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Articles by Andrew KiyaFriday
Gex Trademark Filed in Japan by Square Enix
Square Enix has filed yet another trademark for the 90s platformer Gex, this time in Japan. Gex: Enter the Gecko originally released for the 3DO, and was later ported to the PlayStation and other platforms. Following a similar trademark from late last year, the latest filing has sparked rumors of a possible revival from the Japan-based video game publisher. As spotted by Twitter user @Renka_schedule, Square Enix filed the trademark on February 7, 2022.
Fallout: New Vegas 2 Sequel in 'Very Early Talks' at Publisher Microsoft
The long-awaited sequel to Fallout: New Vegas could become a reality, though unfortunately not any time soon. Recent insider information indicates that a possible sequel to the open-world RPG is currently in “very early” talks at Microsoft, which now owns developer Obsidian Entertainment. While by no means a confirmation, folks at Microsoft seem keen on reviving the decade-old game. When will Fallout: New Vegas 2 release? It’s promising news, but by no means does it indicate anything concrete.
Sony To Make Mobile Games Using PlayStation IPs
It looks as though Sony has not given up on plans to expand into the mobile gaming market. Sony Group CFO Hiroki Totoki has stated that the company plans to release mobile games using PlayStation IPs. Sony revealed its plans during an investors conference call, where it also announced it would release at least 10 live service titles with the help of its newly-acquired studio, Bungie. Why is PlayStation expanding into mobile games?
Call of Duty Release Dates May No Longer Be Yearly
A new report indicates that multiplatform first-person-shooter franchise Call of Duty may no longer be a yearly release. With Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company is looking to reduce the workload for the studios traditionally associated with the Call of Duty franchise, including Treyarch and Infinity Ward. While the deal is not finalized, high-level employees from the studios are reportedly in talks with management.
Ghostrunner DLC Expansion Project_Hel Release Date Delayed to March
The release date for the upcoming Ghostrunner Project_Hel DLC expansion has been delayed. Originally set for January 27, 2022, the expansion will now release on March 3, 2022. The game is currently available on PS4 and PS5, as well as Xbox consoles, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Ghostrunner DLC expansion delayed for the “safety” of the team Publisher 505 Games and developers 3D Realms, All in! Games, and One More Level, decided to delay the expansion a week ahead of its original announced release date.
Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order 2 Release Date Expected in Q4 2022
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 is expected to release sometime in Q4 2022. Additionally, the game may be revealed in the near future. The rumor expects developer Respawn Entertainment to reveal the next sequel on May 4, 2022. When is Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order 2 releasing? According to credible industry insider Tom Henderson, the next Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order title will release in Q4 2022. Henderson states that things are “set in motion” for the game’s reveal.
Cal of Duty Release Dates May No Longer Be Yearly
A new report indicates that multiplatform first-person-shooter franchise Call of Duty may no longer be a yearly release. With Microsoft’s recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company is looking to reduce the workload for the studios traditionally associated with the Call of Duty franchise, including Treyarch and Infinity Ward. While the deal is not finalized, high-level employees from the studios are reportedly in talks with management.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare II Release Date Could Fall in October 2022
A new Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 could release as early as October 2022. Multiple leakers have indicated that the next game in the Modern Warfare series, which was refreshed in 2019, will likely see an official reveal sometime in Summer 2022. Notably, whether or not the release date falls on October 2022 is reportedly dependent on the performance of another title, Call of Duty: Vanguard, which has seemingly failed to meet Activision’s expectations.
Persona 6 PS5 Exclusive Rumors Leak Online
The Persona series has become one of the most popular RPG series in recent years, most recently with the critically acclaimed Persona 5 and subsequent Persona 5 Royal. While developer Atlus has already confirmed that they are working on a sequel title, new rumors indicate that Persona 6 might be a PS5 exclusive game. This is of particular note as Persona 5 was initially released for the PS3 and PS4 back in 2016.
Syphon Filter Remake Idea Declined by Sony
Former Bend Studio Head Jeff Ross revealed that the studio had pitched an open-world Resistance game to Sony after the release of Days Gone. Ross also revealed that Sony themselves were interested in a reboot of the Syphon Filter franchise, but that he had zero ideas on how to do so. Ultimately, Sony declined both pitches. Jeff Ross appeared on a podcast with God of War creator David Jaffe and former Bend Studio Creative Director John Garvin.
E3 2022 Canceled: ESA Cancel In-Person Event, Digital Show Uncertain
The ESA (Entertainment Software Association) has canceled this year’s E3 2022 in-person event. This means that the industry event will be fully online just like last year’s E3 2021. While the ESA brought up concerns with the recent Omicron COVID-19 variant as the main reason, some insider reports indicate that the trade group had actually made the decision as early as Fall 2021. E3 2022 expo canceled, so what’s next?
Nixxes Software Is Helping Out with PC Patches for Horizon Zero Dawn
Just months after being acquired by Sony, Nixxes Software is already helping deliver patches for the PC version of Horizon Zero Dawn. Developer Guerrilla games revealed that Nixxes helped with the recent release of the Version 1.11.1 patch for Horizon Zero Dawn on the PC which included various bug fixes. Looks like Sony’s investment is already paying off.
Gran Turismo 7 Will Feature Realistic Braking Using Adaptive Triggers
In a behind-the-scenes video, Gran Turismo series creator Kazunori Yamauchi detailed how Gran Turismo 7 will use the DualSense adaptive triggers when using the car brake. He also explained that GT7‘s Scapes mode will support raytracing. According to Yamauchi, the added graphical fidelity along with the new adaptive trigger features and haptic feedback will help GT7 feel more realistic than past Gran Turismo titles.
Forspoken Villains Details, Prequel DLC Coming in Winter 2022
During The Game Awards 2021, Square Enix and Luminous Productions gave players a glimpse into the main antagonists of Forspoken. Each of the Tantas, who are the former rulers of Athia, feature a specific trait or virtue. In a new PlayStation Blog post, Luminous Productions’ Creative Producer Raio Mitsuno explained some of these Tantas and how they came to be. Furthermore, Mitsuno also revealed that Forspoken prequel DLC is planned for release in Winter 2022.
Alan Wake 2 Story Won't Require Prior Knowledge of the Series
Following the announcement of Alan Wake 2 for current-gen platforms, Remedy Entertainment revealed that the upcoming sequel will be a survival horror title. Notably, Remedy also stated that the game will not require players to have prior knowledge of the series. That doesn’t mean fans of Alan Wake won’t get to enjoy some interesting connections, however. As Remedy’s Creative Director Sam Lake wrote on the PlayStation Blog, Alan Wake 2 will “add to the backstory” of the original Alan Wake.
Resistance Annihilation Line Gameplay Trailer Released
Reef Entertainment has released a new gameplay trailer for the upcoming Terminator: Resistance Annihilation Line DLC. The new trailer showcases a few hectic firefights through a war-torn city, with the player facing off against Skynet bots of all shapes and sizes. The Annihilation Line DLC will release for PS5 and PC on December 10, 2021. Revealed via a recent livestream, the new gameplay trailer follows prominent Terminator series character Kyle Reese and a team of Resistance soldiers.
Over Half of The Game Awards 2021 Will Be New Game Announcements
In a behind-the-scenes podcast, Geoff Keighley reveals that over half of The Game Awards 2021 will be dedicated to new game announcements. Additionally, there will be some announcements of games scheduled to release 3 to 4 years in the future. Keighley also reveals that some of the announcements were originally planned for last year’s TGA 2020. Keighley revealed key details about the upcoming TGA 2021 in the second episode of the official Behind the Scenes podcast on Spotify.
Battlefield 2042 Review (PS4) - Missing the Mark
The Battlefield franchise has been notorious for its buggy launches ever since the infamous “long neck” glitch from Battlefield 3 went viral nearly a decade ago. As an outsider looking in, it’s always been entertaining to see clips of off-the-wall, crazy stuff happening in the game. Arguably, these incidents are what makes Battlefield, well, Battlefield—at least according to some members of the fan community.
Psychological Horror Game Luto to Release for PS4 and PS5 in 2022
P.T.-inspired psychological horror game Luto will release sometime in 2022 for the PS4 and PS5 as well as PC via Steam. Developer Broken Bird games announced the new release window alongside a new trailer, which gives players a glimpse into what type of dangers they may face. The indie horror title was showcased earlier this summer as part of Sony Interactive Entertainment Spain’s PlayStation Talents initiative. Developing Luto is Spain-based indie outfit Broken Bird Games.
Sifu Releasing Two Weeks Early, Now Launches February 8, 2022
Kung Fu brawler Sifu is releasing two weeks earlier than scheduled, now coming out on February 8, 2022. Developer Sloclap also revealed a new trailer showcasing the combat system and aging mechanic. The earlier release means that Sifu will not have to compete with other big-name titles such as Horizon Forbidden West and Elden Ring, or Destiny 2’s new Witch Queen expansion, all of which are releasing at the end of February 2022.
Upcoming Outriders Broadcast Will Reveal Massive Free Update, 'Everything You've Been Waiting For'
A new Outriders broadcast will announce a pretty big content update that is said to be “everything you’ve been waiting for,” alongside a recap of the game’s improvements since its launch in April. Square Enix is hosting its sixth Outriders broadcast on November 15, 2021, starting at 9 am PST / 6 pm CET via YouTube and Twitch. It also released a broadcast announcement trailer.
Uncharted 4 Voice Actor Warren Kole is in Rumored Modern Warfare 2
Prominent actor Warren Kole is reportedly working with Infinity Ward on the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, rumored to be releasing in 2022. Kole’s LinkedIn page indicates that the voice actor has been working with the studio since October 2021. Previously in games, Warren Kole voiced Uncharted 4‘s central antagonist Rafe Adler.
Lionsgate is Going to Make Games Based on the Saw Franchise
Two prominent Lionsgate producers have revealed that the company is looking to create games based on the popular horror series Saw. Answering questions from fans on Reddit, the producers stated that Lionsgate has brought them “some amazing projects.” While details are still scarce, they assure fans that the project will “100% happen.” Saw film series producers Mark Burg and Oren Koules recently held an Ask Me Anything on the /r/horror subreddit.
Sony Loses Vita Trademark in the European Union
An EU court has officially revoked the “Vita” trademark in the EU, allowing other companies to use the term for their products. Sony lost the trademarked term due to non-use. The term “Vita” can now be used for “data carrier devices containing programs” as well as images and/or audio. As noted by legal blog Kluwer Trademark Blog last month, the EU General Court revoked the trademark after Vieta Audio applied to have it removed back in 2011.
Weird West Delayed to Early 2022, New Gameplay Trailer Released
Along with a new gameplay trailer, WolfEye Studios revealed it has delayed its fantasy Western adventure game Weird West to January 11, 2022. The game was originally set to release sometime in Fall this year for the PS4 and PS5. The new gameplay trailer dives into many of Weird West’s interactive elements, from hiding and burying bodies to lighting and extinguishing fires. Weird West is an upcoming action-adventure RPG currently in development under WolfEye Studios.
Vicarious Visions Dropping its Name As Part of Blizzard Merger
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 developer Vicarious Visions is reportedly dropping its studio name and merging completely with its Blizzard Entertainment. Management announced the decision to employees at the studio earlier this week. Some employees are criticizing the studio’s lack of transparency, as they did not announce the name change would occur during its initial merger with Blizzard earlier this year. Activision originally acquired Vicarious Visions back in 2005.
BioWare Worked Overtime to Release New Mass Effect 3 Ending
After massive internet backlash towards the ending of Mass Effect 3, BioWare devs reportedly worked overtime and crunched for several months in order to release a new extended ending through the Extended Cut DLC. In a new interview with the video game documentary YouTube channel People Make Games, several BioWare devs discussed the initial reactions to the studio, including the hate-filled messages and death threats that some of the members received.
Stardew Valley Creator Making a New Game Called Haunted Chocolatier
After ten years of developing Stardew Valley, one-man developer ConcernedApe has announced that he is working on a new game titled Haunted Chocolatier. According to the game’s newly-opened official website, Haunted Chocolatier will revolve around the player running a magical chocolate shop located in a haunted mansion. By the looks of the announcement trailer’s early gameplay, Haunted Chocolatier’s art style is almost identical to its predecessor.
Techland is Working on a 'Next-Gen Console Patch' for Dying Light
Dying Light developer Techland is currently working on a patch for next-gen/new-gen consoles including the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. While details are still scarce, the patch will likely allow players to play Dying Light 1 on the PS5 at 60 fps. It’s unknown if it will just be an update or a whole new native PS5 app. The Techland official Twitter account revealed the development via a reply on Twitter.
Call of Duty's Ricochet Anti-Cheat Kernel-Level Driver Has Already Leaked
Literal days after its official reveal, Call of Duty Warzone‘s internally-developed Ricochet Anti-Cheat has been leaked across various hacking forums on the internet. The Ricochet Anti-Cheat solution launcheson November 5th alongside Call of Duty: Vanguard, with a new kernel-level driver coming with the Warzone Pacific update later in the year in order to combat cheating in the first-person shooter. How exactly these files were leaked is currently unknown.
Sony Working on 'Massive' Remake With Irish Soundtrack
Folks at PlayStation are rumored to be working on a “massive” remake featuring an Irish-lyric soundtrack. According to the source who spoke with Irish radio station WLR FM, Sony will reportedly reveal the PS title sometime during the Christmas season. This may indicate that the title will appear during this year’s Game Awards on December 9, 2021, or possibly during a new Sony-hosted event. The source in question is Irish singer Éabha McMahon, who appeared on WLR FM on October 7, 2021.
Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City Official Trailer Released
The first official trailer for the live action film Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is out now, with the movie coming exclusively to cinemas soon. The film roughly follows the events of the first two Resident Evil games, prominently featuring both Raccoon City as well as the Spencer mansion. The official trailer gives fans a detailed look at Claire and Leon, as well as some of the movie’s CGI zombies and monsters.
Grand Theft Auto Trilogy Remaster Appears on Korean Rating Board
A new listing on Korea’s Game Rating and Administration Committee website has added further evidence to the rumored Grand Theft Auto trilogy remaster. The listing, which reveals that the remastered trilogy may be titled Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition, has since been removed from the rating board. The remastered bundle is set to include three PS2-era Grand Theft Auto titles—Grand Theft Auto III, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas, and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.
The Game Awards 2021 is Returning Live and In-Person This December
The Game Awards is making its official return later this year. Geoff Keighley announced that the event will take place on December 9, 2021, hosted live and in-person from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California. As with past years, The Game Awards will also be streamed live via YouTube, Twitter, Twitch, and a host of other platforms. Last year’s event was, unfortunately, held entirely virtually due to the effects of the COVID pandemic.
Deltarune Chapter 2 Releases for Free on PS4 and Nintendo Switch
Following the console release of Deltarune Chapter 1 earlier this year, Undertale creator Toby Fox has announced that Chapter 2 is now available for free on the PS4 and Nintendo Switch. The second chapter is currently available as a free update to those who already downloaded the first chapter, and the game is now titled Deltarune Chapter 1&2 for those who have not yet played it at all.
Death Stranding Director's Cut Fixes Controversial 'Asexual World' Entry
In addition to new graphical updates, missions, and levels to take on, Death Stranding: Director’s Cut has also fixed some of the more problematic elements present in the game. Specifically, Kojima Productions has included an addendum to the controversial “An Asexual World” data log entry which not only addresses the original text’s discriminatory undertone but also affirms the validity of asexuality.
ReVamped Coming This Year
Remastered versions of BloodRayne and BloodRayne 2 with the subtitle ReVamped are heading to PS4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch this fall. Publisher Ziggurat Interactive will release the two titles digitally, and Limited Run Games will also publish limited physical editions later this year. Both games will feature updated graphics, cinematics, and improved lighting. Specifically, both remasters will feature support for higher resolutions up to 4K.
Sega and Atlus Plan to Announce a New RPG at Tokyo Game Show
Sega and Atlus, the studio behind hit JRPGs such as the Persona series and Shin Megami Tensei, will reveal a new RPG at their Tokyo Game Show presentation on October 1, 2021. The game is currently untitled, with the presentation’s description listing a “New Sega RPG.” Additionally, the program is set to feature new information about other Sega franchises and video games. There are several possibilities when it comes to new Sega titles.
Project EVE Looks Like a Cross Between Bayonetta and NieR
Project EVE, a stylish action-adventure game currently in development under Korean game studio Shift Up, has received its first official gameplay trailer during yesterday’s PlayStation Showcase showing off its main protagonist as well as the various grotesque monsters she will encounter.
Tokyo Gameplay Trailer Introduces Masked Occultist Hannya
Yesterday’s PlayStation Showcase dropped a new gameplay trailer for the upcoming action-horror title Ghostwire: Tokyo. It focuses on the game’s central antagonist and mysterious masked occultist, Hannya. As well as getting a good look at how metropolitan Tokyo would look if a host of terrifying supernatural spirits and beings invade the city, the trailer also gives us a few teasers into the main character’s background. Ghostwire: Tokyo will release on the PS5 and PC sometime in spring 2022.
Lost Judgement Will Include Story DLC Featuring Kaito as Protagonist
New details have emerged focusing on Lost Judgment DLC, from cosmetic and girlfriend additions as well as a separate Story DLC featuring supporting character Masaharu Kaito as a playable protagonist. The extensive details for the planned DLC are viewable on the Lost Judgement official website, and each is listed as separately purchasable content. The Story DLC, in particular, will be released sometime after the game’s launch but will be included for free if you buy the Digital Deluxe edition.
Paradox Interactive CEO Stepping Down Due To 'Differing Views'
Paradox Interactive CEO Ebba Ljungerud has stepped down “due to differing views on the company’s strategy.” In her stead, former CEO Fredrik Wester will return to the position and resign as Chairman of the board.
Blasphemous Sequel Coming 2023, First Game Getting Free DLC in Dec
Action-platformer Blasphemous is getting a story-concluding final DLC at the end of this year, followed by a new sequel sometime later in 2023. The DLC, titled Wounds of Eventide will tie a neat bow on the title, which was originally released in 2019. Wounds of Eventide will be available as a free download on PS4 and other consoles starting December 9, 2021.
MLK's Daughter Was Not Involved in Fortnite March Through Time Event
Fortnite is holding a commemorative March Through Time event in collaboration with PlayStation and Time Magazine, celebrating the life and achievements of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event will take players to a virtual Washington DC titled D.C. 63, where they can watch videos of the full 17 minutes of MLK’s iconic “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
Sony Manchester Was Shut Down Due to Poor Management
Just over a year after the official closure of Sony Manchester, several former employees have revealed key information about the studio’s rocky production and how its shut down was a classic case of mismanagement and lack of oversight. Furthermore, the anonymous sources described that it felt like “an outsourcing studio” instead of Sony’s own developer, and how team members dealt with low morale and constant changes to their game’s design.
Another Disney Classic Games Collection Could Be Coming to the PS4
A collection of classic Disney games could be heading to last-gen consoles as well as PC, according to a recent rating by the ESRB. By the looks of the rating’s description, the collection will feature classic platformer titles “based on” movies such as Aladdin, The Lion King, and The Jungle Book. Furthermore, Disney Classic Games publisher Nighthawk Interactive will publish the upcoming collection.
Iron Harvest is Coming to PS4 and PS5 at the End of 2021
Kickstarter-funded military RTS Iron Harvest is coming to the PS4 and PS5 in late 2021 and will include all past DLC released for the PC for free. The DLC will include the recently released Operation Eagle update, and Kickstarter backers can also change their preferred console to either PS5 or Xbox Series X for free.
Dead Space Remake Release Date Late 2022 at the Earliest
The recently-announced remake of Dead Space will reportedly release in late 2022 if production goes smoothly, though publisher EA has not officially confirmed the date (and with work from home protocols amid the pandemic, we’ve seen countless instances of production being delayed and pushed).
University of Westminster Working With Sony to Support Black Students
The University of Westminster is working with Sony Interactive Entertainment to provide support for Black students and other underrepresented groups through various scholarships as well as programs to promote careers in the video game and technology industries. Sony’s support will reportedly benefit 264 students in total from 2021 to 2025 both in undergraduate and postgraduate studies.
Former SEGA President Kenji Matsubara Named CEO of SNK Corporation
Former SEGA president Kenji Matsubara has joined SNK Corporation as its new CEO. The news comes after it was revealed last year that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia had purchased a 51% stake in the SNK, popular for such franchises as King of Fighters and Metal Slug. Back in July 2020, Kenji Matsubara left SEGA after spending over six years at the company in various positions, starting as CTO for the Sega Networks Company and eventually becoming president of its gaming division.
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