Superhot: Mind Control Delete Welcomes Next-Gen Enhancements For Xbox Series X & Series S

More than a half a year ago, developer Superhot Team finally welcomed the release date for Superhot: Mind Control Delete. The project for more than three years sat in the back of the minds of many while the game studio silently chiseled at the title in that time period. Amid the production for the game, Superhot also welcomed a titular virtual reality port as well. Arriving to all most platforms, excluding Switch & VR, owners of the original Superhot can expect to find the new standalone as a free game on the respected platform storefront. However, that is presumably where the story is expected to end, correct? Well, Superhot Team looks to be striving for the generational leap, at least on Xbox that is. In a new tweet posted on Friday, Superhot Team issues a new update for Superhot: Mind Control Delete for both Xbox Series & Xbox Series S. And for other curious fans, mainly PlayStation 5 owners, it is left uncertain as to where the update for PlayStation 5 is. But this certainly not a first for missing updates on Sony’s latest console. In that, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare welcomed a comparable next-generation enhancement for Xbox Series X, but was missing on PlayStation 5 as well at the time of writing. While the question was left lingering, it was later answered in an interview with Psyonix which dealt that PlayStation 5 versions require more resources to produce. Rather than simply developing for like on Xbox, the Rocket League developer best worded it as a complete port which obviously is a larger task at hand for any team. This week, Xbox Game Pass for PC welcomed Superhot: Mind Control Delete. You can read the newest lineup for the monthly video game service in the full report by heading here. Have you played Superhot: Mind Control Delete? Superhot: Mind Control Delete is out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox Series XS; supported via backwards compatibility on PlayStation 5.

Destiny 2 Expansion The Witch Queen Faces New Release Window In 2022 Says Bungie

Given the continued growth of Bungie-developed Destiny 2 since the title’s release in 2017, the game has welcomed plenty of daily opportunities and the billboard expansions that broaden the experience for its avid players. Looking ahead, Bungie did disclose that the game is to expect cross-platform play between opposing systems later this year. Currently, there is only implemented cross-play between console generations within the respected console family. But mapping out coming content for the game, the developer already issued its plans well until 2022, in fact. Back in 2019, Bungie issued its next three phases for Destiny 2. In that, the game studio listed three expansions for the ongoing title: Beyond Light, The Witch Queen, and Lightfall. Each for the coming respected year, Destiny 2 was already met with the first expansion back in December. However, the following add-on – The Witch Queen – is requiring more development time, says Bungie. As a result of the request, the next major expansion for Destiny 2 will not release until 2022 at the earliest as stated in the new blog post. Last summer, we outlined our ambition for the next era in Destiny 2 by announcing the full arc, starting with Beyond Light, followed by the Witch Queen and Lightfall. As we began to scale production on the Witch Queen last year, we made the difficult but important decision to move its release to early 2022; we also realized we needed to add an additional unannounced chapter after Lightfall to fully complete our first saga of Destiny.  We’ve long thought about moving Destiny’s annual release to the early half of the year primarily for the health of the team, but the Witch Queen and not being tied to legacy expectations allowed us to make this choice early. Elaborating further on the significance of The Witch Queen and the reasoning behind Bungie to delay the expansion, the developer issues that the add-on ultimately sits as a catalyst for more Destiny lore well beyond the succeeding Lightfall DLC. “The Witch Queen will light the fire on a strongly interconnected narrative across Lightfall and beyond, unlike anything we’ve ever attempted before, with characters, arcs, heroes and villains that persist over multiple future releases.” Bungie goes on to acknowledge that the safety and health of its staff is also another factor considered for the decision – not solely the comprised integrity of the storyline for the Destiny universe. COVID-19 refrains the studio from working within the same building, so there is more to take on when working from home, Bungie adds. Regarding future endeavors for Bungie elsewhere, the developer recently disclosed that Bungie is planning to expand Destiny into other mediums alongside shift focus to its next major property scheduled to release later in 2025. You can read the full report by heading here. Will you be patient for The Witch Queen’s delay to 2022? Destiny 2 is out now for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. Source: Bungie

Luna Head Marc Whitten Reported To Be Departing From Leadership At Amazon

For video game cloud-based streaming platforms, we are only in the baby steps phase of what could become the golden standard for gaming as we already see this being implemented effectively with entertainment like film & television. Given the continuing push for xCloud on Microsoft’s behalf already, it is uncertain as to where else competitors are planning to pursue this path. Looking at Google, its Stadia platform while prominent in its own regards does show shambling with second guessing in this month alone. In the first week of February, Google issued to close shop for platform internal developer suite, Stadia Games and Entertainment. As for the future of Stadia, the firm pledges to use its resources in assisting developers in entering the cloud-streaming sphere. Elsewhere, Amazon is on its way to the race as well with its own in-house platform Luna still in beta. However, before the service fully enters the video game industry, prominent leadership is withdrawing from the banner. In that, it is reported that Amazon Luna lead Marc Whitten is departing from his role at the video game division. Matthew Ball, a market strategist, reports from Whitten’s LinkedIn profile that he is making way for the door as he takes on a new position at Unity. The now-former Luna lead will now be posed as Senior Vice President & General Manager at Unity Create as indicated by the imaged ripped from Whitten’s LinkedIn account. However, all is not truly lost for Amazon Luna just yet. Elsewhere this month, it was reported that new Amazon CEO Andy Jassy does view value in the gaming division for the online retail conglomerate. “Though we haven’t consistently succeeded yet in AGS [Amazon Game Studios], I believe we will if we hang in there,” Jassy issues in a statement. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you surprised by the recent events for Luna or no?

Latest Deathloop Trailer Reveals PlayStation Exclusivity Ends In May 2022

Arkane Lyon’s Deathloop stands in the midst of an interesting period for the release after previous reports for Microsoft’s ambitions to fully acquire Bethesda parent company, Zenimax Media. Given the preconceived circumstance of the title’s timed-exclusivity to PlayStation systems initially, it was uncertain if that still applies when the competitor buys out all the property on one side of the game board. In a later report, Microsoft clarifies that it will honor the agreement between Bethesda & Sony Interactive Entertainment. More specifically, Xbox head Phil Spencer comments that the deal will be fulfilled for both Deathloop and GhostWire: Toyko. However, there is additional precedence that needs to be addressed though. That being Deathloop is releasing at a new date later this May rather than its initially framed holiday 2020 timeframe. However, that only applies to PlayStation 4/5 and PC. It wasn’t until the latest Deathloop trailer that Arkane Lyon addresses the duration for its updated agreement. You can watch the new Deathloop gameplay trailer in the video below: Ending the video, subtext in the footage reads as such: “*Also available on PC. Not available on other consoles until at least 05/21/22.” So, in theory, the Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and even Xbox One version for Deathloop will not arrive until a full year of the original release for the game at the very least. Similarly, the same story is presumed to be told for GhostWire: Tokyo. Currently, the game only sits on a 2021 timeframe with no approximate release date. But, Sony Interactive Entertainment did disclose that the title will ship sometime in October 2021 as per a recent PlayStation 5 promotional video. You can read the full report by heading here. What platform are you getting Deathloop on? Deathloop arrives to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC on May 5, 2021; listed for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

EA Play & Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Receives Madden NFL 21 And Star Wars Squadrons In March, NHL 21 In April

When Microsoft broke the news that it will be expanding its perks for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with the addition of EA Play, formerly EA Access, many already subscribed cheered to the roofs on the bonus for being part of the monthly service. Those that are not familiar with the plethora of EA titles can indulge on such and those already both services can cancel one of its subscriptions – it’s a win-win. But, the initiative for PC is still under wraps currently. While Electronic Arts did welcome some of its releases to Xbox Game Pass for PC, the publisher did not yet fully introduce EA Play to keyboard & mouse Xbox Game Pass owners. And while many still await for the addition now entering almost the third month for 2021, Electronic Arts is making new additions to EA Play. In a new announcement post from Electronic Arts, players can expect three major titles arriving to EA Play and subsequently Xbox Game Pass Ultimate as well. You can read the full list below: Madden NFL 21 – March 2 Star Wars Squadrons – March 2021 NHL 21 – April 2021 “EA Play is a great way to get more from the games you love, included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and coming soon to Xbox Game Pass for PC memberships,” Ellie Day, Electronic Arts Senior Writer pens on Xbox Wire. “EA Play members can access exclusive in-game challenges and rewards, unlock special member-only content, play early trials of brand-new titles, and get instant access to a collection of our best-loved series and top titles.” Upon further discussion regarding Electronic Arts, the publisher in a recent interview with IGN discussed its continued ambition to put its properties’ identity in the hands of its respected teams and the communities that form said persona for namely titles. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or EA Play? Source: Electronic Arts

Treyarch Suggests Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War & Warzone Space Requirement Might Exceed The 500 GB Hard Drive For Base PlayStation 4

When comparing the two latest Call of Duty Games, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare & Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, the pair do offer their own contrasts and caveats between on another. But in similarities, the two happen to share an identically close file size. While not to the number, but, both games do happen to extend past 100 GB easily. Howbeit, Infinity Ward did in the past campaign to relinquish some of the weight on user’s hard drives previously. Even on the last legs of Modern Warfare ahead of the release for Black Ops Cold War, Infinity Ward issued a 25 GB reduction to the 2019 title across the span of its supported platforms. But for Treyarch’s Black Ops Cold War, it’s almost a competition to outdo the amount of space required it appears. With a next-generation port readied, it is expected that the game will already exceed older hardware. That’s a given. Moreover, the PC version illustrates true pain for the individual Call of Duty fans as the game at most can overtake roughly 250 GB. And that is just the base version. Now in a new update from Treyarch, the developer issues a statement on the latest update for Black Ops Cold War suggesting it might not be enough for a base PlayStation 4 – entailing the same fate for Xbox One as well. Those who own a standard PlayStation 4 with a default hard drive of 500 GB may need to make room if they have the full versions of Modern Warfare/Warzone and Black Ops Cold War with all modes and packs installed. Should you have both games installed and have kept up to date with updates, you may need to delete some unused Game Content to have a successful download and install of the Warzone patch. The caution is made in exception for users planning to keep both Call of Duty: Modern Warfare & Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War installed on their system. While players that choose to follow this look to which games to delete, Treyarch tells a similar story in the post. Indicating that players can remove “any content you may not have played in a while”, mainly campaign or even zombies mode. As for other news regarding Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, NPD Group reports that the November-release title already surpassed its competition into the top 20 best selling title in history. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you struggling to keep Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and/or Warzone on your console? Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is out now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Source: Treyarch

Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Already Ranks Among One Of The Industries Most Sold Titles Since Its Release

In the current crisis for the newest generation of console hardware, it is unfortunate to see the remarked systems sit just at par with its predecessors. In a recent report from Ampere Analysis, it is concluded that both Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5 remain at a parallel in sales contrasting to its older Xbox One & PlayStation 4 siblings. For sure, it is not too surprising upon the amount of silicon currently facing a shortage for the machines among other prominent products. Hardware such as semiconductors are currently not producing fast enough and the demand only rises as not enough units are being manufactured for retailers to sell. The issue grew enough to a federal level where the Biden Administration pledges to investigate the current problem in efforts to find a solution in silicon production. But, sales for games continue to rise despite this error – mainly thanks to cross-generation support for many of these games. As a result we see games like Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War flourish in the midst of this issue. Enough to where the game is now in the top 20 most sold releases in the history of the industry. Remarkable for the November-released title, the market performance for an annual Call of Duty entry is virtually a given at this point. But to witness the instantaneous surge for the latest installment is something not easily predicted, for sure. Reflecting on the past decade, Call of Duty harbors roughly half of 2010’s top 20 best sellers: seven of those sitting in the top 10. In other relevancy to Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Treyarch recently administered season 2 for multiplayer & Warzone. Following the reoccurring content updates and event for the free-to-play model, it is suspected Warzone might be the result for Black Ops Cold War’s success. You can read the initial report by heading here. Are you among the millions that own Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War? Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is out now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Stadia Pro March 2021 Free Games Include Avicii Invector, Reigns, Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle, And PixelJunk Raiders

While reporting about Stadia Pro for this month ahead of the next calendar period actually starting, Google issued new details on the future of its internal game studios. In that, Stadia Games and Entertainment ceased to be effectively at the start of February. The new comes as a surprise following the forming of two in-house teams and the acquisition of developer Typhoon Games. While Typhoon Games is not a Stadia Games and Entertainment studio anymore, Stadia remained to offer the team’s project, Journey to the Savage Planet, as a free game for February 2021. Additionally, Google also issued Enter the Gungeon & Lara Craft and the Guardian of Light for free as well to Stadia Pro subscribers. In a new blog post issued this week, Google announces its next free lineup of games for the month of March. You can read the full list of free titles compiled below: Avicii Invector Reigns Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle Pixeljunk Raiders This Sunday, February 28, Google states that a handful of previously introduced Stadia Pro titles are leaving the service. Those games include the following: Kine, Hello Neighbor: Secret Neighbor, and Monster Jam Steel Titans. Elaborating further on the closing of Stadia Games and Entertainment, it is discovered that the prevalent issues for Journey to the Savage Planet are in limbo as Typhoon Games cannot handle updates to the Stadia version. Publisher 505 Games issues that Stadia Games and Entertainment is responsible for resolving the issues. You can read the full report by heading here. Which Stadia Pro games are you most intrigued to play this month? Avicii Invector, Reigns, Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle, and Pixeljunk Raiders arrive to Stadia Pro on March 1, 2021. Source: Google

Final Fantasy VII Remake Headlines PlayStation Plus’ March 2021 Free Games

As presumed, Sony Interactive Entertainment continues to carry out worthwhile titles for PlayStation Plus subscribers. In that, the monthly online subscription features a trend that continues to carry its weight with players looking to add to their backlog with a bevy of titles that fills up their hard drives. Last month, it was no different. In that, Sony Interactive Entertainment revealed Control: Ultimate Edition, Destruction All-Stars, and Concrete Genie for the month of February. Currently, players have until March 1 to pick up all three before the inevitable next batch of games arrive. And speaking of, the next headline of titles are surely to be worth clearing your external headroom for. In a new PlayStation Blog post, PlayStation Plus for March 2021 will feature four new titles. You can read the full list of free games below: Farpoint Final Fantasy VII Remake Marquette Remnant: From the Ashes Alike last month’s free games offered by Sony Interactive Entertainment, there are some clarifications worth making. In that, virtual reality experience Farpoint similarly to Concrete Genie for February is only playable on PlayStation 4 via PlayStation VR. While the PlayStation company finally addressed a dedicated PlayStation 5 VR headset is on the way, there is no current plans if it will support prior releases. Additionally, Final Fantasy VII Remake will be another PlayStation 4 game. Noted, the game is playable via backwards compatibility, but will not offer a free upgrade to the PlayStation 5 version coming later this June. “The PS4 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake available to PlayStation Plus members is not eligible for the PS5 digital version upgrade,” Sony discloses. For more information on the new upgrade, you can read the full report by heading here. Are you excited for the new PlayStation Plus titles for this month? Farpoint, Final Fantasy VII Remake, Marquette, and Remnant: From the Ashes are available for free on March 2, 2021 to April 5, 2021 on PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 respectively. Source: PlayStation Blog

Ember Labs Reveals August Release Date For Kena: Bridge Of Spirits In New Trailer

Running off the anticipation for Kena: Bridge of Spirits, it was even more enticing upon discovering the team behind the title. Ember Labs is previously responsible for the creation of fan-film ‘Majora’s Mask: Terrible Fate’, so the studio’s coming PlayStation 5 game is expected to hold that same vigor as well. But, it was upsetting when the developer issued a delay will push the game’s release into 2021 the following year. With a broader release window now propped for Kena: Bridge of Spirits, it is overwhelming for fans that were initially anticipating the promised holiday release previously. But, there did happen to be some hope which sprouted in a PlayStation 5 promo revealing the game scheduled to arrive in March this year. However, Sony Interactive Entertainment went its way to hammer down any speculation by doctoring the video later on. But following Thursday’s PlayStation State of Play, it is now clear when Kena: Bridge of Spirits is coming – this August. You can watch the new gameplay trailer in the video below: Aside from the base version of Kena: Bridge of Spirits, Ember Labs also announces the Digital Deluxe Edition for the game. The contents of the higher tier includes the following: Kena: Bridge of Spirits, digital album, golden rot skin, and unique Kena staff. Additionally, Ember Labs reiterates on support for cross-buy between PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 stating either edition will provide entry to the other platform. Elsewhere in the livestreamed presentation this week, Square Enix announced Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. While not the second issue of three for the remade experience, Intergrade is an extension of the story with Yuffie Kisaragi featured as a playable character. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you happy Kena: Bridge of Spirits finally has a release date? Kena: Bridge of Spirits is slated to hit PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC on August 24, 2021. Source: PlayStation Blog