Gears 5 Sequel Could Be A Minor Announcement At E3, Jeff Grubb Tells

In 2019 with the release of Gears 5 and the following launch in 2020 for Gears Tactics, it is anticipated that there is a new game on the horizon for the Gears of War franchise. Through job listings for The Coalition, the game studio is in search for hires that are eager to “forge the future of the IP,” the description for multiple postings ask for. With the addition of The Coalition also conjuring its own touch screen controls for the 2019 release on xCloud since this past fall, at least to public understanding, it is anticipated that the developer is pursuing new projects. Coming from GamesBeat’s Jeff Grubb, it appears that Gears 6 is to potentially be revealed at this coming E3. Earlier in April, the Electronic Software Association (ESA) that organizes E3 shared that Xbox will be one of the featured firms at this June’s virtual show. However, the contents for the conference are left undetermined. But, Grubb reiterates on a previous statement to reassure there is a possibility for the sequel, however, he clarifies it might be a minor reveal. My point was more that Gears 6 is till pretty early- they’re not going to show it and they’re [The Coalition] not in the situation where if they don’t have enough, so they’re just gonna like say, “ok, let’s just say we’re working on Gears 6so that people know that coming to fill in this- presentation so it feels like we have stuff.” They’re not in that situation. Grubb then goes on to indicate that while Gears 6 is certainly not ready for a full-on showcase, there is a window for a potential reveal/cinematic trailer to keep the fire going. “So they’ll have a lot of stuff, and they don’t need to necessarily need rush Gears 6 ahead an just say, “put a logo on the screen or let’s make a cinematic trailer and just say this game that people know are going to come eventually. “’We don’t wanna say that’s not happening yet, we can hold off and focus on other stuff and wait on Gears 6 until we are more ready.’” Grubb also rekindles the claim he made on a deal being discussed between Microsoft and Kojima Productions. While the plan is still uncertain, it is possible the project will be announced if finalized in time for the show, Grubb shares. He also includes a possible timeframe for Psychonauts 2 to be present at E3. On Monday, developer Double Fine Productions pressed that the long-awaited sequel is still on its way for the promised rescheduled 2021 release. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you hoping to see new Gears information this summer?
Recent The Coalition Job Postings Seeks Candidates To “Forge The Future” For The Gears Franchise

Although developer The Coalition has been quiet, somewhat, since the release of Gears 5 back in September 2019, the Xbox Game Studios team reveals to be busy with other endeavors as time progressed. Most recently, The Coalition introduced story expansion ‘Gears 5: Hivebusters’ to the latest installment. The add-on follows the journey of Team Scorpio from Gears 5: Escape. Of course, The Coalition is also noted for its work on pioneering touch control support for xCloud on mobile. In fall 2020, the developer showcased the feature in anticipation for the service and how malleable the tool can be for each respective title on the cloud streaming platform. It wasn’t until most recently that support for Gears 5 officially arrived in April. But through job listings for new Gears of War projects at The Coalition, the game studio is in search for developers that are interested “to forge the future of the IP,” the description reads for a job posting for Community Manager Director. Elsewhere previously, The Coalition appeared to be teasing a possible Gears of War 2 Remaster back in February. But, it was later clarified to be hinting at Operation 6 for Gears 5. The seasonal update was pressed to be the first to shorten its duration in contrast to previous operations held for Gears 5. Most interesting is the report on The Coalition’s involvement in the development for Halo Infinite. Although the team is proficient with the Gears of War franchise, discoveries on LinkedIn reveal that the Vancouver-based team also assisted in work for 343 Industries’ upcoming release. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you excited for the newest game to ship from The Coalition? Source: The Coalition
Recent Leaks For Second Sonic The Hedgehog Movie Reveals Knuckles And Possible Connection To Sonic Adventure 2

For fans of the first film that arrived on Valentine’s Day in 2020, the second to be the successor for Sonic the Hedgehog will surely show to bring the heat. It was already reported previously that filming for the follow-up to commence in March. Using codename ‘Emerald Hill’ (the fist level of the Sonic the Hedgehog 2), Paramount Studios dived into shooting for what is expected to be another blockbuster success. Prior to that, voice for the titular blue hedgehog Ben Schwartz on Twitter revealed that sequel will be arriving later in 2022 for that April. Even more, an announcement made later on in February officially revealed the title, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog 2’, what a surprise! But what brought more excitement is the implication for Tails to be included in the production. Now in a string of leaks from the set for the coming motion picture, it is revealed that Sonic the Hedgehog 2 will be featuring what looks to be G.U.N. (Guardian Units of Nations) from Sonic Adventure 2. Additionally, a separate image shared also includes the first image of Knuckles as well that is shaking the internet. To add more context, organization G.U.N. is recognized for the containment of Shadow the Hedgehog and other Dr. Robotnik experiments from reaching the masses. The group is also responsible for the death of Dr. Eggman’s granddaughter, Maria. It is unclear if the organization’s presence in the second film means more characters to be introduced, but the hint with “SA-2” on the helicopter only duels the flames for excitement. As for the second leak, there was no prior indication that Knuckles would certainly be in the film. From the Illuminerdi, it was reported that possibly Aquaman star Jason Momoa would voice Knuckles the Echinda. However, there has yet to be an official follow-up to the reporting. For now, the image is the only indication to the claim. As for other spoiled plans on behalf of Sonic the Hedgehog, a listing for ‘Sonic Colors Ultimate’ appeared earlier this month. The unannounced project is presumed to be tied to Team Sonic’s plans for Sonic the Hedgehog’s 30th anniversary taking place this year. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you most excited about the newest fining for Sonic the Hedgehog 2? Sonic the Hedgehog 2 arrives to theaters on April 8, 2022.
Activision Reveals Call Of Duty: Warzone Surmounted 100 Million Users

Since the inception of Call of Duty: Warzone, the game proved to offer an impressive number of users in its original release. Similar to Apex Legends which shipped in February 2019, the Call of Duty battle royale standalone happened to also arrive with little media preparation and more so arrived through anticipation from word-of-mouth by its users. In the first day alone, about 6 million players logged on for Call of Duty: Warzone. Deviating from the competition, the addition of weapon loadouts and the landmark ‘Gulag’ for players to find redemption to rejoin the game, more and more players continued to download Warzone as the game grew. By the end of the first month, Call of Duty: Warzone already welcomed in roughly 50 million players. Now more than year since the game’s release, Activision announces that Warzone has now faced more than 100 million players since its debut. Of course, that is to blame for the game’s free-to-play point-of-entry for players. With the addition of free content seasons, there is more reason for players to return and with new friends as well. This week, Treyarch unveiled Season 3 for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War which also continues the expansion of the Warzone map, Verdansk. Similarly, Apex Legends just this past week unveiled to reach the same milestone. In that, developer Respawn Entertainment thanked its users with a tribute video and hinted at the first glimpse for the inevitable Season 9 to arrive to the battle royale. You can read the full report by heading here. Did you download Call of Duty: Warzone since its arrival? Call of Duty: Warzone is out now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Season 3 Arrives This Week, April 22

Now counting roughly half a year since the release for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War back in November, the latest entry in the first-person shooter franchise is on its way to season three. It was just this past February that developer Treyarch welcomed Season 2 to the game and injected updates to the ongoing, free-to-play release, Call of Duty: Warzone. Worrisome about the continuous additions to Black Ops Cold War, the game studio did suggest that players should be cautious of their available space. Specifically on PlayStation 4, the team shared that all patches applied for both Black Ops Cold War and 2019’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare would exceed past the 500 GB limit on the base system. Moving ahead to Season 3, Treyarch lists all the new additions to the game that is scheduled to take place later this week, April 22nd. You can read the full list below: Operators KnightAntonovCaptain PriceWraith Weapons PPSh-41 (SMG)Swiss K31 (Sniper Rifle)Ballistic Knife (Melee)CARV.2 (Tactical Rifle)AMP63 (Pistol)Baseball Bat (Melee) Multiplayer Maps YamantauDieselStandoffDuga Scorestreak Strafe Run Game Modes Sticks and StonesMulti-Team Elimination Other namely additions includes yet another overhaul to the Warzone map, Verdansk. Not to mention another large addition to Outbreak which incorporates the beloved Zombie mode into multiplayer as well. And of course, there will be new unlockables and rewards for those that pursue the Season 3 battle pass when the update arrives. In future reference for the Call of Duty brand, there are rumors surfacing that suggest the game will once again be returning to its World War II roots. Even more, the claims pinpoint that developer Sledgehammer Games will be leading development on the 2021 title. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you excited for Season 3 to ship for Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War? Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is out now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Source: Treyarch
Square Enix Plans To Host New Announcements At E3 2021, CEO Tells

Although this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) is off the table for a live, in-person show, there is still an event to be held around the same time. During the initial reporting of the physical show’s cancelation, it was disclosed that organizer Electronic Software Association (ESA) would be relying on a virtual event later in June. That was then later followed-up by a press release which confirmed the online show to take place in mid June. Additionally, it was told that publishers like Microsoft, Nintendo, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, and even Konami would be attending the show. However, familiar faces such as Square Enix was implicated to be absent from the show originally without being mentioned. But, the Japanese firm in a new statement insists that it will be present. In a statement to Nikkie, and translated by Gematsu, it is revealed that Square Enix will be hosting a few announcements when exhibiting at the digital-only E3 later this summer. Outriders, which was previously delayed, is due out on April 1, 2021, followed by NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… in April. Then there is Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade, which is due out in June. As for our lineup beyond that, we’ll make more announcements in the future, including at E3 in June, so please look forward to it. Yosuke Matsuda, Square Enix CEO As to what players could anticipate to be revealed at the show is left for speculation. Upon viewing over its catalogue of projects, Square Enix this week was reported to be working on a new project with Nier director, Yoko Taro. Appointed as creative director, Taro resents trouble defining what the new game will be, aside from stating that it is an “off-beat game.” Of course, there is the hopes for the second part to Final Fantasy VII Remake. Previously, game director Tetsuya Nomura announced that development on the game already commenced ahead of the release for the first part back in April 2020. However, there is no detail to the status for the follow-up part. Square Enix could possibly even showcase Dying Light 2. Developer Techland in an update for the sequel did press that there will be a 2021 release for the game, but asks that if fans wait a bit longer for the Polish game studio to prepare more for the title to be presented. Outside of Square Enix altogether, Ubisoft announced its plans for E3 this June. In that, the publisher will be holding its self-named Ubisoft Forward on June 12. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you hoping Square Enix will reveal? Source: Gematsu
Yoko Taro, Nier Director, Shares To Work On New IP Under Square Enix

While Japanese publisher Square Enix is remains to be content with its coming projects, the firm most recently made a public statement following rumors that tailed behind the company. The source of this originated from Bloomberg Japan that reported Square Enix in talks for an acquisition as many candidates approached the firm. But, the publisher in a press release insist the writing to be false as it plans to remain independent and states no discussions were held. Looking to what releases are coming from Square Enix, it should be no secret that Nier Replicant is very close to launching. Earlier on in September, Square Enix announced that the reworking of the original Nier experience is to arrive in late April. However, there appears to be more established for leading developers on the forthcoming release. When speaking during the recently held Nier Replicant first live stream, and translated by Gematsu, game director Yoko Taro & producer Yosuke Saito disclose plans to work on a new property at Square Enix. Even more, the new IP is said to be a digital-only project, but, could expect a possible special edition physical release as well. From Taro, he reveals problems to give a synopsis for the game, stating that it is “difficult to explain […] a somewhat unusual game, I’ve created something mysterious that I have no idea how to explain or sell.” He goes on to assert the project is an “off-beat game” which he shows to be excited for, but is uncertain how the audience will react. Saito also comments that the game will feel “nostalgic and new” while refraining from sharing much else on the game. Elsewhere previously, Square Enix also elaborated on a separate project arriving from the Nier series. In that, Nier Reincarnation is expecting a mobile release in the west sometime in the coming months. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you interested to see about the unnamed IP with Yoko Taro as creative director? Source: Gematsu
Report: Talks Between Microsoft & Discord Ends As The Xbox Company Exits Without A Purchase

While Microsoft is suggested to be on a spending spree for more projects to better its platform already following the closed deal for its ownership of Bethesda & parent company Zenimax Media, followers were anticipating the latest potential buy from Microsoft to be fulfilled. In that, there were talks for a potential purchase for chatting app, Discord. In the report from Bloomberg, it was indicated that Microsoft would be offering $10 billion for Discord. Of course, many viewed the deal to be similar to Microsoft’s 2013 acquisition for Skype as well. But what was more interesting is the take from The Verge’s Tom Warren as he suspects the purchase to move Discord cloud servers from Google to Microsoft’s Azure to be the primary motive. However, the discussion appears to be off the table now according to The Wall Street Journal. In the report, it is told that the two concluded its conversation and that Discord remains independent for the time being. But, the publication does go on to insist that perhaps the discussion will resurface later on in Discord’s timeline. Although it is uncertain when that is, The Wall Street Journal does relay that Discord decided to remain independent due to the recent profitability from its platform in the past fiscal year. As to why the firm might “rekindle” its discussion is in anticipation for a downfall of the company that could occur later on. As for other discussions that Microsoft is reported to be involved in, GamesBeat’s Jeff Grubb states that Microsoft is in talks with Kojima Productions for a new project. While the plan is still unclear, it is suggested that Hideo Kojima is pressuring the agreement onto the Xbox company. Additionally, there also happened to be a rumor circulating around Microsoft & Nintendo teaming up for a possible joint project as well. But, the plans for the unannounced endeavor is told to be revealed later on this fall. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you relieved that Discord remains independent? Source: The Wall Street Journal
Newest Batch Of Xbox Game Pass Additions Include Destroy All Humans! Remake, Second Extinction, And More

While the regular motion for Xbox Game Pass continues as time progresses, April 2021 happens to be unique in its own with namely additions to the service. In particular, the monthly subscription welcomed back Grand Theft Auto V. However, this time it was featured as an addition to xCloud, and, in extension also debut’s the game for mobile as well. As for the following forecast, Microsoft previously revealed that there will be the welcoming of PlayStation Studios’ San Diego Studio with its annual release, MLB The Show 21. The reveal also adds to the legend that engulfed this month. In a later statement from Sony Interactive Entertainment, the PlayStation company shared the decision for the game going to Xbox Game Pass was on the behalf of Major League Baseball, not its own. Now, of course, there is a larger helping of games coming to the service for the latter half of April 2021. You can read the full list below: Console MLB The Show 21 – 4/20 Second Extinction – 4/28 Destroy All Humans! (Remake) – 4/29 PC Phogs! – 4/22 Second Extinction – 4/28 Destroy All Humans! (Remake) – 4/29 Cloud MLB The Show 21 – 4/20 Second Extinction – 4/28 Destroy All Humans! (Remake) – 4/29 Fable III – 4/30 Fable Anniversary – 4/30 In terms of the new additions for Xbox Game Pass, respected game studios revealed more details on its titles previously. In that, developer Systemic Reaction announced that the Xbox version for Second Extinction would be arriving in late April. The announcement also pressed that the 2019-announced title will also be shipping to the service the same day. Conveniently for the newest batch of titles on xCloud, Microsoft on Monday announced that the service will be extending its reach to iOS & PC starting on Tuesday, April 20. Players on both platforms can sign-up for a limited beta for xCloud. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you happy with the late April additions to Xbox Game Pass? Source: Xbox Wire