Leak: RGG Studio Developing Yakuza Spin-Off Starring Ryuji Goda

This past year, 2020, remains marked to be reserved for Yakuza 7: Like A Dragon. The title shipped early in the year for PlayStation 4 uniquely in Japan, but was later met with a western release on Xbox for the first time alongside the expected PlayStation launch. Even greeting PC, the game faced plenty of attention from its follower base throughout last year entering into 2021. But it is uncertain what is underway next. Retracing our steps back to September this past fall, it was reported that Sega alongside Ryu Ga Gotoku would feature an announcement for the next Yakuza project. However, it was swiftly denounced by Ayana Tsubaki who initially issued the statement to be a misunderstanding on her behalf. But now, information looks to be emerging from over on 4Chan. The rumor being reported by AltChar, it is said that RGG Studio is working on a new spin-off project. Even more, the leak discloses that Ryuji Goda, the protagonist from Yakuza 1, will be the featured protagonist for the new project. The 4Chan poster also provides an image ripped from the unannounced title. Gathered elsewhere on ResetEra, poster Dlanor A. Knox also reiterates on the leak in a thread. In that, the user also shares an image of the map which issues the setting for the project is to be set in Onomichi – the location for Yakuza 6. They cross reference the two to conclude the title’s setting. Even more, it is suggested that party members are making a return when looking at the original image, which implies turn-based gameplay is returning also. Of course, the leak is suggested to be taken as such and not as fact until properly announced. Looking forward, the only confirmed Yakuza project underway is the coming film adaptation 1212 is producing, You can read the full report by heading here. Would you play Ryuji Goda if the leak happens to be legitimate? Source: AltChar

id Software Working On New VR Title ‘PROJECT 2021A’, Australian Rating Board Reveals

While Doom Eternal continues beyond its release with post-launch DLC scheduled to arrive with part two of The Ancient Gods later in 2021, developer id Software is working on a new, under wraps project. While the context is kept to a minimum in the new finding, it is certain that the title will remain close to the violent attributes that most id Software-developed games are recognized for. According to the Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, a government-run domain, a new rating appeared with id Software’s name on it. The ratings board features a new project dubbed ‘PROJECT 2021A’ and is rated with a hefty R18+ for the project. What is most interesting is the unannounced project happens to be a virtual reality title. However, this certainly is not id Software’s first VR game as it was only in 2017 that the team shipped Doom VFR. But, perhaps the new project could overtake more anticipation than what was received for the earlier title upon hitting store shelves. The rating also includes that the year of production is 2021 – henceforth the titling. But gathered from the codename is most likely a placeholder, it does not elaborate what the game actually is. Even more, it is difficult to determine if the titling could go as far to imply the project is shipping this year – more so just stating when development commenced. Assuming the game is yet another first-person shooter, the release is surely in good hands. As for what the future holds in regards to Xbox Game Studios, with id Software now an acquired entity, there is an even more glowing future. Phil Spencer boasts the capabilities from the likes of id Software specifically in an interview in late December. However, given that the game is a virtual reality game, the likeliness of it arriving to Xbox Series X|S is slim to none currently. Upon speaking on GamerTag Radio, Spencer once again comments on then-coming  systems in regards to the peripheral and spares that Microsoft is simply “not going to do that.” You can listen to the full interview by heading here. Are you excited for the new, unannounced VR game from id Software? Source: Australian Classification

Review: nerdytec Couchmaster Cycon²

As time has passed, everyone has decided how they enjoy playing their favorite games. Most of my friends have some variation of desk setup for their towers, but some, including myself, have turned their game center into a work center, converting their TV & couch into a PC workstation. In this scenario, NerdyTec has created arguably the best lap desk on the market to date. The Couchmaster Cycon² turns any couch (with enough wiggle room) into a desk for you complete with proper armrests for long game sessions or workdays. Ultimately, the pieces remain separate and it acts as a superior lapboard/USB hub combination with 6 USB 3.0 connector ports which was more than what I needed to connect every peripheral I use. This won’t rest on your lap though as the armrests are robust enough to give your legs the necessary wiggle room to sit comfortably. The main thing that might catch you off guard (like I was) is the size of everything altogether. After setting up, I was surprised how much space everything took up but it’s honestly for the best. The soft, fusion grey armrests are supportive, and couch seating really takes away the strain of sitting down to work. If anything, depending on your couch, you’ll feel like you “fell in.” Everything is freely adjustable from the armrests to the lapboard positioning so the comfort is really in your hands. The instructions to assemble are pretty bare bones but enough to help you hook up the cables necessary to run every cable you need without having any exposed wiring. Coming with the assembly are a couple of rolls of velcro tape that let you attach more slippery peripherals to the lapboard. The mouse bag that comes with the box also has its own, smaller velcro tape but positioning it is more convenient than I’d expected. just attach what you’d like, where you would like it. I found myself not needing the spare rolls of tape but the addition is there for anyone who needs them. Now for the most contentious part: the price and feel of materials. While the plastic board feels relatively cheap, It has no issue holding a weighty laptop, mouse, and microphone altogether (just as a weight test on my part). I cannot argue with the results, not to mention my back is particularly thanking me for this product granting some relief from years of sitting upright. That being said, the price point of the Couchmaster Cycon² is a bit hefty at $179.00 USD. This is without considering your peripherals not being included on that price tag. But while the price is a bit up there, the Couchmaster Cycon² fills a role that is, at the current moment, the benchmark for computing lapboards. Sure, it’s bulky, but the armrests, 6 USB 3.0 hub ports, and freedom of positioning the product provides are impossible to ignore. If you find yourself seeking a new office or gaming station, perhaps nerdytec could convince you that your couch is the place to convert. I’m certainly a convert and I’d highly recommend you try it out for yourselves. Follow the link here to check it out!

Playdead’s New Title Is A Third-Person, Open-World Adventure Says Recent Job Listing

In concern for developer Playdead, the developer’s next project is expected to release in the coming years entering the new console generation. Following the release of Limbo and later Inside, the Danish game studio is recognized to push out one title per console lifespan. So for the newest, and still unannounced project, that is expected to arrive to the latest Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5 fairly soon. Going off what is already available to pick at, Playdead already issued a glimpse at its untitled game previously in March 2020. The firm posted what looks to be a sample of gameplay for the project. But, little detail arose following the initial posting. Of course, screenshots later on seeped into public eye which grabbed fans excited for the next release. According a now-removed job listing, it is suggested Playdead is making a much more ambitious title this time around. Transcribed by Video Game Chronicles, the listing for a technical director reveals an entirely new experience is underway. Our current project is a 3rd person, open world, science fiction adventure built for multiple platforms on Unreal Engine and published by Epic Games Publishing. Alongside the job listing elaborating on the genre that Playdead is pursuing with the still unannounced property, a separate posting includes more context in regards to the game’s plot. The listing for a gameplay programmer reads to be set in the “remote corner of the universe,” but nothing further. The only other information that is gathered from the project is in relevance to the publisher. While Playdead remains independent, the developer has arranged a publishing deal with Epic Games to fund the new project. The partnership was also shared to include agreements with Remedy Entertainment and gen Design as well. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you most intrigued by the new information on Playdead’s project? Source: Video Game Chronicles