Atomic Heart Release Inches Towards 2023 Launch Window As Focus Entertainment Announces Publishing Deal

While Irrational Games is no more, the number of fans wishing a new Bioshock-like game did not narrow down in recent years. Over at Nightdive Studios, the team is working on a complete remake for the original System Shock. Not only that, but 2K’s Cloud Chamber is conjuring up the next installment of the Bioshock series as we speak. To top that off, Mundfish is underway with its own project, Atomic Heart. From many only, the comparison can be said in bringing a soviet spin on the ‘shock’ subgenre. In the past, the game did receive a listing for Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5 – ensuring the best output on console will be available. However, the ETA for the game’s release remains a mystery. On Wednesday, Focus Entertainment shared its plans to publish Atomic Heart. The new deal also says the game is slated for a winter release; which translated to December 2022 into the following year. It’s an honor to collaborate with a studio as talented as Mundfish. We were amazed by Robert and his teams’ creative minds as soon as we started exchanging. The AAA standards they’ve provided for their first game is truly an accomplishment. Atomic Heart is sure to honor all players in search of an original, new generation experience. Julien Ramette, Focus Entertainment Chief Business Development Officer “Five years ago, when we founded the studio, we set ourselves the goal of creating a world-class product that could be appreciated by millions of people all over the world,” Mundfish CEO Robert Bagratuni said. “And now, when the stakes are as high as ever, we are finally ready to release the momentum we have been accumulating over these years.  “We couldn’t be happier to head to the release with such an experienced publisher, and we have no doubt that Focus Entertainment will make the upcoming game launch truly outstanding.” Do you plan to pick up Atomic Heart when it releases in the coming months? Atomic Heart is listed for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Focus Entertainment

Gungrave G.O.R.E. To Launch On Xbox Game Pass Later This November

For the current menu on all things Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft has already covered the first serving for September 2022. So far, titles such as Metal: Hellsinger, You Suck At Parking, Despot’s Games plus more are slated for the first portion of this month. Of course, the next lineup will be shared later on in September in the coming weeks. As for other anticipated release coming this year, developer A44 is working on fueling the service’s library later this fall. In that, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is confirmed to be hitting the subscription upon release in the coming weeks. Not only that, but 2023 will surely bring even more excitement with titles such as Valheim, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Lies of P all confirmed for Xbox Game Pass as well. This week, Studio Iggymob revealed that Gungrave G.O.R.E. will officially launch this November alongside being a featured title on Xbox Game Pass. “It has been more than two decades since the original Gungrave was released on consoles, and now we’re back today with a chance to showcase what Gungrave G.O.R.E can look like on Xbox as well. That’s why we’re delighted to announce today that players on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S will be able to play the legendary antihero badass gunslinger in Gungrave G.O.R.E on day one with Xbox Game Pass,” Business Development Manager Bobby Jung-Woo Park shares. As for what lies ahead for Xbox Game Pass, the service’s ‘Family & Friends’ plan has been officially revealed in Ireland. The website reveals pricing translating roughly to $25 USD a month which many subscribers are excited to see. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you interested to try out Gungrave G.O.R.E. on Xbox Game Pass? Gungrave G.O.R.E. is coming out November 22, 2022 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Xbox Wire

Jim Ryan: “Their offer was inadequate on many levels” regarding Microsoft’s offer to acquire Activision Blizzard

Phil Spencer recently wrote a letter to PlayStation’s boss, Jim Ryan regarding the topic of Call of Duty being multiplatform. The Head of Xbox stated that the franchise will continue to launch on all platforms for several years to come. Today, PlayStation CEO, Jim Ryan publicly spoke out saying that Microsoft’s offer to acquire Call of Duty publisher, Activison Blizzard was “inadequate on many levels.” He then also points out that Microsoft only offered to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation for the next three years. Here is the quote from the interview with Christopher Dring of gameindustry.biz: “I hadn’t intended to comment on what I understood to be a private business discussion, but I feel the need to set the record straight because Phil Spencer brought this into the public forum,” Ryan stated. “Microsoft has only offered for Call of Duty to remain on PlayStation for three years after the current agreement between Activision and Sony ends. After almost 20 years of Call of Duty on PlayStation, their proposal was inadequate on many levels and failed to take account of the impact on our gamers. We want to guarantee PlayStation gamers continue to have the highest quality Call of Duty experience, and Microsoft’s proposal undermines this principle.” Obviously having Call of Duty as a console exclusive on Xbox would definitely shake things up as you might lose sales from excluding PlayStation. Phil Spencer had stated before that Overwatch, Diablo and Call of Duty will be available on Xbox Game Pass and expressing once again that gaming is for everyone one everywhere. With Microsoft advocating for playing games anywhere you would have to think that they would be fine with Call of Duty staying on PlayStation just like how the Minecraft deal was. What do you think will happen? Source

Sequel Firewall Ultra Announced For PlayStation VR 2

While it is difficult enough to get your hands on a PlayStation 5 as it is, it is hard to wonder how that will apply to PlayStation VR 2. The new enhanced virtual reality peripheral is still in development, but was recently confirmed to be shipping in early 2023. As for what is on the way for the new device, we do know an exclusive Horizon Zero Dawn title is in the works.  Atop of that, Sony Interactive Entertainment did showcase some third-party releases for the new headset. In that, titles The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners – Chapter 2: Retribution, Resident Evil 8, No Man’s Sky were featured for the PlayStation VR 2. Of course, there is more on the way as the PlayStation firm did press roughly “20+ major first-party and third-party titles confirmed for PS VR2 at launch”. This week, Sony Interactive Entertainment and First Contact Entertainment announced sequel Firewall Ultra for PlayStation VR 2. You can watch the teaser trailer in the video below: “Set 5 years after the original game, the contractors and locations you’ve grown to love have evolved and moved into the next generation. Since PS VR2 offers a much higher level of visual fidelity with 4K HDR, we’ve completely remade all character models. The maps have also seen a complete overhaul, with new areas and new textures. There will also be new locations and contractors, but it wouldn’t be a Firewall game without the weaponry and equipment, which also feature a much deeper level of customization.” Frank Marm, First Contact Entertainment Community Manager continues, “We’ve been listening to our community over the past four years, and we’re proud to announce that you’ll be playing Firewall Ultra on dedicated servers. We’re also adding rounds to the game, so each match will now be the best of three, and we’re adding an entirely new PvE experience. Plus, we have future content planned post-launch such as new contractors, maps, and weapons.” What are you most excited for Firewall Ultra being announced? Firewall Ultra is listed for PlayStation VR 2. Source: PlayStation Blog

Report: Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Infinity To Feature Japan-set Project And Second Venture Set During Holy Roman Empire

For avid fans of the Assassin’s Creed IP, it is well-known that Ubisoft has been celebrating the 15th anniversary of the series leading to this weekend. In that, the firm will be hosting a new Ubisoft Forward. But more specifically, that will feature a new installment of the mainline series. In the past, it was reported that the next game will be set in Baghdad with Assassin’s Creed Valhalla character Basim starring in the new game. According to a follow-up for this report, codenamed ‘Rift’ would bring many fundamental gameplay mechanics back to this new game as the series makes its return to the Middle East. Alongside that, the previously-announced Assassin’s Creed Infinity live-service platform for the series is to feature a new project dubbed ‘Red’ which was said to finally bring the series to Japan. Last week, a series of leaks went out confirming some of these claims under the moniker ‘Assassin’s Creed Mirage’, and Ubisoft verified the game with a proper reveal coming this Saturday. In a new piece from Bloomberg, there will be three announcements in total. In that, Mirage, Project Red, and a third project to be unveiled. While we know what the first two are, the latter is said to be under the alias ‘Project Neo/Hexe’ as the setting explore for this game is to bring the series to the age of the Holy Roman Empire. “Set during the latter stages of the Holy Roman Empire and revolves around witch trials,” the report shares on the new project. When it comes to expectancy for these games, the report clarifies 2024 at the earliest. In terms for next year’s release, Assassin’s Creed Mirage is said to ship in Q123 according to the previous rumors. In a thread, Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier goes on to explain that Mirage is the one stray of the recent Assassin’s Creed formula as both Red & Neo/Hexe are to harbor the newer RPG mechanics the last three titles established. Noted, the upcoming title is also said to segue to a remake for 2007’s Assassin’s Creed as well. The game is said to be part of the official Season Pass for Assassin’s Creed Mirage which will likely release later on in 2023. What are you most excited for the upcoming plans regarding Assassin’s Creed? Ubisoft Forward will take place on September 10, 2022 at 12 PM PST / 3 PM EST. Source: Bloomberg

Nintendo Switch – OLED Model Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition Revealed

As we enter September, the time for Nintendo’s reign of first-party releases is upon us. This month, Splatoon 3 is slated to release later this week. Already the themed Nintendo Switch OLED Model already release and that is only the beginning. Later in November, both Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet is coming to Nintendo Switch. As past has revealed before, there typically is a Nintendo Switch themed after the upcoming release. Back in 2018, Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee & Pokémon let’s Go Pikachu featured a specialized Nintendo Switch. Then in 2021, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Pokémon Shiny Pearl showcased its own unique Nintendo Switch Lite. So its only fate that the new Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet follows this pattern. On Wednesday, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company unveiled the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “The Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition system features special illustrations of the Legendary Pokémon appearing in the Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet games, Koraidon and Miraidon, as well as the partner Pokémon Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly,” the description for the new console reads. “On the surface of the glossy white dock, the Legendary Pokémon Koraidon and Miraidon are displayed in their respective version colors. The bottom-left side of the back of the dock has a Poké Ball motif. A special illustration featuring the three Pokémon that you can choose as your first partner in the games, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly, adorns the back of the system alongside symbols that appear throughout the games. “The included Joy-Con controllers have the main colors of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet and are decorated with the respective crests of the schools from the games, Naranja Academy and Uva Academy.” Are you planning to purchase the Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition? Nintendo Switch – OLED Model: Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Edition releases on November 4, 2022.

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core Announced, Priced At $129

When it comes to customization, Microsoft has surely capitalized on this for Xbox users. For just over a year, there has been roughly a handful of announcements for Xbox controllers alone. In August, we saw the reveal for the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller 2 themed after Master Chief in anticipation for Halo Infinite. Not to mention the Forza Horizon 5 wireless controller as well. November went on to feature the return of Xbox Design Lab for Xbox Series X|S controllers now with even more customization options. Additionally, some aspects were uncovered by fans with the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller 2 paddle offering the option via Steam to change the logo’s color. This year, the Deep Pink controller launched back in May adding a new color to the Xbox controller color spectrum. This week, Microsoft surfaces to unveil the new Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “It’s designed to meet the core needs of today’s competitive gamers, putting exceptional performance, customization, and durability where it matters most — in your hands,” Daniel Ruiz Xbox Accessories Senior Product Marketing Manager sums up the decision for the new controller. This option gives players an affordable option to upgrade without committing to the brutish Xbox Elite Wireless Controller 2. “Experience adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger locks. Enjoy limitless customization with exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox Accessories app. Stay in the game with up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life1 and refined components that are built to last,” a description for the new controller shares. Atop of that, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core later this holiday will be a customizable option over on Xbox Design Lab, Microsoft confirms. For those looking to later better their experience with the gamepad, there will be a  Complete Component Pack which users can purchase for $59.99. Are you excited to get your hands on the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core? Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Core is up for pre-order today prcied at $129.99. Source: Xbox Wire

Party Chat Noise Suppression & Friend Content Game Launching Comes To Xbox In New Update

Looking at some of the updates that rolled out for Xbox this year, it comes at a surprise with the number of them for 2022 alone. In February, the firm shipped native Twitch integration via the dashboard which many could not have predicted. Additionally, March went on to include new features like quick resume pin, audio overhaul, and share button remapping. That same month, Microsoft implemented a new power saver mode which allows users to game without the console grabbing the most out of your electricity bill. Moving forward to this summer, a surprise release for Discord went live for Xbox Insider ring. What makes the reveal so baffling is how soon it came with PlayStation support still underway – even after the stake investment in the company too. This week, Microsoft reveals new features are arriving to console including party chat noise suppression. Essentially, users can talk with friends within a party and the users can filter out smaller audible nuisances such as clicking and background noise. If you use party chat on your Xbox Series X|S console, you may notice fewer unwanted noises and interruptions than before. Noise suppression helps remove noises like gamepad clicks, breathing, and background noise from your parties. If you want to keep some types of background noise like music in your parties, you can also turn noise suppression off. Just open the guide, scroll to Parties & chats, and select Options. There you can enable or disable noise suppression. Kristen Mann, Xbox Experiences Principle Group Program Manager Furthermore, a new feature is also added to PC & mobile users. When viewing shared content such as pictures or videos via the Xbox portal, you can simply click “Play” and jump right into the game. This tool certainly is a nod to what Google did with Stadia in the past and certainly is a welcomed addition to Xbox. “Millions of Xbox gamers share game clips and screenshots with their friends with link sharing, released late last year. Now the friends you share your game clips and screenshots with can not only watch your captures, they can start playing right away on their device with cloud gaming. (Some games require Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for cloud gaming.)” Similarly, the same is now achievable over on Google. Through the search engine, you can launch games through search now via Xbox Cloud Gaming. This can also be applied to Stadia, Luna, and GeForce Now as well. You can read the full report by heading here. Which feature are you most excited for coming to Xbox? Source: Xbox Wire

Gamelists, 1440p Display Support, And More Arrives In Latest PlayStation 5 Update

While the PlayStation 5 was coming up to being the next step in Sony’s effort to dominate the video game market, the system would not launch with many flexible features. Oddly, the release of the system would not feature support for displays suited for 1440p resolution. This comes as a surprise with the packaging for the new console illustrates supported picture going all the way up to 8K. In a later update from Sony Interactive Entertainment Platform Planning and Management Senior Vice President Hideaki Nishino expressed that the firm is looking to implement support for these screens in a future update. More than a year later, a beta update for PlayStation went live offering support for said displays and other features such as gamelists. This week, a new update went live for the broad PlayStation 5 user base which includes 1440p support, game lists, and more. In a brief video, Sony shares that 1440p picture is now an achievable output on PlayStation 5. You can watch the video below: “The update includes several highly-requested features like 1440p HDMI video output* and gamelists, as well as social features like the ability to request a Share Screen from a fellow party member, easily view new friends’ profiles, and receive a notification to help you join a friend’s game more quickly from a party chat,” Nishino writes in the blog post. Elsewhere this week, Sony revealed the new Gray Collection for PlayStation 5. This includes new gray camo DualSense controller, 3D audio headset, and interchangeable plates for the new console. You can read the full report by heading here. Which update feature are you most excited to arrive? Source: PlayStation Blog

Sony Reveals PlayStation 5 Gray Camo Collection

In terms of the creative decisions made for PlayStation 5, it is made in terms of style and ergonomics. For the shape of the console, the size was ultimately chosen to incorporate for the fan internally. More specifically, its two fans within the latest PlayStation. PlayStation 5 Mechanical and Thermal Design Team Lead Otori Yasuhiro explained there is a possibility for a smaller design in the future. As for cosmetic choices, we saw the release of the Midnight Black & Cosmic Red DualSense controllers not too long after the console’s release. But, it continues from there with the cosmic line of controllers. Additionally, matching PlayStation 5 plates were also introduced including the aforementioned Black & Red which is priced at $55. This week, Sony Interactive Entertainment reveals a new collection is on the way with the Gray Camo Line. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “Bring a fresh, unique aesthetic into play with the new Gray Camouflage Collection coming to the PS5 family of accessories. Adding to the previously released galaxy-inspired color lineup, the Gray Camouflage Collection features a matching set of accessories with the DualSense wireless controller, PS5 console covers for both the PS5 with the Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive and the PS5 Digital Edition, and Pulse 3D wireless headset.” What might have been overlook is the silent updates to some PlayStation 5 gamepads. According to a discovery from YouTuber John Glasscock, he reveals the controllers were slightly improved when releasing the blue, pink, and purple variants. However, this was not properly disclosed and rather uncovered when dissecting the controllers. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you interested in the new Gray Camo line for PlayStation 5? Source: PlayStation Blog