Author: Nik Ranger

Splitgate 2 factions: All abilities & team traits revealed so far 1047 GamesSplitgate 2 is finally entering into early alpha for testing, here’s what you need to know about the game’s various factions, including their abilities and team traits. The highly anticipated Splitgate 2 has been announced for its early alpha. The FPS’s original iteration saw pretty massive success when it was released back in 2019. Blending together portals and physics for a monumental arena shooter that players loved, the devs took it offline after it failed to keep its momentum. Now the title is back once more, and ready to bring a new gameplay experience to players all over. Splitgate 2 showcases three factions that you can play around, all of which offer different playstyles, with traits and abilities that can influence the way you approach each match. Without further ado, here are all factions in Splitgate, with their abilities and team traits. Splitgate 2: all abilities and team traits for each faction Splitgate 2’s early Alpha will begin on 21 August at 11 AM CT and will end on 25 August at 10 PM CT. This gives you just four days to hop in and give it a go. If you’re looking to sign up to get access to early alpha, you can follow our handy dandy guide right here.

Splitgate 2 CEO shares “fun first” approach to game design 1047 GamesThe sequel to the beloved, yet short-lived Splitgate has one major focus according to its CEO, which is “fun first” above all else. Dexerto had the chance to speak with Ian Proulx, CEO of 1047 Games and creator of Splitgate, about the upcoming Splitgate 2, a 4v4 first-person action shooter with portals and factions. While much of the conversation spoke of the developers’ approach to balancing the meta, Proulx had a lot to say about the main focal point of the sequel compared to its predecessor. This time, fun came first throughout the design process: “[O]ne of our design pillars is fun first and we emphasize that to everybody on the team. Like, this is important for the art team so that they’re designing to make a fun game, fun maps, not just like beautiful maps. And it’s to the design team and the level design team like hey, we’re trying to make fun maps, not just like super competitive maps to everybody.” This was emphasized even further when Proulx spoke about the possibility of Splitgate 2 entering the Esports scene in the future and why it wasn’t a huge priority: “[P]hilosophically, like, that’s not our top priority right now, like the top priority is fun first, we just want to make a fun game. And of course, it’s a PvP shooter so it lends itself well, and its got portals, it’s got a high skill ceiling, so we do think this will be a great Esport one day, but that’s not the focus, the focus is let’s make a fun game.” While the Splitgate creator then mentioned how gaining feedback from competitive modes was more helpful than feedback from a fun, party mode, the idea of the game becoming an Esport wasn’t a part of the major pillars of this game’s design. So what went wrong with the first Splitgate in terms of fun factor? Proulx had an answer to this question of what 1047 Games wanted to solve with the first game when approaching the sequel: “What we saw in Splitgate was, super fun game. People would come in, they loved it. They’d play for about three or four weeks.” Players would drop off after playing for about a month, but then after that, they felt that they “experienced everything there is to experience, and the game hasn’t changed,” Proulx continued. He also mentioned that the lack of updates was due to 1047 Games being a small team of around 15-20 people, but luckily Splitgate 2’s development team consists of around 175 people. This meant that the sequel would hopefully have many more opportunities to push out exciting updates compared to the first game. Splitgate 2 plans to launch sometime during 2025 on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. While 1047 Games already held a Closed Alpha, players can hopefully expect future playtests to arrive before launch.

Splitgate 2 CEO announces major prerelease plan to “overcorrect” meta 1047 GamesSplitgate is making a return with a sequel, and developer 1047 Games has a unique philosophy about approaching balance and meta changes through overcorrection during prerelease. In an exclusive interview with 1047 Games’ CEO and Splitgate’s creator Ian Proulx, Dexerto had the chance to ask about how the team was handling meta changes throughout the development of Splitgate 2, the 4v4 portal shooter. When asked about the developers’ view on balance changes shifts from prerelease to postlaunch, Proulx detailed how the team has decided to focus on overcorrection during the current stages of development. “Our approach now is make big changes. I believe in design, whether it’s balance or UI or anything, I think you always want to overcorrect, because it’s a lot easier to make a big change and then figure out ‘okay now we got to meet in the middle’ versus tiny little changes.” But once Splitgate 2 officially launches, Proulx says the developer’s approach to meta adjustments will have a different approach. “Once we’re live, those kind of changes are a lot riskier, right? So once we’re live, that’s when you get into the incremental changes of like, okay, this gun is too weak, make it 10% stronger.” The creator of Splitgate went on to say that having more playtesters has helped immensely with figuring out what works and what doesn’t. “Splitgate 1 was 15, 20 people. Splitgate 2 we’re 175 now. 155 of those people didn’t work on Splitgate, and many didn’t play Splitgate prior to joining. And so, that’s a lot of new users from all different backgrounds, from different countries, from different levels of skill.” But Proulx said that the developers aren’t too concerned about any balance changes breaking or defining the meta, in large part because of how the gameplay is designed. “Everybody has, regardless of action, you have the same health, you have the same time to kill, you have the same movement. So 80%, 90%, of what determines who’s going to win a gunfight is who has better aim, who has better portals, who has better positioning and movement. Not who is better at activating their ability at the right time.” On the topic of teamwork, Proulx explained how the faction angle is better for an even gameplay experience. “[W]e have teamworks, so one of the clever things we’ve done in addition to having your own individual perks is each faction has a team perk, where if I have one of this faction, my team gets a slight bonus.” The default meta for players will be for teams to have at least one of everything. Players can still pivot to specific team comps each round and focus all on one faction, but the mainstream meta will be best when the team gets different faction bonuses. Splitgate 2 is set to release in 2025. The devs recently allowed fans to sign up for a Closed Alpha playtest that runs from August 21 through August 25.

Splinter Cell remake update brings more bad news for exhausted fans UbisoftThe director of the Splinter Cell remake, David Grivel, recently exited Ubisoft after more than a decade; such news has once more left fans concerned for the franchise’s future. Ubisoft announced Splinter Cell’s return in late 2021, promising a reimagining of the first game developed by Watch Dogs: Legion’s Ubisoft Toronto. The publisher’s proprietary Snowdrop engine will power the remake, with its impressive inner workings allowing the team to target next-gen visuals and enhanced gameplay mechanics. Of course, the franchise’s dynamic use of lighting and shadows will also benefit from the power of Snowdrop. But other concerns about the project have bubbled to the surface in recent days. Splinter Cell remake loses its Game Director, David Grivel Ubisoft Toronto Game Director David Grivel has announced his departure from Ubisoft on LinkedIn. “After more than 11 years at Ubisoft, it is now time for me to go on a new adventure,” Grivel wrote in his post. Grivel began his journey at Ubisoft with Ghost Recon: Future Soldier. Since then, he’s taken part in projects such as Splinter Cell Blacklist, AC Unity, and multiple Far Cry entries. As of writing, there’s no word on who will fill Grivel’s shoes in the role of Game Director for the Splinter Cell remake. Naturally, fans have already begun expressing concerns for what David Grivel’s may mean for the Splinter Cell remake. Users on Reddit aren’t sure of what to make of the news just yet, with one person saying they’re optimistic Grivel’s departure won’t impact the game. However, that same user is also pessimistic “because Splinter Cell fans can’t catch a break.” Considering the brand has lain dormant for a decade, such pessimism is more than understandable.

Splinter Cell remake: Sam Fisher story leaks, gameplay UbisoftBeloved stealth franchise Splinter Cell is set to finally return after years of lying dormant. Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming installment, including story leaks and gameplay. Splinter Cell debuted back in 2002 for the original Xbox before being ported to the PC, PlayStation 2, and Gamecube. Offering a more realistic take on stealth than Metal Gear, players were impressed by Ubisoft’s immeasurable attention to detail and ability to craft tense scenarios while pushing the boundaries of the hardware of the time. Six mainline games followed, and the series grew into a fan favorite across multiple console generations. With no signs of life from the franchise since 2013’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist, the new installment, has been confirmed to be in the early stages of development. Here’s everything we know so far about the next game in the iconic stealth series. Contents New Splinter Cell: Is there a release date? While there isn’t any word of an official announcement on the cards, we could expect to see the next Splinter Cell game released by at least 2023 now that it’s reportedly entered the initial stages of development. The game is being developed by Ubisoft Toronto and is being built on the Snowdrop Engine, similar to Ubisoft’s The Division. Notably, the remake’s Game Director, David Grivel, exited Ubisoft in October 2022. But there’s no word on how his departure will affect the development cycle and eventual release going forward. New Splinter Cell gameplay In an interview with the developers, Ubisoft Toronto’s Matt West confirmed that the linear-style gameplay of the classic games will return in this new take on the franchise: “As we’re building it from the ground up, we’re going to update it visually, as well as some of the design elements to match player comfort and expectations, and we are going to keep it linear like the original games, not make it open world” He later emphasized the importance of keeping Splinter Cell a contained experience, as opposed to following suit with the Ghost Recon’s decision to go open-world. “Every square inch is part of a choice, or directly offers a choice, or has a direct ramification. That density of gameplay is at the forefront in Splinter Cell and that’s going to be really, really important for us. The gameplay experience we are targeting is directly tied to what we want players to feel, to capture the essence back when we were all playing the original games.” New Splinter Cell story with Sam Fisher Sam Fisher has appeared in numerous Ubisoft titles over the years, such as the Ghost Recon and Rainbow Six franchises. Sporting an older aesthetic in Ghost Recon, the character is said to be the last of his kind since operatives like him started to disappear (complete with a reference to Metal Gear’s iconic Solid Snake). However, in Rainbow Six Siege, Fisher is shown with a more Punisher-inspired design as Zero. While Fisher is likely to be the protagonist of the new series, the devs have only hinted towards that so far. In that same interview, Matt West talked about how the phrase “respect the goggles” has been something of an anchor for the dev team so far and name-dropped the iconic character when doing so: “I love the goggles as a symbol for Sam. We are making a game that is going to be modern but built on the foundation of the brand’s rich history.” Early Splinter Cell concept art While the game itself is still a while out, developers shared an early look at concept art during an anniversary stream on November 17. Here we got a look at the iconic Sam Fisher back in action, sticking to shadows and stealthily taking out foes as he does best. Is the new Splinter Cell a reboot? A brand new job listing for Ubisoft Toronto breaks down the plot and direction of the game in more detail than ever before. One of the producer’s for the project, Matt West, has said the remake will have an updated story and that the team will be “building it from the ground up.” West then went on to say “we’re going to be straddling the line between the spirit of the old and the comfort of the new, so that we can excite and surprise new players but also make sure that when our returning players pick up the controller, they have that sigh of relief, saying ‘ah, they got it.’” However, he did make a point of noting despite these changes “the spirit of the early games remains intact.“ The 2002 version saw Fisher join the NSA Black Ops team Third Echelon as they investigated the connection between two missing CIA Officers and fictional Georgian president Kombayn Nikoladze, who took power in the country via a carefully planned coup d’état sometime after the assassination of its previous leader. We’ll be staying up to date with any Splinter Cell news in the future, so be sure to keep checking in with us as more news develops.

Splatoon fans blast Square Enix’s Foamstars as “shameless” rip-off NintendoSplatoon fans have labeled Foamstars as nothing more than a “shameless” clone, following the game’s announcement at the PlayStation Showcase. Foamstars was one of the many games shown off at this year’s PlayStation Showcase, but unlike Final Fantasy 16, Square Enix’s colorful 4v4 shooter didn’t spark a positive reaction from gamers. In fact, a lot of Nintendo fans have voiced their anger over how similar Foamstars looks to Splatoon. While the developers only gave us a brief glimpse of what Foamstars will entail, the Splatoon community has already torn the game to shreds. This is largely down to the gameplay and weapons, which many stalwart Splatoon fans believe lack the originality that makes the Nintendo shooter stand out from the crowd. Splatoon fans blast Foamstars While Foamstars switches ink for foam and features human characters, the Splatoon community was keen to highlight just how similar the two games are, especially when it comes to the game’s special weapons. “Yeah, there was also the Baller, Trizooka, and an Inkstrike. Unmistakably a rip-off,” said one commenter. The overall readability of the game was also a point of contention, with many highlighting just how unclear it is when compared to Nintendo’s colorful shooter. “Splatoon is helped with strong color contrast and chunky characters, but the thinner more detailed humans and the light pastel colors on both sides, contrasted by the pitch black surroundings make it difficult to tell what’s happening in Foamstars.” Another commenter also noted that they were disappointed by the art direction, which they say is lacking, despite being released on more powerful hardware. “The art direction looks so bad compared to Splatoon. Keep in mind, this game is releasing on the PS5 and Splatoon is on a console with a similar power level to an Xbox 360, a system from two generations ago. That’s a complete joke.” Whether Foamstars will be able to convert Splatoon fans when it releases later this year remains to be seen, but for now, it looks as though Square Enix has a tough fight ahead of them.

Splatoon 3 voice chat guide: How to use SplatNet 3 and alternative methods NintendoWondering how to use Splatoon 3 voice chat? Then our handy guide has everything you need to know about SplatNet 3. Having good communication has always been an integral part of any multiplayer game, especially shooters like Splatoon 3. After all, being able to coordinate plays with your fellow teammates can lead to some dominant victories. Whether it’s leading a valiant charge to ink enemy territory in Turf War or grouping up to defend in Tricolor Turf War battle, having good comms is incredibly important, especially when the game’s modes can often be won and lost by the closest of margins. So, if you’re wondering whether Splatoon 3 has voice chat and how you can set it up, then our guide has you covered. Does Splatoon 3 have voice chat? Yes, Splatoon 3 does have voice chat. However, this functionality isn’t supported directly through the game itself – instead, players will need to download and use SplatNet 3. How to enable voice chat in Splatoon 3 In order to set up voice chat in Splatoon 3, simply follow these steps outlined below: Download the official Nintendo Switch Online app from Google Play or the App Store. – Sign in to your Nintendo Switch account. – Locate Splatoon 3 from the games menu. – Use the SplatNet 3 services to chat with your friends. – From here, you’ll be able to invite your friends and any recent players into a call where you can begin strategizing your next big victory. Of course, you could always use other voice chat apps like Discord or Skype to communicate with your friends, but for now, this is the only official way to enable voice chat in Splatoon 3. So, there you have it, that’s everything you need to know about voice chat in Splatoon 3. Make sure you check out our Splatoon 3 page for all the latest news and guides.

Splatoon 3 update 2.1.1 patch notes: Expansion Pass bonus, changes for controls & Multiplayer NintendoSplatoon 3 rolled out a new update on February 8 for version 2.1.1, featuring big changes to Multiplayer, player controls, and other fixes. Splatoon’s next Expansion Pass is going to bring with it a new single-player campaign, something fans have been calling for since its release in September 2022. Before that, though, the community has been greeted with a new content refresh for version 2.1.1, boasting a note on the Expansion Pass pre-order bonus. Those who pre-order the Inkopolis & Side Order DLC will be able to cash in on an in-game battle-boosting bonus as part of the update. So, let’s take a look at the changes in full. Splatoon 3 Feb update: 2.1.1 patch notes The following patch notes were confirmed by Nintendo America on a support page. Expansion Pass Order Bonus Available Players who order the Splatoon 3: Expansion Pass – Inkopolis & Side Order DLC will receive an in-game battle-boosting bonus. To collect your battle-boosting bonus, you must first purchase and download the DLC content. Then start the Splatoon 3 game, visit the lobby terminal, and select Get Stuff. – – Fixes to Player Controls Fixed an issue that caused communication to be interrupted while performing certain actions with the Splattershot Jr. or Custom Splattershot Jr. weapons, even if those actions can usually be performed. – Fixed an issue that caused ink to be displayed incorrectly if a Slosher and a Tri-Slosher both attacked at the same time. – Fixed an issue where there could be a delay in recovering from existing damage if you were within range of an attack from a Wave Breaker or Big Shot and avoided taking damage by jumping or other means. – Fixes to Multiplayer Fixed an issue where players between terrain and a Tacticooler could clip inside the terrain if the Tacticooler was set up in the corner of the terrain. Due to this change, you will now be able to pass through the Tacticooler—even in Inkling or Octoling form—while performing an action that causes you to move quickly, such as a Dodge Roll while using a dualie weapon. – – Fixed an issue in Brinewater Springs where players could get onto rocks outside the stage. – Other Fixes Fixed an issue that occurred while replaying Tricolor Turf War battles where the cheers from Deep Cut would sometimes be for teams other than the ones in the battle. – Fixed an issue that occurred while replaying job scenarios in the Shoal. If the replay contained weapons labeled with a question mark, it could cause the screen to go black and prevent the game from starting. – Note: Compatible with Ver. 2.1.0 battle replays. Not compatible with Ver. 2.0.1 or earlier battle replays.

Splatoon 3 stages: All new and returning maps NintendoSplatoon 3 will once again see players around the world face off in Turf Wars matches, but which stages will you be able to play on? Here are all of the new and returning maps. Nintendo’s premier splat-em-up Splatoon has returned for a third round on Nintendo Switch, with loads of new and classic weapons to use as well as a variety of modes to challenge your opponents in. Of course, Splatoon would be nothing without its zany maps, and fortunately, there are plenty of them to enjoy this time around. Below, you’ll find details you need on all of the Splatoon 3 stages, from brand new locations like Scorch Gorge and Mincemeat Metalworks to returning favorites including Museum d’Alfonsino. Contents All new Turf War stages in Splatoon 3 These are all of the brand new Turf War stages that will appear in Splatoon 3: All returning Turf War stages in Splatoon 3 These are all of the previous Turf War stages that will return in Splatoon 3: Hammerhead Bridge, Museum d’Alfonsino, and Mahi Mahi Resort originally appeared in Splatoon, while Inkblot Art Academy, Sturgeon Shipyard, Makomart, and Wahoo World appeared in Splatoon 2. Will there be DLC stages in Splatoon 3? Nintendo has confirmed that more Splatoon 3 stages will be added in free post-launch updates. In fact, there are plans for at least two years of DLC for the game including weapons and customization. We don’t have any information on what those stages will be – or how many of them Nintendo plans to release for Splatoon 3 – but we’ll keep this page updated as soon as more information is revealed. That’s everything you need to know about the Splatoon 3 stages! While you’re here, check out details on the new weapons and our guide to everything we know about Splatoon 3 so far.

Splatoon 3 Sizzle Season update: Release date, weapons, maps, more NintendoThe Splatoon 3 Sizzle Season update will add new content to Nintendo’s colorful shooter, so here are all the weapons, stages, and clothing that will be added to the game. Splatoon 3’s Sizzle Season update is nearly here and players will soon be able to get their hands on the game’s new Paintbrush weapon and duke it out on the Barnacle & Dime battleground. There’s also a new Salmon Run Stage and plenty of clothing options to unlock. Aside from this content, the event will also bring back a fan-favorite stage from Splatoon 2. So, if you’re wondering when the Splatoon Sizzle Season update will release or just wish to know what content is available, then we have you covered. Contents Splatoon 3 Sizzle Season release date – New Splatoon 3 stage – Jammin’ Salmon Junction (Salmon Rush) – All new weapons in Splatoon 3 Sizzle Season update – Splatoon 3 Sizzle Season release date The Splatoon 3 Sizzle Season update will go live on June 1, 2023. The event will end on 31 August, giving players plenty of time to delve into all the new content. New Splatoon 3 stage The new update will see the release of the Barnacle & Dime battleground, a new stage that takes place inside a colorful shopping mall. From the footage shown, the map is filled with open areas, raised platforms, and wooden bridges that connect each section. Additionally, the Humpback Pump Track also makes its long-awaited return. This skatepark-themed stage first appeared in Splatoon 2 and features numerous slopes, which players can speed down. Jammin’ Salmon Junction (Salmon Rush) It’s not just Splatoon 3’s core multiplayer mode that’s getting a new stage, Salmon Run is also receiving another map. The Jammin’ Salmon Junction will be introduced in the Sizzle Season update. Not much is known about Jammin’ Salmon Junction, but it does look like it will feature a lot more verticality, which will shake up how players approach combat. All new weapons in Splatoon 3 Sizzle Season update Two new weapons will be making their way to Splatoon 3 in the Sizzle Season update. These are the Paintbrush and S-Blast ’92. The Paintbrush is a fast melee weapon, that can unleash paint in a wide arc in front of it, while the S-Blast ’92 offers powerful AoE blasts that can take down opponents in both close and mid-range combat. There are also a number of new cards and clothes available, so make sure you check out the Spaltoon Sizzle Season update to enjoy all the new content!

Splatoon 3: Side Order review – An excellent entree good enough to be a main Nintendo has finally released the Splatoon 3: Side Order DLC and this single-player expansion takes some cues from Hades, Dead Cells, and more, to offer a sizzling side that’s seriously fun. Splatoon works best as a multiplayer game. Nintendo‘s take on the competitive shooter has grown astronomically in popularity since its Wii U debut, and while each entry offered some sort of single-player story, the multiplayer is the best – and busiest – mode by far. That’s not to say anything disparaging about the often-overlooked single-player elements of Splatoon, as Splatoon 3‘s main campaign is fantastic, and Splatoon 2’s Octo Expansion is relatively tough but is the most satisfying Splatoon you can play on Nintendo Switch. Nevertheless, multiplayer is the heart of the series for good reason. However, in comes the recent Splatoon 3: Side Order, a single-player DLC that just might be the most fun I’ve ever had with Splatoon, and is a mode I sincerely hope is included in any future entry. Splatoon 3: Side Order – Key Details Price: $24.99 / £22.49 (Part of the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass) – Developer: Nintendo – Release Date: 22 February 2024 – Platforms: Nintendo Switch –

Splatoon 3: Release date, gameplay, trailer & everything we know NintendoAs we get closer to Splatoon 3’s release date, we’ve got a full round-up of all the latest information including its release date and content that fans and newbies can expect to see. Splatoon is Nintendo’s popular third-person multiplayer shooter franchise, and Inklings and Octolings alike will be itching to play Splatoon 3 this year. The franchise is probably the only series in the world where watching paint dry doesn’t have such a negative connotation, as players trade colorful paint ammo to try and fill arenas with their team’s color. Here’s everything we know about Splatoon 3, including when you can get your tentacles on it. Contents Splatoon 3’s Release date – Gameplay features – Trailer – Platforms – Confirmed characters coming to Splatoon 3 – Splatoon 3 release date A release date for Splatoon 3 has finally been confirmed by Nintendo, meaning gamers can expect to get messy on September 9, 2022! There were several rumors prior to the announcement that an August release date was on the cards, however, a new trailer released on April 22, 2022, was definitive on the matter. Splatoon 3 gameplay features At its very core, Splatoon is about two teams of players negotiating a map and scrapping to ensure that their color paint is best represented on the map’s surroundings. The game’s mechanics are far deeper than they are given credit for as a great deal of strategy is required to come out on top, with various abilities and weapons to make the difference. Splatoon 3 retains the majority of the structure that has made the series popular and introduces a whole new region to fight over. New stages, maneuvers, and weapons, plus the return of a favorite game mode – 4v4 Turf Wars – are also featured. There’s a full single-player story mode for fans to tackle, including funky new bosses and co-op. Players can also once again customize their avatars with a huge number of hairstyles and clothing options. On July 4, 2022, a brand new multiplayer stage was revealed by Nintendo UK. The ‘Mincemeat Metalworks’ map is a grey and rusted wasteland that players will be able to brighten up during the course of their battles. This new multiplayer stage, Mincemeat Metalworks, was made from scrap metal in order to make more scrap metal. There used to be a sea here, but it evaporated, leaving behind a wasteland. #Splatoon3 pic.twitter.com/qdXghVuqeK — Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) July 4, 2022 Check out these four new hairstyles for Inklings and Octolings! Well, they’re tentacles to be exact, but let’s not split hairs. #Splatoon3 pic.twitter.com/etm2BgVCOQ — Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) June 22, 2022 Splatoon 3 trailer There’s already plenty of footage for Splatoon 3 out in the wild, but the first pulling back of the curtain happened on February 17, 2021. Almost a year on from its unveiling, fans hyped for Splatoon 3 were given even more reason to be excited as the first proper gameplay trailer dropped during a Nintendo Direct presentation. The April 22, 2022 trailer was the one that finally confirmed the game’s release date, and it also came with another look into the game and how it handles. Splatoon 3 platforms Following in the footsteps of Splatoon 1 and Splatoon 2, Nintendo is keeping Splatoon 3 as an exclusive for its Nintendo Switch platform. PlayStation, Xbox, and PC owners who are wanting to get their hands wet with oodles of paint will need to grab themselves Nintendo’s hybrid console. All confirmed characters in Splatoon 3 With characters new and old gracing Splatoon 3, many will see some familiar faces while enjoying the game. Here are all the currently confirmed characters returning or being introduced in Splatoon 3. Agent 3 – Big Man – Captain – Cuttlefish – Crusty Sean – Callie (Agent 1) – DJ Octavio – Frye – Gnarly Eddy – Harmony – Jel La Fleur – Judd – Li’l Judd – Marie (Agent 2) – Mr. Grizz – Mr. Coco – Marina – Murch – Nails – Pearl – Shiver – Smallfry – Sheldon – For more games due in 2022, here are even more titles: The Elder Scrolls 6 | GTA 6 | God of War: Ragnarok | Wolverine | Spider-Man 2 | Forspoken | Pokemon Violet & Scarlet | Wonder Woman | DokeV | FFXVI | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Sonic Frontiers | Dragon Age 4 | Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild sequel | The Witcher 3 next-gen patch | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Haunted Chocolatier | Hogwarts Legacy | The Expanse: A Telltale Series

Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass: Inkopolis & Side Order details NintendoSplatoon 3 is getting a huge haul of DLC and this is everything we know about Wave 1 and Wave 2 – Inkopolis & Side Order. Splatoon 3 is headed back to familiar ground with the arrival of Inkopolis in the latest franchise entry. Afterward, players are venturing into uncharted territory with Side Order as revealed on February 8. The Expansion Pass is available to purchase now, but the Wave 1 of content won’t be rolling out until later this spring. Splatoon 3 Expansion pass: Inkopolis details & release window Inkopolis will be instantly recognizable to fans of the original Splatoon. The iconic location hosts many of the same faces that players came to know and love back then, as well as a mix of new shopkeepers. The products have also been confirmed as the ones in Splatsville, so players can take their shopping to wherever they prefer. The city is also getting an infusion of new life with the Squid Sisters hitting the stage during Splatfests to make the locale a bit more lively. Inkopolis will arrive Spring 2023. Splatoon 3 DLC Wave 2: Side Order details There’s an air of mystery surrounding side order. The quick look at Nintendo Direct was intentionally brief, giving players a look at a snow-covered environment adorned with classic wintertime imagery. Many of the plants in the area were designed similarly to snowflakes, with weave-like patterns sprouting from the ground. With that in mind, it’s likely that Side Order won’t be out until much later than its Wave 1 counterpart, with Nintendo saying only that more information will be available in the future. We will share all the latest Splatoon 3 updates when the time comes, but for now, check out all the other announcements made during February 8’s Nintendo Direct conference, including a release date for Pikmin 4, and the arrival of Gameboy games to Nintendo Switch Online.

Splatoon 3 Drizzle Season update: Release date, new weapons, stages, more NintendoSplatoon 3’s next season is on the horizon, with the Drizzle Season set to add even more new weapons, stages, and clothing to the third-person shooter. Splatoon 3’s Sizzle Season is almost at an end, which means the next season update is nearly here. Sizzle Season brought with it the new Painbrush Main Weapon alongside the S-Blast ’92, which shook things up for Paintbrush and Blaster mains. Now, Nintendo has released a trailer for Splatoon 3’s next content update: Drizzle Season, which is set two new Main Weapons, new maps, another major Splatfest, and much more. So, here’s a breakdown of what Splatoon 3 fans can expect from this new season. Contents Splatoon 3 Drizzle Season release date – New Splatoon 3 stage – Salmonid Smokeyard (Salmon Run) – All new weapons in Splatoon 3 Drizzle Season update – Splatoon 3 Drizzle Season release date Splatoon 3’s Drizzle Season update is set to arrive on September 1, 2023. The season will last for three months, ending on November 30, 2023. Drizzle Season is actually the first repeat season since the game’s launch on September 9, 2022, and is the fifth Season overall. In celebration of the game’s first-year anniversary, a new Splatfest will have players choose who the best leader would be: Shiver, Frye, or Big Man. New Splatoon 3 stages This season will introduce two brand new stages to the third-person shooter. First up is Crableg Capital, which is set on a high-rise construction site and features plenty of raised walkways that players can shoot ink through. The second map is called Shipshape Cargo Co., which takes place on a frigid cargo ship filled with massive shipping crates. This new map features a low-ground and raised section complete with a ton of ramps, platforms, and grate ledges that squids can get vantage points from. Salmonid Smokeyard (Salmon Run) The Salmon Run map, Salmonid Smokeyard, makes a return from Splatoon 2 and the map looks largely the same compared to the original. With this returning map, fans looking to jazz up their look in Salmon Run can expect brand new Work Suits in the Salmon Run shop, featuring different camo styles and a funky polka-dot option. All new weapons in Splatoon 3 Drizzle Season update Two new weapons will be making their way to Splatoon 3 in the Drizzle Season update. These are the Dread Wringer and the Heavy Edit Splatling. The Dread Wringer appears to be an all-new take on the Slosher Main Weapon class, with a slower rate-of-fire and a much longer sloshing distance. Alternately, the Heavy Edit Splatling appears to be a brand new Heavy Splatling with a surprisingly fast charge time. Fans also got the confirmation that the Gold Dynamo Roller will make its return from previous games in this update, along with the Bloblobber Deco and a handful of other returning weapons. Splatoon 3 won’t have to wait too much longer to see everything Drizzle Season 2023 has to offer, once the update launches on September 1, 2023.

How to watch Splatoon 3 Nintendo Direct: Stream, date & time NintendoNintendo has scheduled a date for an all-new Direct stream, which will offer a deep dive into the eagerly-anticipated Splatoon 3. The publisher revealed the third Splatoon game well over a year ago during its February 2021 Nintendo Direct. A lengthy reveal trailer accompanied the news, showing off various customization options, a fish-like companion, and the return of ink-slinging action. Other details about Splatoon 3 have hit the web piecemeal in the many months since its initial unveiling. But Nintendo plans on offering a full deep dive in just a matter of days, thanks to an upcoming Direct. Date and time for the Splatoon 3-dedicated Nintendo Direct Today, Nintendo of America announced plans to host a Splatoon 3 stream later this week on Wednesday, August 10. The broadcast will go live at 6:00 AM PT/9:00 AM ET, according to a Twitter post from the publisher. Nintendo didn’t specify what the Direct will feature, but viewers can look forward to approximately “30 minutes of updates” about the competitive shooter. Hopefully, the broadcast sheds more light on the single-player campaign, cooperative mode, and gameplay enhancements. Where to watch the Splatoon presentation Nintendo has already scheduled the Splatoon 3 Direct on its official YouTube channels. American viewers will be able to tune in via this link come August 10. Meanwhile, viewers based in Europe can expect to catch the forthcoming presentation here. Now seems as good a time as any for Splatoon 3 to enter the spotlight once again. After all, the multiplayer title remains on track for its September 9 release date.

Splatoon 3 demo: How to play, release date & storage requirements NintendoWondering how you can play the Splatoon 3 demo and get access to the game ahead of its release date? Then our handy hub has you covered with everything you need to know. Splatoon 3 is the latest title in Nintendo’s colorful third-person shooter series and the developers are giving players the opportunity to play the game before release. The Splatoon 3 demo will feature the brand-new Tri-Stringer with its explosive arrows, Tricolor Turf War, and much more. Not only is the demo a great way to test out your ink-splatting skills, but it’s also a good opportunity to try out the new content that is on offer. So, if you’re wondering how and when you can try the game before launch, then be sure to check out the start times and all the content that’s included below. Contents How to play the Splatoon 3 demo In order to download the Splatoon 3 demo, simply follow the steps outlined below: Boot up your Nintendo Switch – Click on the Nintendo eShop and select your desired account. – Head over to the ‘Discover’ page on the right-hand side of the menu. – Select the Splatoon 3 demo. – Press the ‘Free Pre-Order’ button. – Once you’ve followed the instructions above, you’ll be able to play the Splatoon 3 demo as soon as it goes live. It’s important to note, that players will need an internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online membership to participate in the Splatoon 3: Splatfest World Premiere demo. By downloading the demo from Nintendo eShop, you can receive a free 7-day trial for Nintendo Switch Online. So, if you are not a current Nintendo Switch Online member, now you’ll still be able to try out the game for free. Splatoon 3 demo release date & times The Splatoon 3 demo is only playable for 12 hours, but players can log in early starting August 25 to do a few things to prepare. Players can customize their Inkling and Little Buddy’s appearance, play the intro tutorial, and check out Splatsville. While players can’t jump into any matches early, they can still pick their team ahead of the event, check out gear and weapons, and get familiar with Splatoon 3’s controls. Attention! SRL here with HUGE news. Team voting is now underway in the Splatoon 3: Splatfest World Premiere! Choose Rock, Paper, or Scissors to get your Splatfest Tee, and then support your team by posting drawings via the mailbox. The battles start soon, so good luck out there! pic.twitter.com/AurC4Cg9vZ — Splatoon North America (@SplatoonNA) August 25, 2022 The full 12-hour demo starts on August 27 and enables players to dive into a game of Turf War and play the brand-new Splatfest Tricolor Turf War Battles. Event Times You can only participate in the Splatfest during the following times: First half (Splatfest Battles Begin) – 8/27 (Sat) 9:00 a.m. PT – 3:00 p.m. PT. – Second half (Tricolor Turf War Battles Begin) – 8/27 (Sat) 3:00 p.m. PT – 9:00 p.m. PT. – Demo content The game’s demo includes a number of exciting features for players to enjoy, so we’ve listed them below for your convenience: New Splatfest Mode – Tricolor Turf War (4v2v2 battles) during the second half of the Splatfest. – 26 weapons make an appearance — The brand-new Tri-Stringer makes its debut. There’s also the iconic Splattershot, close-range Splat Roller, and more. – Splatsville – players can check out Splatoon 3’s new hub town and familiarize themselves with the layout and various shops. – Test Range – practice using weapons before you battle. – Customizable team messages — share art that others can see in the square. – So, there you have it, everything you need to know about the demo for Splatoon 3 and how you can play. Make sure you check out our other Splatoon 3 content for all the latest news and information. Splatoon 3: Release date | Splatoon 3 stages | Splatoon 3: All new and returning modes | Splatoon 3: All new and returning weapons

Splatoon 3: All new and returning weapons NintendoSplatoon 3 has loads of new and returning weapons like the Stringers and Splatanas to help you paint your way across the Splatlands. Here’s everything you need to know about them. The latest installment in Nintendo’s beloved multiplayer paint-shooter series Splatoon is finally here, and there’s plenty of content to enjoy from the various game modes to the mix of new and classic maps. Of course, the most exciting part of any Splatoon game is the weapons! Fortunately, there are plenty of them to get your tentacles on, so here’s every new and returning weapon you can use in Splatoon 3. Contents All weapons in Splatoon 3 Here are all of the weapon types you’ll be able to utilize in Splatoon 3: Shooters – Blasters – Chargers – Rollers – Brushes – Sloshers – Splatlings – Dualies – Brellas – Stringers (New) – Splatanas (New) – There are multiple variations of each weapon type, and they all come with their own sub weapon and special weapon set, which means there are plenty of different combinations for you to try out. You can purchase new weapons by visiting the Ammo Knights shop in Inkopolis Square, although you’ll need to reach a specific level before they all become available. All new weapons in Splatoon 3 Stringers Stringers bring bow and arrow combat to Splatoon 3, specific to the new Splatlands region. The Stringer can fire rapidly or be charged up for an extra powerful ink blast. Splatanas Splatanas are a new type of offensive option coming in Splatoon 3. Swing it quickly and It will shoot ink rapidly in front of you, or charge it up for a bit and it will transform into a Charged Slash. All special weapons in Splatoon 3 Here are all of the special weapons you’ll come across in Splatoon 3: Big Bubbler – Booyah Bomb – Crab Tank – Ink Storm – Ink Vac – Inkjet – Killer Wail 5.1 – Reefslider – Tacticooler – Tenta Missiles – Triple Inkstrike – Trizooka – Ultra Stamp – Wave Breaker – Zipcaster – 10 of these special weapons are brand new, while the other five may look familiar if you’ve played Splatoon before. We’ve gone into more detail about a few of the new special weapons below. Tacticooler The Tacticooler spawns a beverage cooler that grants players buffs when activated, like increased speed. Tacticooler offers up four beverages, so multiple players can slide by it and grab helpful boosts. Wave Breaker The Wave Breaker unleashes waves that mark opponent locations and damage them. In order to dodge the damage opponents will have to jump over the waves. Reefslider Summoning the Reefslider allows players to charge up and slam into a designated area, exploding ink everywhere and dealing huge damage in the area. Special weapons will be tied into main weapons and sub weapons in your loadout. In order to get the best out of your weapons, you’ll want to choose one that performs well with its sub and special. For more guides and news, make sure you check out our Splatoon 3 page. You can also read our review here or see which stages you’ll be able to play across in the game.

Splatoon 3: All new and returning modes explained, from Salmon Run to Tableturf Battle NintendoAlthough Turf Wars might be the star of the show in Splatoon 3, there are actually loads of new and returning modes to sink your tentacles into. Here’s everything you need to know about them. After months of waiting, Splatoon 3 has finally arrived! The latest installment of Nintendo’s premier multiplayer splat-em-up game has plenty of content to enjoy, from new maps to new weapons and all the variety of modes on offer. Aside from the usual Turf War, there’s a brand new story mode, a TableTurf card game, Salmon Run, and even Tricolor Turf War battles. So, in order to give you the lowdown, we’ve covered every Splatoon 3 game mode in the game so far. Contents Turf War – Anarchy Battles – Tricolor Turf War battles – Tableturf Battle – Splatoon 3 Salmon Run – Splatoon 3 story mode – All Splatoon 3 game modes (so far) Turf War Turf War is back and better than ever in Splatoon 3. Two teams of four compete to ink the most turf on the map within three minutes. However, in order to spice up the gameplay, new techniques have been introduced. For example, the Squid Surge ability enables players to swim up walls in a single burst, while the Squid Roll makes it possible to jump out of ink while turning around. Additionally, when a player’s character glows while executing the move, it also repels ink from opponents. Anarchy Battles Aside from Regular Turf Wars that see the winning team cover the stage with the most paint, there are also Anarchy Battles. It’s here where players can compete for rankings across four separate modes, which are on rotation. These modes are as follows: Splat Zones: Players attempt to cover a zone in ink and try to stop the opposing team from taking it. – Tower Control: Both teams battle it out to control the tower and must move it into the enemy team’s territory to win. – Rainmaker: Two teams fight to obtain the Rainmaker and must carry the special weapon into their enemy’s base. – Clam Blitz: Collect clams that are scattered around the stage and throw them into the opposing team’s goal to score points. – Tricolor Turf War battles Tricolor Turf War battles are a new mode that is part of the game’s Splatfests, a special event where players vote for their favorite choice out of three in an announced theme. However, unlike regular modes, Tricolor Turf War battles pit three teams against one another at the same time. Tableturf Battle The Tableturf Battle is a new 1-v-1 competitive card battle spinoff of Turf War. It’s here where players can ink different shapes with different cards, charge up power, then unleash it all at once with a special comeback attack. This mode is located at the Dojo in Splatsville’s vacant lot and over 150 cards can be collected. Splatoon 3 Salmon Run Salmon Run returns in Splatoon 3, which requires four players to work together to collect Power Eggs from waves of advancing Salmonids. It’s here where players can test their might against AI enemies and claim an ultimate victory over these fishy fiends. Aside from the usual Salmonid grunts, there are also boss encounters that require even more teamwork to take down. For example, the new Slammin’ Lid boss slams down into the ground, crushing anything that dares to stray underneath it. Inklings will need to jump atop the flying saucer and defeat the Salmonid pilot to avoid getting splatted. There was also the addition of the Big Shot, an enemy that unleashes paint bombs that explode, dealing large amounts of AoE damage. However, by far the biggest threat is the Cohozuna – a giant King Salmonid who appears during later sections of the stage. Not only does it have a massive health bar, but its attacks are particularly ferocious. Lastly, Nintendo also announced that every few months a Big Run event will take place, which will see Salmonids invade the city in which Inklings and Octolings live. We’ll likely hear more info about Splatoon 3’s Salmon Run in the weeks to come, so be sure to check back here regularly. Splatoon 3 story mode Splatoon 3’s story mode, also known as Return of the Mammalians is a completely new campaign. It’s here where players can try out a variety of weapons and movement mechanics, before setting off into the game’s multiplayer modes. Expect plenty of colorful levels and platforming segments as you blast your way through waves of Octarians to find the answers behind the Fuzzy Ooze that has suddenly begun appearing across the world. So, there you have it, everything you need to know about every Splatoon 3 game mode. Make sure you check out our Splatoon 3 page for all the latest news and guides.

Does Spirittea have multiplayer or co-op? Cheesemaster GamesSpirittea is the latest cozy game that is making a splash, with its unique blend of Stardew Valley-style gameplay and Spirited Away-themed setting. However, does the game feature co-op or multiplayer? Cozy games have become a popular genre for those looking to ditch their outside-world woes and escape the competitive multiplayer mayhem. Well, Spirittea is the latest game that aims to whisk players away, tasking them with managing an old bathhouse for troublemaking spirits. Not only does it feature Stardew Valley-style gameplay, but it will certainly appeal to fans of Studio Ghibli’s beloved film, Spirited Away. With many players across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox all delving into the indie game, fans will be wondering whether the game has a multiplayer or co-op mode. Fortunately, our handy hub has detailed everything you need to know about these features. Is Spirittea multiplayer or co-op? No, Spirittea does not feature multiplayer or co-op. The game is currently only available to play solo. This may come as a disappointment for those looking to play online with friends, especially for fans of Staardew Valley’s multiplayer mode. However, while Spirittea doesn’t feature multiplayer, the game does have plenty of unique spirits for you to interact with. This will make your adventure less lonesome, as you’ll be constantly greeting new guests and welcoming them to the old bathhouse. Whether Spirittea will feature any multiplayer functionality in the future remains to be seen, but we’ll be sure to update this guide as and when new information is released.

Spirittea: All recipes, ingredients & cooking method Cheesemaster GamesLooking to cook up a storm in Spirittea? Well, here are all the recipes along with their ingredients, cooking method, and how you can unlock all recipes in the game. While Spirittea may be all about running an adorable bathhouse for the spirits around town, you can’t really have a cozy game without a few extra activities. Whether it’s fishing, making friends, brewing tea, or cooking up some delicious meals, it’s clear there’s always something to do in Spirittea. So, to help you come to grips with this game’s cooking system, here’s everything you need to know, from how to unlock the recipes to what ingredients you’ll need. How to unlock all recipes in Spirittea To unlock recipes in Spirittea, you’ll need to head over to Song’s Shop and start buying any recipes that pop up. Thankfully, some are pretty cheap, with the most expensive costing 50 Moolags. However, other recipes may require a quest you need to complete, like Julian’s Family Recipe. All recipes in Spirittea Currently, there are 25 different recipes available in Spirittea, with each having its own ingredients and cooking method. All the information on how to cook these meals is below: So, there you have it, those are all the recipes in Spirittee as well as how to make them. While whipping up a delicious snack, take a look at some of our other handy Spirittea guides and content: How to catch fish in Spirittea | Does Spirittea have marriage or romance? | Is Spirittea cross-platform? | Is Spirittea on Xbox Game Pass? | Does Spirittea have multiplayer or co-op?

Spiritfall: Gameplay trailer, platforms & everything we know Gentle Giant GamesSpiritfall is an upcoming fast-paced 2D action roguelite filled with color, customization, and creativity. Here’s everything we know about the upcoming title including the gameplay, trailer, and what platform you can enjoy the experience on. Rogue-lites are extremely replayable and are often a perfect way to spend half an hour on a game, without the need to dedicate any longer, although they can be rather addictive, with many wanting ‘one more game’. Spiritfall is no different. It’s an upcoming, colorful creation heavily inspired by the classic 2D fighting games many know and love. So, we’ve put together everything we know about the game including whether it has a release date, what it looks like, and what you can play Spiritfall on. Contents Does Spiritfall have a release date – Spiritfall trailer – Gameplay – What platforms is Spiritfall available on? – Does Spiritfall have a release date yet? Not currently. Spiritfall doesn’t have a solidified release date. However, it has been announced that the game will be coming out in March 2023, meaning fans won’t have long to wait. When more information is released we will be updating this article so be sure to check back soon for a full release date. Spiritfall gameplay trailer On January 2, 2023, Spiritfall gave fans a taste of their upcoming 2D Rogue-lite featuring elements of gameplay and the overall design. You can watch it below: What is Spiritfall about? Spiritfall is a fast-paced 2D Rogue-lite that forces players to learn deadly combos, and battle against challenging enemies as they go through the different regions. You can forge your own weapons, enchant items, and even meet characters to assist you on your travels, or fight you where you stand. Ultimately, this is an adventure game filled into a Rogue-lite and combines beautiful artwork with 2D platform fighter inspirations, all fitted into a fast-paced but memorable experience. What platforms is Spiritfall available on? Spiritfall will currently only be available to play on PC. There is no information regarding its move to console or the Nintendo Switch. That’s all we currently know about Spiritfall. When more information is released we will be updating this article so be sure to check back soon. In the meantime, take a look at some of the other upcoming titles: GTA 6 | Overwatch 2 | Assassin’s Creed Infinity | Wolverine | Spider-Man 2 | Forspoken | KOTR Remake | Wonder Woman | FFXVI | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Sonic Frontiers | Dragon Age 4 | Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild sequel | The Witcher 3 next-gen patch | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Final Fantasy 16 | Street Fighter 6 | Resident Evil 4 Remake | The Dark Pictures: Switchback

Spider-Verse producer wants Spider-Man: Miles Morales glitches in sequel Insomniac Games / SonyThe transformational glitches in Spider-Man: Miles Morales are pretty hilarious. So hilarious, in fact, that ’s producer, screenplay and story writer, Phil Lord, wants to use them in the hit movie’s sequel. Lord and his filmmaking duo, Christopher Miller, are no strangers to animation or comedy. With titles like and under their shared filmmaking belt, it’s no wonder that the two are unafraid of getting a little weird with the animated Spider-Man flick’s sequel. And if you want inspiration for red and blue weirdness, look no further than the Miles Morales game. Playable on PS4 and PS5, the title has apparently been a massive success, with 97 percent of Google users enjoying it. While people are typically annoyed with launch day bugs, the issues with this one are just too funny to chastise. With weird, viral videos of players transforming into various inanimate objects, it was actually a transformation of a patio heater that caught Lord’s eye. Now, it appears that “Heater Parker” could become a reality in . We’re putting this in Spider-Verse 2 if we have any self respect at all https://t.co/XdL9aLv88q — Phil Lord (@philiplord) November 28, 2020 Since the original Spider-Verse movie was chock-full of absurdities and goofy odes to different genres or pop-culture references, invoking a video game’s glitch should be no problem. And, as far as content goes, few things evoke comedic surrealism as much as a patio heater using a web to swing from building to building in New York City. For Lord, at least, the randomized development mistake appears too funny to ignore as film inspiration: “We’re putting this in Spider-Verse 2 if we have any self-respect at all.” Hopefully, he and Miller have as much self-respect as the title’s developers, Insomniac Games, have humility. In response to Lord’s tweet, which has since gone viral, the game’s makers couldn’t help but acknowledge their imperfections with a pun. Equally as embarrassing as it is heart-warming https://t.co/LV0xGri7hD — Insomniac Games (@insomniacgames) November 28, 2020 While we were under the impression that patio heaters were meant to heat patios, not hearts, the Insomniac reflection remains accurate: this silly, inanimate object glitch is “equally as embarrassing as it is heartwarming.” But, above all else, they’re just funny. It could legitimately be one of gaming and cinema’s greatest, most randomly inspired crossovers if involves an alternate dimensional Heater Parker.

Steam Deck will turn Marvel’s Spider-Man into an on-the-go adventure Sony Interactive EntertainmentMarvel’s Spider-Man Remastered is officially Steam Deck Verified, meaning PC players can take the webslinger on the go. During its June 2022 State of Play broadcast, Sony unveiled plans to launch Marvel’s Spider-Man and Mile Morales on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The publisher quickly confirmed a few need-to-know details, such as each title’s due date. Spider-Man Remastered hits PC on August 12. Miles will swing over sometime in the fall. While other pieces of information like PC specs have also hit the web in recent weeks, one detail remained under lock and key. Will Marvel’s Spider-Man feature Steam Deck support? In a simple tweet, developer Insomniac Games confirmed full Steam Deck support for Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered. The “Steam Deck Verified” post has, thus far, garnered positive reception from those looking forward to the 2018 title’s PC debut. Notably, the Peter Parker-starring adventure joins several other Steam Deck Verified PlayStation experiences, including Horizon: Zero Dawn, God of War (2018), and Days Gone. Insomniac has yet to confirm as much as of writing, but reason suggests Miles Morales’ standalone will similarly receive the Steam Deck treatment. That PlayStation’s first-party studios continue to rally around the Steam Deck is good news for those who miss Sony’s handheld gaming endeavors. In addition to the Marvel’s Spider-Man series, a few other PlayStation heavy-hitters will launch on PC in the not-too-distant future, too. Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection (Uncharted 4 and Lost Legacy) and The Last of Us Part I Remastered should migrate to PC in the months ahead. Hopefully, Uncharted and TLoU will join Spider-Man on the list of Steam Deck Verified games.

Spider-Man PC mod gives Peter Parker a facelift with original PS4 design SonyMarvel’s Spider-Man players on PC can now download a face restoration mod that reverts Peter Parker’s look to the original PS4 model. Actor John Bubniak served as the face model for Peter Parker in the original PS4 release of Marvel’s Spider-Man. Ahead of the title’s PS5 remaster, however, Insomniac Games replaced Bubniak’s look with that of actor Ben Jordan. The developer and voice actor Yuri Lowenthal claimed the change allowed for a “better facial match” to Lowenthal. Some fans weren’t having it, though, demanding a return to the Bubniak design. Regardless, the Ben Jordan model has appeared in Spider-Man Remastered, Miles Morales, and the PC port. PC users can download a PS4 face restoration mod for Spider-Man Thanks to DaigronCDM, PC players now have access to a John Bubniak – PS4 Face Restoration mod via Nexus Mods. As the name implies, this mod will allow PC users to experience Marvel’s Spider-Man with the original PS4 character design. It’s worth noting that the mod can’t reproduce a one-to-one recreation of John Bubniak’s face model. According to DaigronCDM, this is because the mod partially uses data from both the 2018 version and the remastered port on PC. Based on the screenshots shared by the modder, the restoration still counts as quite an incredible feat. DaigronCDM has already begun work on their Spider-Man PC face mod. One recent patch addressed hair model issues in the final scene with Aunt May, for example. The modder promises that more bug fixes will go live in the future, though what they may entail is not currently known. Thus far, the modding community has taken the web-slinging adventure to new heights since its PC launch. A Photorealistic Movie Graphics mod allows players to explore New York with “Sam Raimi Vibes.” Meanwhile, several others have added Symbiote-inspired suits to the game.

Exciting Spider-Man PC mod finally adds first-person web-slinging to game Insomniac GamesMarvel’s remastered Spider-Man title has just gotten a new PC mod that introduces first-person web-slinging to the game and the streets of New York city. 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man game was a smash hit, in large part due to developer Insomniac capturing the excitement and fun of the titular characters web-slinging abilities. While the game allows players to do this from a third-person perspective, a new mod now offers up a whole new way to experience this feature. Modder jedijosh920 has gone the extra mile, creating a mod that allows users to play through the web-slinging element to the game in first-person. They uploaded a video to YouTube showing off the mod and also gives players an idea of how the web-slinging elements of the game play out. The movement is surprisingly fluid and the fantastic visuals of the game really make it feel like you’re swinging through the city as Spider-Man. For a mod, the first person experience plays out well. Of course, the experience of swinging through the city from this perspective adds a layer of realism and movement which may have some players who struggle with motion sickness a bit taken aback. When climbing up a wall the first-person, Spider-Man’s hands even come into frame, as well as his legs during web-slinging if he is trying to gain extra momentum. Since arriving to PC in August 2022, Marvel’s Spider-Man has become the next big thing for the modding community. Initially, modders were simply changing up the appearance of Spider-Man to have him resemble other notable characters in pop culture. Players can now swing through the city as the likes of Shrek, Kermit the Frog, and even Saul Goodman. While most of the mods created for Spider-Man have been light and fun so far, some players have taken advantage of the freedom of the PC version in all the wrong ways, with one modder creating an anti-LGBTQ+ mod. The mod was quickly taken down and the creator was banned. Marvel’s Spider-Man was first released on PC on August 12, 2022. This version serving as a remastered version of the 2018 PlayStation game. In Dexerto’s review of Spider-Man PC, we called the port a “web-slinging success.”

Spider-Man: Miles Morales trophies revealed for PS4 and PS5 Insomniac Games, PlaystationOne of the PS5’s hot launch titles, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, has had some of its trophies revealed already. In a series of tweets by developer Insomniac Games, they shared some of the trophies from the upcoming game, and revealed trophy news for Spider-Man Remastered too. The follow-up to 2018’s Marvel’s Spider-Man is turning out to be one of the must-own games for the holiday season. The excitement for a new Spider-Man is already palpable, nevermind being a sequel to one of 2018’s best games. The game follows the adventure of Miles Morales as he looks to cope with his brand new spidey powers. After learning how to control his powers from his good friend – Peter Parker – Miles learns how to lead a dual-lifestyle of being a dedicated son, and a vigilante of justice. To increase anticipation, the early reveal of 29 of these Spider-Man: Miles Morales trophies should help, and we have them all for you. Check them out below. Spider-Man: Miles Morales trophies According to PSN profiles, these are the upcoming trophies for the new expansion to Insomniac’s Spider-Man universe. New Spider-Man Remastered Content In addition to this, Insomniac also confirmed that Spider-Man Remastered will have new content too. When asked if Spider-Man Remastered would have a separate platinum trophy from the PS4 version, the Insomniac Twitter page replied: “Yes! There’s also several all-new trophies!” The new trophies are listed as follows: Spider-Man: Miles Morales launches on PS4 and PS5 on November 12.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales reportedly includes PS5 remaster of first game Insomniac Games / Marvel[jwplayer 91I9RIGm]A leak on Reddit claims that Spider-Man: Miles Morales will come with a free PS5 remaster of the PlayStation 4 title. The user says the information came from the latest issue of Game Informer Magazine. On June 11, Sony announced Spider-Man: Miles Morales for the PS5 during their Future of Gaming event. However, the title was quickly met with confusion as to whether it was a full length sequel or DLC. Developer Insomniac Games quickly cleared it up, stating it was in fact a standalone game. On July 27, a rumor on Reddit claimed that the release will also include a free next-gen remaster of the Spider-Man PS4 game. Spider-Man: Miles Morales to include PS5 remaster? The rumor first started when user ‘77good123‘ made a post on July 27 about a next-gen remaster of Spider-Man. The Redditor uploaded a screenshot from Game Informer Magazine’s issue 327 – which Dexerto has confirmed to be real. “This was in my gameinformer magazine….correct me if I’m wrong but I don’t remember a Spider-Man remaster being announced…” the title of his submission read. The picture included reads, “Miles Morales isn’t a traditional sequel, since it comes bundled with a remastered version of Insomniac’s Spider-Man that takes full advantage of the PS5 hardware.” The information is odd as in June, Insomniac Games debunked reports that Miles Morales would be a part of a PS5 remaster of Spider-Man PS4 and called it a “standalone game.” Although it should be noted that the new rumor is that the remaster is separate and will be included alongside it. At the time of writing, Insomniac has yet to respond to the new reports. And of course, you should always take any rumor with a grain of salt. Although it being reported by an established company like Game Informer is interesting to say the least. Dexerto also did some digging, and found that the issue was originally published on June 30. While that was weeks after the developer made their statements on Twitter, it could have been old information the magazine mistakenly forgot to update before publication.

Spider-Man Miles Morales: gameplay, release date, Ultimate Edition, more Insomniac Games / PlayStationAfter getting announced back during the June PS5 reveal stream, Sony has finally unveiled the long-awaited demo for Spider-Man: Miles Morales – and it’s as pretty as you’d think it would be. When Spider-Man: Miles Morales was first announced back in June, it’s safe to say that fans were thrilled. A sequel to one of the best-selling PS4 games of all time only a couple years after its release was sure to get people’s attention. That being said, ever since the initial announcement, there’s been next to no details about the game itself. Every once in awhile, developer Insomniac Games will tweet some tiny details for the game, but beyond that, there’s been pretty much radio silence. Now, that’s all changed. During the PS5 showcase on September 16, 2020, they showed off the first major look at the game in the form of a brand new demo. Insomniac also confirmed that the game takes place one year after the end of the first title. The demo itself started with Miles and his friend walking through a street market before transitioning to the main character taking down some Roxxon goons on a bridge and saving the day. The demo itself is around 10 minutes long and also features slightly different UI from the previous game, further differentiating the two. For those that don’t know, Miles Morales is technically a sequel to the original 2018 game but it’s a smaller experience, with some people comparing the title to Uncharted: The Lost Legacy or inFAMOUS: First Light. Currently, it’s unknown how long the game will be or how much of the original map it will utilize. Spider-Man: Miles Morales is set to launch on both the PS4 and PS5 on November 12 in the United States and November 19 worldwide. The game will cost $49.99, while an Ultimate Edition, which includes the original game remastered, will cost $69.99. For more on Spider-Man: Miles Morales and everything coming out on PS5, including the price and release date, keep it locked to Dexerto.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales announced as PS5 launch title SonySony has announced a new addition to its exclusive Spider-Man series, with a standalone Miles Morales game set to launch with the PS5 console in late 2020. The first game received critical acclaim from fans and critics alike when it first released on PS4, with players taking control of Peter Parker in an open-world New York City. During the game’s storyline, Parker encounters a young man called Miles Morales, who many Spider-Man fans will recognize as an alternate character known for playing the masked crusader, and even featured in his own feature film, the beloved Spider-Man: Into The SpiderVerse. Now, players will get the opportunity to play as Miles in a new stand-alone title coming to PlayStation 5. The fresh trailer debuted as part of Sony’s PlayStation 5 reveal event and features Morales swinging around New York City in the winter, indicating that some time has passed since the first game. Notably absent from the trailer is Peter Parker, so it will be interesting to see if players end up taking control of him in any capacity in this new game, or if it will solely focus on Miles. Despite some confusion that this was an expansion, Insomniac have confirmed that Miles Morales is a stand-alone title, and is not an expansion to a remastered version of the original Spider-Man game. While the trailer didn’t show off much in the way of gameplay, we did get a glimpse of some new weather and what seems to be a dynamic day-night cycle as well as some of Miles’ abilities in combat. The game released in 2018 and developed by Insomniac Games, did have certain sections where they played as Miles Morales, though never as Spider-Man. The title ended on a cliffhanger with the sequel’s title character revealing his powers to Peter Parker. Spider-Man has sold over 10 million units worldwide since its release including both digital and physical copies, leaving fans excited for the sequel, coming Holiday 2020.

Spider-Man fans push back on hate for Marvel Rivals voice actor NetEase GamesSpider-Man fans have now teamed up to push back hate for the Marvel Rivals actor who voices the friendly neighborhood superhero. Marvel Rivals, developed by NetEase Games, is this year’s most anticipated PvP shooter, featuring legendary superheroes and villains from the comics in its extensive character pool. Spider-Man, one of Marvel’s most popular heroes, appears in the game, bringing his acrobatic and web-slinging abilities back for fans. Furthermore, the character in the upcoming game will be voiced by renowned Spider-Man voice actor Yuri Lowenthal, who is best known for portraying the friendly neighborhood superhero in Insomniac Spider-Man games. In the last ten years, Yuri has voiced Spider-Man seven times. However, this did not sit well with some players, who are “tired” of Marvel employing only one voice actor for Spider-Man. On the other hand, fans of the actor and Spider-Man are responding to the hate on social media. “If someone does a good job voicing a character they often get asked to keep doing it. Kevin Conroy as Batman and Mark Hamill as Joker are two brilliant examples”, said one fan in support of Yuri. “Don’t get the hate, he’s such a good voice actor”, spoke another. Some players think “Yuri is almost like the definitive voice for Spider-Man.” However, a bunch of the community members believe “it would be cool to hear Josh Keaton or Christopher Daniel Barnes again (as Spider-Man)” and they have “nothing against Yuri.” The first teaser for Marvel Rivals has finally dropped on YouTube and ever since then, fans have been calling the game “Overwatch Killer” due to the similarity in gameplay. On the other hand, Spider-Man fans are also ripping on the new suit that is featured in the game.

Spider-Man fans outraged over “weak” reason for PS5 remaster redesign PlayStation / Marvel[jwplayer FcWdjVVq]Spider-Man fans became outraged after Insomniac Games revealed that they had changed Peter Parker’s character model in the PS5 remaster. Players weren’t happy with the company’s “weak” explanation as to why they made the unexpected decision. PlayStation players were surprised on September 30 when it was announced that Spider-Man’s PS5 remaster had a flurry of new additions – including a complete overhaul of Peter Parker’s character model. After receiving intense backlash on social media over the major change, Insomniac Games wrote a blog explaining why they had to fix the character’s design. Some fans weren’t buying it, however, and were left fuming. Spider-Man fans outraged over PS5 remaster change On September 30, Insomniac Games revealed that Spider-Man’s PS5 remaster would be completely replacing Peter Parker’s character model. While some were excited for the change and compared the new design to Tom Holland from the Marvel films, others were upset at the decision. Annoyed fans responded to the Twitter post, and hit out at the company for drastically changing the character, such as one user who exclaimed, “Insomniac just completely changed a character’s face who now looks like a WHOLE different person and they expect us to be okay with that?” Addressing the fan, the developer replied with an explanation: “Our full reason is in the blog, but we had to recast as we needed a better match to @YuriLowenthal’s facial capture to bring you next-gen performances.” The actor that portrayed Peter Parker corroborated their explanation and tweeted out a joke about his face being the problem. “Guys. It’s my face’s fault. The stupid stupid bones in my face. Blame my bones,” he said. Despite the explanation, some fans simply were not having it. One Twitter user challenged the developer’s tweet and said, “C’mon Insomniac. That reason is weak and you know it. You guys are better than this.” Insomniac responded back and stated, “No, that is the true and actual reason that we had to do it.” Other upset players began to pile on such as one who ranted, “What the hell does “next gen performance” even mean?” They later followed up and slammed Sony as well: “Sony unlisted the video, lmao cowards. I’m extremely disappointed in how the marketing team is handling this.” The Sony-owned developer posted a lengthier explanation on their website, which you can check out here. After the backlash, the Director of the game, Bryan Intihar, made a post on social media that said, “We totally understand your reaction. Heck, it even took me awhile to get used to Peter’s new look. Please know we didn’t make the decision lightly.” Intihar went on to explain that the change was decided so that performance capture in future games in the series would be a closer match to the voice actor, which they couldn’t achieve on the PS4. Regardless of how you feel about it, it looks like the new Peter Parker is here to stay.

Spider-Man 2 players reveal biggest wish for first major update Insomniac GamesSpider-Man 2 players have shared their wishlist for the game’s first major update. Here’s what they said they would like to see in the game. Spider-Man 2 is getting its first major game update, according to Insomniac Games as it’s set to bring New Game+, new suits, and much more on March 7, 2024. The player community has been rallying for news on DLC plans and the New Game+ mode as they seem to be done playing the main campaign over and over again. However now that news of the upcoming update is out, fans are running wild with their speculations and are thus creating a wishlist of all the changes they’d like to see in the game. Whether it’s access to a new area on the map, more comic book suits, or even a certain side quest that hints at a future DLC. Here’s everything that the fans have revealed as their biggest wish for the first major Spider-Man 2 game update. Spider-Man 2 players share update wishlist Insomniac Games’ Advanced Senior Community Manager Aaron Espinoza took to X and asked the Spider-Man 2 player community for a list of things they’d want to see in the game and ask them questions about any upcoming features with the update. The same X post was shared on Reddit user KylerRamos where players turned in their wish as well. To kick things off when a player asked Aaron if they’ll be allowed to change the time of day with the update like it was in Spider-Man 2018, Aaron responded, “It does”. Furthermore, another player commented, “I hope they add some more combat content cause the symbiote is so much fun, but I don’t get to use it besides crimes and those are bugged out most of the time.” A third user added, “Symbiote surge needs to be able to swap out to having the original symbiote.” A fourth one said, “I want Threat Sensors back from the first game.” A fifth user replied, “4K Performance Mode would be nice. I hate the resolution on the current mode. SM and MM look so much better with 4K performance.”

Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 reportedly “exceeding expectations,” gameplay reveal “soon” Insomniac GamesA new leak for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 suggests that the game is on track and players can expect to see gameplay for the sequel sometime “soon”. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is one of the most anticipated games in development right now, coming as a sequel to the acclaimed PlayStation title. And it might just be better than anyone was expecting. Industry insider Millie Amand — who has previously leaked multiple PlayStation games and updates — posted the scoop online, detailing how impressed Spider-Man 2 devs are with how the game is shaping up. Amand noted, according to a Marvel employee, the gameplay of Spider-Man 2 is “striking” and players can expect the sequel to build on the “fluidity” of its predecessor. From a visual standpoint, Amand’s leak also suggests the game’s graphics and visuals are nothing to be scoffed at, detailing how another employee “thought they were watching a cutscene” when normal gameplay footage was being shown. While Sony are yet to confirm when they will be next showing off Spider-Man 2, rumors have been swirling for weeks that a PlayStation Showcase will be taking place at some point in September 2022. If this is true, it is likely that would be the place for the game to be shown off. Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 was first officially revealed at the PlayStation Showcase in 2021. The game will serve as a follow up to the popular Spider-Man and Spider-Man: Miles Morales titles. While many details about the plot and narrative of the game are still up in the air, Insomniac have teased the introduction of Venom and the black suit. Marvel’s Spider-Man was released on PC just last month and has been a massive success. Videos of people modding the game have been circulating and going viral since release, with players even creating a mods that lets you swing through the city as Saul Goodman and many other notable characters. The sequel will be a PS5 exclusive and is set to release some time in 2023. As well as this, Insomniac are also currently working on a seperate Wolverine game. However, that title will be released after Spider-Man 2.

Spider-Man 2 casts iconic Candyman actor as Venom Insomniac Games/MarvelInsomniac’s next web-slinging adventure, Spider-Man 2, will introduce a new actor to the role of Venom – with the legendary Tony Todd voicing the symbiote. It’d be fair to say that Insomniac Games is fast becoming one of the most well-respected developers in all of Sony’s PlayStation Studios lineup, and with two games revealed at last night’s PlayStation Showcase, it’s clear that trajectory is set to continue. Alongside a new Wolverine project that’s early in development, the studio is also returning to NYC with its wall-crawler sequel, Spider-Man 2 – arriving in 2023. While it appears that Kraven will be part of the equation, what turned most heads was the arrival of Venom – a character that had been teased in the first game. With such an important character, Insomniac sought more gravitas – and has added Tony Todd to the game’s cast. Tony Todd joins Spider-Man 2 as Venom Todd’s deep voice is iconic, having served him well as the terrifying Candyman and The Fallen in the Transformers movie franchise, as well as appearances in Final Destination, The Crow, and TV credits that include the likes of 24 and Star Trek: The Next Generation. Read More: Everything we know about God of War Ragnarok – On the PlayStation Blog, Insomniac’s Head of Franchise Strategy & Studio Relations Ryan Schneider said: “Did you catch that final line at the end of the trailer? We’re so happy to announce that Tony Todd (of Candyman fame) will be voicing the symbiote-fueled Venom in Marvel’s Spider-Man 2” He’ll star opposite Yuri Lowenthal and Nadji Jeter, reprising their roles as Peter Parker and Miles Morales respectively, but it’s not his first appearance in a game. In fact, he’s frequently worked with Valve, appearing in two Half-Life games as the Vortigaunt, as well as the company’s short-lived card game Artifact. You can hear Todd’s dulcet tones at the end of the trailer below: For everything we know about Spider-Man 2, you can check out our guide here, and if seeing Candyman has you hankering for a horror game or two, we’ve got you covered there, too.

Twitch streamer makes speedrunning history with Super Mario glitch NintendoPopular Super Mario 64 speedrunner ‘Dowsky’ has made waves in the fast-paced community after he set not one, but two world records in a single stream on Twitch. Speedrunning is a pure form of competition that see’s the most supremely dedicated gamers trying to wipe each and every second off the clock in order to set the best times around the world in their favorite video games. Because the margins are so fine, and it takes so much practice, it’s not every day that long-standing world records are broken in the speedrunning community, let alone two on the very same day. One impressive Super Mario 64 streamer has managed to accomplish just that. Throughout the unbelievable showcase of Super Mario 64 acumen, Dowsky set new world records in the one and zero Star speedrunning categories on Nintendo‘s 1996 release. At 7:14.23 and 6:36.99 respectively, the new global records scratch six seconds off of the previous 1-Star goal, and two seconds off of the former 0-Star best. Accomplishing both in just a single session is truly unprecedented in the Super Mario 64 speedrunning scene and goes to show the incredible hard work behind the scenes. Speedrunners dedicate months and often years of their time to mapping out certain paths, learning new strategies, and refining every little decision until it becomes muscle memory. While a degree of luck – and a helping of good fortune with the random elements of the game – is often involved in certain video game speedruns, there’s no denying the prowess of dowsky as he pulled off a remarkable SBLJ glitch with evident ease. This tactic can often be finicky for a number of speedrunners, requiring a great deal of manual input and precise angling to execute properly. The glitch demands a large sequence of button presses and specific movement combinations in order to glitch out the terrain and launch Mario further onward without having to go the usual route. To his surprise, Dowsky pulled it off the intricate movement on his very first attempt. It could be a very long time until a fellow competitor comes close to breaking the new world records set in Super Mario 64. Often months or even years in between new records being set tells the tale of just how impressive the feat truly was to pull off two in a single day. You can watch the full runs on the new world-record holder’s YouTube channel here.

Speedrunner breaks Super Mario Bros world record by the thinnest of margins After years of attempts, speedrunner Kosmic broke the warpless world record for the original Super Mario Bros, finishing the game with the quickest time ever recorded. Super Mario Bros has a couple of speedrunning categories. First, there are warps, in which players are allowed to use the pipes to skip stages. Then there’s warpless, where the player must go through every stage in the game flawlessly. For over 12 years, every other record was over 19:00 minutes, but that all changed when Kosmic finished the game with 18:59.856. This is the first time in history Super Mario Bros has been completed in under 19 minutes. For over 12 years the World Record for beating Super Mario Bros. Warpless has been 19:XX, but TODAY THAT CHANGED. I finally did it! I got 18:59.856!!! First 18:XX ever!!!https://t.co/XmHbTgWDz3 — Kosmic (@Kosmicd12) August 15, 2019 “For over 12 years the World Record for beating Super Mario Bros. Warpless has been 19:XX, but TODAY THAT CHANGED. I finally did it! I got 18:59.856!!! First 18:XX ever!!!” an excited Kosmic tweeted on August 14. The entire run was something to behold as it requires near flawless execution throughout with the smallest error ruining the whole attempt. Upon completion, the new record-holder’s reaction was priceless. “Did I do it?!” he shockingly asked his stream. “Did I finally do it, dude?” (Timestamp 19:18 for mobile users) “I don’t know for sure,” he added, staring at the timer. When it comes down to runs like these with every fraction of a second counting, you can never be too positive. “I really hope it’s a .9 as it says.” “We gotta re-time it to be sure, but I think we finally got the 18. Holy cow…” Eventually, the freshly-crowned king of Mario speedrunning realized the clock is right and after years of attempts, it happened. Kosmic, however, isn’t done trying to lower the record even more. “This isn’t the end of the line though. I see humans taking warpless down to at least 18:54 some day in the future. I don’t think I’ll take it that far, but I will be taking it down to at least 18:58 and maybe 18:57 and beyond! Tune into my twitch stream to watch my attempts live!” he wrote on a YouTube video of the incredible run. Prior to this, the best record 19m 00s 954ms set by GTAce99 on August 10.

Speculation for Bungie’s next project after Destiny 2 grows as new job listings appear BungieA job listing for an unannounced Bungie title has fans wondering what the next project will be for the Destiny 2 developer. 2022 has already been a wild year for Destiny developer Bungie. The former Halo devs were bought by Sony in January 2022 for a whopping $3.6 billion following a slew of big-money acquisitions across the games industry. They also celebrated the launch of Destiny 2’s Witch Queen expansion, which we reviewed handing it high praise. Fans have long speculated about Bungie’s next step as a company, having worked on the Destiny series for nearly eight years. Now, company job listings are starting to give hints for what may lie ahead for its next IP. Bungie job listings hint at next project A few listings on Bungie’s job page have piqued players’ interest for keywords that relate to possible gameplay and a competitive circuit around the title. One of the listings is for an “Incubation Contract Environment Artist” for an “unannounced multiplayer action game.” Another job for the unannounced game is for “Incubation Contract Level Designer” with skills required including, “Experience working on character-focused third-person action games (platformers, isometric, etc).” The unannounced title could be a third-person game, though that could easily change as development gets underway. Bungie in the past has teased a project titled “Matter“, the tentative name for a game that has a release window of 2025. The company has also said their mysterious next game after Destiny 2 will be “esports-ready.” Matter could be a third-person game with a skew towards competitive play, but for now, we can only speculate as the company slowly teases out its plans post-Destiny.

Spectre Divide Twitch drops: How to get exclusive skins & Beta access Mountaintop StudiosSpectre Divide is opening up Twitch drops for the first time since it was announced, allowing players to get exclusive cosmetics and access to the closed beta. Announced on August 1, shroud and Mountaintop Studios revealed Spectre Divide to the world, a 3v3 tactical shooter that they’ve been developing in secret over the past two years. Now in closed beta, players are getting a look at its unique body-swapping bomb-defusal gameplay, as well as checking out the first batch of Twitch drops. So here is how you can get some exclusive cosmetics, and potentially a closed beta invite through Spectre Divide’s Twitch drops. How to get Spectre Divide Twitch drops Before you can get any cosmetics or a closed beta invite, you’ll need to link your Steam account to your Twitch account. You can follow the steps below to do so: Log in to your Steam account through the Spectre Divide website – Enter your email – Link your Twitch account through the website – After doing so, you can start watching and claiming your cosmetics if you have access to the closed beta. By linking your account, you’ll also be able to potentially get access to the closed beta if you’re lucky. Spectre Divide Twitch drops rewards and closed beta access You can get several exclusive cosmetics through the limited-time Twitch drops. The drop will start from August 14 to August 22. Below you can find all the cosmetics and the hours required: Troublemakers Banner: 2 hours – Bad Intentions Spray: 4 hours – Sinister Smile Charm: 8 hours – To get access to the closed beta through Twitch drops, you will need to watch enough hours. It’s unknown if you need to watch enough hours to get all three cosmetics to get access to the closed beta, but it’s safe to assume so. You’ll need to make sure your Steam and Twitch account is linked to the Spectre Divide website, and you will be notified if you get early access to the closed beta through the email you entered.

Spectre Divide slashes skin prices after players called out microtransactions in shroud’s game Mountaintop StudiosThe newly released Spectre Divide, an online FPS helmed by Twitch streamer shroud, received criticism at launch over “delusional” pricing on skins – but the development team has issued an update, cutting prices considerably. Spectre Divide granted fans the chance to play it early through a Closed Beta before it was fully released on September 3 on PC, with no official release date yet for consoles. It currently has garnered “Mixed” reviews on Steam, with many of the complaints pointing to the game’s expensive cosmetic prices. One Reddit post disapproved the first store bundle available called “Cry Kinesis”. It grants players one melee and four gun skins and costs 9,000 SP (Spectre Points), on sale from 12,000 SP. The poster’s nauseated emoji represents how the majority of these fans feel, as this bundle would cost around $90. The second photo shows that players would have to purchase 5,600 SP for $49.99, then 3,800 SP for $34.99 as the cheapest option. You could also go for a single purchase of 11,500 SP for a whopping $99.99. Many responses were unimpressed by the look of the skin bundle in relation to its price. “I’m one of those losers that buys skins right away but… these are so basic I’m not even considering buying them,” one fan said. Others noticed how these prices seemed to directly compete with Valorant’s cosmetic bundle costs. “[T]his pricing implies it’s a direct competitor to valorant and it’s clearly miles away both in terms features,” one reply stated, “and skin appeal itself, axe comes with a super mid animation…” Around the same time, another post popped up, with the user calling the prices worse than Valorant. Developers take action on skin prices after criticism In an announcement on September 4, Mountaintop Studios, the team behind the game, announced Store Price Reductions right across the board. In an email to Dexerto, the studio explained, “We pride ourselves on listening to our community, and after carefully considering player feedback regarding the pricing of in-game items in Spectre Divide, we have decided to adjust store prices by reducing SP costs by 17% to 25% across the board. “We want to align more closely with the expectations of our community and provide more accessible pricing moving forward, while continuing to develop a game that remains free for everyone. For more information, please see our official post here.” The exact price cut varies for different items and bundles, but in the example of the Cryo Kinesis Masterpiece bundle, which sparked the popular Reddit post, the cost has been reduced from 9000 SP to 7000 SP. For those who already made purchases at the original price points, will receive 30% of the points spent added back to their account, rounded up to the nearest 100. The developers also gave some insight into their decision-making behind the original prices, citing server costs and their status as a new and independent studio with “limited resources”, among other reasons. Spectre Divide also has free Twitch drops which you can find out more about here.

Space Marine 2’s max level is going to take you forever to reach Saber Interactive/Focus EntertainmentWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 features a deep leveling system, with a variety of activities that contribute to your progress. Here’s everything you need to know about the max level and how to get there. PvE: Operations will be your source of XP during your leveling journey. These are unlocked after completing some of the campaign, and offer a base rate of XP for completions, with the amount dependent on the difficulty you have selected. In the campaign itself, you will find yourself playing as Titus and, as such, won’t make any further progress towards leveling up your main class. So, what exactly is the level cap, and how long will it take you to get there? What is the max level in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 The max level in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is set to level 25. Though this isn’t a terrifying number in and of itself, it will likely take most casual players a while to get there. You’ll need to complete around half the campaign to unlock PvE: Operations in the first place, which should take around five hours. From there, you will want to grind the second Operation if you’re looking to reach the cap as quickly as possible (ideally on the Threat Level: Substantial difficulty, as this offers the best balance between ease of completion and additional XP). Overall, you are likely looking at 12-15 hours of hard grinding before you can cap. Sure, there have been much more significant grinds in other games over the years but it’s still a fairly hefty time investment to reach the end and unlock everything. Fortunately, the game is a ton of fun, so it shouldn’t feel too much like work while you do. Outside of this, you will also work to level up your chosen weapons by using them in PvE activities. As you earn further XP for each weapon, better versions will become available, but you’ll need to spend Armory data and Requisition to unlock it. In short, dedicated Space Marine players are likely to be very busy for a while yet, and with the developer likely to raise the level cap over time, that won’t change any time soon.

Space Marine 2’s leveling system is strange – Here’s how to rank up fast Focus EntertainmentYou’ve just stepped into the grimdark future of Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2, and you’re ready to ascend to the ranks of the Emperor’s finest, just without the time that comes with doing so. The journey to becoming an unstoppable force of the Emperor’s wrath can feel like a slog if you don’t know where to focus your efforts in Space Marine 2. Plus, leveling up works a little different from most games, since you won’t earn any EXP from the main campaign. To make your towering super-soldier feel like an unstoppable force, you need to start grinding EXP the right way. Leveling tips for Space Marine 2 To level up your Space Marine fast, make sure you’ve wrapped up at least half of the base campaign. You’ll need to unlock the second mission in the Operations menu. Once that’s done, zero in on Operation 2: Decapitation. This mission is quick and dirty. The objective is simple: plant charges on the bridge and take out the Hive Tyrant. No need to waste time on anything else, just blitz through the objectives. It’s also worth noting, before jumping in, you can change the threat level (difficulty). The higher the difficulty, the more XP you get. Assemble the right team Team composition matters, too. Ideally, you’ll want a Bulwark to tank and hold the line, and a Sniper to pick off targets from a distance. If possible, have an Assault or Vanguard mop up any lingering threats. You can also check out the best classes in Space Marine 2, to make the right choice of class. Ramp up the difficulty Difficulty matters when it comes to EXP. The higher the difficulty, the more EXP you get. Start on the easiest difficulty to get a feel for the run, and then ramp it up to Average until you hit Level 10. After that, push into Substantial, and if you’ve got the chops, tackle Ruthless for those sweet, sweet XP rewards. As you charge through the mission, avoid unnecessary fights and focus on running past enemies until you hit key objectives. Drop charges, run to the next area, and repeat. Beat the final boss and repeat The final boss, the Hive Tyrant, is one of the easiest bosses to kill in the entire game. That said, don’t get cocky. He’s got two phases, so manage your skills and keep an eye on add control. Once he’s down, head back to your base and restart the mission. Now that you know the best leveling strategy for Space Marine 2, you might want to learn how to best spend your Mastery Points or get a better grasp of how the difficulty works.

Space Marine 2’s ending has massive implications for the wider Warhammer 40K lore Focus Entertainment/Games WorkshopWhile Space Marine 2 begins with the unstoppable Tyranid horde sweeping across the galaxy, consuming planets as they go, the solution to ending their rampage could be even more terrifying for humanity. Be warned, huge spoilers for Space Marine 2 lurk below. Warhammer 40K was the franchise that coined the term “Grimdark” so if you expect the grim darkness to ever let up in this series, you’ll be disappointed. However, it makes for some excellent storytelling, and not only did the ending of Space Marine 2 deliver a satisfying conclusion to this chapter of Titus’ story, but it quietly set the scene for something even more sinister. Below, we’ll break down the Space Marine 2 ending and explain what it means, but we’ll also explain how it connects to the wider Warhammer 40K lore, particularly, something known as the Pariah Nexus. You see, the Tyranids and Chaos have also become a thorn in the side of the other sentient races in the galaxy and their plans to expunge these threats could be more bad news for humanity. Space Marine 2 story Space Marine 2 begins with the Ultramarines mobilizing to combat the threat of Hive Fleet Leviathan which is the largest and most dangerous army of Tyranids in the galaxy. While the Tyranids have been beaten back (eventually) in previous invasions, Leviathan is starting to become a real problem – and not only for humanity. In the lore, the Necrons, Eldar, Tau Empire, and even the forces of Chaos are becoming concerned by the rampaging dino-bugs. The menace isn’t ended in Space Marine 2 as Games Workshop is unlikely to let one of its main 40K antagonists be defeated in a videogame side-story. So just know that the Tyranids are still a dire threat, even after Chaos upstages them in this game. But upstaged they most certainly were. Chaos, namely the Thousand Sons Traitor Legion, took advantage of the Tyranid distraction to put their plans into action, which is what dominated the latter half of the game’s story campaign. Chaos is a malevolent force that comes from “the Warp” or “Immaterium.” This is a hellish mirror dimension that exists alongside our own and has been overtaken by the four competing Gods of Chaos who feed on the suffering of life. As humanity is numbered in the trillions in 40K, we’re an all-you-can-eat buffet to them. Half of the Space Marines turned to Chaos in the backstory and became the Traitor Legions, as Chaos offers great power to its followers. The Tyranids hate Chaos as they’re unable to consume demonic or Chaos-tainted biomass. On the other hand, Chaos hate the Tyranids because they’re unable to corrupt and feed off the souls of creatures controlled by a Hive Mind from another galaxy. Ending explained Toward the end of the game, a Martian Techpriest discovers a Necron (an ancient alien civilization that predates humanity) artifact that reduces the influence of Chaos in the galaxy. By using this technology the priest hopes that Chaos can be defeated, as he knows that the Necrons used it to defeat an ancient foe known as the Old Ones millions of years ago. It’s also possible that Necrons have defeated Chaos before using this method in a war forgotten by time. However, this is all a clever manipulation by a Chaos sorcerer, as when activated, the artifact has the opposite effect. Rather than pushing Chaos out, it creates a rift where the Warp bleeds into realspace, unleashing Chaos on that region. Their plan is to use it on the whole galaxy, giving Chaos the ultimate victory. Titus and the Ultramarines are able to reverse this by using the artifact as intended. They also enter the Warp, rescue the legendary Ultramarines Chapter Master, Marneus Calgar, and put an end to the Thousand Son’s schemes. However, the threat of Chaos and the Tyranids is still ongoing, what’s even more worrying is the hints the game drops about the Necrons waking up on the very Tomb World where the final battle takes place. While players explore the Tomb World, they can find a dataslate that reveals some Necron constructs have been hunting and killing the Martian Techpriests. These guardians have been defeated and their bodies can be seen in the game, but the damage is done and the sleepy Necrons may be waking up. A Necron Tomb World houses millions of sleeping Necrons who have long since forsaken their flesh and become a race of living metal beings. Their goal was to sleep through the Warhammer 40K setting and reclaim the galaxy once all the other races had wiped each other out, but this plan failed. Many of the Necrons yearn to return to being flesh and blood and some consider humanity to be the key to this. That means the Necrons can’t have Chaos corrupt humanity fully, or have the Tyranids eat them all. The game heavily teases that the Necrons will be the next main antagonist should a Space Marine 3 be made and that ties into the current wider 40K setting in a neat way. The fate of Titus Titus proves his worth to himself and his Chapter at the end of Space Marine 2 and earns the respect of his men and all who doubted him. After being accused of corruption at the end of Space Marine 1, Titus was forced to serve among the Deathwatch (sort of like prison for Space Marines) until Marneus Calgar learned of this and brought him back to the Ultramarines. It turns out that Calgar was unaware of Titus’ predicament and was quick to rectify it once he was able. After slowing down the Tyranid advance and defeating a nefarious Chaos plot, Space Marine 2 ends in the opposite way to Space Marine 1. This time, Titus is hailed as a hero and is sent on a new mysterious mission. It turns out that the Chaplain who’s been giving Titus a hard time throughout the story is none other than Leandros, his rival from the first game. It was Leandros who told the Inquisition about Titus which led to him being assigned to the Deathwatch. It’s a Chaplain’s job to root out heresy and corruption in the Chapter, and Leandros still suspects that Titus is tainted, although, we as the audience know this isn’t the case. Titus is a creation of the Space Marine games but has become an important figure in the overall lore of 40K. He was the one who watched over his Primarch Robute Guilliman as he slept, but now that the Ultramarines Primarch is awake and ruling the Imperium as regent, this changes everything for Titus. We expect he and the Primarch will come face to face in the next game, should it come. Wider lore implications The current lore of 40K has a lot going on, Hive Fleet Leviathan is consuming whole worlds and the threat of Chaos has been increased by something called the Great Rift. Humanity has discovered that the Necrons once built massive monoliths called Black Stone Pylons all over the galaxy, likely to reduce the Old One’s ability to use the Warp against them before it was overtaken by Chaos. These Pylons continued to work long after the Old Ones were gone and gave the galaxy a degree of protection from Chaos after they gained control of the Warp. One theory is that the Necrons once defeated Chaos and closed a powerful Warp storm called the Eye of Terror. However, when the Eldar race accidentally birthed the Chaos God Slannesh, the Eye of Terror was ripped back open, letting Chaos flood into the galaxy once more – and this time the Necrons were all fast asleep. After half the Space Marines turned traitor and lost the civil war known as the Horus Heresy, they fled into the Eye of Terror to escape the wrath of the Imperium, where they’ve remained for ten thousand years, twisting in their Chaos corruption. The current Warmaster of Chaos, Abaddon the Despoiler, has been working in the shadows to destroy each of these Black Stone Pylons, spreading the influence of Chaos bit by bit. He’s done this while disguising his motives behind his “Black Crusades” which previously only appeared as attempts to destroy the Imperium. After attacking and destroying the Imperial world of Cadia, he deactivated enough Pylons to split the galaxy in two, creating the Great Rift. This now means that half of Imperial space is cut off from the other – and is at the mercy of Chaos. However, various Xenos factions in 40K have had enough of Chaos, namely the Necrons, the Eldar, and the emerging and technologically advanced Tau Empire. While the Eldar have an uneasy truce with the Imperium since the fall of Cadia, as both sides work to push back the daemonic hordes, the Necrons have turned back to the technology that originally powered the Black Stone Pylons. It’s also worth pointing out that a Necron Overlord called Trazyn the Infinite was the one who alerted humanity to the purpose of the Pylons – and even helped them defend Cadia, while the Eldar rescued the survivors of the battle from Abaddon. There have also been other instances where the Imperium has worked alongside the Eldar, Necrons, and Tau to combat a shared threat, usually the Tyranids. The Necrons have since developed something known as the Pariah Nexus, which once activated, limits the influence of the Warp, essentially de-buffing Chaos and potentially even disrupting the Tyranid’s link to their Hive Mind. It’s like the Black Stone Pylon’s ability but concentrated on one small region of space. While it was never explicitly referred to in Space Marine 2 as a Pariah Nexus, the artifact that was used to power and then banish Chaos works in a very similar way. Since the fall of Cadia, the Necrons have been experimenting with the Pariah Nexus activating them in different regions of space. The only problem is, that humanity and the Eldar are innately psychic creatures in 40K and every one of us has a small connection to the Warp and needs it to survive. Human and Eldar worlds within a Pariah Nexus are at grave risk and the Necrons don’t appear to care. This has led to an escalation in tension between humanity and the Necrons with both factions becoming increasingly aggressive. We suspect this conflict will continue in the main 40K setting, either until the Imperium destroys the Necron technology, or the aliens grudgingly agree to be more careful with it. But what’s more likely, is that Chaos will steal it and do exactly what they did in Space Marine 2, but en masse. We also suspect that could be the plot of a potential Space Marine 3, allowing the Necrons to initially serve as the next antagonists, only for Chaos to upstage them as they did to the Orks and Tyranids. The sad truth is, that if factions like the Imperium, Eldar, Necrons, and Tau could set aside their differences and focus their efforts on fighting destructive factions like the Orks, Tyranids, and Chaos, they could quite easily win and share the galaxy between them. Alas, this peace is unlikely to ever come to pass, as in the grim darkness of the far future, there is no time for peace. There is only war. Until then, though, here’s everything you need to know about the Space Marine 2 DLC plan.

Space Marine 2’s campaign packs an impressive amount of action Saber InteractiveSpace Marine 2 features an in-depth action-packed campaign that will keep you hooked until the very end. Space Marine 2 might be an action-filled gorefest, but at its core, it has a deeply woven story that connects everything you do in the game as discussed in our review. In it, you take the role of Lieutenant Titus after the events of the 2011 prequel. Here you will join hands with Chairon and Gadriel as you fight your way through swarms of Tyranids. Throughout the campaign, however, you’re met with tons of action, lore, enemies, and even unsuspecting allies, all in the short space of the adventure. How long is Space Marine 2’s campaign? Here’s how long it takes to finish the Space Marine 2 campaign: Rushing the story: 8-10 hours – Completing side quests along the way: 12-14 hours – Now, the times mentioned here are the average playtime for a player who might be playing solo and on Easy or Normal difficulty settings. These will change if you decide to co-op with your friends and play on Hard or Angel of Death difficulty. Now, do not feel disheartened if the campaign looks small based on just the number. This is because, Space Marine 2 is not just a story game, but a live service title as well. Here are the lengths of some of the other games in the genre: Halo (all games): Average 8-10 hours – Gears of War (all games): Average 8-9 hours – The titles mentioned above are some of the best games ever made and they have pretty short campaigns. It is not always about the length, but also the content, and Space Marine 2 balances it quite well. In fact, the game does not end here as there is even more PvE content to explore through the Operations mode. All Campaign and Operations chapters Space Marine 2 is divided into a campaign and Operations mode. In both cases, there are a total of 6 missions. The mission names are as follows: Campaign chapter list Skyfire – Severance – Machinus Divinitus – Servant of the Machine – Void Song – Dawn’s Descent – Operations mode co-op chapter list Inferno – Decapitation – Vox Liberatis – Reliquary – Fall of Atreus – Ballistic Engine – The Operations mode missions are replayable as well. What is Operations mode? Operations Mode is a co-op activity where you can join two of your friends or go in solo and face swarms of Tyranids. There are 6 different maps to choose from in this mode and you can play these endlessly as they are all replayable multiple times. These will take you around 2 to 3 hours to complete. Additionally, the game will add more PvE missions later during its first year to improve replayability, so these missions are worth exploring after you are done with the campaign. This is all we know about the length of the campaign for Space Marine 2. If you are finding any of them difficult to get, check out our build guides for Assault Space Marine and Bulwark Space Marine to make things easier. Also, check out our Space Marine 2 review if you are new to the franchise and want to dive into the game.

Space Marine 2 tier list: Best classes for Operations & PvP DexertoWhether you’re diving into Operations or Eternal War in Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2, you’ll need the best class to help you take down any Heretics, Tyranids, or just other players. One of the best things about Space Marine 2 is its versatility. Sure, the aim of destruction is always the same, but how you go about it depends on your choice of class. Do you want to be up front in the middle of the action? Do you want to help support your team while dealing great damage from a medium range? Or do you prefer to pick off enemies from afar? Well, whatever your answer, there’s a class for you. However, these Space Marine 2 classes weren’t created to be equal, and some are much better than others. So, using our experience as both players and Warhammer lovers, we’ve tried and tested all six classes to see which hold up in both battle scenarios. So, with that in mind, here’s our Space Marine 2 classes tier list for both Operations (PvE) and Eternal War (PvP). Space Marine 2 classes tier list Best classes for PvE (Operations) Best classes for PvP (Eternal War) Our tiers explained S: The best class for the job – A: Very good for most situations – B: There are specific situations where these can perform well – C: Best to avoid unless you find yourself drawn to them – It’s worth noting, that with Space Marine 2 just coming out, these tiers are subject to change should there be any updates with nerfs or buffs to certain classes. So, be sure to keep an eye out on our rankings, as we’ll adjust them if anything changes. Best classes in Space Marine 2 for PvE and PvP Assault Sporting the particularly useful Jump Pack and deadly secondary / melee setup, it’s hard to deny the power of the Assault class. This classic Space Marine feels like a jack-of-all-trades, despite the lack of a primary weapon. Essentially, if you’ve mastered the art of combos, parries, and dodging, the Assault class will be a force to content with. Assault in PvE Naturally, fighting against Tyranids is a little different to battling against other players. As such, the Assault class thrives in different ways when playing in Operations. When it comes to PvE, your biggest enemy is hordes, and having a powerful melee weapon by your side can certainly aid in your survival. The Assault is pretty nimble for its size and build, so dodging, parrying, and eliminating enemies is pretty easy. Combine that with a fast melee weapon and you have a force to be reckoned with when things get a little close for comfort. Ultimately, the Assault class truely thrives up close, your Jump Pack allows for a quick and easy escape (or a fast entrance into a horde) and your two weapons let you thrive in close combat, or far away from a boss. Assault in PvP When it comes to PvP, the players aren’t using the same tactics as the enemies you battle in Operations, which means the Assault class can’t either. However, that doesn’t stop it from being able to thrive in those situations. Much like the Operations mode, the Assault is able to use its Jump Pack to take down unsuspecting Snipers or even lower health Bulwarks and Heavys. Now, it’s worth noting, that its not as strong as the Bulwark in melee combat, and due to the lack of a primary weapon, ranged fighting isn’t ideal either. For the Assault, you can thrive in PvP if you build it carefully, but you’ll always need to be aware that you’re not the most powerful Marine on the block. For more information on the Assault class in Space Marine 2, check out our build guide. Bulwark The Bulwark prioritizes melee damage over anything else, using its shields, skill, and powerful sword (or hammer) to utterly destroy any enemy that it comes across. As such, skill is imperative, but once you perfect that, you’ll be deadly. Bulwark in PvE As mentioned with the Assault, the Bulwark works best in hordes thanks to its melee. Bosses can lead to a few struggles early on in the game, but all-in-all, this is an S-tier class to choose in Operations Mode. Especially when you consider the skill. Being able to restore shields for yourself and your entire team is second to none in PvE. Typically, you and a few other melee characters will charge into the fight, and quickly become overwhelmed. However, as soon as you drop your skill all that pressure disappears and you’re able to settle back into the parrying, dodging, and smashing. Sure, it may seem like being up close to the enemy is a huge risk, but that’s what the massive set of armor and huge weapon is for. Simply stand strong, activate your skill when you really need it, master your combos, and you’ll be unstoppable. Bulwark in PvP Melee is a huge risk in PvP, not only are you running into the fray, but you’re also leaving yourself wide open for Snipers, Tacticals, and really anyone with a ranged weapon. However, that risk doesn’t stop the Bulwark from being S-tier in Eternal War. Whether you drop your skill on your squishier allies and run in, or head over to an unsuspecting enemy, drop your skill and begin smashing, you’ll likely come out on top. Unlike the Assault, the Bulwark has a powerful shield to block all incoming ranged damage. Combine that with the pretty impressive melee damage you’ll deal, and you have a deadly force who’s almost unkillable. If you’re looking for a PvP class that’ll constantly succeed and make you feel overpowered, then the Bulwark is your best choice. For more information on the Bulwark class in Space Marine 2, check out our build guide. Heavy The Heavy class in Space Marine 2 is fantastic in certain situations, but a terrible idea in others. Due to it’s situational design, many end up leaving it behind in favor of the Bulwark or even the Tactical class. However, with a little fine tuning, a Heavy Space Marine can thrive, particularly when you consider their skill, Iron Halo. Heavy in PvE Hordes, bosses, and tough enemies are the key problems in Operations mode, and the Heavy class can deal with potentially two of those, provided the tough enemy doesn’t come with a horde. Ultimately, the lack of a melee weapon lets this class down intensely, especially in PvE battles. If a horde comes your way and gets near you, then there’s almost nothing you can do to stop it. Sure, you could use your Iron Halo skill, but that only works for ranged damage, making it almost useless in Tyranid missions. Sure, the ranged damage cover is great, especially with the Multi Melter, and the Heavy class does have some useful weapons and perks, but that lack of a melee makes it a terrible choice in PvE. Heavy in PvP While the above is certainly true for Operations mode, the classes usefulness in PvP is the polar opposite. In fact, it sits comfortably at S-tier for the same reason it places itself in C-tier for PvE. Sure, melee weapons are certainly useful, and being able to devistate an enemy from close quarters can be vital on occasion, but the Heavy class is all about ranged. Stay far away, pick off the enemy from afar, and activate your Iron Halo to protect multiple players, and you have the most annoying yet powerful DPS/Support character in the match. Unlike Operations, enemies are unlikely to swarm you in PvP, meaning the issues of hordes are forgotten, and as long as you manipulate the situation and stay away, there’s nothing you can’t handle in this great Space Marine 2 class. For more information on the Heavy class in Space Marine 2, check out our build guide. Sniper The Sniper and Heavy classes work much in the same way, being powerful in PvP but absolutely dreadful in Operations mode. This is largely due to the lack of protection against hordes or swarms of enemies, even with their skill. However, when you’re focusing on just one or two, this class becomes a satisfying killer for those players with perfect aim. Sniper in PvE Imagine placing a Space Marine without too much melee power, a large long-ranged weapon, and the ability to turn invisible into a horde of 50 or more enemies all nipping at their armor. It’s not going to turn out too well. Which is why the Sniper class sits comfortably at C-tier in our Operations tier list. Ranged is fantastic, but realistically, you won’t be coming up against single powerful enemies much in Operations mode. Sure, a few bosses will face the wrath of your Sniper, but for the most part, you’ll find yourself either running away or going down whenever a horde comes near. Naturally, the invisibility skill can be useful to help revive fallen brothers, or get you out of a tricky situation, but there’s no mission in which a Sniper proves more useful than any other class in Operations mode. Sniper in PvP PvP is a different story, however. With only six enemies on the battlefield, and very few instances where you’re swarmed, the Sniper is truly able to come into its own. After all, your primary weapon is capable of dealing fantastic damage, and your secondary allows for a little more close range attacks, if the situation presents itself. Whether this class chooses to use stealth to position themselves into a key camping location to pick off the enemy or snipe from a distance and active their skill to escape an oncoming Bulwark or Assault, you’ll usually come out on top, or at least not in the respawn loading screen. On top of this, the Sniper is incredibly easy to master in PvP, all you need is good aim. So, just stay away from melee (that’s a recipe for disaster), keep your aim true, and save your skill for the perfect moment. For more information on the Sniper class in Space Marine 2, check out our build guide. Tactical Each class in Space Marine 2 has its own specialization, aside from the Tacital, which thrives on its ability to be whatever you need at that moment. This damage-dealing support class is ideal for most situations, being able to spot hidden enemies, expose weak points, and work around whatever weapon you choose to wield. Sure, it’s almost a jack-of-all-trades yet master of none, but there’s no denying its uses early on in the game. Tactical in PvE Having a powerful primary weapon along with a great secondary almost eliminates the need for a strong melee tool. Sure, it’s useful, but mowing down a horde with your Auto Bolt Rifle is never a bad decision and will usually work in your favor. The primary perk around the Tactical class in PvE is how well it handles multiple situations. If you’re in a horde and feel surrounded, then you have a fast-paced rifle and a secondary to keep you safe. If you come across a boss, then you can expose its weak points and take it down with that rifle along with the team. Or, if there are tons of hidden enemies, then your skill can perfectly pinpoint those pests and allow the team to do even more damage. Whatever it is you want to battle, the tactical can do it. Sure, it’s not as strong at these as the classes that specialize in it, but that’s not always a bad thing. Tactical in PvP While the Tactical class is certainly a useful addition to an Operations team, PvP feels less so. The consistent movement, fast pace, and master-of-none design means you usually suffer against almost anything you come across. Going up against a melee character like the Assault or Bulwark often spells death due to your inefficiency in that regard. Then battling a Heavy is extremely dangerous due to the overwhelmingly powerful ranged weapons that class holds. Now that’s not to say the Tactical is useless in PvP. In fact, if you’re (pun absolutely intended) tactical about it, then this class can thrive. All you need to do is understand you’re likely the underdog and use that to your advantage. While the Assault will dominate in melee, they’re not great with ranged, so when fighting them, stay out the way. Get behind a Bulwark to avoid that ranged protection, and pick off a Heavy from cover. Then, use your skill to reveal any hidden Snipers on the map and take them down with ease. Sure, it’s not the most powerful, but with the right technique, you can put up a pretty impressive fight. For more information on the Tactical class in Space Marine 2, check out our build guide. Vanguard The Vanguard acts as the latest model of Adeptus Astartes, focusing on stealth, melee, and all the skills of your typical rogue. However, unlike Warhammer or even the Rogues of Dungeons & Dragons, the Vanguard just doesn’t quite stack up as a sneaky powerhouse in either PvE or PvP. Vanguard in PvE Vanguards do have the capability to pack a punch in PvE, which is why we’ve ranked it at B-tier. That Melta Rifle, or even the Instigator Bolt Carbine can certainly pack a punch when needed, and your secondary is always a fantastic… second option. On top of this, your Ability Charges restoring with executions is extremely useful in high risk situations, or even when you need to take down a boss. However, there’s just no getting past the low armor and Grappling Hook skill. After all, there doesn’t seem to be much sense in propelling over to an enemy with a Diving Kick only to then be face to face with it (if it’s still alive) and then go down due to your two armor slots. Sure, this can be pretty useful to get you into battle, and those weapons do pack a punch, but combining melee with ranged just feels like the worst of both worlds here. Vanguard in PvP This works much in the same with PvP, where you’ll likely end up propelling yourself over to an enemy, only to find yourself face to face with a Bulwark who will down you with their melee, or literally any other class with three armor instead of two. Ultimately, the only thing the Vanguard class is useful for in Eternal War is picking off the damaged enemies. You’ll need to make sure they have low health or you’ll be the first to go. As previously mentioned, your weapons are certainly powerful, but if that’s what you’re looking for, then the Assault is the choice for you, or Tactical if you’re desperate. For more information on the Vanguard class in Space Marine 2, check out our build guide. So, that’s our comprehensive tier list for the best classes in Space Marine 2. While loading up your next PvE mission or PvP challenge, be sure to check out all the details you need on customizing your Space Marine, grabbing all the Requisition you need, or how to get more Mastery Points for those sweet perks and weapons.

Space Marine 2 takes Doom, Helldivers, and BG3 and makes it Warhammer Saber InteractiveWarhammer 40k: Space Marine 2 is a welcome addition to the Warhammer franchise, bringing the tabletop adventure back to screens after the success of the first game. When the first Space Marine game was released, it was a cult hit among both Warhammer fans and hack-and-slash gamers. Now, after a 13-year absence, it’s clear Saber Interactive has a lot to prove to live up to the lengthy wait. During those 13 years, the landscape of gaming has altered dramatically. Many similar styles of game, through recent Dooms or Helldivers have slotted themselves into the adventure Space Marine 2 is trying to provide — leading me to worry whether this well-regarded franchise will find relevance in 2024. Baldur’s Gate 3 proved D&D and Warhammer can be key players in the video game industry. Space Marine 2, at least in the early stages, proves that it could also be a hit amongst fans. That said, where Baldur’s Gate 3 introduced new players to Dungeons & Dragons, Warhammer is a little more complicated, with tricky lore, multiple armies, enemies, and enough technical jargon to need a dictionary. It’s the latter that had me questioning if Space Marine 2 would be purely for the fans, or if it would be accessible enough for a new wave of players, and whether it has a place in the current market. Brutal bloody chaos Warhammer is a universe full of bloody, gratuitous battles. So a brutal, bloody hack-and-slash fits the bill perfectly. Saber Interactive delivers excellently on those fronts here. While it’s a throwback to that genre at its core, there’s still an element of technique in combat. Whether you parry an enemy’s blow, dodge a sniper, or perform a brutal, yet satisfying combo during a horde fight, you’re always able to tackle a fight in your preferred way. Then there’s the bosses. These guys hit harder than you might expect. Being a badass Ultra Marine in the distinct blue armor lulled me into a false sense of security. It was only after being dragged around by a Tyranid’s claws and slammed into the ground that I realized tactics are pivotal. While the techniques and dodging added a surprising amount of depth, by the end of the mission, I wanted to retry it to show the boss what a Space Marine can really do. The fight was intoxicating, brutal, bloody, and chaotic. Combine those battles with the stellar Tyranid design, different armor styles (yes you can change your armor), and even the landscape, and you’ll get lost in the adventure from the moment you start – even if you have no idea about the integrated lore. A tactical backdrop Space Marine 2 is more than simply hitting Tyranids with your weapon or chainsword. It’s a tactical experience at its core, requiring players to experiment with the different classes in the game. Each class comes with a unique style and its own ability, whether that’s healing your friends’ shields, pinging enemies, or various other helpful and devastating effects. As such, Saber Interactive has created a synergistic system, allowing players to take on the roles of tank, DPS, healer, and sniper. The added abilities give each class a distinct feel, making it particularly co-op-friendly, as you and your squad make a delicious cocktail of destruction and retribution. Whether you want to enhance your movement through the Assault’s Jump Pack, scan for enemies through the Tactical class’ Auspex Scan, use a grappling hook to descend on Tyranids with the Vanguard or protect yourself and your allies with different shields, every playstyle is perfectly catered for. As such, each class feels extremely versatile and allows you to adventure as you see fit. It also inspires plenty of teamwork, where the Tactical Space Marine jumps in first, scanning the enemies for visualization and extra damage. This then lets the Vanguard effortlessly dive in and cut up the rest of the unsuspecting hordes of aliens. Potentially unsatisfying to the uninitiated eye While the hordes, faithful storyline, and class system are vital for a game like Space Marine, the missions did make me worry about its longevity. Sure, Saber Interactive has stocked up on game modes with multiplayer, co-op, and PvP, but as I looked at the mission list and played through some of the campaign, I couldn’t help but feel concerned for its replayability. It’s easy to see the endless yet similar enemies becoming tiresome, and once the campaign has ended and missions have been tried once or twice, right now it’s hard to say if there will be an incentive to replay them. That said, the likes of Helldivers have certainly mastered the execution of repetitive content, and Space Marine 2 could follow in its footsteps, especially considering the weapons, classes, and characters all level up which allows you to add perks, attachments, and so much more. A trusty homage to the tabletop wargame Despite only experiencing a few missions and a bit of the campaign, there’s a lot to be hopeful for in Space Marine 2. Will it be as big as D&D’s Baldur’s Gate 3? Likely not. But it has a real shot at making a name for itself, even during a busy release schedule. From what I’ve played, Space Marine 2 is one of the best ways Saber Interactive could have brought Warhammer onto our screens in the current market. While faced with the successes of horde battles from Helldivers, D&D’s Baldur’s Gate 3, the rip-and-tear nature of Doom, and the variety of game modes of CoD — Space Marine 2 still feels like it’s able to define itself. Will Space Marine 2 do more than just appease the current Warhammer fans? Well, from the four hours I played, I can comfortably say yes. Regardless of whether you’ve played Warhammer for years, or have no idea what a Black Templar or Space Marine even is, it will be hard to deny the fun that comes from laying waste to hundreds of enemies and becoming the ultimate Space Marine.

Space Marine 2 players beg devs for key feature from first game Saber InteractiveSpace Marine 2 has been an unqualified success and players are loving the game. It isn’t perfect though and players are banding together to request a similar health regen mechanic to its predecessor. Space Marine 2 affords players the opportunity to wage eternal war as an indomitable soldier of the Imperium. It’s one of the most faithful adaptations of the popular setting ever produced and for that reason, we called it ‘the Warhammer game fans have been waiting for’ in our review. The game almost perfectly captures the experience of doling out the Emperor’s wrath to Hordes of Tyranids and other foes. The one point of contention seems to be how vulnerable you feel as a nine-foot-tall supersoldier in obscenely large armor. Space Marine 2’s armor regeneration mechanics are meant to keep you in the fight when you’re mowing down murderous insects but their limitations are frustrating players. Those embroiled in the conflict have begun petitioning Saber Interactive to look at the first game’s health regeneration mechanics as a potential solution. When playing the game, performing executions and Gun Strikes will restore a small to moderate amount of shield depending on the action. If your shield is at zero, you’ll begin losing health when you take damage. The only methods of restoring health are damaging enemies to regain contested health, using certain abilities with long cooldowns, or using Medicae Stims. Medicae stims are by far the most reliable method but depending on the difficulty you play at, they are few and far between. As a result, players are finding themselves frequently overwhelmed. Particularly due to the speed at which your shield depletes. There have been several posts complaining about the scarcity of health in the game and the most commonly suggested solution is to have health restored via executions. Interestingly, this was the primary method for regaining health in Space Marine 2’s predecessor. Multiple players have begun requesting the feature on Focus Together; a community program set up by the game’s publisher. Its implementation would massively alter the way Space Marine 2 feels to play so there’s no telling whether developers will take the requests into consideration.

Space Marine 2 invaded by Peter Griffin, Saitama & more thanks to incredible customization Saber Interactive/FoxThe grim darkness of Space Marine 2’s far future doesn’t have to be depressing. Players are proving that with hilarious creations using the game’s customization. Space Marine 2 is the Warhammer 40,000 game that fans of the property have been waiting for, at least according to our review that is. The game’s visceral combat perfectly captures the scale and horror of war in the 41st millennium. The real dream come true for most fans is of course Space Marine 2’s comprehensive customization suite. With it, you can create combatants from all your favorite Chapters and even your own custom forces. Players have been leveraging the game’s customization to tone down some of the grimdark of the game. Over on the Space Marine 2 subreddit, they’ve been sharing some of their more hilarious creations. Thanks to the ability to swap the color palette of individual armor parts including helms, pauldrons, gauntlets, grieves, and more, you can get pretty detailed with the look of your Space Marine. Of course, which armor pieces you use can also help you with certain looks like Unhappy_Permit_6544’s rendition of Cyclops from X-Men. Players have been working on all sorts of pop culture creations in Space Marine 2. Saitama from One Punch Man seems particularly fitting given that you spend your time beating otherworldly horrors to a pulp, sometimes with a single punch. While superbeings with abnormal genetics are part and parcel of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Family Guy’s Peter Griffin is a bit out of left field. Having a Space Marine Chapter themed around the character is a good example of how weird you can get, however. Space Marine 2’s multiplayer is certainly going to be a wacky affair with creations like this running around. At least it’ll be a nice distraction from the existential dread that comes with facing down a Tyranid Hive Fleet.

Space Marine 2 glitch causes eternal COD-style tea-bagging Saber InteractiveThe insidious forces of Chaos have even managed to influence the programming of Space Marine 2, as a glitch has caused constant crouching in a manner similar to one of gaming’s most iconic insults. A lot of shooters will let the player crouch behind cover. This isn’t part of Space Marine 2. As you’re playing as one of the genetically engineered superhumans bred for war, you don’t need to hide: you’re here to annihilate the enemies of the Imperium. This isn’t the case for all of the Emperor’s warriors, as one specific Space Marine can’t resist the urge to do a little jig. A user on the Gaming Reddit has reported a glitch that causes constant crouching and standing, which doesn’t subside until they reach another loading screen. “The things Space Marines can do are amazing. The stamina needed to do these kind of exercises for so long is insane,” one user wrote, while another said, “No, no, you just forgot to disable the “Auto T-bag” setting.” One user evoked a horrible chant from the early days of the Internet, which matched the Space Marine’s rhythm: “Badger badger badger mushroom!” Another user mentioned that “The codex Astartes calls this maneuver “the worm.” It’s possible that Scotty 2 Hotty’s DNA has survived into the fortieth century and is being used to design the latest breed of Space Marines. Despite the levity surrounding an eternal crouching glitch, other users were quick to criticize fans for having fun, saying they would have been furious if this bug was present in Star Wars: Outlaws or Helldivers 2. Hopefully, this issue will be resolved soon as it isn’t a game-breaking and seems to be a temporary issue. Also, you don’t want to embarrass the Ultramarines chapter by being out of rhythm with “What is Love?” by Haddaway.

Space Marine 2 Hotfix 2.1 patch notes: Crash fixes, CPU optimization, more Saber InteractiveFocus Interactive has released the first post-launch update for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, targeting major performance issues including crashes and hardware stress. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is finally in the hands of the wider player base after a brief early access period. The brutal conflict of the 41st millennium is hitting all the right notes with our own review calling it ‘the game Warhammer fans have been waiting for’. The development team at Saber Interactive has already revealed an expansive post-launch roadmap with plenty of game-changing improvements. For this early phase of Space Marine 2’s release, however, the primary focus is fixing any issues stopping players from enjoying the game to the fullest. For the game’s first post-launch update, Saber Interactive is set on fixing some lingering performance issues from the early access period. Space Marine 2 Hotfix 2.1 patch notes Crashes and bug fixes Fixed some rare possible crashes when starting the game – Fixed a rare possible crash that occured during the first cutscene – Fixed several other rare crashes – Fixed several rare bugs that were causing soft locks in the story mode – PC Only Optimized CPU behavior on high end CPUs – On top of that first quick fix, we’re preparing a bigger patch for later in September. This patch will bring, among other things: Ultrawide support – Private PvE lobbies – Sparring Arena in the Battle Barge – If you’re looking to prosper in the grim darkness of the far future, check out our guides for Space Marine 2’s classes. We have build guides for Tactical, Bulwark, Heavy, and Assault to help you wage the eternal war.

Space Marine 2 features memorial for late YouTuber TotalBiscuit Saber Interactive/TotalBiscuitA Twitch streamer was left shocked after discovering a memorial for TotalBiscuit in the credits of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Although it’s set to release on September 9, 2024, Space Marine 2 early access began on September 5 for those who pre-ordered the game. It has already skyrocketed past 100k viewers on Twitch and overall thoughts about the game have been positive. Twitch streamer itsmeJP is among those who have access to the game, and managed to complete it while streaming on September 6, 2024. While rolling the end credits, though, he was shocked after spotting a memorial for a late YouTuber. “In Memoriam: John Peter Bain “TotalBiscuit,” it reads. “Holy. They put a shoutout to TB in there?!,” the streamer said. “Holy. That’s f**kin sick.” Viewers in his chat shared a similar sentiment, with many excited to see the developers shout out the late YouTuber. “TB getting a shoutout is pretty damn cool,” one user commented. Many others shared: “TB pog.” The late YouTuber died in May 2018 at age 33, four years after revealing he had a precancerous mass in his colon. Within a month of the announcement, Bain shared that it was “full-blown cancer.” It eventually spread to his liver and became terminal before his eventual retirement and death. TotalBiscuit was among the most popular video game commentators and critics then, and participated in professional esports events. As of writing, his YouTube channel still has nearly 2M subscribers and according to Viewstats, has received just over 135,000 views throughout August 2024. Many other prominent YouTubers have died from cancer just in 2024 alone. On August 26, Rob ‘Rabbit’ Pitts’ cancer was revealed in a video upload to his channel, and his death was confirmed in a comment on that post by his editor. On September 4, YouTuber Paul Harrel revealed his death in a viral video posted to his channel. “So, if you’re watching me, I’m dead,” he said.

Space Marine 2 Error Code 4 & all fixes Saber InteractiveNothing is more satisfying than jumping in as Titas in Space Marine 2 and taking down hundreds of Tyranids with your deadly Chainsword. So, when the Error Code 4 ‘Connection Lost’ problem arises, it’s understandably frustrating. Thankfully, in Warhammer 40k: Space Marine 2, there haven’t been too many bugs or errors popping up for players, aside from the occasional black screen. However, one issue has been frustrating fans by refusing to let them play online. Otherwise known as Error Code 4, the ‘connection lost’ issue essentially stops you from going online entirely, and is, therefore, a problem with your internet or connection to the game’s servers. If you’re getting this come up, you either don’t have any connection, or there’s an issue with the servers themselves. Luckily, there are a few fixes you can try to get you back into your PvP or Operations battle. All fixes Turn off your VPN This is one of the most common fixes for Error Code 4. In fact, the majority of players on the game’s Reddit or social media have reported that switching off their VPN solves the issue entirely. As such, if you’re playing on one, we recommend heading into it and switching the service off, this should then stop any conflict between the game and the VPN and allow you online. Check your own Wifi connection If you don’t have a VPN, then the next step to try should be to check your own connection. Since it’s a ‘connection lost’ error, it’s entirely likely your own Wifi has gone down or is suffering from a few problems. In this case, follow the classic IT advice and switch your internet on and off again. Be sure to wait about 30 seconds before turning it back on. Verify your game files If the above doesn’t work and you’re playing on PC, then there could be an issue with the Space Marine 2 files. To check whether that’s the case, you’ll want to verify your game files. To do this, follow these steps: Load up Steam and find Space Marine 2 in your library. – Right-click on the game and select Properties. – Head to the Installed Files tab. – Click ‘Verify integrity of game files‘. – It’s worth noting that this can take some time, so if you’re in a hurry or have friends waiting to play, it’s worth trying the other steps beforehand. Check the server status If you’ve tried all the above steps and it’s still not working, the issue could be on Saber Interactives’ side, so you’ll want to check out the current server status, just in case they’re currently down. Check out our server status hub for more details on whether the game is online or currently receiving some maintenance. Contact Saber Interactive support In the unlikely case that all other attempts to fix Error Code 4 fail, you may need to contact Saber Interactive for support. You can do this by heading to their website and reporting an issue. On the same site, you can check out any known issues too, to see if your problem is appearing and is being fixed. While fixing the issue, make sure you’re prepared to dive back into the brutal combat by checking out our tier list for the classes, as well as our handy builds for your favorite Space Marine, like the Assault, Bulwark, or Heavy.

Space Marine 2 DLC: Post-launch roadmap reveals Horde mode, new cosmetics, more Focus EntertainmentThe post-launch DLC roadmap for Space Marine 2 has finally been revealed. Here’s everything you need to know about its Year One Battle Plan. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 looks to improve upon its cult classic predecessor in almost every possible way. Taking the Gears of War adjacent style of the first game and bolstering it with hints of Doom and Helldivers 2, Warhammer fans have a lot to be excited about. While the original game arrived during the infancy of online multiplayer, Space Marine 2 launched launch during its peak. For this reason, Focus Entertainment has elected to commit to a DLC Battle Plan to maintain replayability. Space Marine 2 DLC: Year One Battle Plan explained Space Marine 2 devs have outlined four seasons that will take place across 2024 and 2025. Within them, content has been split into free updates that will be available for all players, and premium cosmetic content that will unlock for those who have purchased the Season Pass. Below is a rundown of what content players can expect across the four seasons of DLC that have been revealed so far. Space Marine 2 Season 1 Season 1 launched on September 9, 2024. Its content updates won’t be as significant as future DLC but here’s a rundown of what was made available: Free content Ultrawide support – Private PVE lobbies – Battle Barge Sparring Arena – Premium content Ultramarines Cosmetic Pack – In a Steam post Focus revealed that the early stages of release will be dedicated to stabilizing the game based on reports from players. “In the first weeks after launch, we’ll focus on collecting your feedback across all community channels to bring some quick adjustments and improvements through quick patches,” the devs explained. Season 2 While an exact release date for Space Marine 2 hasn’t been announced yet, Focus has shared that this batch of DLC and post-launch content will arrive in 2024 “between October and the end of the year”. Free content New PVE missions – Lethal difficulty mode – Neo Volkite Pistol (weapon) – New enemy type – Premium content Dark Angels Cosmetic Pack Champion Pack – Cosmetic Pack – Weapon Skin Pack – – Season 3 Season 3 doesn’t have a confirmed release date yet, however, it has been indicated that it will begin sometime in 2025. Free content New PVE mission – New PVP game mode – New PVP maps – New enemy type – PVE Prestige ranks – Battle Barge expansion – Premium content Unspecified Chapter Cosmetic Pack Champion Pack – Cosmetic Pack – Weapon Skin Pack – – Unspecified Chapter Cosmetic Pack Champion Pack – – Season 4 Details on a specific date for Space Marine 2 Season 4 are also unknown at this point but we do know what content will be included: Free content Horde mode – New enemy type – New weapon – Premium content Unspecified Chapter Cosmetic Pack Champion Pack – Cosmetic Pack – Weapon Skin Pack – – Unspecified Chapter Cosmetic Pack Champion Pack – – That’s everything we know about the Space Marine 2 Year One Battle Plan so far. We’ll be sure to update this page when more information about each season becomes available. For more on the game, check out our guides for all enemies & how to beat them, all difficulties explained, how to get Requisition, the best Bulwark build, and best Assault build.

Space Marine 2: Difficulties explained & which should you choose Focus EntertainmentThe Space Marines are the elite warriors of the Imperium, but players aren’t expected to be as skilled as genetically engineered superhumans. Thankfully, Space Marine 2 offers several difficulty options to tailor your battle with the Xenos to your liking. Space Marine 2 follows members of the Ultramarines as they battle the endless invading Tyranid hordes. This alien menace devours everything in its path, so it’s up to you and your friends to obliterate them before they consume any more worlds. As a third-person shooter that pits the players against massive groups of enemies, it will be challenging to purge the enemy threat. This means you’ll need to pick the correct difficulty option to ensure your experience in the dark future is as fun as possible. All difficulty settings in Space Marine 2 Space Marine 2 has four difficulty options: Easy, Normal, Veteran, and Angel of Death. You can find a full rundown about each option below, and which mode we’d recommend for specific kinds of players: Easy Space Marine 2’s Easy mode makes the enemy far less aggressive and drastically increases your base Armour and Health stats. If you’re just in it for the story, then this is the mode to pick, as you won’t need to manage resources or worry about dying at the claws of the Tyranids. Normal Space Marine 2’s Normal mode is what most people are going to go for. The enemies are moderately aggressive, and you need to manage your health and ammo resources, so don’t fling yourself into combat without a plan. Veteran Space Marine 2 claims that the Veteran experience is the intended experience. This is because enemies are far more aggressive and you’ll need to play smart to kill them. Those going for this mode should have a few completed FPS games under their belt. Angel of Death Space Marine 2’s hardest difficulty mode is Angel of Death, and it’s intended to be for the best players, as enemies take more hits and your chances of being killed drastically increase. Pick this if you favor a quick death or Soulslike thrills. Which difficulty mode should you choose? While Normal would seem to be the default answer, in our playthrough, the Normal mode was more difficult than we expected. As such, if you think you might struggle, then start out with Easy. If the game is too much of a pushover, then go for the Normal mode. It bears mentioning that you cannot change difficulty after starting a game, so you’ll have to start over if it’s too easy or hard. That’s all the difficulties in Space Marine 2 explained. For more on the game, check out all enemies & how to beat them, how to get Requisition, the best Bulwark build, and best Assault build.

Space Marine 2: Dataslate locations for all missions Saber InteractiveDataslates are little green gems are scattered all over Space Marine 2, like a nerdy Easter egg hunt for the lore-hungry. Unfortunately, Dataslates are way harder to find than Tyranid swarms. When you find one, though, it’s not just about collecting shiny objects – these glowing audio logs dish out juicy story snippets and background. There are 35 Dataslates hidden across all the campaign and cooperative missions in Space Marine 2. Let the hunt begin. All Skyfire Dataslate locations Skyfire Dataslate 1: Stormtalon Crash, Kadaku To find the first Dataslate in Skyfire, make your way through the swamp and look for two explosive flowers to your left. Shoot them to clear the path and look for the first Dataslate on top of a green crate. Skyfire Dataslate 2: Admission of Desertion The second Dataslate is in the swamp, but right past an area with a broken bridge. With the broken bridge to your right, drop down a short sledge and approach the tree ahead. Near its overgrown roots, you can find the second Dataslate in Skyfire. Skyfire Dataslate 3: Anti-Tyranid Offensive, Kadaku You can find the third Dataslate inside the base. When you reach the hallway with the ventilation system, take a left and go up the stairs. Here, look for a Dataslate near a combat knife. Skyfire Dataslate 4: Desired Purgation of Data On your way to the targeting system, go around the elevator past the armory. On the ground lies the fourth and last Skyfire Dataslate right next to a Plasma Pistol. All Severance Dataslate locations Severance Dataslate 1: Conflict, Adeptus Astartes/Tyranid, Kadaku On your way to the Adaptus Mechanicus facility, you’ll spot a slope on your left side. Follow it and, past the abandoned vault, you can find the first Severance Dataslate on the ground. Don’t forget to pick up the Medicae Stimms on the right. Severance Dataslate 2: Tyranid Attack, Designation: Rippers, Kadaku Inside the facility, you’ll get the objective to locate the Transmitter. While you make your way to it, look for a barricade with a red light behind it before you board the elevator. Here, you can find the second Dataslate on the ground. Severance Dataslate 3: Lamentation for Sacred Machines Before you find the Transmitter, you’ll fight a big horde of Tyranids in the ventilation room. Right in front of the big fan, look for the third Dataslate on the ground. Severance Dataslate 4: Summary, Tyranid Invasion, Kadaku. On your way to the Crash Site, you’ll pass through a canyon. After you use your Jump Pack for the first time, look to the right to spot a narrow ledge above you. Jump there to find the fourth Dataslate in Severance. All Machinus Divinitus Dataslate locations Machinus Divinitus Dataslate 1: Attempted Liturgy for Burnt Capacitator Progress through the mission until you get the “Proceed to the Elevator Control Room objective.” As you walk through the huge archway with red banners on each side, take a left and exit the balcony to walk on the roof. Here, you can find the first Dataslate. Machinus Divinitus Dataslate 2: Termination: 101010-S On your way to the Databanks, you pass through a room with an altar with a bunch of candles. When you see this, turn around and look for a glowing green Dataslate next to the window in the room you just walked past. Machinus Divinitus Dataslate 3: Improper Command When you get access to the corridor to reach the Databanks, stick to the right to find a Dataslate on the ground. You can also pick up an Occulus Bolt Carbine nearby. All Servant of the Machine Dataslate locations Servant of the Machine Dataslate 1: Cannon Maintenance, 1.002.81 As soon as you get off the elevator on your way to the Neurothrope’s Locus, hug the building’s left wall and walk past the bridge to find the first Dataslate on the ground. Servant of the Machine Dataslate 2: Tithe Collection, Avarax Inside the Temple of Thassean, look for the second Dataslate near the debris straight ahead. It’s lying on top of a crate on the left side. All Voidsong Dataslate locations Voidsong Dataslate 1: Potential Heresy, Adeptus Astra Telephatica, 2287.8 While you’re on your way to restore the power to the door, find an armory inside a room with crates. Here, go around the corner and look for a Dataslate on top of a desk next to Medicae Stimms. Voidsong Dataslate 2: Potential Heresy, Adeptus Astra Telepathica, 2288.2 While you advance to the Relay Entrance and climb your way through the rubble and fires, look to the right to spot a narrow ledge. Use your Jump Pack to reach this are and spot the second Dataslate in Voidsong. Voidsong Dataslate 3: Potential Heresy, Adeptus Astra Telepathica, 2289.5 As you enter the room on fire, look behind the sacks on the left to spot a Dataslate on the ground. All Dawn’s Descent Dataslate locations Dawn’s Descent Dataslate 1: Effects of Noctilith Exposure As you advance to the cathedral, use your Jump Pack to reach one of the floating areas and look toward the rubble on the left to find the first Dataslate in Dawn’s Descent. Dawn’s Descent Dataslate 2: Tomb Excavation, Analog Backup Log 8.6 As you head to the Mechanicus Facility, keep an eye out for a hidden altar and a fire at the bottom of a slope. Take this path to find a Dataslate located behind the altar. Dawn’s Descent Dataslate 3: Tomb Excavation, Analog Backup Log 8.7 In the Ruins, enter the doorway beneath the hanging body. In the next room, instead of following the main path on the right, check for a dark path on the left. This will lead you to the third Dataslate. Dawn’s Descent Dataslate 4: Tomb Excavation, Analog Backup Log 9.9 As you head toward Aurora, watch for a workspace-turned-altar on the right side of the road. You’ll find candles, books, and a corpse beside the fourth and final Dataslate in Dawn’s Descent. All Bellum Sempiternus Dataslate locations Bellum Sempiternus 1: Effects of Warp Exposure On your way to the second company position, you’ll reach a point in which you must drop down to the catacombs. As soon as you do, take a left until you run into some shelves, and then take a right. At the end of this hallway, you can find the first Dataslate next to a case on the ground. Bellum Sempiternus 2: Burial, Adeptus Astartes, Salamander Chapter As you head to the second force, you’ll come to a point where you need to drop down into the catacombs. After dropping down, turn left and continue until you reach some shelves, then turn right. At the end of the hallway, you’ll find the first Dataslate next to a case on the ground. Bellum Sempiternus 3: Amount of Deceased on Demerium To find the last Dataslate in Bellum Sempiternus, head outside to reach the Obelisk. After passing through a glowing archway, check the rundown area on the right. Go around the corner to locate the final Dataslate for this mission. All Inferno Dataslate locations Inferno Dataslate 1: Amelioration of Improper Ordnance Storage You can find the first Dataslate while you’re navigating the swamp to reach the Astra Military camp. Keep your eyes glued to the right and you’ll spot a half-opened heavy door. Go through it and look for the Dataslate on a crate to the left. Inferno Dataslate 2: Admiration of Promethium The second Dataslate is on the way to the observation platform. As you reach a narrow, open hallway with barrels, keep your eyes glued to the left to spot a secluded area with it. All Decapitation Dataslate locations Decapitation Dataslate 1: Final Sermon The first Dataslate in Decapitation is on your way to the Bridge Tower. You can find it on a balcony, pretty close to the previous Dataslate in this location. This time, instead of jumping on the roof, look to the left side of the balcony. Decapitation Dataslate 2: Bridge Construction, Overseer Commentary As you make your way to the Hive Tyrant boss encounter, you’ll go through a ventilation room. Here, look to the right to spot a secluded room with the Dataslate. All Vox Liberatis Dataslate locations Vox Liberatis Dataslate 1: Creation of Daemonhost, I As you climb up your way to take down the Warp Shielding, look for a room with red lightning to your left. Here, you’ll find the first Dataslate on top of a crate. Vox Liberatis Dataslate 2: Creation of Daemonhost, II Before you start the elevator system, check for a crate on the wall of the staircase to the left. The second Dataslate is on top of it. All Reliquary Dataslate locations Reliquary Dataslate 1: Servitor Greeting, Demerium On your way to the tomb chamber, you’ll get the objective to proceed to the Warp Beacon. Before you exit the room, climb the stairs to the left and look for the Dataslate surrounded by candles in a corner. Reliquary Dataslate 2: Heretic Attack, Demerium Once outside, enter the main building and exit through the door to the balcony on the right. To your left, as you gaze at the fire below, pick up the second Dataslate. All Fall of Atreus Dataslate locations Fall of Atreus Dataslate 1: Unauthorised Override Attempt On your way to the Mechanicus Compound, you’ll run into an open area with pillars on the sides. Look behind the pillars on the left side to find the first Dataslate. Fall of Atreus Dataslate 2: Battle Barge, Sword of Atreus Before you reach the Mechanicus Compound, look to your right to spot a raft. Follow the path upward past the enemies until you spot a room full of green and red boxes to your left. Head inside it to find the second Dataslate on top of a case. All Ballistic Engine Dataslate locations Ballistic Engine Dataslate 1: Missing Servo-Hunter Before you get to the Militarium Depot, stay on the right side of the facility. Look for an open room with a desk against the left wall. The first Dataslate for the Ballistic Engine mission is on top of that desk. Ballistic Engine Dataslate 2: War Preparation, Avarax When you get the objective to move to the train, go through the door and drop down to the right. Keep moving forward, past the enemies, until you see a tank. The second Dataslate will be on top of a crate right next to it. Now that you’ve found all Dataslates in the game, why not work on your class choice or learn the best way to level up fast in Space Marine 2?

Space Marine 2 being ruined by frustrating Joining Server bug Saber InteractiveSpace Marine 2 Gold and Ultra Edition owners got to play the game on early access, starting August 5, 2024, but a frustrating server bug is causing chaos. Space Marine 2 does feature offline play, but it requires you to be online to save progress or join your friends. This means an internet connection is mandatory to make the most out of this title. Ever since early access became available, players worldwide have complained about server problems, crashes, and disconnection issues. The most prevalent among them is the Joining Server error. While trying to join a friend, the game will load you into another world, but on your end, you will be stuck in the loading screen for hours. Some users experienced this after they finished a chapter, while others faced it while trying to join their friends. As such, players have grown frustrated with complaints across Steam, Reddit, and X surfacing. One such comment said, “Finished a mission but it sat on joining server and never loaded me,” while another user claimed, “I’m stuck on a black loading screen.” Additionally, waiting it out does not help either, as you’ll never join and instead get kicked out. This problem affected the initial Steam reviews for the game as well, with its rating starting at Mixed before slowly climbing its way to Mostly Positive. The sheer server load is probably the reason why this happened, which is understandable given Space Marine 2’s impressive player count. On Steam alone, about 100,000 players tried to join in the fun in early access, and that’s not even counting its console population. This also means that unless the issue gets fixed, more players could face problems when the game becomes available for everyone else on September 9. Unfortunately, there is no official fix for this problem yet, apart from the basic ones such as turning off crossplay or checking your internet connection. The developers have asked players to be patient as they are working on the problem and will roll out the fixes as fast as possible. Once a fix is available, we will update you with the relevant information.

South Park Snow Day review: A huge step in the wrong direction South Park Snow Day leaves much to be desired as a mid-range title not quite a full premium release but not quite a cheaper hit either, offering not a lot of content in a world devoid of the iconic characters we’ve come to love. South Park Snow Day is the third video game to be released in the modern era. With banger single-player RPGs The Stick of Truth and Fractured But Whole coming before it, Snow Day takes a departure from the series, much to its detriment. With limited amounts of gameplay and a lackluster story, Snow Day leaves players wanting far more than the game can deliver, resulting in an underwhelming experience that feels more like a letdown than anything. South Park Snow Day: Key Details Price: $30 USD | £25 GBP | $60 AUD – Developer: Question Games – Release Date: March 27, 2024 – Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X/S – South Park Snow Day Trailer You’ve probably seen this before South Park Snow Day sees the ‘New Kid’ join the crew once more for even more shenanigans. Following on from the canonical events of the games before it, the kids return to their fantasy setting, complete with Elves, Humans, and a new mystical Dark Matter. Throughout the game’s relatively short playtime, the New Kid will experience a linear story that isn’t anything special. Its overarching structure is overly rigid, making each level predictable as you progress through the game. This predictability means by the final level you know exactly what’s going to happen, and leaves the player not particularly invested in the events that take place. Into a new dimension One of the stronger aspects of Snow Day is the jump from 2D to 3D. South Park looks pretty damn nice in the 3rd dimension, with locations and characters feeling right at home after the transition. This unfortunately is dampened quite a bit due to the overwhelming amount of snow covering each level. While there are certainly recognizable and iconic locations, it’s hard to tell where exactly the story is taking place due to the ever-present layer of white thrown across the levels. A subpar beat ’em up Snow Day departs from the turn-based RPG that we’ve come to know with South Park games in recent years. Instead, the new title opts for a multiplayer-style beat ’em up, complete with special cards and powers to augment players’ gameplay. The game will have you running around battlefields, taking down a variety of enemy types like Rangers, Assassins, and Bruisers, all whilst helping your AI or player companions. Players have the option of three different melee and ranged weapons, with two powers they can equip from a possible eight. This gives a reasonable amount of variety from level to level, which helps as there are only five levels to choose from. Each of these levels is comprised of stages that players fight through, eventually clearing it to move on to the next stage. The final stage of every level is a boss fight, where players have to work together to take down the foe before them. At the end of some levels, players encounter Jimmy, who will offer the player a selection of cards that can augment their fighting capabilities. Similar to this, Henrietta offers the player cards that can alter their currency or card levels. These cards only grant power for the run they’re active on. Stumbling in the snow One of the biggest issues Snow Day has is its sheer lack of content. With an incredibly short story, the game relies heavily on its replayability, urging players to repeat levels using different weapons and powers. Though the gameplay itself of Snow Day doesn’t hold up well enough to draw the player back in, at least not without others joining them for some online coop. As a solo player, your party is filled with AI New Kids, which can reduce the experience. There’s no option to remove the AI from your party either, which means you’re stuck permanently with the companions. There is a reason to rerun levels though, as the Dark Matter you collect throughout your gameplay can be traded in with Mr Hankey for upgrades that are maintained between runs. This includes increasing your damage, your stamina, or even the rarity of cards that appear in your levels. But it’s not the most enticing aspect after you roll credits the first time. Are we still in South Park? Ultimately, the biggest flaw with Snow Day is that it just doesn’t feel like a South Park game. Unlike Stick of Truth and Fractured But Whole, Snow Day barely features the characters we’ve come to love. Nor the show’s trademark sense of humor. The main crew (Kyle, Cartman, Stan, Kenny) barely show up throughout the game, only being featured as NPCs who don’t even battle alongside you. Even when you play with AI party members, you end up with completely random AI new kids, who hold no relevance to the story and just feel hollow. Even when you are playing with the AI, none of the main characters chime in or have conversations with one another, commenting on the events taking place. Most of your gameplay ends up being filled with repeated lines from the enemies you beat up, all of whom are not known characters in the show. Snow Day feels like any other multiplayer beat ‘em up, with a South Park skin slapped on top, which is such a letdown when the games before it did the world so much justice. Verdict: 2/5 South Park Snow Day feels like a step in the wrong direction for the franchise. With fantastic RPGs that nailed the vibe of the show so well, it’s hard to understand why they would instead move the games in such a misguided direction. With an uninteresting gameplay loop that relies on other players for its fun, the release just simply doesn’t hold up when put against other heavy hitters of a similar genre. And even when the game does feel good, it seldom feels like a South Park project, leaving players wondering what could have been. If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

South Park Snow Day PC requirements: Minimum & recommended YouTube: THQ NordicSouth Park Snow Day’s Multiplayer mayhem is nearly upon us but can your rig run it? We’ve got the minimum and recommended PC requirements for South Park Snow Day right here. South Park Snow Day is the next video game iteration of Trey Parker and Matt Stone’s controversial animated series. This live-service multiplayer take on the franchise continues the story of its popular predecessors. Promising a much more widespread battle for the mountain town of South Park, Snow Day will see players teaming up in online and local co-op. It also marks the series’ first foray into 3D graphics. With this big shift, it’s worth figuring out if the game will require more up-to-date hardware than Stick of Truth or The Fractured But Whole. Thanks to Steam, we can fill you in on the minimum and recommended PC requirements for South Park Snow Day. South Park Snow Day minimum PC specs South Park Snow Day recommended PC specs Those are the PC requirements for South Park Snow Day and they are thankfully quite forgiving. Most people eager to play shouldn’t face many roadblocks and that means a populated multiplayer experience. For more South Park content, you can check out our best episode list right here, as well as more Snow Day coverage below: Can you play South Park: Snow Day solo? | Does South Park: Snow Day have character customization? | South Park Snow Day PC requirements: Minimum & recommended | Is South Park: Snow Day coming to Nintendo Switch?

Is South Park: Snow Day coming to Nintendo Switch? Question LLC / THQ NORDICSouth Park: Snow Day is arriving soon but will the newest game for the beloved franchise be available to play on Nintendo Switch? We’ve got the answer right here. A new South Park game has been highly anticipated for a long time now, and South Park: Snow Day is finally being released in March. This is a co-op-centric game where players will work with up to 3 friends to progress through the story and take down other kids in intense wintry battles. Snow Day is a notable departure from the previous RPG gameplay of The Stick of Truth and The Fractured But Whole but the new 3D style has provided more freedom to develop the game’s world, and original series creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are still fully involved. It’s bound to be a fun South Park experience for fans but will it be available to play on Nintendo Switch? If you’re hoping to pick up the game on the hybrid console, we’ve got all the information you need right here. Will South Park: Snow Day be on Nintendo Switch? Yes, South Park: Snow Day will be coming to Nintendo Switch. The game will be released for the Nintendo console as well as PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC on March 26, 2024. This is great news for any fans who prefer to take their games on the go as it means you’ll be able to enjoy a quick snowball fight in South Park on your daily commute, and then pick up your progress on the big screen as soon as you get home. If you don’t have a Nintendo Switch, however, there are plenty of other options to pick up Snow Day on as well so hopefully, you can jump into the fun! For more South Park content, you can check out our best episode list right here, as well as more Snow Day coverage below: Can you play South Park: Snow Day solo? | Does South Park: Snow Day have character customization? | South Park Snow Day PC requirements: Minimum & recommended | Will South Park: Snow Day run on Steam Deck?

South Park Snow Day: How to revive teammates QUESTION LLC / THQ NORDICSouth Park Snow Day features many tough battles, and you will need to revive other players if they should fall during combat. Here’s how to revive your teammates. Understanding how to revive fallen teammates in South Park Snow Day is crucial for getting through any tough stages, particularly in the later stages of the game. When a teammate is downed, you’ll notice a skull indicator labeled “Revive” next to their health bar. This indicates they cannot move or participate in the battle, leaving them vulnerable to enemy attacks. You must revive them quickly before a swarm of enemies surrounds you. If you’re having trouble with reviving other teammates, here’s how to do it. How to revive teammates in South Park: Snow Day To revive a fallen teammate in South Park: Snow Day, approach them and stand in the circle that appears around them. The skull icon is also visible in the top left corner of the screen next to the player number to indicate who needs assistance. This circle represents the area for you to revive the teammate. The more players who stand in it, the faster the fallen teammate will be revived. A bright blue light fills the interior as you enter the circle. Remain inside until the light blue glow completely fills the circle, indicating the revival is complete. You might find yourself overwhelmed by enemy attacks, causing multiple teammates to go down nearby. In this situation, you can efficiently revive them all at once by strategically positioning yourself and saving time. For instance, if multiple teammates go down close to one another, you can stand in a position that falls in the revival circle of all of them, causing them to revive simultaneously. Furthermore, you also have the option to upgrade your Healing Totem with a card called Reviving Aura. This upgrade allows your Healing Totem not only to heal but also to revive fallen teammates. It’s a valuable asset, particularly when faced with higher difficulties, where players are more prone to getting downed frequently. You can purchase Reviving Aura and other upgrade cards from Jimmy, whom you’ll meet many times during your playthrough. For more South Park content, you can check out our more Snow Day coverage below: Can you play South Park: Snow Day solo? | Does South Park: Snow Day have crossplay & cross-progression | Does South Park: Snow Day have character customization? | South Park Snow Day PC requirements: Minimum & recommended

South Park: Snow Day All Trophies & Achievements Question LLC / THQ NORDICThere are various Trophies and Achievements available to unlock in South Park: Snow Day, so here’s a full rundown of them all. South Park: Snow Day has arrived, and the latest game based on the beloved animated series is all about spending a wintry day off school and defeating other kids in intense snowy battles with the help of your friends. As you progress through the story, you’ll be able to earn plenty of Trophies and Achievements by taking down bosses, helping your allies, and even farting on your enemies. For all the completionists out there, here’s a full rundown of the Trophies and Achievements you can unlock in South Park: Snow Day. All South Park: Snow Day Trophies & Achievements There are a total of 32 Trophies & Achievements you can unlock in South Park: Snow Day, including the coveted Platinum for PlayStation fans. Here’s a full list of them all: Official South Park Resident (Platinum Trophy) – Acquire all Trophies – No Tears Now, Only Dreams – While Invisible, defeat a human boss with a melee attack. – Grave Dancing – Dance while reviving an ally. – Van Helsing – Defeat 10 Vampire Kids. – Marhspooper – Defeat Stan within 25 minutes of starting your run. – Know Thy Enemy – Defeat Cartman without damaging any stationary decoy. – Clean Underwear – Kill 50 Pooplets in one battle. – Pirate Ship, Please! – Kill 3 enemies with cannonballs. – Put The Ass in Assassin – Fart on 3 Assassins using Fart Escape. – Middle Management – Revive an ally with a Cheesed Nacho. – Powdered Cheese Bath – Heal 150 points of damage with a single Healing Totem across any number of allies. – Found the Toot Button – Relieve the buildup of natural pressures in the gastrointestinal tract through quick, albeit semi-musical, bursts of gaseous release. – Impotent Vengeance – Toot on an enemy faction leader while dead. – Weed Killer – Defeat Kyle in his sacred grove. – The Cursed Bloodline – Defeat Liane at the church. – Fully Worthy – Become an honorary Marshwalker. – Dragon Killer – Defeat Stan at the playground. – Bastardly Behavior – Defeat Princess Kenny at the Town Square Amphitheater. – Inevitable Betrayal – Defeat Cartman in the foothills. – Everyone Needs Ambien – Defeat Mr. Hankey. – A New Rule – Finish a map with one extra Rulebook applied. – Hardcore – Find and accept all of Nichole’s Infernal Pacts across an entire run, and live to tell the tale. – The Green Seas – Make at least 4 enemies Vomit with no more than 1 second in between each. – Tap That Maple Syrup – Kill an Ent with Bleeding damage. – Discerning – Increase the Rarity of 10 upgrades to Rare or better. – Legendary – Acquire a Legendary Upgrade. – Ultra-Legendary – Acquire an Ultra-Legendary Upgrade. – The Escher of Necromancy – Use Cheesy Zombies on a Necro. – I’ll Do It Myself – Damage an enemy in your Event Horizon using your own projectile. – Death From Above – Defeat 10 enemies with weapon strikes from the air. – Fields of Flame – Set 4 or more enemies on fire with no more than 2 seconds in between each. – Mooncrash – Kill an enemy with an aerial attack after floating with Moon Jump for at least a second. – For more South Park content, check out our coverage below: Can you play South Park: Snow Day solo? | Does South Park: Snow Day have character customization? | South Park Snow Day PC requirements: Minimum & recommended specs

South Park: Snow Day: All editions & pre-order bonuses Question LLC / THQ NORDICSouth Park: Snow Day is arriving on March 26, 2024, and there are various editions of the game available to pre-order. Here’s a rundown of every version of Snow Day you can purchase and the unique bonuses they offer. The latest South Park game has almost arrived, and South Park: Snow Day is shaping up to be a fun co-op experience for fans of the beloved franchise to enjoy. While The Stick of Truth and The Fractured But Whole were RPGs, Snow Day is a 3D action game where you’ll have to battle it out against other kids in intense wintry battles. For those hoping to pre-order Snow Day before it officially launches, there are multiple editions to pick up that come with unique bonuses. If you’re wondering which version of the game to get, then we’ve got you covered. South Park: Snow Day editions & pre-order bonuses There are 3 versions of the game available to pre-order. You can find a full rundown of them all below: Standard edition – $29.99 / £24.99 The standard edition of South Park: Snow Day comes with the base game and the Underpants Gnome Cosmetics Pack. Digital Deluxe edition – $49.99 / £44.99 The Digital Deluxe version of the game comes with the following bonuses: Base game – Underpants Gnome Cosmetics Pack – Season Pass – Collector’s Edition – $219.99 / £189.99 Finally, the Collector’s Edition of South Park: Snow Day is the priciest option but it comes with a plethora of physical bonus goodies. The content included in the Collector’s edition is as follows: Everything in the Digital Deluxe edition – Grand Wizard Cartman: Snow Globe – Grand Wizard Cartman: Talking Toilet Paper Holder – Grand Wizard Cartman: Knit Beanie – 6 Tarot Cards – Original Soundtrack – For more South Park content, you can check out our best episode list right here, as well as more Snow Day coverage below: Can you play South Park: Snow Day solo? | Does South Park: Snow Day have character customization? | South Park Snow Day PC requirements: Minimum & recommended | Will South Park: Snow Day run on Steam Deck? If you click on a product link on this page we may earn a small affiliate commission.

South of Midnight: Trailer, platforms & everything we know so far XboxSouth of Midnight is a new third-person action-adventure game from Compulsion Games, the creators of We Happy Few. South of Midnight was announced at the 2023 Xbox Showcase in June, where we were treated to a stunning stop-motion animation trailer that offered a glimpse into the game’s setting and narrative. The showcase also introduced some of the characters, including the protagonist. A year later, in 2024, we now have a gameplay trailer and a release year just around the corner. Xbox describes the game as “fantastical and macabre,” which matches the tone of Compulsion’s previous work in We Happy Few. Here’s everything we know so far. Setting The game is set in a fantastical version of the Southern United States, where magic exists and a supernatural Southern Gothic atmosphere permeates the game. Compulsion aims to stay true to the South’s unique identity and culture, blending fantasy with magical realism. Gameplay In South of Midnight, we play as Hazel, introduced in the trailer during a conversation with Shakin’ Bones. While her background remains largely mysterious, we know the gameplay centers on stopping supernatural creatures and helping to set a troubled world right. The developers have revealed that these creatures are inspired by real-life folklore, and players will be able to use magic for both combat and traversal. What platforms is South of Midnight available on? South of Midnight will be an Xbox exclusive, available for Xbox Series X players through Xbox Game Pass. PC players can also enjoy the game via Steam. Does South of Midnight have a release date? The release date for South of Midnight is 2025, which was revealed during the 2024 Xbox Games Showcase. However, an official date and month for the game’s release have not been made public yet. Trailers for South of Midnight The first trailer for the game dropped in June 2023 at the Xbox Showcase. It uses stop-motion animation to introduce us to some of the characters and the game’s general macabre vibe. An additional trailer was released a year later during the June 2024 Xbox Showcase which showed off the general mechanics of the game as well as some of the monsters Hazel will be fighting to turn things in her world around.

SOURCES: EA to secretly release free-to-play Titanfall battle royale as early as next week Reports have surfaced online that point to the development and pending release of a battle royale game as part of the popular Titanfall series. Jeremy Hambly, host of the gaming commentary channel ‘TheQuartering‘ has broken the story of this upcoming Titanfall battle royale game, claiming that he’s received credible insider information about the development of the game. According to Hambly, that publishers EA will be announcing the game on Monday, February 4, which, interestingly enough, will be the same day that the full-fledged battle royale is released to the public. According to the information, EA will be making a “pseudo-announcement” on Saturday, February 2, which is likely to come as a teaser and not a formal revelation. Furthermore, it appears that the game will be free-to-play, which would follow the model that Fortnite Battle Royale has used to unprecedented success. Here are some of the highlights of the information and details that Hambly revealed in his video: The official name of the game will be ‘Apex Legends,’ and it will officially be part of the Titanfall series. – The game is developed by Respawn Entertainment. – The game is set to be announced and released on February 4 and will be available to play for free immediately. – Gameplay will be a crossover between Call of Duty’s Blackout and Rainbow 6 Siege, although with a battle royale format. – Teams will consist of a maximum of three players, with each player having a character that compliments the other two teammates. – Maps will consists of 60 total players, so a minimum of 20 teams. – There will be micro-transactions for both purchasable cosmetic items and in-game content. – The YouTuber also revealed that several prominent members of the battle royale community, including streamers Dr DisRespect and Shroud, had been previously invited to beta test Apex Legends, and will be part of the teaser announcement released on February 2. The only downside to this entire announcement is that Hambly was unable to confirm the validity of his information as Respawn mysteriously ended their communication after he sent them his findings. This means that the information should be treated as nothing more than rumors and speculation until a formal announcement is made. You can check out TheQuartering’s full video on this potential Titanfall battle royale down below.

Soulja Boy could be in hot water with Nintendo over knock-off consoles American rapper Soulja Boy’s recently introduced line of knock-off game consoles has gotten him a lot of press and ridicule, and it could even end up getting him time in prison. The “SouljaGame Console” and “SouljaGame Handheld” are currently available on SouljaWatch.com, with the console being advertised with 3000 built-in games and the handheld being able to run Switch, 3DS, Vita, NeoGeo, Game Boy Color and Advance games, and something just referred to as “SouljaGames.” Nintendo, whose games are being advertised as available with the consoles, is not a company to shy away from legal action on individuals doing exactly what Soulja Boy is: loading up emulator consoles with freely available game ROMs and then turning around and selling them. In fact, according to CinemaBlend, Nintendo is currently suing Mikel Euskaldunak, a Southern California resident who they accuse of modifying NES Classics and adding extra games, then selling the systems, which is a direct violation of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Soulja Boy starting esports team to compete in Fortnite, CoD, CS:GO and Overwatch“Now that he has four different game consoles that he’s selling, I’m gonna go ahead and say that Nintendo’s going to shoot for the 20-year sentence,” ProtoMario claimed in his video. “But they’re going to want his money, they’re going to want a lot of his money first.” While Soulja may not spend time in prison for offending Nintendo, ProtoMario believes he will at least “go broke over this.” “He’s going to have to answer for all these fake, clone consoles, and he’s probably going to have to answer to Nintendo,” the YouTuber added. Soulja Boy also recently announced plans to start his own esport franchise competing in various games like Overwatch and Fortnite, but getting sued by Nintendo could throw a serious wrench into those dreams.

Soulframe: Gameplay, trailer & everything we know Digital ExtremesDigital Extremes announced Soulframe, another free-to-play follow-up to 2013’s Warframe, and this more melee-focused game has already had a few details unveiled including its genre and gameplay. The newest MMO from Digital Extremes is Soulframe and shares a lot in common with the game that came before – Warframe. It will be free-to-play and will earn its money back through microtransactions, but it will provide players with more fantasy and physical action compared to Warframe. The game still seems to be in relative infancy, so details about Soulframe aren’t completely forthcoming, although we do know a decent bit to whet the appetite. Contents: Does Soulframe have a release date yet? Unfortunately, Soulframe is yet to have a concrete release date. Development for the game is still relatively early, so it’s not uncommon to be avoiding a definite release date. Soulframe gameplay Warframe fans were treated to a lengthy reveal of Soulframe at TennoCon 2022, the game’s director, Steve Sinclair, has dished out the dirt on what the game will offer. He claims that Soulframe is “the mirror universe version of ‘Warframe” and that it’s not a direct sequel to Warframe, more of a different take on the original. The game will retain its MMO principles and Sinclair adds: “Where ‘Warframe’ is super fast and crazy high-speed, this one’s going to be a lot more slow and heavy. But it still has a lot of similarities to the genre that we have experience in.” One of the biggest differences that will differentiate the two products is the gameplay: Warframe focused on shooting and guns, whereas Soulframe is going to complement its fantasy setting with melee combat – presumably using swords, hammers, and other powerful tools. Soulframe trailer The announcement of the game came in the form of a long, 4K cinematic reveal trailer which gives us a sneak peek into what to expect with the game’s narrative and the new world it’s going to build over the next decade. Do we know Soulframe’s platforms yet? Due to the early nature of the game’s development, the platforms Soulframe will release on are up to speculation. We feel that by the time it releases, Soulframe will arrive on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC. That’s everything we know so far about Digital Extremes’ Soulframe, check out our other gaming hubs below to keep up to date with other upcoming games: The Elder Scrolls 6 | GTA 6 | God of War: Ragnarok | Wolverine | Spider-Man 2 | Forspoken | Pokemon Violet & Scarlet | Wonder Woman | DokeV | FFXVI | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Sonic Frontiers | Dragon Age 4 | Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild sequel | The Witcher 3 next-gen patch | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Haunted Chocolatier | Hogwarts Legacy | The Expanse: A Telltale Series | Lies of P

Soul Hackers 2: Release date, trailers, gameplay & everything we know AtlusSoul Hackers 2, the highly anticipated sequel to Atlus’ JRPG is the developer’s latest upcoming title, so here’s everything we know about this beloved world’s trailers, platforms, and gameplay. The original Soul Hackers was a niche title when it was originally published in 1997, but the core fanbase has patiently awaited a follow-up for years. In early 2022, Soul Hackers 2 was finally revealed, and it’s shaping up to be a fantastic modern JRPG with traditional turn-based elements. Both diehard fans of the original, and newfound JRPG players — who may have been introduced to the genre through Atlus’ Persona franchise — should keep the game on their radar. Here’s everything we know about Soul Hackers 2 so far. Contents Soul Hackers 2 release date and platforms Soul Hackers 2 will launch worldwide on August 26, 2022, on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. In Japan, the game will receive an earlier launch on August 25, 2022, in Japan, but fans in all other territories won’t have to wait much longer to start playing. Soul Hackers 2 trailers Several trailers have been released so far in the build-up to release, each of which has provided new details about the game, including characters, story elements, and gameplay. Most recently, Atlus has been releasing Japanese trailers that focus on specific demons that will feature in Soul Hackers 2. The latest trailer was released on July 6, 2022, and features Melchizedek – a popular demon first introduced in the original game. A trailer introducing the English voice cast that will be featured in the game was released in June. Check out all of the trailers below. Announcement trailer The Calling trailer English cast reveal trailer Melchizedek trailer Gameplay features Soul Hackers 2 is a turn-based RPG that features a four-party battle system. In turn, each character can utilize a combination of elemental-based magic skills, physical attacks, and demon summons to defeat enemies. As the story progresses you’ll be able to recruit more demons to aid you in battle, as well as fusing them together to create new, powerful demon types. The core gameplay will be split between dungeon crawling and free-roaming around the main city, where players will have the opportunity to upgrade their gear and weapons while bonding with party members in social simulation segments. What do we know about Soul Hackers 2’s story? Soul Hackers 2 will follow the story of the new protagonist, Ringo — a supernatural being — and her friends as they attempt to stop a cataclysmic event that is predicted to doom humanity. Known as an ‘Aion’, Ringo has descended into the human world from her birthplace, the data information stream, in order to specifically prevent the event from happening. In the game’s official synopsis, Atlus states that players will “investigate the end of the world.” It continues, adding that players can “explore a supernatural RPG with stylish summons, and dark dangers lurking under the neon lights of Japan. It is up to the agents of Aion to decrypt destiny, and save the world from the apocalypse!” So, that’s everything we currently know about Soul Hackers 2. Make sure to check back often for more information as it is revealed. Be sure to check out our other hubs below, for all the latest information on upcoming video game releases: The Elder Scrolls 6 | Star Wars Jedi: Survivor | Digimon Survive | GTA 6 | Overwatch 2 | Assassin’s Creed Infinity | God of War: Ragnarok | Wolverine | Spider-Man 2 | Forspoken | Wonder Woman | Avatar Frontiers of Pandora | Sonic Frontiers | Dragon Age 4 | Legend of Zelda: Breath of The Wild sequel

Sorry Titus fans but Space Marine 2 proves Leandros was right Focus Entertainment/Games WorkshopSpace Marine 2 shows that the series’ most hated character had a point and rather than being Titus’ biggest hater, he’s actually his greatest advocate. Spoilers for Space Marine 2 are below! Those who haven’t played Space Marine 1 may be confused by the shocking reveal at the end of the sequel. It turns out that the Chaplain who’s been warning and advising Titus throughout the game is none other than Leandros, his rival from the first game and the one responsible for our hero’s tenure with the Deathwatch. However, we’d like to make the case for Leandros, as there is more to this character than the annoying jobsworth the memes would have you believe him to be. He actually fills a vital role for the Ultramarines Chapter and helped Titus become a better Space Marine – even if there’s no love lost between the two of them. Who is Leandros? As Space Marine 2 is set over 100 years after the first game, and another character now fills Leandros’ role as a foil for Titus, many fans likely forgot about him or assumed he’s long dead. Instead, Leandros has been promoted and is now responsible for the Chapter’s purity, ensuring none of his brothers fall to heresy. However, this isn’t revealed until the very end, and only after Leandros has already played a significant role in the story. In Space Marine 1, Leandros was an Astartes under the command of (then) Captain Titus and while he obeyed orders, the two often butted heads. Leandros believed in following the Codex Astartes, a guidebook for all Space Marines, to the letter and was often disturbed by his captain’s cavalier attitude. Titus had a tendency to bend the rules for a greater purpose and this didn’t sit right with his straight-laced squadmember. Leandros would fall in line behind Titus, despite his reservations about his methods, as Titus was the superior officer. However, when Titus showed a suspicious resistance to Chaos taint and became the target of a Chaos Lord hoping to corrupt the Ultramarine captain, Leandros became far more concerned. The two would continue to clash, and while Titus was always motivated by doing the right thing, he veered dangerously close to heresy in doing so. Concerned, Leandros would report Titus to the Inquisition and the hero would willingly go with them to prove his innocence. The Inquisition felt there was merit to Leandros’ claim, and this alone goes some way to justifying him tattling on his legendary Ultramarine commander. Why Leandros was justified Once Titus was returned to the Ultramarines after serving with the Deathwatch, he was a changed man. He was no longer as impetuous and cavalier and took more care when making decisions. Titus also seemed to find a new reverence for the Codex Astartes and appeared to be a more capable commander than he had even been in Space Marine 1. To be clear, Titus was innocent and the Inquisition could find no evidence of heresy. The Ultramarines Chief Librarian also did a psychic mind read on Titus and cleared him for duty, claiming he was free of Chaos taint. Even the Ultramarines Chapter Master, Marneus Calgar, went to bat for him after learning of his plight. But Leandros still behaved correctly in reporting and suspecting Titus. You see, the Codex Astartes isn’t just a guideline for Space Marines; it contains the wisdom to ward away Chaos and was written by Robute Guilliman, the Ultramarines Primach and son of the Emperor, after he witnessed half of his brothers and their legions fall to Chaos. In short, it’s to be taken seriously. As much as we love him, Titus wasn’t taking it seriously enough in Space Marine 1, this coupled with his very unique resistance to Chaos was more than enough to raise alarm bells. Space Marines and Space Marine Chapters fall to the Ruinous Powers all the time in Warhammer 40K. Tragically, this usually happens when they’re trying to do the right thing, but it leads to them defying the Imperium in some way. While some Marines turn renegade and resist the pull of Chaos, fighting to defend humanity in their own way, many eventually succumb to its temptations once they abandon the Codex. Fortunately, Titus was simply an exception, but to Leandros, heresy was the most likely outcome. The Ultramarines Chaplain After seeing Titus return to the Chapter, Leandros kept his identity a secret, speaking to Titus from behind his skull mask that all Chaplains wear. But he was likely to still be wary of him, even though approval to rejoin the Chapter should be more than enough evidence of innocence. It’s worth pointing out though, that even though Leandros warned Titus he was watching him at the end of the game, he still went with his former Captain on their next mission and acknowledged him as a hero. Not only that but while he gave Titus multiple warnings in his role as a Chaplain during the game’s campaign, he also often encouraged his former rival. In doing so, he helped Titus achieve his potential, regain his honor, and prove his detractors – including himself – wrong. By the time the Chaos threat had been defeated in Space Marine 2, Leandros was likely satisfied that he was wrong about Titus, but he was absolutely right to have had his suspicions. A Chaplain’s work is never done and the elevation of Leandros to this position shows that he’s the ideal character for the role – and this says a lot about him. However, while we felt the need to defend Leandros against his heretical critics, we’d encourage the funny memes to continue.

Sorry Geoff, but Gamescom’s Opening Night had two massive problems Gamescom 2024 has kicked off with the Gamescom Opening Night live show. Two hours of debuts, reveals, and gameplay trailers gave gamers a look at upcoming projects by iconic studios. Unfortunately, there were two big problems. Measuring up to the hyped game release schedule of 2023 hasn’t been easy. After hits like Baldur’s Gate 3, Starfield, Remnant 2, and Tears of the Kingdom, 2024 isn’t packing the same heat. While I was hoping Gamescom Opening Night would solve the bleak outlook on upcoming releases, two major issues plagued the showcase – not including the dead silent live audience that filled the auditorium. Two hours of similar trailers turned into white noise After Geoff Keighley stepped out on stage to start the Opening Night events, viewers of the first Gamescom showcase of 2024 were met with back-to-back trailers for a selection of titles set to release in the near future. While updates for Marvel Rivals, Monster Hunter Wilds, Call of Duty Black Ops 6, and Starfield DLC were all exciting to see, only the Borderlands 4 announcement stood out as a truly shocking moment throughout the entire show – and it was the first thing viewers saw as they tuned in. Between these anticipated titles, however, players were greeted by a slew of dark, gritty shooter games with horror elements. Each looked fairly similar, and most seemed to be there to drag the show to its intended two-hour length. More than once, I found myself zoning out as a trailer for something interesting faded into grimy, low-lit rooms filled with dark ghouls and gunfire. Dying Light: The Beast, The Dark Pictures Anthology: Directive 8020, and No More Room in Hell 2 all bled together, eventually becoming white noise as gunfire peppered the background music. The short of it was that the showcase was far too long, and held very little between big titles to stay interesting. Additionally, a lack of diversity made the two-hour showtime feel even more arduous and only appealed to a small selection of fans. An hour would have been more than enough time to cover the big news and would have removed the possibility of trailers becoming repetitive and easy to tune out. Gamescom Opening Night Fell Into The Game Awards Rut Any time Geoff steps out on stage, I know it’s going to be a grit fest. While there was plenty to love about the FPS games, gorey RPGs, and bleak survival horror settings, there was a distinct lack of diversity in the reveal lineup was is incredibly disappointing. Just like with The Game Awards, a lack of brighter, more upbeat titles creates a monotone showcase experience that just isn’t fun to watch. With exciting titles like Visions of Mana, Farmagia, Metaphor: ReFantazio, and Harry Potter: Quidditch World Champions all slotted for this year, it was a shame to see them missing. While there were a few pops of color thanks to Infinity Nikki, Genshin Impact, and Floatopia, staple JRPGs aimed at a more diverse audience were tragically absent, and the live stream would have benefitted from their inclusion simply to provide viewers a different texture and color pallet. Bloat to hide a bleak release schedule My big takeaway from Gamescom Opening Night is that showcases have become much too long. To hit the desired air time, trailer stuffing of similar games becomes problematic and dull. These live shows are meant to get gamers excited about what is coming out next, but it’s hard to be excited when you are bored or stop paying attention because it all blends together. It is clear that Geoff is trying to make the most out of what has become an exciting experience for everyone who loves gaming. However, the effort falls a bit flat when players eagerly wait for announcements on favorite franchises outside of FPS staples and they are never mentioned. The bloat took away from big reveals like Borderlands 4, Little Nightmares 3, Civ 7, and Monster Hunter Wilds. The showcase would have held attention and left a much bigger impact if Gamescom had decided to stick with the biggest games, letting the AAA Titles normally highlighted stand in the spotlight. Longer isn’t always better, and in this case, concise would have been the recipe for success. While gamers have a few key releases to begin ramping up for in the coming months, the Gamescom Opening Night showcase highlighted that nothing earth-shattering is likely to drop before the end of the year and that the market is in for a large number of mid-tone, creepy shooters while we wait. If you’d like to know more about the biggest gaming event in the world, check out our Gamescom schedule to stay up to date on all livestreams, events, and reveals.

Sony’s Spartacus is a PlayStation Plus refresh and offers 700 games PlayStationSony has revealed its new-look PlayStation Plus service, with subscribers able to access free monthly games and other added benefits once it launches in June. Sony has officially revealed its refreshed PlayStation Plus (formerly known as Project Spartacus), a new tiered subscription service poised to challenge Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass while also adding features including extended game demos and backward compatible titles. According to the PlayStation Blog, the new version of PlayStation Plus, which starts at £6.99/$9.99 per month, will offer the same features as it does right now under the PS Plus Essentials name. The second tier will add over 400 PS4 and PS5 titles that include the likes of Spider-Man: Miles Morales, God of War, and plenty more. Finally, the most expensive tier will add PS1, PS2, and PSP titles, as well as the option to stream PS3 and PS4 titles. PlayStation Plus tiers explained The new version of PlayStation Plus will offer a trio of subscription options, each with its own features and pricing. PS Plus Essentials will cost $9.99/£6.99 a month, $24.99/£19.99 for three months, or $59.99/£49.99 a year. It includes online multiplayer, cloud storage for saved games, as well as discounts in the PlayStation Store. It’ll now add two monthly games, rather than the usual three. PS Plus Extra costs $14.99/£10.99 per month, $39.99/£31.99 for three months, or $99.99/£83.99 per year. It offers the benefits of PS Plus Essentials, while also adding a collection of 400 PS4 and PS5 titles that include first and third-party titles like Returnal, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Mortal Kombat 11, and Death Stranding. These can be downloaded, but the full game list is yet to be revealed. Finally, PlayStation Plus Premium will cost $17.99/£13.49 per month, $49.99/£39.99 for three months, or $119.99/£99.99 for an annual membership. This tier will add 340 additional games on top of the prior membership benefits. These include PS3 games available through cloud streaming, as well as PlayStation 1, PS2 and PSP titles that can be streamed or downloaded. Subscribers will also have access to “time-limited game trials” on selected titles. In markets where game streaming isn’t available, players will be able to subscribe to PlayStation Plus Deluxe, which offers the same as PlayStation Plus Premium but without streaming benefits and at a cheaper price point. According to Sony’s blog post, PlayStation Now will no longer be available as a standalone service. Users will be moved onto the Premium tier subscription with no change to the cost. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, PlayStation CEO Jim Ryan said “we have combined subscription numbers in excess of 50 million now, and we’re happy with that. That’s a good number.” “But we really do feel that we can do better in the way that we offer these services to our gamers and subscribers. For example, 75% of those who subscribe to PlayStation Now also subscribe to PlayStation Plus. We think we should be doing better by those people. And that’s just one example.” For more on PlayStation Plus, be sure to check out all we know about April’s free games here.

Sony unveils new customizable accessibility PS5 controller: Project Leonardo SonySony’s latest PS5 controller kit, Project Leonardo has been revealed and is designed to help players with disabilities play more easily and comfortably. Project Leonardo, presumably named after Leonardo Di Vinci’s many armed Vitruvian Man, has been designed by Sony to “remove barriers to gaming.” Revealed at CES 2023 the controller has been created to help players with disabilities “play for longer periods on PS5.” Accessibility, and making games as inclusive as possible, has been a priority for Sony in recent years, with games like God of War Ragnarok and The Last of Us Part I, featuring a wide array of features to help players with disabilities enjoy their first party titles. Sony has consulted numerous accessibility experts and organizations like AbleGamers, SpecialEffect, and Stack Up, when configuring the controller’s layout and customizable features. It’s also expected to work in tandem with many third-party accessibility accessories on PS5. Fully customizable Players with limited motor control or those who struggle pressing small buttons, triggers, or positioning thumbs and fingers on a standard controller, have been kept at the forefront of Project Leonardo’s design. The controller features many different layouts and options that can be tailored to a player’s individual needs and comfort, especially when it comes to their strength, range of motion, and other physical needs. Not only can players engage in button mapping to create their perfect control template, but they can also save multiple layouts to their PSN profile, allowing them to ensure every game is optimized for their needs. The DualSense controller was the inspiration behind Project Leonardo’s design, with the accessibility controller looking a lot like the PS5 controller in terms of the white-on-black aesthetic. This makes the new controller an unmistakable member of the PS5 accessory family. There’s no release date for Project Leonardo at the moment, Sony is still perfecting the controller and gathering feedback from the community. We’ll keep you updated when we know more. Until then, check out everything we know about PS VR2.

Sony suspends all sales in Russia including PS5 & PlayStation games Polyphony DigitalSony has suspended all sales in Russia including hardware and new PlayStation 5 releases such as Gran Turismo 7. The company also plans to cease PlayStation Store operations as it calls for worldwide peace. The PlayStation makers are joining Microsoft and Activision-Blizzard as some of the entities pulling out of the region amid the Ukrainian conflict. “Sony Interactive Entertainment joins the global community in calling for peace in Ukraine,” Sony said. “We have suspended all software and hardware shipments, the launch of Gran Turismo 7, and operations of the PlayStation Store in Russia.” Ahead of their March 9 State of Play, Sony revealed they would no longer facilitate new PlayStation products to the Russian state both digitally and physically. Additionally, the company will contribute to a humanitarian fund to aid victims as the conflict in the region has impacted thousands of civilians. “To support humanitarian aid, Sony Group Corporation announced a $2 million (USD) donation to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the international NGO, Save the Children, to support the victims of this tragedy,” they said. This comes a week after Sony launched its PlayStation staple franchise, Gran Turismo 7, and just before the release Grand Theft Auto 5’s next-gen update and exclusive software like Ghostwire: Tokyo. Other games industry giants have taken similar action against the state of Russia. EA previously removed Russian clubs and the Russian national team from FIFA 22 and NHL 22. Meanwhile, sales for major titles like Overwatch, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, and more were recently pulled from the region as Activision reacted to the Ukraine conflict.

Sony reveals surprising news about E3 2019 As publishers begin gearing up for the 2019 edition of the annual trade conference, Sony has announced major news regarding their status at the event. The Electonic Entertainment Expo, or E3, is the biggest trade show of the year for the gaming industry and is a place where most companies announce the biggest titles every year. Despite the status of the show within the industry, it looks like the 2019 edition will missing one of its “Big Three.” Confirmed in a press release on November 15, Sony will indeed be skipping the event in 2019, meaning that only Nintendo and Microsoft will be the only two of the Big Three in attendance. This marks the first time in the event’s 24-year history that Sony will not be attending the event. This looks to be another blow to the conference that has been waning in popularity over the last few years. While many companies still hold their major releases for the show, some are beginning to hold their own events separate from the show itself. During E3 2018, both Electronic Arts and Microsoft both held events during the same week of E3, but didn’t hold them at the Los Angeles Convention Center where the rest of the event took place. Nintendo has been showing pre-recorded videos rather than live conferences for the last couple of years, as well. Despite many seeing this as Sony not seeing the relative worth of holding a conference at the event, Kotaku’s Jason Schreier believes there is another reason completely for the move. IMO this move says less about E3’s relevance and more about Sony’s overall 2019 strategy (nobody needs another Death Stranding trailer) but if it is the harbinger of E3’s doom, that’ll be a bummer — Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) November 15, 2018 While he agrees that it would be a sad sight to see if this truly is the death bell for E3, he mainly believes that this is another sign that the PlayStation 5 will be released in 2020. There have been rumors about the next generation of consoles for the last couple of years, and if this is true, it looks like things could be on their way sooner rather than later.

Sony reveals PS5 footage showing how much faster it is vs PS4 A video has surfaced showing the power of the highly-anticipated PlayStation 5 console compared to its PlayStation 4 Pro counterpart. Confirmed news about the upcoming PS5 next-gen console has been sparse, with details such as the release date and price point continually changing after rumors and speculation. Yet, one thing that fans do know, is just how powerful their platform is going to be. Sony’s lead system architect Mark Cern had previously confirmed some aspects of the new console, showing just how far a leap into the next generation that PlayStation would be taking. Yet, there has finally been some visual evidence to show just how far they’ve come since releasing the PS4 and PS4 Pro. Wall Street Journal tech journalist Takashi Mochizuki tweeted out details from Sony’s corporate strategy conference in Japan. His post about the difference in speeds between the two console quickly caught attention – especially when it seemed like the PS5 loaded games in the blink of an eye. In the video, Sony revealed that on the PS4, Marvel’s Spider-Man takes around 8.10 seconds to load up, whereas, on the PS5, that loading time comes crashing down to a staggering 0.83 seconds. The game also looks like it has had a revamp too, with lighting and background colors changing a whole lot in the comparison between the two. Sony’s official video comparing performance of PS4 Pro vs next-gen PlayStation pic.twitter.com/2eUROxKFLq — Takashi Mochizuki (@mochi_wsj) May 21, 2019 While nobody can be certain about whether or not Sony intended for the details, or video, to surface, it certainly backs up claims of little-to-no load times with titles on the PS5, even though they state that is still under development. The console giant has already confirmed that they won’t be attending the upcoming E3 2019 trade fair, which kicks off on June 11, so fans and spectators won’t get to see the blistering speeds in action during the hype of other industry announcements. Yet, at least there is now some visual indication of just how far Sony has taken their beloved consoles, stepping right into the next generation with insane power, leaving Microsoft to return serve with their Xbox offering.

Sony reveals plans for new AAA multiplayer game with Assassin’s Creed creator SonySony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) revealed plans for a AAA multiplayer game from Assassin’s Creed lead creator Jade Raymond and her new studio Haven Games. The Montreal-based developer was welcomed as the newest member of PlayStation Studios on March 21, joining companies like Naughty Dog, Guerrilla Games, Insomniac Games, Sucker Punch, and more. “Haven Studios is an emerging studio with an exceptional team of talent and we’re delighted to welcome them into the PlayStation as our first development studio in Canada,” SIE President & CEO Jim Ryan said. Though not much is known about Haven’s first title, Sony was impressed with how it’s been developing over the last year since Raymond first revealed the studio and its vision. Haven Game’s AAA PlayStation title Haven Games’ first project is an unannounced live-service game with a heavy focus on multiplayer that will incorporate an evolving world focused on players. “Our first new IP for PlayStation is on track to deliver a AAA multiplier experience with a vision to build a systemic and evolving world focused on freedom, thrill, and playfulness that will keep players entertained and engaged for years,” Raymond said in the announcement. By the sounds of it, Haven’s first IP will be exclusive to PlayStation 5 as the devs prepare to make the next “blockbuster” title for Sony. We’re so excited to join the @Playstation Worldwide Studios family and their amazing teams! https://t.co/LVfi0as8a1 — Haven Studios (@HavenStudiosInc) March 21, 2022 More details on the title have yet to be revealed since it’s still early in its development cycle but Sony is banking on it to be a “player-first, collaborative game environment that can last for generations.” Usually, Sony works with a studio on a few projects before bringing them on as a member of PS Studio family. But Haven’s progress so far was enough for SIE to have the new company on board. Sony has big plans for live-service games in its future and Haven will be another studio in its arsenal of devs that will be able to bring big experiences to PlayStation’s catalog of titles.

Sony reveals Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered PC features and specs Insomniac GamesSony revealed the full spec list for Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered on PC, along with new features like ray-traced shadows and ultrawide monitor support. Sony first revealed that both Marvel’s Spider-Man and Miles Morales would make their way to PC sometime later this year during the June 2022 State of Play. While fans could see the graphical improvements at a glance during the port’s reveal trailer, the full list of features had yet to be revealed. Now, Sony has finally unveiled a detailed spec sheet and a host of graphical improvements for players looking to swing into Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered on PC on August 12, 2022. Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered new features and specs The news comes from the official PlayStation blog, where Insomniac’s Mike Fitzgerald talked about the team’s goal to make “a visual stunner” on PC. Fans with hardware that supports it can expect ray-traced reflections, as well as both NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) and NVIDIA DLSS (Deep Learning Anti-Aliasing) for players with GeForce RTX support. Additionally, Marvel’s Spider-man includes support for ultrawide and multi-monitor setups and a host of customizable rendering systems, with players being able to adjust texture filtering, level of detail quality, and much more. To showcase some of these features in action, Sony released a brand new trailer that shows off some stunning set-pieces running on PC. The blog posts also revealed that Marvel’s Spider-Man on PC will support multiple different periphals, including DualSense wireless controller support. Finally, the post revealed a full spec list ahead of release, which includes Minimum specs all the way to Ultimate Ray Tracing specs. For the minimum requirements, players will need at least an NVIDIA Geforce GTX 950 or AMD equivalent graphics card, an Intel Core i3 4160 or AMD equivalent CPU, and at least 8 GBs of RAM. For the maximum requirements, players will need an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 or an AMD Radeon RX 6950 XT GPU, an Intel Core i7 – 12700K or AMD Ryzen 9 5900X CPU, and 32 GBs of RAM. With those requirements in mind, players can look forward to Marvel’s Spider-man Remastered launching on PC on August 12, 2022.

Sony reveal full PS5 specs, PS4 comparison and SSD speed SonyPlayStation fans have finally been given more details about the upcoming PS5. There had been much anticipation about Sony’s new console and the March 18 presentation while technical, did reveal just how powerful it will be. Following a surprise drop of information for the Xbox Series X on March 16, Sony announced a livestream where PS5 lead system architect, Mark Cerny, would provide a “deep dive” into the PS5 system. In the build-up to the livestream, renowned gaming journalist, Jason Schreier, revealed one person, someone who appeared to be in the know, said it was the “the most exciting hardware in 20 years”. Now we can certainly see why. I don’t know how many teraflops (lol) the PS5 has, but this is the sentiment I’ve heard from several technical-minded folks. One told me it was “”the most exciting hardware in 20 years.”” Will be fascinating to see how it stacks up to the impressive Xbox Series X specs https://t.co/q7i0ET95Yq — Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) March 17, 2020 PS5 vs PS4 specs The full PlayStation 5 specs have been revealed (via Eurogamer) and, unsurprisingly, they blow the PS4 away. PS5 vs Xbox specs What fans really want to know though, is how does the PS5 stack up to their biggest competitor, Xbox Series X. Well, on paper, the Xbox is more powerful but often the decision isn’t as simple as ‘which is more powerful’. Interestingly, Mark Cerny spent some of the presentation to make it clear that more teraflops and CUs doesn’t necessarily mean more power. Whether this was a result of the Xbox Series X specs or just a natural part of the presentation, we’ll perhaps never know. SSD speeds on PlayStation 5 The presentation started with discussion about adding an SSD to the PS5. Cerny revealed that the previous HDD in the PS4 – along with the CPU of course – was a bottleneck for game development. The increasingly expansive worlds just couldn’t be loaded quick enough on the older technology which has brought us to the point of an SSD being necessity. For example, the bandwidth of the PS4 HDD was 50-100MB/s. In comparison, the PS5 SSD target is at least 5 GB/s – a minimum of 100 times faster! In other words the difference between load times is reportedly 1GB in 20 seconds for the PS4, and 2GB in 0.27 seconds for the PS5. That is nearly 150 times quicker! PS4 backwards compatible on PS5? There had been rumors over the last several months that the PS5 would be fully backwards compatible with the PS4, PS3, PS2, and PS1. We are getting backwards compatibility but perhaps not to the extent that was hoped. It has been confirmed that Sony are working on determining the top 100 PS4 games. It will be these that are backwards compatible. There was no mention of whether this would be expanded upon and how this would relate to the PS3, PS2, and PS1. PS5 release date Another bit of good of news that came from the reveal was the fact that no announcement regarding a delay to the 2020 release date. The current global health situation has put its release date into question. Hopefully in this case we can assume no news is good news. Elsewhere, we don’t know whether this news will impact the same rumors about the Xbox Series X, though. Microsoft haven’t commented amid the rumors. With the specs and technical details out in the open, fans will now look to news of games and perhaps even some video showing off the next-generation capabilities.

Sony responds to Microsoft claim that Activision has no “must-have” games In a clearance application for the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft argues that the developer has no “must have” games, but Sony argues otherwise. In January of this year, Microsoft confirmed that it would be acquiring the video game holding company, Activision Blizzard. The company is known for its iconic franchises which include Overwatch, Candy Crush Saga, and Call of Duty. Of course, the news was met with concern for fans of these franchises that were team PlayStation. As the console wars rage and Xbox confirmed its other acquired studios wouldn’t develop cross-platform games, CoD fans, in particular, were leery of the news. But Microsoft would later confirm Call of Duty titles would continue to release on the PlayStation 5. Now, as we near the final steps in the acquisition process, Microsoft argues that there is “nothing unique” about the games Acti-Blizz develops. However, Sony has responded with an adverse opinion. Sony and Microsoft argue Activision’s importance In a clearance application to the Commerce Commission of New Zealand, Microsoft argued reasons why the commission should allow the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Among the 81-page document, Microsoft made a rather jarring argument. They stated, “With respect to Activision Blizzard video games, there is nothing unique about the video games developed and published by Activision Blizzard that is a ‘must have’ for rival PC and console video game distributors that could give rise to a foreclosure concern.” But in order for the acquisition to be allowed, Microsoft also needs legal confirmation from competition regulators across the globe. The review process started in Brazil on May 20th, and one of the third-parties questioned was Sony. A recap of all of the questions and answers was posted to Resetera by user Idas. Sony was asked whether Activision Blizzard offered any titles that had no “close competition” and how the market would be affected if Acti-Blizz titles were to become Xbox exclusive. Idas wrote, “Sony believes that none of these developers could create a franchise to rival Activision’s Call of Duty, which stands out as a gaming category on its own. That’s why they believe that Call of Duty is so popular that it influences users’ choice of console. In fact, their network of loyal users is so ingrained that even if a competitor had the budget to develop a similar product, it would not be able to create a rival.” Of the competitors questioned, Sony offered the most negative responses. However, with Xbox already confirming that Call of Duty would remain playable on PlayStation consoles, Sony’s arguments are a moot point.

Sony respond to rumors God of War Ragnarok is PS5 exclusive Santa Monica Studios, SonySony CEO Jim Ryan recently sat down to discuss the future of the PS5, and address rumors surrounding God of War Ragnarok, a major PS5 exclusive. [jwplayer FEvwH1Re] One of the key selling points for any new console is its exclusives, games that will pretty much only see the light of day on one console for the foreseeable future. There’s been some mixed reaction to many of the PS5’s current playable games also being advertised for the PS4 too. This includes huge names such as Horizon Forbidden West and Spider-Man: Miles Morales. However, Jim Ryan, Sony CEO, has addressed possible rumors that God of War Ragnarok may not be a PS5 exclusive after all. Will God of War be on any other console? Since the first game came out on the PlayStation 2 in 2005, God of War has only ever been seen on PlayStation home consoles and portable consoles. But, in trying to appeal to a wider audience, Sony has allowed scaled-down versions (that can’t match the PS5’s power) to be accessible on the PS4 in the future. In an interview with The Telegraph, Jim Ryan was asked to confirm whether or not God of War Ragnorak will be a PS5 exclusive. “Sorry. I’ve got nothing about this to say today.” Not the definitive answer that many PS5 users would have been hoping for, he simply responded: “Sorry. I’ve got nothing about this to say today.” As stated previously, if God of War Ragnorak did come to the PS4, then it would be a stripped-down version of its PS5 counterpart. It wouldn’t boast the same swift load times and there would be a noticeable drop in graphical fidelity. Could God of War appear on a non-Sony console? Whilst we cannot rule the possibility out at this time, it would be extremely unlikely that God of War Ragnarok makes its way onto non-PlayStation platforms. Santa Monica Studios is a first-party studio for Sony and I’m sure there’s no way Sony would let GOW appear on any other hardware. Given the immeasurable success that God of War (2018) enjoyed, it’s safe to say that the hype for a new Ragnarok will be through the roof.

Sony reportedly limiting PlayStation 5 availability at launch LetsGoDigitalIt might be difficult to get your hands on a PlayStation 5 at release as Sony is reportedly planning for a limited launch in its first year on the market. Since the release of the first PlayStation in 1994, Sony has launched a new generation of console hardware every six to seven years. As the PlayStation 5 gears up for release at the tail end of 2020 however, it is reportedly set for a more limited launch than initially anticipated. While Sony remains steadfast in its goal to release the console this calendar year and capitalize on the typical Christmas shopping period, it appears that the new launch will come with a few unique downsides. An April 15 report from Bloomberg outlined how Sony intends to “produce far fewer units of its upcoming PlayStation 5” in comparison to previous hardware releases. While the PlayStation 4 sold 7.5 million units at launch, the PlayStation 5 will reportedly peter out at “five to six million units in the fiscal year ending March 2021.” Sony is allegedly approaching its new hardware launch with this strategy due to the “ambitious specs” of the new console ramping up its price tag. The hardware under the hood could lead to a lofty price point at release, forcing Sony to limit its mass production. The report also outlined how Sony has no plans to delay the release of the console if the team at Microsoft isn’t delaying the release of the Xbox Series X. Components are starting to be delivered to “PS5 assemblers” according to Bloomberg, with mass production set to commence by June. The company is also still aiming for a global launch as opposed to a staggered release around the world. It is worth keeping in mind that plans could change as the ongoing global situation continues to unfold. Software has already seen a major hit as many game developers have been forced to delay their titles indefinitely. There’s no telling how big of an impact this could have on the PlayStation 5’s intended launch lineup of games. If you’re looking forward to setting up a PlayStation 5 on day one, you may just have to get your pre-order in early.

Sony warns PS5 will cost more if the President increases China tariffs SonyThe President’ss dealings with China could have a notable effect on gamer’s pockets, when it comes to PS4 and PS5 sales, Sony have warned. The American President has long been critical of the trade deal between the U.S, and China. It was a topic that was continually discussed in the lead up to his election and nearly three years later it is still high on the agenda. If China’s tariffs are increased it would mean exporting goods would cost companies more. This would have a huge effect on companies such as Sony who export millions of console units every year. Gamers are still wondering what the price of the PS5 will be… It has been estimated that a change to the current tariff could increase the price of such goods by 25%. Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo have jointly expressed their concerns claiming: “A price increase of 25% will likely put a new video game console out of reach for many American families who we expect to be in the market for a console this holiday season.” Read More: When is the PlayStation 5 coming out? – The President maintains he has a good relationship with China and will remain steadfast in getting a good deal. He doesn’t blame China saying: “After all, who can blame a country for being able to take advantage of another country to the benefit of its citizens?” The actual increase all depends on what deal the President can strike with China, though. Currently a deal doesn’t look close as the President has stated: “[China] should probably wait out our Election to see if we get one of the Democrat stiffs like Sleepy Joe. Then they could make a GREAT deal, like in past 30 years, and continue to ripoff the USA.” …to ripoff the USA, even bigger and better than ever before. The problem with them waiting, however, is that if & when I win, the deal that they get will be much tougher than what we are negotiating now…or no deal at all. We have all the cards, our past leaders never got it! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 30, 2019 Whether any trade deal would affect the cost of products such as the forthcoming PlayStation 5 remains to be seen. Sony are in the business of making money and it is unlikely they would pass on all additional costs to the consumer. Doing so would almost certainly result in a steep drop in sales. However, that’s not to say consoles imported from the east wouldn’t increase in price. Companies such as Sony would need to decide how much of that cost they would pass on, in order to find the price point that would generate them the most profit. Irrespective of what type of deal is made between the U.S. and China, PlayStation fans will still be able to buy Sony’s consoles. but it might cost them a bit more than expected

Are Sony beginning to drop hints about the PS5 release date? The PS5 hype has ramped up since the specs were surprisingly revealed. Now, Sony are dropping hints for the release date of their new console. No PS5 in the next 12 months While Sony haven’t confirmed the PS5 release date, they did assert that it won’t be coming in the next 12 months. That means we won’t see a PlayStation 5 release before April 2020. Tech Reporter, Takashi Mochizuki, has reported that Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) have stated that the PS5 won’t be coming in the next fiscal year. This is shown in SIE’s forecast for the 2019 fiscal year. Sony: -No next-gen PlayStation launch over next 12 months -PS Now has been ave. 40% annual growth since launch, now 700,000 users -Much of Y31.1 billion (difference between past fy op vs this fy op outlook) to be invested to develop next PlayStation console— Takashi Mochizuki (@mochi_wsj) April 26, 2019 This news won’t come as a huge surprise, as few analysts had expected Sony’s upcoming PlayStation console to release before then. With Sony dropping hints about the PS5 release date, deliberate or not, we could expect an announcement soon. The prime date for this announcement would be the upcoming PlayStation Experience (PSX) event. As of writing the 2019 PSX event hasn’t been scheduled. However, the last two events were held in August. What can we expect the PS5 then? With Sony revealing the PS5 specs, this indicates that the PlayStation 5 isn’t a million miles away. We know the PS5 isn’t coming before April 2020 but this doesn’t rule out anytime after May 2020. However, a May 2020 release date, or anytime during that summer, is unlikely as games consoles rarely release during this period. A November 2020 PS5 release is now the most likely scenario. Industry analysts and previous leaks have stated that this seems the opportune time. This means the PlayStation 5 might be available in just over 18 months time. On top of the exciting prospect of stable 4K 60 FPS gaming for the first time on a console, gamers will be wondering what games might release alongside the PS5. A November 2020 release means the Call of Duty game following the apparent Modern Warfare 4 game will be available on PS5. Additionally, GTA 6 rumors are starting to gather momentum with some people believing a GTA 6 release in late 2020 is also a possibility.

Sony patents new PlayStation DualShock controller – could it be for PS5? Sony has filed a new patent for an updated DualShock controller and it could reveal our first glimpse at the PlayStation 5 design with a number of unique features. The DualShock controller has seen a wide assortment of iterations since its initial release just three years into the life cycle of the first PlayStation console in 1997. While Sony has attempted to break the mold and conceptualize new designs such as the original PlayStation 3 boomerang controller, the gaming industry juggernauts always fall back upon the trusty DualShock layout with minor updates throughout each console generation. From the iconic face buttons to the familiar analog stick layout, it appears as though the popular PlayStation controller will be remaining mostly intact with a few new features as we enter the next console generation in 2020 with the launch of the PlayStation 5. A patent recently filed by Sony and publicized on December 26 has shed light on an updated controller design that hints at plans for a future iteration in the Dualshock series. One of the major changes immediately apparent in the provided images is that of additional buttons on the back of the controller. Providing two more functions, the rear buttons are present near the center of the design meaning that players will not have to search for the new mechanics. Rather, the new buttons will feel right at home where fingers are often placed when regularly holding a DualShock controller. Perhaps the most glaring omission from the new controller design however, appears to be the lack of a designated PlayStation button. Serving as a way to quickly reach the home screen or switch the console off if held down, there’s no telling how these functions will be remapped moving forward if this design is indeed final. A touchpad is still present on the face of the controller as are the Share and Options buttons that players have grown accustomed to throughout the PlayStation 4 lifecycle. Moreover, concave analog sticks appear once again for fans of the PlayStation 4 feel, opposed to the convex design of PlayStation 3 controllers. While a new controller model is exciting, there’s no indication that this design will eventuate into the final version of a new DualShock model to accompany the PlayStation 5 at launch. A number of changes can be implemented between now and the 2020 launch of the next-gen console. Hot off the heels of an official attachment for the DualShock 4 controller, it appears as though additional buttons on the back of any given design will be a major focus moving forward. The upcoming PlayStation 4 ‘Back Button Attachment’ allows players to map any function to the rear buttons. Based on designs from the recent patent, this release could be an attempt from Sony to ease PlayStation gamers into the next iteration of DualShock design.

Sony reveal impressive new details about the PS5 console After an initial reveal in April, Sony have released more details about their next generation console which is expected to be called the PS5. Sony confirm SSD will come as default In an interview with CNET, Jim Ryan gave his first interview since becoming Sony PlayStation CEO. Various topics were discussed but perhaps most notably two important spec related details were shared. On top of the PlayStation 5 specs that were revealed in April, Ryan confirmed that the brand new SSD storage drive will come as default. Lead System Architect Mike Cerny had previously confirmed that this SSD will be utilizing new technology. SSDs are considerably faster than their traditional hard drive counterparts which was evidenced in a loading time comparison back in May, Sony demonstrated that Marvel’s Spider-Man has a loading screen that takes 15 seconds on the PS4 Pro but only took 0.8 seconds on the would be PS5 system. Furthermore, it also performs this task silently, as unlike previous hard drive technology, there are no moving parts to make the familiar loading sounds. Sony’s official video comparing performance of PS4 Pro vs next-gen PlayStation pic.twitter.com/2eUROxKFLq — Takashi Mochizuki (@mochi_wsj) May 21, 2019 Can the PS5 be this powerful? Perhaps even more impressive than the SSD technology Sony have been showing off, is the reveal that the PS5 will be capable of playing games at not only in 4K, but at 120Hz. This means the PlayStation 5 will output 3840×2160 pixels all while doing so with frame rate of up to 120 a second. This is a substantial reveal as, despite new technology, many analysts believed that the next generation of consoles would still struggle to hit 4K at 60 FPS consistently. This reveal shows that these analysts simply underestimated the power of the ninth generation of consoles or that power they offer is more than first thought. To put this into context, there are very few games that are capable of playing a game at a native, and solid, 60 FPS on a 4K resolution on the current premium consoles – namely the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro. How consistently the PS5 will be able to utilize a 120 FPS rate and how stable it will be remains to be seen. However, the mere fact someone in Sony has confirmed it can, will excite console fans no end.

Sony needs to justify why anyone should buy the PS5 Pro PlayStationSony has announced the long-rumored PlayStation 5 Pro, but the company has yet to justify the upcoming hardware’s existence and price to players. On September 10, the company held a Technical Presentation hosted by PS5 Lead Architect Mark Cerny to unveil an upgraded version of the PS5. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, the PlayStation 4 Pro released about three years into the PS4’s lifespan, and we’re approaching four years of the PS5 era in November. Plus, there were plenty of leaks and rumors about a possible PS5 Pro going back to last year. Now, following the PlayStation 5 Pro reveal, Sony still has a big question to answer about the console – and it has nothing to do with GPU power or frame rate improvements. Sony needs to give PS5 owners a reason to go Pro Normally, when a new console is announced or teased, fans have a laundry list of requests for the hardware. Just look at the long-running conversation over the Nintendo Switch’s successor. That’s not the case with the PlayStation 5 Pro. The PS5 certainly isn’t a flawless piece of technology, but it’s hard to pinpoint specific things that need the kind of work a mid-generation hardware refresh can deliver. Compare that to the PS4’s upgrade. When it released in 2016, the PS4 Pro improved the original model’s GPU and CPU to boost performance and, for the first time, bring 4K resolution to some games on the platform. In fairness to Sony, they did a good job of laying out their intentions and goals with the PlayStation 5 Pro. Console players do have to choose between graphics and performance modes in most major releases, sacrificing either visual fidelity or frame rate for a smooth gaming experience. The PS5 Pro is powerful enough to deliver both, an impressive feat that rivals high-end gaming PCs and lays out a new standard for the next generation of consoles. The system will also enhance exisiting games, with over 8,500 PS4 games seeing improvements through Game Boost and over a dozen PS5 games confirmed to be getting dedicated updates that allow them to fully take advantage of the PS5 Pro. But while that sounds great, the difference isn’t dramatic in practice. The Technical Presentation showed a side-by-side of The Last of Us Part 2 running on PS5 in Fidelity Mode and on PS5 Pro, and the improvements are so slight that many viewers couldn’t tell the difference. All this makes it unclear why the new hardware is necessary at all. The PS5 Pro’s improvements are not enough for most players to justify a brand-new console purchase – especially when that console costs $700 and doesn’t even include a disc drive. There’s no outcry from PlayStation users asking for Sony to improve load times, graphics, or controllers like there is with Nintendo at the moment. On top of that, those who care enough about technical specs to consider buying an upgraded console probably have a PC that can accomplish what the PS5 Pro can. Of course, the PS5 Pro is meant to be a higher-end model that appeals to the most hardcore audience rather than the average consumer. But don’t need to look further than Sony’s own PlayStation VR 2 to understand why such a limited audience isn’t enough to justify a new hardware launch, especially when that hardware comes at an incredibly steep price. It’s no secret that PlayStation is in a bit of a slump right now. Actual console exclusives and first-party releases have been few and far between, which obviously isn’t ideal considering the platform dominated in the last generation thanks to games like God of War (2018), Bloodborne, The Last of Us Part 2, and Horizon Zero Dawn. If anything, the success of Astro Bot proves that what the PS5 is missing is games, not technical prowess. As it stands, there doesn’t seem to be a reason for anyone to upgrade, and Sony’s Technical Presentation did not do enough to prove to players that the PS5 Pro is worth their time and money.

Sony make pledge to Destiny players after $3.6bn Bungie buyout BungieSony Interactive Entertainment has bought Destiny 2 developer Bungie for a reported $3.6 billion. 2022 looks set to be a massive year for gaming acquisitions, starting off with Microsoft’s blockbuster buyout of Activision Blizzard on January 18. 13 days later, it was Sony’s turn. The Japanese multinational announced on January 31 that they would be purchasing Bungie, the developer of the Destiny series, for $3.6 billion – as both gamesindustry.biz and Jason Schreier have reported. The takeover represents yet another power play in the gaming space and it’s one that Microsoft themselves have responded to publicly. Sony acquires Bungie for $3.6 billion For many fans of Bungie’s existing games, they might be wondering what the future holds for their respective series – a feeling shared by Overwatch and Call of Duty fans, following Microsoft’s takeover of Activision Blizzard. However, it hasn’t taken long for Sony to make a pledge to players. “We’ve had a strong partnership with Bungie since the inception of the Destiny franchise, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to officially welcome the studio to the PlayStation family,” Sony’s CEO, Jim Ryan, said after revealing they had sealed the deal. According to the report from gamesindustry.biz, Bungie will maintain its right and ability, “to self-publish and reach players wherever they choose to play.” More acquisitions coming from Sony Christopher Dring reports that the deal has been in the making for almost half a year and is not in any way a reaction to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Not only that, but fans, “should expect more” acquisitions from Sony, according to Jim Ryan. And Jim Ryan told me ‘We should expect more’ when it comes to further PlayStation acquisitions — Christopher Dring (@Chris_Dring) January 31, 2022 Microsoft responds to Bungie and Sony deal In the wake of the massive buyout – that will continue to have ripple effects across the gaming world – Microsoft’s Phil Spencer has responded to the news. He said: “Congrats to the talented teams at Bungie, great testament to your creativity. And congrats to PlayStation and Hermen Hulst on adding a talented team to your studio’s team.” Congrats to the talented teams at @Bungie, great testament to your creativity. And congrats to @PlayStation @hermenhulst on adding a talented team to your studios team. — Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) January 31, 2022 This should perhaps be the final piece of reassurance players on Xbox need that Destiny 2 will remain on their platform, as well as future Bungie IPs. The effects of this deal, however, will likely take time to sort out as both parties work through the transition.

Sony launches genius PS5 ad campaign on London Underground PlayStation UKAs part of their PlayStation 5 marketing campaign, Sony have taken over some of London’s most iconic Underground stops and transformed them into PlayStation symbols. [jwplayer FEvwH1Re] The PlayStation 5 has been on the cards for a while, and the lead up to launch has certainly been exciting. Sony have branched out with their marketing this year in an attempt to tap into all different sectors of society. Their collaboration with Travis Scott on a new set of Cactus Jack x PlayStation Nike Dunks probably wasn’t what PlayStation fans quite expected the ad campaign for the newest console to look like, but it certainly generated a lot of hype. Now, in a bid to bring PlayStation to the forefront of everyone’s minds before the UK launch on November 19, Sony have launched a genius PS5 ad that can’t be missed. Sony take the PS5 to London A Twitter post from the official PlayStation UK account shows several different London Underground signs that have had their iconic red circle transformed into the symbols seen on the PlayStation controller. With the classic blue ‘Underground’ logo now sporting a green triangle, pink square, red circle and blue x for a backdrop, the campaign is both beautifully subtle and effective. From one iconic shape to four. We’ve given the Oxford Circus Tube signs a #PS5 upgrade. 👀 pic.twitter.com/iw9qlEXR7B — PlayStation UK (@PlayStationUK) November 18, 2020 Located in Oxford Circus, one of London’s busiest districts, Sony has certainly picked the prime place to advertise their newest console. However, there may be another reason for this. PlayStation trolling Microsoft? A set of zoomed out photographs from PlayStation employee Tony Clark have received a wealth of positive responses, but specifically his photograph of the square-shaped sign has attracted a lot of attention. In a cheeky little move from Sony, they’ve positioned their logo right outside the Microsoft store at Oxford Circus. While likely unintentional, it certainly adds a little bit of humor to what was already an amazing marketing campaign. All in all, this is an amazing campaign. Positioned in a prime location and playing on one of London’s most iconic symbols, it just adds more hype, at a time where people can barely get their hands on the PS5 due to demand and short supply. Not only this, Sony has transformed London’s Underground stations – a direct play on the fact that the console is called the PlayStation?

Sony has reportedly ceased talks with Microsoft amid Activision merger Sony, MicrosoftNew reports indicate that Sony has cut off communication with Microsoft in regards to discussing the potential Activision Blizzard merger despite the fact that the two companies were previously discussing the deal openly. One of the biggest topics in the gaming industry in the past few years has been focused on whether or not Microsoft’s purchase of Activision Blizzard will be put through. This historic acquisition sparked controversy over the way in which it could potentially help Microsoft create a monopoly in the gaming space. However, recent reports indicate that Microsoft has been in contact with their closest competitor Sony, with the two juggernauts discussing how this deal would operate and function moving forward. Specifically in regard to major game franchises such as Call of Duty which falls under the Activision Blizzard banner, yet currently has an ongoing agreement with Sony to provide exclusive content on PlayStation hardware. And while it had been reported that the two were communicating openly in the past, there are now claims that Sony is no longer wanting to talk with Microsoft about the merger. As first reported by the Financial Times, Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick says Sony has “stopped talking to anyone” in regard to the upcoming deal and potential merger. “Suddenly, Sony’s entire leadership team stopped talking to anyone at Microsoft. I think this is all Sony just trying to sabotage the transaction. The whole idea that we are not going to support PlayStation or that Microsoft would not support the PlayStation, it is absurd.” Time will tell if Sony does decide to reach back out with Microsoft and how the two companies progress and cooperate moving forward. However, we’ll be sure to keep you updated and in the loop when more developments are made.

Sony file new patent to improve cloud gaming with “multi-GPU” system Unsplash: Lee Paz / SonyPlayStation Plus subscribers could access improved streaming in the future, as Sony has filed a new patent to improve their streaming capabilities. With the revitalized version of PlayStation Plus making it easier than ever to find new games, one element of the service has remained under scrutiny. Merging the library of PS Now into its tiers, PlayStation Plus subscribers can stream an array of titles, though the quality isn’t always up to Sony’s high standards. As new developments occur behind the scenes, it appears Sony is aiming to improve their streaming functionality. PlayStation Plus streaming to be aided by “multi-GPU” patent Sony have been filing multiple patents in the last few months, as work to make the PS5 the ultimate Sony hub continues. In an attempt to increase streaming quality when playing PS3 titles for example, Game Rant have spotted a patent which would use multiple graphics cards to enrich the streaming experience. The complex system would offload information received by the GPUs to a cloud system, where machine learning would then be used to organize the stream faster. This in turn would make the response time for players far more agile, as opposed to seeing issues like buffering appear frequently. PlayStation Plus has incorporated a legion of games that are mainly accessible via streaming-only. PS Now was often lambasted for its sacrifice of quality, with most titles struggling to hit higher resolutions despite players having suitable internet speeds. This isn’t the only improvement Sony are working on either, as the notion of a “Helper Mode” is also in the works. This feature would supposedly make it easier for players having difficulty making it through harder game sections, as the mode would notify streamers to join and offer assistance where possible.

Sony facing $7.9 billion dollar lawsuit over PlayStation Store prices SonySony is facing a lawsuit valued around $7.9 billion USD in a UK court concerning the company forcing digital games and add-ons to be purchased through the PlayStation Store. The lawsuit involving the PlayStation Store was originally filed in 2022. At the time, the lawsuit was valued at $5 billion USD, due to fears that Sony was breaching competition laws, as certain products could only be purchased through the PlayStation Store, while Sony took a 30% commission rate on sales. The issue is that the commission rate, combined with the need to use the PlayStation Store to purchase specific items, had led to customers being overcharged for years. This is despite the fact that similar digital storefronts have similar rates & practices. Alex Neill originally filed the lawsuit against Sony with the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal in 2022, though people who made purchases at the store after this point may see no benefit from the case, as it primarily concerns sales made before that point in time. Sony faces a £6.3 billion lawsuit over the PlayStation Store’s sales practices According to Reuters, the Competition Appeal Tribunal has approved the case to go forward, which is estimated to be worth around £6.3 billion GBP/$7.9 billion USD. The timeframe and start date for the case has yet to be determined. As the co-founder of the Consumer Voice, Neill made a statement about the case on the organization’s official website. “This is the first step in ensuring consumers get back what they’re owed as a result of Sony breaking the law. Playstation gamers’ loyalty has been taken advantage of by Sony who has been charging them excessive prices for years.” Sony’s legal defense has retorted that the case was “flawed from start to finish” and intends to fight the claim. If the Competition Appeal Tribunal has approved the case to proceed, it’s unlikely to be thrown out before the case begins, despite Sony’s arguments to the contrary. The case still has a long way to go, outside of a deal settling the case early. If the case is victorious, anyone in the United Kingdom who purchased content on the PlayStation Store in certain timeframes could receive compensation for the claim.

Sony expects to earn $300 million from PC games in the next year Sony has revealed in a recent shareholder briefing that they expect to earn a staggering $300 million from PC games in the next year – a significant year-on-year growth from the $80M they made from PC titles in 2021. More and more PlayStation titles are slowly becoming available to PC players, as Sony head down a similar path to Microsoft’s Xbox Games Pass subscription – which brings hundreds of games to both Xbox and Windows platforms. Now, Sony has revealed in a shareholder briefing titled The Road to Profitable Transformation, that the tech giant has ambitious plans to make $300m in sales from PC game sales in the next year. In the recent shareholder report, a specific slide titled “Exponential Growth to be Sustained by PC Titles Beyond FY22″ reveals that Sony accumulated $35M from PC titles in 2020 and $80M in 2021. However, the tech giant is pushing for over $300M in 2022 as popular PlayStation games such as God of War, Days Gone and Horizon Zero Dawn makes their way to PC platforms. The briefing shared that Sony has a plan for a more “diverse first-party portfolio.” Read More: PS5 exclusives release schedule – Evidently, there’s a clear push for more PlayStation games to make their way to other platforms, as the upcoming release of Uncharted: Legacy of Thieves Collection is expected to launch both on PlayStation and PC. But beyond that, it’s anyone’s guess which titles we’ll be able to play on mouse and keyboard next. Given that they’re widely popular with PlayStation owners, it’s safe to say players would love to see other PS exclusives such as the likes of Spiderman, Bloodborne and the new God of War: Ragnarok which is in development make their way to PC. As we slowly creep up to the summer, we should hear more about what’s in store during Sony’s next State of Play showcase, which will hopefully be sometime in June.

Sony exec predicts cross-platform will come to other games ‘over time’ following Fortnite Chairman of Sony Interactive Entertainment, Shawn Layden, has spoken about the potential for more cross-platform games coming to PS4, following the start of the Fortnite cross-play beta being announced. In an unprecedented move, PlayStation started a cross-play and cross-progression beta for Fortnite Battle Royale on Tuesday, September 25, the first time PS4 players have been able to play alongside players on rival systems, Xbox and Nintendo. Many believed it was a sign of Sony caving into the demand, after they previously seemed to rule it out completely, but Layden said it was always something they wanted to do, but just had to make sure it was done correctly. Layden explains that enabling cross-play wasn’t “as simple as flipping a switch and there you go. It’s a very multidimensional attribute or feature.” He explains that it took Sony so long to come around to cross-play because of the complexity of the feature, not because they were against it, saying “It’s taken us longer than I would have wanted”. With Fortnite the groundbreaker, many are asking about the potential for cross-play in other popular multiplayer games, and Layden says “certainly, once we can prove that this is holding together sturdy and well, I would anticipate seeing other games in this service over time.” Discussion of cross-platform can be found at the 13 minute mark: Players of some of the most popular console games including Call of Duty, Destiny and Overwatch have been crying out for cross-play for years, and hope that the precedent set by Fortnite could be the floodgates opening. With CoD: Black Ops 4 and Red Dead Online coming in October, there will undoubtedly be lots of requests for these games to be cross-platform. Layden said “65% of my Twitter feed over the last few months” had been requests for Fortnite cross-play. Activision recently stated that they would not rule out cross-play for some of their most popular multiplayer titles.

Sony confirms half of planned live service games won’t release until after 2025 SonySony has revealed that, out of the twelve live service games it planned to launch by the end of fiscal year 2025, half are pushed further into the future. Sony‘s big push into the world of live service games is going to take longer than intended. In an earnings call, the company announced that, while it previously planned to release 12 live service and multiplayer titles by the end of fiscal year 2025, half of these won’t be released until after that point. FY2025 ends in March 2026. While Sony did not provide much specific information, the announcement is a pretty significant shift that could have implications for some of your favorite PlayStation franchises. Major PlayStation IPs like Last of Us and Horizon have live service games in the works As reported by VGC, Sony president, COO and CFO Hiroki Totoki told investors, “[Of] the 12 titles, six titles will be released by FY25 – that’s our current plan. [As for] the remaining six titles, we are still working on that.” While explaining why so many games are being delayed, Totoki reiterated the company’s to expand its service and multiplayer game offerings, but said “game quality should be the most important [thing].” No specifics were given on what games are impacted by the delays, but we do know that PlayStation Studios has multiplayer games based on The Last of Us and Horizon franchises in development. Fans of the former got bad news last month when it was reported that The Last of Us multiplayer was “on thin ice” following Naughty Dog layoffs. The news comes just over a week after massive layoffs at Bungie, the Destiny 2 developer that Sony acquired in 2022. At the time, Sony cited Destiny’s strength among other ongoing games as one reason for the acquisition. It also discussed plans to use Bungie to expand PlayStation’s offering in the live service realm. Though the decision to lay off around 100 employees reportedly came from Bungie itself and not Sony, it would not be a surprise if that contributed to the delay given the developer’s key role in PlayStation’s live service push.

Sony confirms free Horizon Forbidden West PS5 upgrade after community backlash Guerrilla GamesSony has confirmed that Horizon Forbidden West will indeed be getting a free upgrade to PS5 after backlash from the community over lack of the bonus. When Horizon Forbidden West’s special editions were revealed on September 3, there was no mention of the free PS5 upgrade that everyone thought would be included, and fans weren’t happy. But, just a day later Sony came out and said they would “stand by” their offer, and include a free PS5 upgrade for players who buy Horizon Forbidden West on PlayStation 4. An update regarding Horizon Forbidden West on PS4 and PS5: https://t.co/1R8ikEpmNb — PlayStation (@PlayStation) September 4, 2021 “It’s abundantly clear that the offerings we confirmed in our pre-order kickoff missed the mark,” Jim Ryan, Sony president & CEO said in the update. “Last year we made a commitment to deliver free upgrades for our cross-gen launch titles, which included Horizon Forbidden West.” While Forbidden West might be coming out later than initially thought, PS4 players will still be able to move the game over when they get a PS5. “While the pandemic’s profound impact pushed Forbidden West out of the launch window we initially envisioned, we will stand by our offer,” Ryan continued. “Players who purchase Horizon Forbidden West on PlayStation 4 will be able to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version for free.” The Sony CEO also wrote that “first-party exclusive cross-gen titles” that release on both PS4 and PS5 would get a $10 upgrade option from the old to new system, much cheaper than buying the game a second time. This would include titles like God of War and Gran Turismo 7, which make up some of the most anticipated titles on the way for PS5. Not only is this good news for Horizon fans, it’s a welcomed update for anyone who still hasn’t upgraded to the latest generation of console just yet, but are still stockpiling games.

Sony ‘Confident’ a Solution Will be Reached Regarding PS4 Cross-Play Backlash Sony has commented once again on the potential for ‘cross-play’ between the PlayStation 4 and other major consoles. Following the release of Fortnite: Battle Royale on the Nintendo Switch in mid-June, a whirlwind of controversy was unleashed after it was discovered that users with prior experience playing the game on the PS4 were blocked from playing on the Switch, and would need to create new accounts. This was due to Sony blocking ab option for cross-play between the PS4 and other consoles, which was previously documented for a variety of titles in the past, and was met with harsh criticism from fans. During the Gamelab conference in Spain, Shawn Layden, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment America, was asked about the recent cross-play controversy with Fortnite by Eurogamer reporter Robert Purchase, and if there were any plans to change their stance in the future. “I thought it was fascinating you talking about PlayStation 3 flying too close to the sun – your Icarus moment you called it, and then PlayStation 4 coming back to be more back to basics, to be more about the players. But there seems to be an issue at the moment, that Sony isn’t listening to its players – or doesn’t seem to be – and that’s cross-play, Fortnite particularly. And I wondered if there were any plans to open it up? It seems to be Sony’s not listening.” Layden responded by stating that he is ‘confident’ a solution will come to fruition which will be accepted by the community, along with supporting Sony’s business. “We’re hearing it. We’re looking at a lot of the possibilities. You can imagine that the circumstances around that affect a lot more than just one game. I’m confident we’ll get to a solution which will be understood and accepted by our gaming community, while at the same time supporting our business.” Sony has only released one announcement regarding the cross-play shakeup prior to the Gamelab conference, however, many community members were not pleased with the statement. “We’re always open to hearing what the PlayStation community is interested in to enhance their gaming experience. Fortnite is already a huge hit with PS4 fans, offering a true free-to-play experience so gamers can jump in and play online,” As of writing, it is unknown if a true cross-play model will be introduced for the PS4 in the future by Sony. Source: Eurogamer

Sony CEO reveals PlayStation 5 will be “100 times faster than PS4” LetsGoDigitalSony’s CEO Kenichirō Yoshida revealed new PlayStation 5 details in a May 19 corporate meeting, highlighting processing speeds that are up to “100 times faster” than the current-gen hardware. While gamers around the world hold their breath for an official release date, Sony continues to drip-feed new PS5 performance information. The upcoming console looks to raise the bar in terms of more than just graphical fidelity. Loading times look to become a thing of the past as Sony’s CEO has expanded on just how powerful their custom SSD truly is. Throughout the latest corporate strategy meeting, a wide assortment of long-term goals were mapped out. Chief among them were the ambitious ways in which Sony is looking to “revolutionize the game experience” with the PS5. Resolution is one key area of improvement but so is “the speed of games.” What exactly does that mean? Through Sony’s brand new Solid State Drive, data can supposedly be processed roughly “100 times faster” than on the PS4. As a direct result of this leap, not only will loading screens be over in a blink, but large-scale games should feel more immersive than ever. Wandering through a vast open-world in a next-gen Ubisoft or Rockstar title, for instance, could be seamless. Textures should load through the SSD in a split second without any hindrance to the experience. “Players should be able to move through immense game worlds in almost an instant,” Yoshida explained. He added visible loading screens could also be phased out entirely, similar to the likes of many first-party Sony titles like as 2018’s God of War. All processing could be handled in the background as new hardware keeps players steadily on their path. Sony’s new DualSense controller was also a major talking point in the meeting. As was the “evolution of sound” through a custom 3D audio processing unit in the PS5. Concrete details such as the price, release date, and launch lineup of the console, are yet to be locked in. However, anxious fans can expect a full unveiling in the coming months as the PS5 draws near.

Sony CEO details PS5 specs and teases ‘unique’ new console features The release of the PlayStation 5 is right around the corner and while new details are slowly being revealed, Sony’s CEO has provided some new insight and teased that even bigger reveals are being kept under wraps for the time being. With the PS5 set to release in 2020, we’re just months away from entering a brand new console generation. From potential controller leaks, to logo reveals and more, plenty of information is starting to make its way onto the internet. In a recent interview with Business Insider Japan, Sony Interactive Entertainment President and CEO Jim Ryan provided new details on previously announced features and teased the biggest reveals for the console are still yet to come. Highlighting the power of the brand new PS5 controller, Ryan described the experience as simply irreplaceable. Due to the previously announced haptic feedback capabilities, the latest DualShock model is expected to feel more realistic and immersive than ever before. “If you experience 3D audio and tactile feedback controllers, you’ll notice that it’s an amazing change,” Ryan emphasized. “Just playing the racing game Gran Turismo Sport with the PS5 controller is completely different.” Sony’s CEO added that he was struggling to go back to PS4’s controls and hardware after trying the newer model, and added the lastest release from first-party studio Polyphony Digital would “soon be playable” on the next-gen hardware as well. “I was able to experience a good run with my existing controller, but if I experience the fine road surface with haptic control and the control with adaptive trigger, I can not return to the original,” he explained. While Sony is charging full steam ahead towards the launch of the new console generation, Ryan expressed that the 106+ million PlayStation 4 users around the world will not be entirely neglected throughout the transition. “At the time of the migration from PS4 to PS5, there will be a huge number of PS4 users, which is very important and we have obligations to them,” he said. “We have to come up with a new appeal.” Hinting at just what this new appeal might be, Sony’s CEO teased that while hardware specs and logos are one aspect of an overall reveal, some of the most pertinent information is still being held close to their chest. Read More: Microsoft debunks new Xbox Series X leaks – “But, there’s more to the PS5 than the traditional game consoles that are unique,” he added. “We haven’t announced [bigger differences] yet.” With E3 kicking off in June, it’s a safe bet that these big reveals will be announced on stage in the coming months. Often hosting their own State of Play broadcasts however, it could be likely that Sony opts to reveal a great deal of information in their own time. From pricing to a specific release date, there’s still plenty for the gaming juggernauts to reveal. In the meantime, get caught up to speed on everything that we know about the PS5 today.

Sony announces State of Play for June 2 with new game reveals SonySony have announced that a State of Play presentation will take place on June 2, with the promise of new reveals and updates on games for PlayStation VR2. With the highly-anticipated E3 gaming conference sadly canceled for 2022, many gamers have been waiting for the Big Three publishers to announce their own presentations – and Sony have done just that. In a blog post shared on May 27, Sony revealed that their next State of Play presentation will take place on Thursday, June 2, at 3PM PT (that’s midnight for UK folks) with 30 minutes of content. “We’ll have some exciting reveals from our third-party partners, plus a sneak peek at several games in development for PlayStation VR2,” they wrote in the announcement blog post. State of Play returns next week! Tune in live at 3pm PT on June 2 for reveals, announcements, and more: https://t.co/3lqi9GL9VZ pic.twitter.com/NLLTAgvgLY — PlayStation (@PlayStation) May 27, 2022 We don’t have any details on the games that will be shown off yet, but you’ll be able to find out by tuning into State of Play on the official PlayStation Twitch and YouTube channels on June 2. This is the third year running without an E3 conference, where some of the biggest gaming announcements usually take place – but that hasn’t stopped publishers from holding their own presentations in its place. Microsoft have confirmed that an Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase will take place on June 12, which is when their E3 slot would have been. They’ll be focusing on new games for Xbox, PC, and Game Pass.

PlayStation 5: Sony reveal new PS5 logo & hardware features at CES 2020 FutureElectronic giants Sony provided gaming fans with the first official look at the PS5 logo at CES 2020, as well as some of the hardware features that the console will boast at launch. With the PlayStation 5 having already been confirmed to be releasing sometime during the Holiday 2020 period, the rest of the time between now and then will be spent on more information being revealed for the highly-anticipated console. The most recent wave of new info came on January 6, during the Consumer Technology Association’s annual trade show and tech expo, as Sony unveiled the PS5’s official logo and five hardware features. Official PS5 logo revealed at CES 2020 The logo is very similar to the one they used for the PS4. In fact, it’s virtually identical in every way except for the fact that the number 4 has been replaced with a 5. Read More: Microsoft debunks new Xbox Series X video – Predictably, instantly after the reveal, a large majority of the worldwide gaming community expressed sarcasm and frustration at how little had been changed in the logo from the previous generation. Five new hardware features announced for PS5 More importantly, however, Sony also discussed some of the console’s hardware features, announcing five new ones. 3D Audio Sound – Haptics / Adaptive Triggers – Ultra-high-speed SSD – Hardware-based Ray Tracing – Ultra HD Blu-Ray – Several of these features had been leaked and/or assumed due to comments made by Sony representatives prior to CES, but this is the first time that the company has directly confirmed that all of these specs will be included in the console. This comes on top of some of the hardware specs that had already been announced previously, such as the CPU, which will be a third-generation AMD Ryzen with eight cores and a custom Radeon Navi. The console will support up to 8K with potentially full 4K support, backwards compatibility with PS4 games and PSVR hardware, 100GB optical disks and a completely revamped UI. There are, of course, other specs that have been leaked in recent weeks and months, although none of them have been confirmed by Sony. As for the release date, nothing was announced on that front, with Sony simply reiterating on Twitter that the console would be available “this holiday.” According to leaks, the release date will be November 20, 2020, which would make sense considering it would be perfectly in time for the Christmas shopping period. However, that date remains purely speculative at this point.

Sony address concerns over ‘invasive’ PS5 voice chat recording feature SonySony came under fire after their latest PS4 update revealed voice chats might be recorded for moderation. However, they’ve since addressed the concerns and explained the feature in more detail. [jwplayer FcWdjVVq] It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for Sony ahead of the PS5 launch. They kept fans in the dark about the price and pre-order details. Then, once pre-orders were available, they sold out at lightning-fast speed. Now, right when it seemed like it would be smooth sailing until the launch, one last obstacle has surfaced. The Verge reported that PS4 users who downloaded and installed the latest 8.0 update were baffled when they saw a message saying, “Voice chats may be recorded for moderation. By joining, you agree to be recorded.” Not only did sony break every ps4 due to how bad the update was, they’re even recording us #PS4 pic.twitter.com/006eQznRdf — Mini (@_Minii17) October 14, 2020 To make matters worse, it seemed like the new voice chat recording feature would be carrying over into the PS5. The controversial feature hasn’t been well-received, and it was a spanner in the works for many privacy-conscious users who demanded an explanation. Sony respond to backlash It was only a matter of time before Sony responded, and earlier on October 16, they did. It happened in the form of a lengthy blog post, and it started with an apology. So apparently, in case y’all didn’t know this beforehand. But apparently the newest Sony update to the PS4 and will continue onto 5 will be recording your voice while in party chat. pic.twitter.com/T0VIbwIpZe — Ittarra Oda: Gone; caring for my mom (@IttarraOda) October 14, 2020 “PlayStation gamers learned about this new function in an unexpected way following the recent PS4 8.00 system update,” they said. “We didn’t clearly communicate this feature or explain why we were introducing it, and we apologize for that.” They explained what the feature is and why it’s not as concerning as people initially thought. “We’ve been preparing to roll out a new feature on the PS5 console that enables gamers to report verbal harassment through a new Voice Chat reporting function,” they said. “Its sole purpose is to help in reporting of inappropriate behavior, including actions that violate our Community Code of Conduct.” “This feature will not actively monitor or listen in on your conversations – ever – and it’s strictly reserved for reporting online abuse or harassment,” they added. Read more: Demon’s Souls revealed as PS5 launch title – “If a PS5 player needs to file a harassment report, they will be able to include up to a 40 second-long Voice Chat clip in their report — 20 seconds of the main conversation with the other player, plus an additional 10 seconds before and after the conversation selection.” What’s more, players can only report something that has been said within a five-minute time-frame. Beyond that, all voice chat will be out-of-reach and lost in the abyss forever. So, all in all, it seems like it was a bit of a false alarm. But in a world where privacy is more important than ever before, it’s never a bad thing for consumers to be conscious about their privacy, and it’s good to question companies about their practices.

Sony acquires The Persistence developer Firesprite as part of PlayStation Studios Sony has acquired another studio, with UK-based Firesprite joining PlayStation Studios. PlayStation Studios has added another developer to its portfolio, with Liverpool-based Firesprite joining the recent acquisitions of Housemarque and Nixxes. The team, perhaps best known for VR horror title The Persistence and its PS5 optimized version, had already partnered with Sony to work on The Playroom for PS4 and The Playroom VR for PlayStation VR. According to Sony, “Firesprite will play a critical role in strengthening SIE’s exclusive games catalog in genres outside of PlayStation Studios’ core offerings.” Firesprite joins PlayStation Studios Firesprite was initially founded by veterans from Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Studio Liverpool, which closed in 2012. In a post on the PlayStation Blog, the team assures fans that its “just getting started”. Read More: How to watch this week’s PS5 Showcase – “At Firesprite, we’re always striving to bring something new to a game or genre and developing for new technologies is a driving force of our passion,” said Graeme Ankers, Managing Director, Firesprite. “Joining PlayStation Studios will allow us to amplify this passion, working more closely on cutting-edge hardware without any limitations and furthering our studio’s heritage of creativity and technical innovation to offer some truly unique experiences for PlayStation fans.” “We are delighted to welcome Firesprite into the PlayStation family,” said Jim Ryan, President & CEO, Sony Interactive Entertainment. “We have a rich history of working with the founders of Firesprite and are excited to grow the PlayStation presence in Liverpool. The portfolio of titles Firesprite has developed has continually demonstrated the team’s ability to transcend traditional gameplay experiences and brilliantly showcase the potential of our hardware.” “Creating quality, state-of-the-art games has always been at the forefront of Firesprite’s work and I’m confident they will push the bar even further as part of PlayStation Studios,” added Hermen Hulst, Head of PlayStation Studios. “Firesprite’s ability to weave best-in-class gameplay with new technology is exceptional and I think fans will be excited about their creative vision for the future.” Sony notes that the day-to-day operations of the studio will continue to be run by Firesprite’s existing management team, and that the cost of the acquisition will not be disclosed due to contractual commitments. The acquisition marks Sony’s third of 2021, following Nixxes and Housemarque. The former has worked on multiple PC ports, while the latter is perhaps best known for the 2021 PS5 exclusive Returnal. Team Asobi was also formed this year, following the reorganization of Japan Studio.