Overwatch League Cancels All March & April Homestands

Coronavirus has been stealing the headlines everywhere lately through every industry including the video game industry. Today, the Overwatch League has announced they have cancelled all March & April homestands, effective immediately. This includes the Boston Uprising homestand on April 25-26 at the Citizens Bank Opera House. Here is a statement from the Boston Uprising: “While the Uprising are disappointed that they are unable to host the April homestand as planned, the team fully supports the Overwatch League’s decision to take precautionary measures against the coronavirus to keep fans and the general public safe during this time.” The Overwatch League and its member teams are working together to consider the various options available to esports regarding the regular-season matches previously scheduled for March and April. Additionally, the Uprising are working to compile information for current April homestand ticketholders and will be in contact in the near future. Earlier it was announced that E3 2020 will be cancelled due to the threat of the Coronavirus and now Microsoft, Ubisoft are planning digital presentations instead of their annual press conferences in Los Angeles.

PAX East 2020: Ghostrunner Is A Strategic Free-Running Experience

Rewinding back to 2019, more specifically in August, the annual Gamescom event in Cologne, Germany commenced and developer One More Level swiftly became a talking point during the five-day show. What directed plenty of attention to the Polish game studio in particular is the announcement of Ghostrunner, a cyberpunk, sword-wielding, free-running adventure game. Following the initial announcement in the summer, the title currently stands as one of the most highly-anticipated titles scheduled to arrive in 2020. During PAX East last weekend, I got a hands-on impression of the project and spoke with the director and studio co-founder, Radoslaw Ratusznik. Delving into the repertoire of One More Level, the team has released point-to-click adventure Crime Secrets: Crimson Lily and top-down shooter God’s Trigger. So the transition from these smaller-scaled projects to the high production portrayed for Ghostrunner surely is a questionable jump for where the ambition came to tackle a title to this caliber. Pressing Ratusznik on the team’s decision, he shared that One More Level wanted to go the extra step integrating the skill-based formula through a new medium. What exactly the developer had in mind is the first-person genre, which is evidently clear. However, he adds that the direction of the project would be to make combat condensed and very personal in contrast to the gunplay that is in God’s Trigger. The intentions from the team would be to reiterate familiar gameplay techniques while simultaneously crafting a fresh experience: executing well-timed attacks and utilizing the available abilities is what defines Ghostrunner at its core. For my time with the demo, playing the build came to be more than what I anticipated as I was instead met with several retries to reach the end screen. Quickly picking up the fundamental gameplay elements, I was then shafted with a heavy difficulty spike learning how to compile my knowledge to progress in each encounter. Watching the initial trailer, you can pick up the gist regarding at-hand gameplay features like wall-running, bullet-dodging, and baddie-slashing. Dissecting some of the abilities, the player can dash which helps cross devastating drops and get the upper hand on your foes. As I already said about how unforgiving the gameplay is, this is intended as one hit will kill you which requires the player to be quick on their feet. The same ability can also be a tool when holding the prompt to freeze time and strafe around incoming fire. One interesting aspect that I asked Ratusznik on is how these abilities are earned. Traditionally, these elements are rewarded through gained experience points that can be redeemed in an upgrade tree or menu, but Ghostrunner doesn’t have that. Players will find new abilities when progressing through the game. However, the player can then choose which abilities to use and create a build that suits their playstyle. Combining with player momentum when sprinting, wall-running, sliding, or swinging is surely overwhelming at first, but can be adapted to in time. And once achieving a successful run makes the outcome even more satisfying as I run to the next segment to die in. One thing noted from the demo is that the level is fairly linear: granted there is variety in the environment to tackle the objective through multiple routes, that is said to be unique to that portion of the full game. Ratusznik explained that majority of the game will offer differing paths that can be utilized for a prosperous playthrough, but the area available on the show floor is more linear. He then follows by telling that levels later in the game will provide a wider spectrum of opportunity for gameplay with vaster locales. Ultimately, Ratusznik discloses that the base game will shape its story campaign to be straightforward yet offering enough freedom for the player to keep the experience unique each time. Again, with the level of complexity that Ghostrunner is coming to be, developer One More Level resorted to including additional parties to assist with the game’s development. Ratusznik tells that taking on this new project increased the team’s staff well over thirty employees currently. The decision was also told to be a necessity as the studio transitioned from Unity to Unreal Engine 4 for the supported engine. With the team already confirming for raytracing support since the game’s announcement, it is impressive how much has been pulled off visually as the performance is not jeopardized in the process. “Going from Unity to Unreal Engine 4 was a big step for the team which left some people working on the game pretty angry,” Ratusznik jokingly reveals. “That is why we contacted Splitgate & 3D Realms to help with working on the game.” Splitgate Ironworks alongside 3D Realms are slated to be involved with the project: Splitgate shared to be a co-developer for the game whilst 3D Realms assists in the production. Even more, Ratusznik tells that 3D Realms is currently involved with the already disclosed Xbox One and PlayStation 4 version of the game. Other smaller details that have been applied to Ghostrunner occurred between the development of the build at the show to prior iterations. Ratusznik explained that the demo has been tweaked with additional graphical enhancements and adjustments to the game’s performance. More niché changes made include the character being right-handed instead of holding the sword with his left and an additional level near the end of the build. Another title showcased at All In! Games booth that is Metamorphosis: although I did not feature the game at this event, I did however provide the coverage for the title previously which you can read here. For fans anticipating the release of Ghostrunner, make sure you go to the game’s Steam page and add it to your wishlist. Ghostrunner is said to be arriving sometime in Q3 2020 for PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.

PAX East 2020: Bonfire Peaks Grabs Your Gaze And Your Emotions

Pursuing titles with the core objective to overcome obstacles, i.e. puzzle games, illustrate to only perform to a certain extent due to the capped potential the concept provides to the player. Even with larger titles that incorporate puzzles for the base progression of the storyline only utilizes the gameplay element to subject filler between pivotal segments of the experience. However, among the masses that does not fully employ a wider experience for the genre; the same cannot be said for Bonfire Peaks. Solely developed by Corey Martin, the upcoming indie title on the surface holds the same materialized ambition to uncover solutions for the obstacle at hand. But there are also subliminal themes that hold close to the creator which the player is subjected to potentially pick up when progressing. At PAX East last weekend, I got a hands-on demo with the game and took some time to speak about the core elements that defines the newest title from Martin. The objective is simple – reach the burning bonfire and kindle your belongings in the growing blaze. Booting up the demo will introduce the mechanic which shows to be simple enough. But commencing the following trials steadily grow in difficulty as they would be expected. Elements like knocking over unfixed crates, disintegrating platforms, crate stacking, and even positioning are evident traits for the gameplay. Dividing each level is a hub world of bonfires scattered throughout a plateau of abandoned ruins. When completing a puzzle, a crate will appear next to you which is only one piece to scaling that segment of that area. Once accomplishing every bonfire of that environment, you can build your own path to the next portion of the experience. Talking with Martin about the project, one aspect that instantly grew my attention to pursue Bonfire Peaks is the graphical design of the game. Asking where his influences spawned from for the game, he shared that his ambition to implement voxel art is something that many other game makers do not offer – instead striving for high-detailed pixel art that we witness with most titles that use the medium. Reflecting on Martin’s previous work, it is acknowledged that he has utilized voxel art with previous projects like One Matter and the later Alms Crown. Martin reveals that the initial titles were just bases to test the waters for the look, but Bonfire Peaks will be where he plans to push the boundaries of the design and make it “as pretty as possible,” hence the volumetric lighting and particle effects. Other aspirations that are executed into the title is the expansion of the levels: Bonfire Peaks is the most open of Martin’s work. Additionally, there is a larger objective at hand to burn your belongings in contrast to titles before. Noted, the aim at hand is a reiteration of Alms Crown, but to a greater extent providing a more engaging experience with intuitive gameplay elements and the inclusion of the motive to ascend the hub world ruins. Another aspect that grasped my interest is the game’s soothing soundtrack. Martin has a repertoire of music branching before his involvement with game development, and working on the OST is actually a new provocation with his musical experience: sharing that his prior tracks are rhythm-based and would not complement the atmosphere for a puzzle games. He adds that ambient music is a different pace that suits Bonfire Peaks more. Redirecting our discussion to fan reception and the impact of the player’s input, Martin explained that the game stands unique based on the type of player: some will enjoy the journey to figure out the puzzles while others quit early when running into a wall. His intention for the title is to test the mind, as you would expect for most puzzle games alike. Howbeit, there is also an undisclosed film of personal investment that is available for the player to unearth, but he doesn’t expect each user obtain the connotation from playing. Reflecting to another project released by Martin, Hiding Spot, the game’s self-explanatory objective for the player to create enclosed crevices projects his issues of social anxiety by literally hiding from the world. Which then forms a story when transitioning to Bonfire Peaks, the concept to burn your virtual baggage illustrates the next passage to finally let go of the emotional burdens he’s been holding in the new journey. Ending our talk, I referenced Pipe Push Paradise seeing that the game broke from the PC platform to Xbox, PlayStation, and even Switch. But regarding Bonfire Peaks, he explained that, for now, he is aiming for Steam. He does, however, shed some insight of a potential mobile version, but he is unsure if that would become a reality to properly run the game on smart phones. If Bonfire Peaks grabbed your interest, make sure you head over to the game’s Steam page to add it to your wishlist! Bonfire Peaks is listed to arrive sometime later in 2020 for PC.

Gearbox Software Announces Second Story Expansion For Borderlands 3, Content Roadmap Laid Out

Developer Gearbox Software when hosting the company’s annual Gearbox Main Theater Show at PAX East recently, the team officially revealed the upcoming second story expansion for the game alongside disclosing what is to come leading into late spring as for additional content for the September-released title. Announcing Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock is the second entry for added DLC to Borderlands 3. You can watch the full trailer below: After finally deciding the venue for their upcoming, post-apocalyptic wedding, this new journey will take players to the ice-coated planet of Xylourgos. In the midst of this upcoming love event for the two gentlemen, Borderlands 2’s ‘Gaige the genius Mechromancer’ has been requested to plan the wedding with her trust metallic companion Deathtrap. However, events go for the worst as one of the grooms decides to encounter an occultist who worships the corpse of a Vault Monster and must be reintercepted to proceed with the marriage ceremony as planned. This new expansion is phrase to introduce “mutated, tentacled zealots who are unlike anything you’ve encountered in the Borderlands before,” which surely will twist the oddities that we are accustomed to for the Borderlands series. In light of the second story expansion announcement, Gearbox Software also disclosed some information on the following third and fourth story DLC for the game. Although the company does not shed full detail on the what the following DLC will be later on, they do tell that it will include “outlaws and dinosaurs.” Even more, the developer also reassures that development of the third and fourth expansions are going according to plan and should be expected for the studio’s expected release windows. You can view the full teased image for Borderlands 3’s third expansion below: As for filler content that will take place between each DLC drop, Gearbox Software also released a full roadmap of additional add-ons that will arrive until this coming May. Slated for March, the team intends to drop a handful of experiences through the second DLC arc for the game. Moving on to April, Mayhem is expected to receive a new update with version 2.0 announced. You can also expect a slew of new game-changing modifiers and cost-free end game content as well. April is also forecasted to expect the ‘Revenge of the Cartels’ event. Working with Maurice on this new encounter, you will have to remove cartel operatives scattered across the galaxy in search for a new hidden hideout. Doing so in the process will reward players with exciting new loot to use and show off. May will introduce ‘Takedown at the Maliwan Blacksite:’ an endgame gantlet which will be discussed more in the coming weeks. Gearbox Software also bushed upon the previously announced partnership with Arad Productions and Director Eli Roth for the upcoming Borderlands film. While reiterating on what was already shared, Roth did come on stage to share his excitement to create the Borderlands universe and translate it to live-action. At one point mentioning a psycho and other crazy characters that he wishes to “kill them in the movie.” One other detail worth mentioning is that Borderlands 3 is expected to arrive to Steam this Friday, March 13th. Among that, players on both Steam and Epic Games can play amongst one another via cross-platform play and even utilize cross-save compatibility to play their save progress on either platform. Guns, Love, and Tentacles: The Marriage of Wainwright & Hammerlock is scheduled to release on March 26, 2020; Borderlands 3 is out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC via Epic Games Store & Stadia. Source: Gearbox Software

Warner Bros. Reportedly Intended To Host E3 Press Conference This Year: Showcase Harry Potter, Batman & New Rocksteady Project

For the few that might have glanced over the conglomerate of news that broke today: the Electronic Software Association (ESA) have formally announced that the upcoming E3 event to take place this June is Los Angeles, California has officially been cancelled due to growing concerns of the escalating spread of the COVID-19 (coronavirus). The group has initially stated to follow through with initial plans later this year, but today has decided to abandon organizing the event ultimately. And with the information still processing for the masses who use the annual show to learn of new projects from the largest companies in the gaming industry, there is more that has been unveiled in the midst of it all. According to Kotaku’s News Editor Jason Schreier, publisher Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment originally planned to participate at the event with a press conference this year. The company has made attendance at the yearly show previously, but this would be the first press conference to be hosted by the publisher. Even more on the matter, Schreier tells that the company was intending to show case some unannounced properties from Warner Bros. this coming June originally. “This year, a newcomer planned to enter the field. Warner Bros. Games was preparing to host an E3 press conference for the first time, according to three people familiar with the publisher’s plans,” Schreier shares on Warner Bros. intended plans for June. As for what the publisher had in mind to showcase during the press conference, Schreier disclosed that Harry Potter, Batman, and a new Rocksteady Studios project were the three culprits. The first coming from Avalanche Studios, it was recently reported that the team is in pursuit for a fairly “soon” announcement when users on the internet stumbled upon a job listing for the game developer. Regarding the undisclosed Batman title, Schreier is referencing to Warner Bros. Montreal’s Court of Owls project that is in development. The Batman Arkham Origins team in Montreal has poked at fans with subliminal images and teases for the past few months with hopeful intentions to reveal the games in the coming future. And looking at Schreier’s statement, it would have been this coming June. And lastly the project from Rocksteady Studios: there has been little to no information regarding the game aside from slim tangents of hints derived from a job listing last year. While no details specifically were released on the project’s basis, we do know that the new title is a next generation title for upcoming console hardware. Seeing that the team has been quietly working on the game since 2015, there is the possibility that the game could be in the process of being primed for the new Xbox and PlayStation. On the end of discussion for Warner Bros. plans for E3, Schreier does project that the publisher could pursue an online presentation or separate event to replace the press conference slated for June. Companies like Microsoft alongside Ubisoft have already disclosed to have its ambitions aimed at a virtual show, so the same might be said for Warner bros. later down the line. What do you think about Warner Bros. hosting an E3 press conference? Source: Kotaku

Avalanche Software’s Harry Potter Speculated “Soon To Be Announced”, Job Listing Discloses

For those who might have forgotten already, an unnamed developer at Avalanche Software uploaded a leaked trailer for a untitled Harry Potter game. The trailer was uploaded back in October 2018 by a YouTuber who went by the username ‘RastaPasta’. However, following the rush of information that swiftly surrounded the video, it was later removed entirely. Despite the growing anticipation for the unannounced game that we learned ahead of its official announcement, we still have no idea as to where or when the game will release; or for that matter be revealed. Even following a very energetic E3 last year, publisher Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment has yet to disclose the supposedly upcoming project from the Disney Infinity developer. However, some tangible insight regarding the potential title might have seeped through the cracks as a new job listing discovered shares that the game is imminent to be revealed. According to ResetEra poster Reverse-Flash2024, they share that Avalanche Software is in search of a candidate for a Lighting Technical Artist. The listing reads the following: Avalanche Software, a WB Games studio, seeks a Lighting Technical Artist to work closely with a talented group of artists and engineers on an exciting, soon to be announced AAA title. While the statement does not have much to go off, this is a steady enough foundation to assume that the listing is referencing the unannounced J.K. Rowling title. Reading further in the job listing, the team asks for an individual who is familiar with Unreal Engine 4. Referencing back to the unofficial trailer from 2018, the game shows elements close to what you could determine to be in use of the Epic Games engine to further validate this assumption. However, there is still room for the job listing to be for something entirely different altogether. With this AAA title slated for a “soon […] announcement,” we might learn of an entirely different project instead. Ultimately, seeing the pattern that is aligned for the unannounced Harry Potter project does show the most likely to be the main focus for the time being. Do you think this job listing references the Harry Potter game or something unrelated to the property? Source: ResetEra

Microsoft & Ubisoft looking to provide a digital experience after cancellation of E3 2020

It has been made official, ESA has called off E3 2020 due to the rising threat of coronavirus in the United States which means there will be no convention in Los Angeles for the video game industry come June. As most fans know that leading up into the event itself there are a load of press conferences and digital presentations from Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, Ubisoft, Bethesda, and EA. Now that E3 2020 has been cancelled this means that there will not be any press conferences from Ubisoft & Microsoft. Today, Phil Spencer had this to say: “Given this decision, this year we’ll celebrate the next generation of gaming with the Xbox community and all who love to play via an Xbox digital event. Details on timing and more in the coming weeks” For the first time it looks like we will see our very first digital E3 presentation from Xbox instead of their annual press conference which was previously held at the Microsoft Theater at the Xbox Plaza. We have seen them do Inside Xbox in the past, but we assume this will be very different as we expect many big showcases such as the next generation Xbox in the Series X and to see more First-Party games like Halo Infinite and the Forza Motorsport franchise. Ubisoft on the other hand have also announced that they will be exploring options to provide fans with a digital experience of their planned press conference. Stating that the health and well-being of teams, players and partners are their top priority. Here is the full statement below: We have yet to hear from Bethesda who also are known to hold conferences during E3 as of the past few years. Another company would be Electronic Arts who backed away from E3 in 2016 and have hosted EA Play with their own physical presentations. It’s probably safe to predict that all companies will be doing a digital experience one way or another. What are your thoughts on these moves? Source One  Source Two 

Official: E3 Has Been Canceled

ESA has officially announced that E3 2020 is canceled. Here is an official statement from ESA themselves.  After careful consultation with our member companies regarding the health and safety of everyone in our industry – our fans, our employees, our exhibitors and our longtime E3 partners – we have made the difficult decision to cancel E3 2020, scheduled for June 9-11 in Los Angeles. Following increased and overwhelming concerns about the COVID-19 virus, we felt this was the best way to proceed during such an unprecedented global situation. We are very disappointed that we are unable to hold this event for our fans and supporters. But we know it’s the right decision based on the information we have today. We will wait and see what companies like Microsoft, Ubisoft and Bethesda do with their planned conferences.   ORIGINAL: UPDATE: ESA is expected to officially announce the cancellation of E3 2020 at 9:30 AM PST / 12:30 PM EST today, March 11th. Bloomberg also reports that ESA is going to be looking into the possibility of an online E3 this Summer.  Source In an abrupt announcement made just a few moments ago, indie game publisher Digital Devolver tweeted what seems to be a premature confirmation of the upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) to be cancelled later this June. The company simply wrote “Cancel your E3 flights and hotels, y’all.” You can view the full tweet below: This post comes in response to the currently growing scare of the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) that has become quite a topic of discussion in the United States and even more globally. The outbreak of the ailment has influenced the postponing of the initially scheduled Game Developers Conference (GDC) for next week alongside South By Southwest (SXSW) as well. However, concerning the organizers that is scheduling June’s event in Los Angeles, the Electronic Software Association (ESA) is still planning to orchestrate the show despite the recent State of Emergency established for the city of Los Angeles by Mayor Eric Garcetti. Although the group does still show in favor of running the annual event in the Californian city, there has been word of “whispers” for the show to be cancelled tonight, according to Kotaku New Editor Jason Schreier. He tells that while the topic is still in the air for potential cancellation, the ESA has yet to properly decide whether or not to fulfill the decision as of yet. This new information is currently developing and will continue in the coming days as more will be revealed; stay tuned to Rectifygaming.com for more on the matter concerning the possible cancelling of E3.

Treyarch Co-Head Jason Blundell Announces Departure From Studio

Recently, Treyarch in a letterhead posted on Twitter revealed that studio co-head Jason Blundell will be leaving the company after working at the Call of Duty developer for more than a decade. Rounding to 13 years exactly, Blundell has been involved with the first-person shooter series since the development of Call of Duty 3 back in 2006. Blundell is most noted for his involvement with the Black Ops franchise, more specifically in the Zombies subgenre that launched with each installment. Working on the third entry as the Game Director for story campaign and undead horde mode, his position carried over to the fourth game even after the single player portion was cut from production. You can read the full letterhead submitted in the tweet below: In result from the departure of Blundell points towards speculations as for what the future will be for the next Call of Duty coming from Treyarch. It was reported back in May that due to complications in direction for Sledgehammer Games’ initially scheduled installment in collaboration with Raven Software ultimately went south and repositioned the team to work as a support developer once again. The report also dictated that Treyarch would be taking the timeslot from Sledgehammer Games in 2020 and is supposedly prepping ‘Black Ops 5.’ While no official word has been disclosed on the matter, there is some more direct detail that emerged this year in regards to the upcoming Call of Duty. Back in January, Treyarch Design Director David Vonderhaar disclosed utter denial that the newest entry will not feature jetpacks; a plus for fans who want the series to reroute to the original elements of Call of Duty. Related to Call of Duty studio heads leaving their respected team, both Sledgehammer Games’ Michael Condrey and Glen Schofield departed from the developer in 2019. Shofield revealed to be working at the newly founded Striking Distance under PUBG Corp. whilst Condrey is helming 2K Silicon Valley. Do you think this year’s Call of Duty might be altered with Blundell leaving?

Borderlands 3 Arrives To Steam This Friday, Supports Cross-Play With Epic Games Store

This past February, developer 4A Games announced that the initial Epic Games Store exclusive Metro Exodus would be arriving to Steam later in the month. Following the announcement, this led to speculation considering if the same path will be taken for Ubisoft’s The Division 2 which released the following month alongside Gearbox Software’s Borderlands 3 later in the year. This is assuming that the agreement to establish the respected title only available on the platform for the first full year as seen from Metro Exodus – that a pattern would follow suit for the other mentioned titles. However, that doesn’t look to be the case as it was announced at PAX East that the September-released title would arrive later in March. Atop of the news that grew excitement for fans who have yet to pick up the title due to platform limitations, there is more to expand up this week with the recent FAQ that was posted by the development team. Reading the post discloses that Cross-platform play between both storefronts will be supported when the game arrives to Steam this coming Friday. Borderlands 3 supports PC Cross-Play between Steam and the Epic Games Store with the power of SHiFT Matchmaking. When launching Borderlands 3 for the first time on Steam, and on Epic after installing a new patch, you’ll be greeted by a “PC Cross-Play” screen and the option to enable or disable this feature. Additionally, Gearbox Software also disclosed that cross-save compatibility will also be implemented for users who plan to migrate between PC marketplaces in the future. However, the team does suggest creating a duplicate of your progress as this will potentially corrupt the save file in process of transferring to either platform. “Your save data can be transferred between the Steam and Epic PC platforms, but you will have to move your save files manually. By doing so, you run the risk of potentially losing your save files, so we strongly recommend that you make a backup copy of your save games before you attempt any manual transfer of saves.” Prior to the release of Borderlands 3 back in July, Gearbox Software CEO Randy Pitchford did brush upon cross-play between consoles. He shared that the feature would unfortunately not be primed for launch. He did, however, tell that the team looking for a “practicable” timeframe to work on cross-platform play following the game’s release. Do you plan on picking up Borderlands 3 for Steam this week? Borderlands 3 is out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC via Epic Games Store & Stadia; coming to Steam on March 13, 2020. Source: Gearbox Software