Borderlands 3 Director’s Cut Add-on Scheduled To Arrive On March 18th
Given the understanding of a traditional season pass for a game, it is expected that the developer upon reaching its promised number of add-ons would move onto its next major project. As for Borderlands 3, that was not the case at all. Instead, developer Gearbox Software announced it would welcoming a Season Pass 2 which would feature a couple more DLC additions atop of the expansions we have from the first. In that, Gearbox Software introduced the Designer’s Cut back in November which was told to realign how Borderlands 3 is played. Additionally, players will also find a new skill tree for the game which can be expanded upon once the add-on shipped. The second being the Director’s Cut, much information on it was left fairly scarce at the time of writing. In a new press release issued on Wednesday, Gearbox Software reveals that the Director’s Cut is set to arrive in mid March next month. The announcement also welcomed back Telltale Games’ Tales from the Borderlands which is taking place next Wednesday, February 17. The add-on features an enticing variety of content, but the headline act is its brand new raid boss: Hemovorous the Invincible, an absolutely titanic Varkid lurking behind a door on Pandora that’s been locked since Borderlands 3 launched. Only the fiercest big game hunters have a chance of kicking her chitinous butt in the pursuit of top-tier loot. Better consider your tactics, refine your build, and bring some friends. Oh, and be ready to get caked in Varkid guts — it’s going to get messy! The coming expansion for Borderlands 3 is also said to include a bevy of new features even including a new, “novel crime scene analysis mechanic.” It continues, “Ava is convinced she has a lead on some potentially supernatural slayings and has decided to document her findings in serialized podcast form. “Consider yourself her gun-toting co-host as you investigate strange happenings on Pandora, Promethea, Eden-6, and Nekrotafeyo in search of answers (and loot), with help from some familiar faces. Eagle-eyed Vault Hunters may even uncover teasers, hints, and secrets that tie back to the main story.” Elsewhere recently in regards to Borderlands as an entity, THQ Nordic parent company Embracer Group announced to an agreed merge with franchise developer, Gearbox Entertainment. The Austin, Texas studio will be Embracer Group’s seventh operating subsidiary. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you excited for the Director’s Cut? Director’s Cut is set to arrive on March 18, 2021; Borderlands 3 is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Stadia. Source: 2K
Telltale Games’ Tales From The Borderlands To Return To Storefronts Next Wednesday
While the news did come to be a heartbreaker upon learning about the closing of Telltale Games, it was an even bigger disappointment to watch as many of the developer’s released work being delisted from digital storefronts. While plenty of the games are still available for purchase via a physical copy, that only limits the amount of potential owners of the game. Thankfully, those that already purchased the games digitally do not have to worry. But following the later resurrection of Telltale Games by LCG Entertainment later on in summer 2019, we did witness life being breathed into its previous work. While not immediately, fans eventually laid its eyes upon the return of Telltale Games’ take at DC’s Batman with Telltale’s Batman: Shadows Edition. And now, another hallmark release is coming back to the market. In a new announcement today, 2K announced that Telltale Games’ Tales from the Borderlands is set to arrive in just one week from today. The 2014 project is said to return to its initially released platforms; so Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. Award-winning narrative-driven adventure game Tales from the Borderlands returns next week after more than a year away from digital storefronts! Set between the events of Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3, Tales from the Borderlands follows two unreliable narrators on a quest borne of greed but destined for greatness. Your choices shape this tale to be uniquely yours, with plenty of unforeseen consequences ranging from hilarious to heart-wrenching. See the eventual fates of unforgettable characters like Handsome Jack and Scooter in this essential piece of the Borderlands canon. Additionally, 2K discloses that users that owned the game originally or plans to later on can also enjoy all five episodes on the next-generation machines. However, there are no clarifications if there is to be notable improvements for Tales from the Borderlands on either Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, or PlayStation 5. Elsewhere in recent weeks, Telltale Games did offer an update on its latest project – The Wolf Among Us 2. While development has been rather quiet since its announcement at The Game Awards in 2019, Telltale Games issues that the whole sequel will be available upon release rather than periodic episode increments. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you excited to see Tales from the Borderlands finally returning to online stores? Tales from the Borderlands is coming to the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, and Steam on February 17, 2021. Source: 2K
San Diego Studio To Hold A Closed Technical Test For MLB The Show 21 For Xbox & PlayStation Starting February 23
While February is hardly two weeks old at this point currently, the month has truly shaken the video game industry. Last week, it was officially revealed that MLB The Show will be arriving to Xbox for the first time in series history. With the unveiling of MLB The Show 21 as San Diego Padres Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. being the cover athlete, many also cheered on the announcement of its Jackie Robinson Editions that followed the initial reveal. Now as the game is inching ever so close to its launch date scheduled for this coming April, developer San Diego Studio on Wednesday is featuring some gameplay for the coming MLB The Show 21 and also tosses in some new details leading up to the title’s release. In that, there will be a closed technical test coming later in February for both platforms. Essentially, it is a exclusive beta for players planning to sign up. You can watch the latest gameplay trailer in the video below: “Starting on February 23 and ending about a week later, a limited number of users* can participate in the MLB The Show 21 Technical Test,” San Diego Studio reveals. “What is the Technical Test? We need your help to stress test: the servers, online match-making, cross-platform play, as well as gather feedback on gameplay. The Technical Test will be closed, so we ask that you read rules before signing up and we will see you on the servers soon.” Upon entering the sign-up page for the technical test, it reveals that the closed playtest will be available for a total of six days. The technical test will be ending on March 1, 2021. For users planning to pre-download the playtest, San Diego Studio confirms the function will be available upon being welcomed into the technical test. You can head to the sign-up page by heading here. Are you planning to get a head start on MLB The Show 21 later this month? MLB The Show 21 is slated to arrive on April 20, 2021 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Source: PlayStation Blog
Microsoft Establishes New Subsidiary “Vault” For Zenimax Media Ahead Of The Firm’s Acquisition Ruling
Although the transaction is still not officially settled, Microsoft’s ambitions to properly acquire Zenimax Media is currently in its finalize stage. As of last September, the Xbox company announced to be putting $7.5 billion into the Bethesda parent company. The firm plans to welcome aboard the seven internal studios that make up Bethesda with teams such as Betehsda Game Works, id Software, and Arkane Studios. In the past week, it was discovered that Microsoft is planning to push forward for the ruling of its acquisition plans. As per a submitted request by Microsoft on the European Commissions website, the listing reveals that the decision will be made in the timeframe before its projected expiration set for March 5th the following month. Now in a new discovery over on the documentation recorded on the same domain, Microsoft reveals its plans upon the merger being finalized. In that, it plans to siphon Zenimax Media into a new subsidiary dubbed the ‘Vault’. Microsoft acquires within the meaning of Article 3(1)(b) of the Merger Regulation sole control of the whole of ZeniMax. The concentration is accomplished by way of a merger pursuant to which a newly created Microsoft subsidiary (‘Vault’) will be merged with and into ZeniMax. However, while the Microsoft giant has established the new retainer planned for Zenimax Media upon the acquisition being completed in the coming month, Vault is only a temporary move new documentation reveals. Thanks to @_XboxNews, the account shares a screenshot of the clarification in the legal work. “Following this merger, Vault will cease to exist and Zenimax will survive, as a wholly owned subsidiary of Microsoft”, the text reads. As for Microsoft in future ambitions, Phil Spencer does reference more purchases to be made later on. He discloses that financial decisions in favor of the platform will be considered if greatly benefitting the Xbox Game Pass formula leading forward. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you hopeful to see Microsoft acquire next? Source: EUR-Lex
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time Reveals PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, And PC Versions
What now looks to be a periodic tradition for Activision, the publisher back in early October welcomed aboard a new release for Crash Bandicoot. While not a nostalgic remake for its ever hungry fan base, instead the firm alongside developer Toys for Bob shipped a new mainline installment. After more than two decades since the third flagship release, Crash Bandicoot 3: Warped, a fourth entry has arrived. Titled Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, the new game features the same zany cast of characters and even introduces the first in franchise history to play as Dr. Cortex. Given the understanding that the new title will hit most major platforms, it did miss the ball on the next-generation machines. It even dodged a Nintendo Switch release. Thankfully, it was discovered that a Nintendo Switch port was underway through the source code of the game’s website. Now in a new announcement on Tuesday, Activision reveals that Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is arriving to the latest console hardware including Nintendo Switch and even PC. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “Developer Toys for Bob has been hard at work to bring Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time to new platforms,” the press release shares. “Fans on PlayStation® 5 and Xbox Series X|S are in for some N. credible visuals when they see the game run in 4K with 60 FPS2. Additionally, players on either next-gen platform will enjoy quicker loading times to dive into the wumpa-eating action and 3D audio that will immerse them in all-new dimensions. “What’s more, players who purchase, or already have, Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on PlayStation® 4 or Xbox One will be entitled to receive next-gen upgrades at no cost.” Looking ahead, there is room for speculation that the original Spyro trilogy could also be expecting a new mainline release fairly soon as well. According to the Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time official artbook, that was uncovered by @SpyroUniverse, one piece of art features what is gathered to be a hint for a new entry. When reflecting on the anticipation of making a new Crash Bandicoot world with familiar landmarks, the team does include “a little hint at Spyro” suggesting a similar future is underway. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning to play Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time on the announced systems? Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on March 12, 2021; later in 2021 for PC. Out now for PlayStation 4 & Xbox One. Source: Activision
Epic Games Store Spring Showcase Scheduled For February 11
More than two years ago, it was a very controversial time in regards to games releasing on Epic Games Store. In that, players who resided uniquely to Valve-owned PC storefront Steam for the past decade plus expected their launcher of choice to continue receiving some of the biggest entries arriving to the store, However, as Epic Games launched its own self-named retailer, the publisher also closed down on exclusive releases for a timed period. But now with most of the initially shipped timed-exclusives that hit Epic Games Store before Steam are available now on both, the heat has simmered. Even more, the number of free games continued to grow as the platform continues to hand out especially after its first full year. Now reaching a certain point of notoriety, Epic Games plans to host a livestreamed showcase for the storefront this week. On Monday, Epic Games announced the Epic Games Store Spring Showcase that will feature specials on highly-anticipated games alongside offer first-glimpse trailers and gameplay on upcoming projects as well. You can read the features sales in the list below: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – Up to 20 percent off Cyberpunk 2077 – 10 percent off Hades – 20 percent off SnowRunner – Up to 40 percent off Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order – 50 percent off for all / 55 percent off for Star Wars Battlefront II owners Star Wars: Squadrons – 40 percent off for all / 50 percent off for Star Wars Battlefront II owners While not much is elaborated on the meat of the livestream, Epic Games does go on to write that it will offer “a collection of new announcements, gameplay and extended looks presented by the developers creating the games we all love. Interesting enough, some fans gather one nod to the showcase was made last week actually. In a recent Halo Waypoint post, 343 Industries Community Support & Engagement Coordinator Tyler Davis wrote that Halo: The Master Chief Collection might possibly receive a new platform to play on. The post writes that the Halo anthology title could “maybe [find] a new place and way to play”, possibly implying Epic Games Store. You can read the full blog post by heading here. What are you hoping to grasp from the showcase later this week? Epic Games Store Spring Showcase is scheduled to take place on Thursday February 11, 2021 at 2 PM EST / 11 AM PST. Source: Epic Games
