Electronic Arts canceled single-player title code named ‘Titanfall Legends’

A new single-player game that took place in the Titanfall and Apex Legends universe was apparently canceled by EA. This report comes from Jason Schreier of Bloomberg where he says three people familiar with the situation tells him. The unannounced project was in development by Respawn Entertainment, the creators of Titanfall and Apex Legends. It’s a surprise to see that a project like this was in development with about 50 talented folks working on it, but it’s no shocker to see them cancel games as it was announced EA is canceling Apex Legends Mobile along with Battlefield mobile facing cancellation. Those that were working on this Titanfall Legends project will be moved to other positions in the company, EA said. “Management informed the unnamed game’s team of about 50 people that EA will try to find positions for them within the company. Anyone who can’t be placed will be given severance packages and laid off, according to the people familiar with the matter, who asked to speak anonymously because they were not authorized to speak to the press. An EA spokesperson declined to comment.” This news is a little surprising to see with Apex Legends being such a successful game since its debut in 2019. A brand new Titanfall game has been wanted from fans of the series that started in 2014 on Xbox One and in 2016 had Titanfall 2 that launched with a campaign. Titanfall 3 could still be possible as this ‘Titanfall Legends’ most likely had no relation to the first two games in the series. Respawn Entertainment is currently working on Star Wars Jedi: Survivor which was delayed six weeks to April 28, 2023 Source: Bloomberg

New Halo Infinite Report Says Post-Launch Content Is Not Happening As The Team Adopts Unreal Engine 5 And Continues Work On Additional Multiplayer Project

For most of January, the Halo Infinite conversation has soured with news of Microsoft laying off dozens of developers. This includes the employees at 343 Industries behind Halo Infinite. Most notably is the exit of Joe Staten that posed as head of creative for the game ahead of its release. Staten has now transitioned to a new role at Xbox Game Studios. But, a dark shadow casted over the game since then. Concerns swelled regarding the future for Halo Infinite as rumors surfaced indicating that 343 Industries will no longer work on the game. Howbeit, studio head Pierre Hintze stated “Halo and Master Chief are here to stay”. Additionally, Phil Spencer chimed in to confirm 343 Industries is to stay alongside Halo as long as Xbox is a platform. According to a new report from Bloomberg, it is said that there is some truth to the original suspicions. While the developer is not stepping down from the helm, it is now certain that any post-launch plans for Halo Infinite story mode is not in development. The only fragment of this is believed to be “The Endless” which was trademarked last December. Furthermore, 343 Industries is adopting new technologies, Jason Schreier writes. In that, the original Slipspace Engine is said to being abandoned with Unreal Engine 5 to be the new proprietary suite for future games in the work. This is a developing trend among other Xbox Game Studios teams including The Coalition, Ninja Theory, Obsidian Entertainment, Undead Labs, and InExile Entertainment as well. The report does corroborate on previous reports concerning a new battle royale project for Halo Infinite. Project Tatanka helmed by Certain Affinity was reported more than a year ago with little detail in terms of the progress made on the new experience. The original slate for a battle royale is now said to evolve into something greater. You can read the full report by heading here. What surprises you most about this new report on Halo Infinite? Source: Bloomberg

Destiny 2: Beyond Light, Evil Dead: The Game, OlliOlli World, And Mafia: Definitive Edition Headlines PlayStation Plus February 2023 Free Titles

While the new month has already kicked off, the next batch of PlayStation Plus free games is not entirely ready just yet. For the month of January 2023, there were three games to install: Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Axiom Verge 2, and Fallout 76. However, this lineup is open to download for all PlayStation Plus members until February 6th. The following day is when the next roster for free games go live. On Wednesday, Sony Interactive Entertainment announced there will be four additions this month. Starting off, Destiny 2’s ‘Beyond Light’ expansion will be offered for subscribers. Atop of that, the other highlighted games include Evil Dead: The Game, OlliOlli World, and Mafia: Definitive Edition. This offer ends on March 6th. Noted, Mafia: Definitive Edition is the only game featured solely for PlayStation 4. Whilst backwards compatible, it does not include a native version for PlayStation 5. Howbeit, the remaining Evil Dead: The Game, OlliOlli World, and Destiny 2: Beyond Light will be included for both PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5. As for other recent PlayStation Plus additions, the Extra & Premium tiers for the service entered in more exciting titles. In mid-January, the service welcomed Back 4 Blood, Devil May Cry V, Just Cause 4, Life is Strange, and Syphon Filter 3. You can read the full report by heading here. Which PlayStation Plus free game has you most excited for February 2023? Source: PlayStation Blog

PlayStation VR 2 Sales Forecast Decreases Internally, Not Production Numbers Says Sony

Later this February, Sony Interactive Entertainment plans to officially ship the second peripheral for PlayStation virtual reality – PlayStation VR 2. The headset comes with a drastic number of improvements compared to its preceding device and will feature a larger extensive lineup of games as well – including re-releases of original titles enhanced for the new system. However, backwards compatibility is not offered unfortunately. Despite that, the launch lineup is pretty expansive for PlayStation VR 2. Nearly three dozen titles are featured for the headset’s release forecast including Horizon: Call of the Mountains, Pistol Whip VR, and Resident Evil 8. Noted, one previously featured title, The Dark Pictures: Switchback VR, has since then been delayed to March 2023. In a new string of reports online, there is chatter circulating around the PlayStation VR 2. The consensus is that production is to be reduced ahead of the PlayStation 5 due to lacking activity for the headset’s pre-orders. However, that is not entirely true. From Bloomberg, the report says as much. But what is not recognized is that the initial forecast has been reduced for its sales, not the actual system production. Over at gamesindutry.biz, Sony did make a statement on the matter. A spokesperson told that it did not “not cut PlayStation VR 2 production numbers.” In reality, popularity for the second peripheral has swelled after “seeing enthusiasm from PlayStation fans for the upcoming launch, which includes more than 30 titles such as Gran Turismo 7, Horizon Call of the Mountain, and Resident Evil Village.” Of course, this could just be yet another misconception on behalf of Bloomberg once again. While credible in certain fields, this is not the first instance it made a mistake concerning the PlayStation 5. Sony previously debunked another Bloomberg report on the PlayStation 5 decreasing production ahead of its release in 2020. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you plan to pick up a PlayStation VR 2 this month? PlayStation VR 2 ships on February 22, 2023. Source: Bloomberg

Sequel Valiant Hearts: Coming Home Out Now Via Netflix

For those that can recall, Netflix’s effort to enter the video game sphere is still an eye-opener for many well after its announcement. We witnessed the firm announce outright acquisitions of certain teams like Night School Games (Oxenfree) for this effort. Even a recent job listing reveals this project expanding to AAA PC projects as well for future announcements. Additionally, the firm has teamed with Ubisoft to fuel its ambition. In September, it was revealed three projects are confirmed for Netflix: Assassin’s Creed, Mighty Quest, and Valiant Hearts 2. The trio is to bring a better footing of traditional players to Netflix’s platform with recognized IP and content. This week, the long-awaited sequel dubbed ‘Valiant Hearts: Coming Home’ has officially hit Netflix. You can watch the launch trailer in the video below: “The sequel to the award-winning Valiant Hearts: The Great War brings players back to World War I for a dramatic narrative game following four interweaving stories of friendship, survival, and sacrifice amidst the turmoil and tragedy of war,” Ubisoft communications specialist Chris Watters writes for the game’s synopsis. “James joins the Harlem Hellfighters to search for his heroic older brother Freddie, while Anna tends to the wounded and broken. Ernst, a German diver, and George, a British aviator, each face their own challenges, and Walt, the canine companion from the first game, is back to aid players in their progress through exploration, puzzle-solving, and action sequences.” What has you interested about Valiant Hearts: Coming Home? Valiant Hearts: Coming Home is out now for Android & iOS via Netflix. Source: Ubisoft

Ubisoft Reveals Teaser For The Crew Motorfest

Tending to The Crew 2, Ubisoft’s Ivory Tower has remained consistent with endless support for the game since its initial release dating back to 2018. And even more when came the next-generation consoles as well. Last year, The Crew 2 welcomed enhancements for the new console hardware enabling improved visual output and better performance options too. But there is more that The Crew 2 can do to spread its wings. Looking at Forza Horizon 5 and its success on Xbox Game Pass last year, there is more room for the firm to diversify how players can experience The Crew. And with the game being roughly five years old now, it is certainly time for Ivory Tower to announce its next step for this series. In a new teaser trailer uploaded on Tuesday, Ubisoft & Ivory Tower announces The Crew Motorfest. You can watch the first trailer in the video below: “The latest entry in The Crew franchise takes players to the shores of the island of O’ahu in the Hawai’ian archipelago as they race through the streets of Honolulu, fly down the steep slopes of a volcano, off-road through lush forests, or chill out on the beach. Whether you play solo or with your whole crew, the entire island will be fully explorable from behind the wheel of hundreds of vehicles,” Ubisoft host Youssef Maguid writes. “The development team at Ubisoft Ivory Tower wants to give fans of The Crew an early look at the game, and that’s why they’re announcing the Insiders Program, which starts on February 1. The Insider Program allows the most dedicated and experienced players to start playing The Crew Motorfest early, in order to help ensure the best possible experience at launch and beyond. “The Insider Program will launch only for PC players, but will open to console players during its final phases.” You can register for the Insider Program by heading here. What has you most excited for The Crew Motorfest? The Crew Motorfest is listed for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Luna, and PC with a 2023 release window. Source: Ubisoft

Constant Online Connection For Redfall Single Player Confirmed In Game FAQ

For developer Arkane Studios, the firm for about a decade since the initial Dishonored released has emphasized on its single-player roots in storytelling and gameplay. However, the latest Deathloop has illustrated a new direction for the developer incorporating more multiplayer aspects to its experiences. In one interview, Arkane Lyon pressed that the firm is entirely done with the linear story approach. This opens the door to more open-ended projects and even experiment with multiplayer-focused releases as well. With Redfall on the way to release this May, that is the first step in this new direction for the game studio. According to the official FAQ for Redfall on the game’s website, there is a caveat to this decision. In that, the game will always require an online connection – even including playing the game by yourself. “A persistent online connection is required for single player and co-op,” one statement reads from the page. Not only that, but a Bethesda.net account is also necessary to play as well it states. This is certainly not the first time we’ve seen AAA releases do this – especially first-party titles. Atop of the initial complaints towards Gran Turismo 7 with its approach to microtransactions, the same can be said for its single player which also troubles Redfall now. Playing by yourself still required a concurrent internet connection to play. And, this is just annoying. 2021’s Deathloop did not have this problem, but Redfall does. Bethesda despite the current controversy with Redfall is at an extreme height with its most recent release in January: Hi-Fi Rush. The game was announced at last month’s Xbox+Bethesda Developer_Direct which announced and shadowdropped the title for players to jump right in via Xbox Game Pass after the presentation and has faced instant acclaim from many players. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you surprised by the decision for Redfall? Redfall is set to release on May 2, 2023 for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Source: Arkane Studios

Apex Legends Mobile To Close In May 2023 As Battlefield Mobile Faces Cancellation

The mobile gaming forefront over at Electronic Arts has slowly become a strong effort for the publisher. Whilst the firm has become a conglomerate for content on console & PC, it is in ownership of PopCap Games most notable for the Plants Vs. Zombies and Peggle series. But expanding its own unique properties to smartphones is an ambition is it has been eager to pursue. Last year, Respawn Entertainment in collaboration with Tencent Games delivered Apex Legends Mobile to Android & iOS. The new port went the extra mile early on offering exclusive feature absent on the base version including unique Legends as well. Additionally, DICE is also conjuring up a mobile game for Battlefield as well with the game listing already live on Google Play Store. According to Electronic Arts, the firm is to shutter both operations as of this week. The aforementioned Battlefield Mobile is to cease development and Apex Legends Mobile is to halt by May 2023 later this spring. Despite Apex Mobile’s strong start, the ongoing experience was not going to meet the expectations of our players. After months of working with our development partner, we have made the mutual decision to sunset the mobile game. Our love for the Apex universe and our players remains unchanged. We look forward to exploring this universe, its characters, and its stories along with you. We’ve also made the decision to stop the development of the current Battlefield mobile title. As the industry has evolved and our strategy to create a deeply connected Battlefield ecosystem has taken shape, we decided to pivot from the current direction to best deliver on our vision for the franchise and to meet the expectations of our players. We remain highly committed to unlocking Battlefield’s enormous potential. We’re hard at work at evolving Battlefield 2042, and are in pre-production on our future Battlefield experiences at our studios across the globe. “At Respawn, we aim to provide players with games that are consistently outstanding. Following a strong start, the content pipeline for Apex Legends Mobile has begun to fall short of that bar for quality, quantity, and cadence. It is for this reason, after months of working with our development partner, that we have made the mutual decision to sunset our mobile game,” Respawn writes in a blog post. “Although disappointing, we are proud of the game we launched, are grateful for the support of the Apex Legends community, and are confident that this is the right decision for players. Respawn and the Apex Legends team remain excited about mobile as a platform and look forward to new opportunities to serve players there in the future.” The game is to officially close by May 1st as in-game purchases were disabled as of the announcement. In terms of what is to come next from Battlefield, Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto is now overseeing Ridgeline Games for the next Battlefield experience. The game is said to be a new narrative-driven experience and with Lehto attached will bring some exciting set pieces. Alongside Respawn founder Vince Zampella overseeing DICE as well will be a surefire mix of talent needed for the franchise. You can read the full report by heading here. What game are you more upset about being shelved? Source: Electronic Arts, Respawn Entertainment

King To Officially Close Crash Bandicoot: On The Run Later This Month

For the Crash Bandicoot fans, the IP is slowly having a resurgence over the past handful of years. With the reintroduction of the titular character with the nostalgic Crash Bandicoot N Sane’ Trilogy to Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled and Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time, many fans are certainly eating good. Not to mention the most recent project on the way Crash Team Rumble is on the way. This new project pits players in a multiplayer experience of the starring cast and Crash’s rogues gallery as they collect Wumba for a greater objective of winning the game – structured similar to League of Legends/Pokémon Unite. Of course, there is also the once leaked Crash Bandicoot: On the Run which hit mobile devices a few years back. Well, the aforementioned title for smart phones is to shutter its services and the overall game later this month. Already, in-game purchases were severed back on December 19th with plans to dismantle the entire game by February 16th later this month. “Crash fans, it’s with a heavy heart that we inform you on February 16, 2023 we will terminate service for Crash Bandicoot: On the Run,” King writes in a Facebook post on the announcement. “It has meant so much to bring your favourite Crash characters to life and we’ve sincerely loved making this game. Thank you for spending your time with us and we hope you will join us in one of our many other games,” the post goes on to read. For many mobile titles, this is only an inevitable byproduct of the live-service titles business model. Most notably in 2022, Square Enix shuttered its own Final Fantasy VII game on the platform. In that, Final Fantasy VII: The First Soldier – a battle royale set within the universe – closed its servers in January last month. You can read the full report by heading here. Did you play Crash Bandicoot: On the Run? Crash Bandicoot: On the Run is currently available for Android & iOS. Source: King

Nearly 4 Dozen Games To Be Delisted From Xbox 360 Store, Purchase For Backwards Compatible Consoles To Remain

Now two console generations later, the Xbox 360 is still considered the most renowned system from Microsoft. Even as the Xbox Series consoles are beginning to deliver on unique hitters with Hi-Fi Rush and Starfield & Redfall on the way, Xbox 360 is still a prominent player a decade after. Especially when FPS Boost shipped for select titles, returning to beloved titles became even more of a reason to experience that generation once more. Microsoft even acknowledges this in 2022. At the time, the firm released a selection of classic Xbox 360 gamer pictures reworked for the new Xbox systems. So your same identity from the 360 days still resonates in the 2020s. Additionally, Xbox 360 did get hit hard this fall as well. In that, the platform was scratched from Xbox Games with Gold in October only limiting the monthly update to two titles per month now. In a new discovery via Xbox Support, roughly four dozen titles will be delisted from the Xbox 360 marketplace starting February 7th. You can read the full list below: Aegis Wing Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood Assassin’s Creed III Assassin’s Creed IV Assassin’s Creed Liberation HD Blood of the Werewolf Blue Dragon Breakdown Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Call of Duty: Ghosts Castle Crashers Cloning Clyde Counter-Strike: GO Dark Souls Darksiders II DAYTONA USA Defense Grid Eets: Chowdown Far Cry 2 Final Fight: Double Impact Iron Brigade Jeremy McGrath’s Offroad Jet Set Radio Left 4 Dead Left 4 Dead 2 LIMBO Lost Odyssey Mass Effect 2 MONOPOLY DEAL Mutant Blobs Attack N+ Outpost Kaloki X Peggle 2 Phantom Breaker:Battle Grounds Prince of Persia R.U.S.E. Sega Vintage Collection: Alex Kidd & Co. Skate 2 South Park: The Stick of Truth Spelunky SplinterCellConviction Star Wars Battlefront Star Wars KOTOR 2 The Orange Box The Raven Episode 1 The Witcher 2 Noted, some confusion was drawn from the announcement initially. When outlets brought the topic to attention, the matter was that Microsoft would be delisting the listed games for good – that including the latter Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S Store. However, that is not the case according to one statement Gematsu received. One sign of this significance is that Jet Set Radio, a game not offered for backwards compatibility, is being delisted. “Beginning on February 7, 2023, a limited set of games, add-ons, and in-game content will no longer be purchasable in select markets via the Xbox 360 Store. These titles will no longer be purchasable on the Xbox 360 Store only, and titles that are available to be purchased on the Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S Stores will remain purchasable. You will still be able to play discs or previously downloaded games on your Xbox 360 and modern consoles if they are backwards compatible titles,” the statement reads. So while the newer backwards compatible consoles are safe for now, Microsoft still has work to improve this system. Last year, the Xbox firm finally enabled offline play for all Xbox One titles nearly a decade after the system’s release. But, legacy Xbox 360 titles & original Xbox games are still voided from this currently. You can read the full report by heading here. Which game on this list is your favorite from the Xbox 360? Source: Microsoft