the games they want to make how they want to make them. Obsidian's new game The Outer Worlds is an action FPS RPG with the original Fallout devs at the helm, but more importantly, it's singleplayer-only and won't be a live game infused with microtransactions. This clearly illustrates Take-Two understands that AA games are different than AAA titles, and shouldn't be pressured with the same money-making tactics.