Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong Delayed To February 2022 In New Trailer

For those hungry to sink their teeth into the next Vampire: The Masquerade title will need to be patient for a bit longer. In that, developer Hardsuit Labs has delayed Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 indefinitely. In fact, the team was revealed to be pulled from developing the project altogether in a separate blog post from the team at the time. In the meantime, fans can anticipate other projects that are on the way. For instance, Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong is one set in the same universe to keep players entertained. However, the game originally was slated for a generalized 2021 release. But, a new trailer during the recent Nacon Connect presentation says otherwise. According to the latest footage for the game, Big Bad Wolf Studio shares that the game is now delayed to February 2022. You can watch the new trailer in the video below: “Power, wealth, immortality, at one point or another, Galeb has had it all,” reads the description for the trailer. “He’s traveled the world, amassed a fortune, and established himself as one of the oldest and most feared Vampires in the city of Boston. And yet, he’s left wanting, grasping for something he’s lost. Or perhaps something that was never there to begin with.” Elsewhere, developer Sharkmob is also working on an intertwined Vampire: The Masquerade title set in the same universe. In that, the team comprised of former IO Interactive developers are working on an online battle royale title for the series. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you upset by the delay for Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong? Vampire: The Masquerade – Swansong is coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch sometime in February 2022.

Launch Lineup For Crea-ture Studios’ Session Adds PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 In New Trailer

For the history of Crea-ture Studios’ Session, the game waited a lot longer to hit its promised consoles for Early Access. While the Steam Early Access version was met in fall 2019, the Xbox Preview version did not arrive well until summer 2020 at the time. However, the team upon achieving so revealed it will also be splitting development into two portions as well. In that, developer ILLOGIKA will be responsible for the console version while Crea-ture Studios is occupied with the dedicated PC version of Session. Later on, it was unveiled that publisher Nacon established a specialized publishing deal with Crea-ture Studios. While the team remains independently owned, the game, however, will receive funding and advertising from the publishing conglomerate. So when it came to the Nacon Connect showcase recently, it was likely to expect Session to be present. With that, Crea-ture Studios shares that both PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 are now expecting support for Session when the game officially releases. You can watch the trailer in the video below: Elsewhere, developer Crea-ture Studios also features a new blog post for update v0.0.0.28 for Session which adds two new maps, Courthouse and Highline Bridge. Even more, the update also includes overhauls for several components for the game including the interface and even the cloud system used for the game as well. Recently, news broke out for another skateboarding game. In that, Glass Bottom Games’ SkateBIRD received an August release date. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you happy Session is coming to more platforms? Session is currently available via Early Access/Xbox Preview on Xbox One & PC. Source: Crea-ture Studios

SkateBIRD Gets Release For August 12, Recent Trailer Shares

Given the sense of independently-developed titles in the past decade or so, many release from smaller teams prove to push the envelope for the modern standard of the big budget, AAA titles that overshadow most of the industry as that is. And with the next Skate game still in the very early segments of development, there is an alternative from developer Glass Bottom Games. That is SkateBIRD: yes, the title is as obvious as it appears. You play as a small bird and are equipped with a skateboard and a open range to perform the fanciest tricks possible. Previously, the Seattle game studio revealed the game would be pushed to a 2021 release unfortunately. But in a new trailer shared back in June, the game is now arriving next month. In fact, it is arrive just in the middle of August to be more specific. You can watch the new gameplay trailer in the video below: Additionally, creator Megan Fox via the Kickstarter campaign for SkateBIRD explains that the decision for Nintendo Switch being the only console release is to not stress the game’s release. Even more, she explains the current status for backers looking to get a physical release. “You’re probably wondering if you can somehow get in on the physical edition. “We’re working on a by-request / unique-code-per-person coupon code solution for that, since the prices would probably be way more than your pledge tier over here.” Glass Bottom Games initially promised that SkateBIRD will find a physical release for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 via Limited Run Games. The team clarifies it is not in control for the hopes of a tangible version for Xbox One. Are you excited SkateBIRD is finally on its way to release? SkateBIRD ships on August 12, 2021 for Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Source: Kickstarter

PlayStation Boss Jim Ryan Stresses The Risks To Create First-Party Releases, Not “Throwing Money” For Success

In the decisions that Sony Interactive Entertainment made last-generation for its first-party releases, the firm proved to be extremely successful when it came to majority of its exclusive titles that arrived to PlayStation 4. And for PlayStation 5, the same if not more is anticipated to hit the system in due time. But, it appears that some expectations were shifted for these games. For that, the PlayStation company decided to make some of its most highlighted titles cross-generation releases. Already, Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, and Horizon Forbidden West were already confirmed for the decision. More recently, both God of War: Ragnarok & Gran Turismo 7 – once featured to be unique to PlayStation 5 – are now coming to PlayStation 4 as well. Regardless, these projects prove to be money makers. For the sake of profitability, Sony Interactive Entertainment President & CEO Jim Ryan explained in an interview with Axios that the pursuit was achieved by taking risks, not “throwing money” to make success. Nurturing creative talent is not as simple as throwing money at it. You also must give them the freedom to be creative, to take risks and come up with new ideas. Just look at Ghost of Tsushima from Sucker Punch. That was not the game we thought they were going to make, but we are not overly rigid or corporate with our talent. We want them to use our hardware as their creative palette. Additionally in the same interview, Ryan also elaborated on the performance outdoing the PlayStation 4 with the PlayStation 5’s release this past November. “The output during the PS4 cycle was excellent, but the great majority of those games came in the second half of the cycle. We made a conscious effort to improve on that this time around, and what you’ve seen thus far shows that we’ve certainly made progress. In just a few months since the launch of PS5, we have released incredible games and have so much more in the pipeline.” He adds, “And developers are really just getting started taking advantage of the technology in PS5. I can’t wait to see what PlayStation Studios and our third-party partners create for PS5. If games like Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Returnal, and Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart are examples of what you can achieve in the first six months of PS5, imagine what we will see in year two or three.” But, that comes as no real surprise since the latest system was already reported to outsell its predecessor in the first fiscal year previously. In that, the PlayStation 5 already exceeded the sales per units of the PlayStation 4 in less than half a year. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you in support of Ryan’s statement regarding first-party releases? Source: @StephenTotilo

Hideo Kojima Elaborates On His Dislike Of The Titling For Death Stranding: Director’s Cut

While the initial release for Death Stranding was very questionable based on the judgment gap between the video game press and the player audience, the game did come out to be successful enough for more entries to follow, creator Hideo Kojima explained. But, what was not expected was the next-generation revamp for PlayStation 5. Originally teased at Summer Game Fest, Death Stranding: Director’s Cut was a surprise reveal to say the lease. However, many questioned the number of differences that make this game unique to the original. Followed by a PlayStation State of Play trailer which unveiled a late September release for the game, players soon learned about the number of added content coming to the game. However, Kojima himself does not agree with the titling for the project. Instead, he explains on Twitter that the name does not align with what the coming release truly offers as it breaks the definition for a “director’s cut”. Namely, Kojima is questioning the decision since there is content that is being added to the game, not DLC that did not make it into the original release back in 2019. So, even he agrees that the titling for ‘Death Stranding: Director’s Cut’ does not definitively offer what it says it promises. Likely, the name choice was made by its publisher since Kojima is notorious for being an avid film watcher. Elsewhere, more claims surface on Kojima’s involvement with Microsoft to develop an exclusive release. From GamesBeat’s Jeff Grubb, he indicated recently that a letter of intent was orchestrated for Kojima to fulfill an exclusive release to hit Xbox. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you agree with Hideo Kojima on the titling for Death Stranding: Director’s Cut? Death Stranding: Director’s Cut arrives to PlayStation 5 on September 24, 2021.

Where the Heart Leads Review (PS5)

When it comes to narrative storytelling videogames, Where the Heart Leads is a great example of how a development team can create a mechanic that keeps you engaged.

Moss: Book II Revealed For PlayStation VR

From the recent PlayStation State of Play that took place last week, Sony Interactive Entertainment held some intriguing reveals from the livestreamed presentation. For one, a more in-depth gameplay trailer for Sifu was shared. However, developer Sloclap unveiled on unfortunate thing – a delay for the game now pushed into early 2022, the trailer concludes to reveal. Additionally, Death Stranding made a reveal. Already, the game was also present at Summer Game Fest for Death Stranding: Director’s Cut. And, as you might expect, the same game was what was revealed at the digital showcase. The game is now scheduled to ship for PlayStation 5 in late September according to the footage. Elsewhere, developer Polyarc attended to share the first glimpse for Moss: Book II. Of course, the game is planned to arrive to PlayStation VR, but no details on the next version on the way. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “Our hope with Book II is that players are once again reminded of the joy of physical interaction and the power of the emotional feedback they can experience within VR,” says Joshua Stiksma, Polyarc Principal Engineer & Design Director. “Meeting up with Quill and her uncle again in the world of Moss isn’t from an outside vantage point—players are physically inside of the world, and they share a real presence with those characters. It’s that immersion that makes the journey feel all the more real and the stakes even higher. “Within Book II, players will be treated to new mechanics, environments, enemies, and abilities. Along with new weapons like the hammer and nature attunement ability for creating new pathways for exploration, we were excited to build upon the player’s ability to charge Quill’s weapons. This not only provides Quill unique ways to solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and defeat enemies, but it feels really good to be able to reach out and connect with her through that kind of teamwork.” Previously, Moss was ranked one of the most revolutionary release for virtual reality from one editorial Rectify Gaming constructed. For the entirety of 2018, PlayStation VR was a stepping stone for the platform and Moss: Book II proves to be the next portion of that expectation from Sony Interactive Entertainment. You can read the opinion piece by heading here. Are you interested to play Moss: Book II? Moss: Book II is listed for PlayStation VR. Source: PlayStation Blog

Recent Hacks Against Apex Legends & Titanfall Revealed To Slow Development For Cross-progression Coming To The Battle Royale

In the up and coming for Apex Legends, many fans at the time desired to expand the reach of its multiplayer lobbies to more platforms by coexisting. Then, cross-play was just becoming the norm for many titles at the time as the few like Fortnite, Minecraft, and Rocket League to pioneer the feature. However, games from Electronic Arts has yet to entertain the idea at the time. But in summer last year, Respawn Entertainment officially introduced the feature to the battle roayle. With more versions on the way such as Steam, Nintendo Switch, and now awaiting a mobile version, there are new avenues to bridge game servers. But, players remain restrained to said platforms as of now. In that, cross-progression has still yet to be achieved for Apex Legends. According to Apex Legends game director Chad Grenier, the feature actually slowed down development thanks to recent attacks to the Apex Legends & Titanfall from hackers. Grenier explains such in a response on Twitter: Additionally, Respawn Entertainment is searching for more opportunity to resolve the problems at hand. Already, the developer on Twitter told to be investigating the issue that originally sparked for ranked prior to the more recent attacks. “The Respawn team is pursuing several options to crack down on cheating,” said the studio listing more hiring, developing tools to prevent DDOS attacks, and protocols to prevent attacks. Recently, Respawn Entertainment disclosed its next major event for Apex Legends, Thrill Seekers. The update arrives this week and will offer players a new Arenas map, Overflow. Especially in preparation for Season 10 arriving in less than a month, the team will require more proficient ways to defend itself from these incidents. Elsewhere, Issues #2 – #4 for Apex Legends: Overtime finally surfaced on Dark Horse Comics. You can read the full report for the comic series by heading here. Are you hoping Respawn Entertainment can resolve these issues and ship cross-progression proficiently? Apex Legends out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC; playable via backwards compatibility for Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5.

Apex Legends: Overtime Issues #2 – #4 Revealed Releasing In July, September, And October

While Apex Legends continues to scale the player count over 100 million now, developer Respawn Entertainment is not finished with its plans for the battle royale. For one, the game recently faced a nostalgic limited-time event. In that, both classic King’s Canyon & World’s Edge returned to battle royale for a brief timeframe alongside Skull Town in Arenas as part of the New Genesis Collection Event. Additionally, Respawn Entertainment is also preparing another event for this week. Titled the ‘Thrill Seekers Event’, players can now find a new Arenas map, Overflow. Atop of that, a selection of unique cosmetics and other in-game items are available to unlock and purchase. But, the series is still expanding its story with the Apex Legends: Overtime comic series. Already, Issue #1 arrived back in June. Now found from listings over on Dark Horse Comics, Issues #2 – #4 are now up revealing synopses and release dates for each issue. You can read the overviews for each copy below: Apex Legends: Overtime  #2 – 7/21/21 Three Legends walk out of the arena and into another night full of mayhem and partying. Surely, some days on the outlaw-filled planet of Solace must be safe . . . right? Unfortunately for our heroes, there are assassins, robot-scrappers, and worse prowling the neon lit streets. They will need to work together if they want to survive. Apex Legends: Overtime  #3 – 9/15/21 When one of the Legends leaves the Arena with a mysterious package, two others follow to see what their suspicious competitor is up to. The Legends trail him to his lab and their confrontation unleashes chaos on Solace’s city streets. They’ll need to stop this new threat, but first they must survive it. Apex Legends: Overtime #4 – 10/20/21 The legends of the arena have been swept up in a night of total chaos as multiple crises come to a head, threatening to destroy Solace. Will the few gladiators left standing be able to work together to save their grungy neon city or will they be defeated by the Syndicate, orchestrating chaos across the galaxy? In other news relevant, but indirectly connected to Apex Legends, Respawn Entertainment founder Vince Zampella recently revealed Ripple Effect, the renaming for the previous DICE LA which he is current co-managing. The California team is working on a new experience for Battlefield 2042 alongside commencing work on its first project. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning to pick up the following Apex Legends: Overtime issues? Source: Dark Horse Comics, (1), (2)