E3 2024 and 2025 have been canceled

It looks like we might have seen the last of E3 due to recent news coming out of the Los Angeles City Tourism Board of Commissioners. They released a document that tells us E3 2024 and 2025 have been canceled. ESA responded to the matter (thanks to Stephen Totilo on Twitter for the quote): “ESA is currently in conversation with ESA members and other stakeholders about E3 2024 (and beyond), and no final decisions about the events have been made at this time.” The chances of E3 happening again seem to be possible, but the chances seem slim. This last March it was announced that E3 2023 was canceled due to the lack of interest from multiple companies including the big three, Microsoft, Nintendo and PlayStation. With the latest Summer Game Fest festivities coming to an end recently that had multiple showcases and it showed to have some success. Has E3 come to an end? Source
Bethesda Confirms MachineGames’ Indiana Jones Title Is Exclusive To Xbox At FTC Hearing

Among the scale of teams at Bethesda, the number of titles that shipped in recent years remains consistent concerning the talent at its disposal. Arkane shipping both Deathloop and the most recent Redfall, Tango Gameworks rolled out GhostWire: Tokyo & Hi-Fi Rush, Alpha Dog Games shipped Mighty Doom on mobile, and even Bethesda Game Studios is preparing the launch for Starfield later this fall. So what else? Well, other talent includes MachineGames. Previously, it was confirmed a trilogy is planned for the Wolfenstien series with its second game, Wolfenstein: New Colossus, arriving in 2017. Additionally, it was revealed a new Indiana Jones game is in the works attached to Lucasfilm Games. It was reported the game is likely to be an Xbox exclusive despite the property being licensed to Bethesda. During the Thursday hearing of the Federal Trade Commission on Microsoft’s acquisition for Activision Blizzard, Bethesda head of publishing Pete Hines is to stand on behalf of its parent company before the FTC. During which Hines revealed that the upcoming Indiana Jones title will be exclusive to Xbox. Noted, while Microsoft did acquire Bethesda roughly around the same time the announcement of the new game, it does bring to question where the line is drawn for exclusive titles for the platform. Especially when licensed properties are part of the conversation, it was initially planned to be multiplatform. But post-purchase redirected the project to be an Xbox exclusive. Which is the not the case for Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic – Remake over on PlayStation. In a separate development connected to the FTC case this week, it was also revealed that Microsoft has accepted its loss in the ‘console wars’. It is documented that the Xbox firm is aware of its placement compared to PlayStation and Nintendo over the past two decades. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you interested in Indiana Jones more knowing its exclusive to Xbox?
Activision Reveals Call of Duty Warzone ‘Caldera’ To Be Decommissioned Later This September

For those that might be living under a rock, Call of Duty Warzone has been severed into two different portions since last fall: the original game and the newer ‘2.0’ that arrived in November as part of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II. Noted, this latter adaptation includes cross-buy with the upcoming mobile version planned to roll out later down the line. However, the same could not be said for the current version of the battle royale. Earlier in 2022, Activision & Infinity Ward confirmed any purchases of the game would remain in the original Warzone. So for fans that engaged heavily for years with the original game is stuck on Caldera until transitioning to the new title. Well, that time is coming short, Activision revealed. In a new blog post on Thursday, Activision announced that Caldera is to be officially decommissioned starting this September. “As of September 21, 2023, Call of Duty: Warzone Caldera will shut down, as our teams focus on future Call of Duty content including the current Warzone free-to-play experience. “We all have had incredible Warzone experiences across the Call of Duty franchise since its first launch, including those in Warzone Caldera. For those players who haven’t jumped over to the current Warzone activities, expect a vast amount of gameplay choices across three Battle Royale maps (including Season 04’s new map Vondel), as well as Ranked Play, the DMZ Beta featuring five different Extraction Zones, BlackCell offerings, and more. “Players should prepare for even more Warzone content across consoles and PC, as well as a new era of Battle Royale on the go with the launch of Call of Duty®: Warzone™ Mobile, which includes a shared Battle Pass and cross-progression. The Call of Duty team and Studios look forward to sharing more details soon. “Regarding purchased content in Warzone Caldera – from Modern Warfare® (2019), Black Ops Cold War, or Vanguard – that will continue to be accessible in those specific games. Please note that the Warzone Caldera shut down has no impact to current Warzone gameplay, inventory, or player progression in Al Mazrah or the other available maps, and we look forward to continuing with you in that new Warzone experience.” What is your thoughts on the recent decision from Activision? Source: Activision
PlayStation In New FTC Document Reveals Withholding New Console Information From Activision If Acquisition Is Completed

One of the largest arguments currently between platform giants Xbox & PlayStation is weather the Activision Blizzard deal should be processed. In one sense, it is to better the industry as initially stated. Additionally, Microsoft has went lengths to support unionization within the conglomerate alongside 10-year arrangements to brings more titles to other platforms as well. However, the other side of the argument is concerned that the deal will limit or even damage PlayStation if fulfilled through the legal system. In the past, PlayStation offered a list of commandments for Xbox to follow for the deal to process. In response to the concerns, the Xbox firm pressed the deal will handle IP like Call of Duty as it already is with Minecraft for more than half decade. From new documents filed by the FTC this week, it reveals that Sony Interactive Entertainment President & CEO Jim Ryan will withhold new information on coming PlayStation hardware if the deal is processed. You can view the image below: The deposition illustrated above comes from an interaction between Ryan and the Federal Trade Commission back in April 2023. During which Ryan elaborates that exchanging the sensitive information went on to bring improvements to PlayStation. But for Microsoft to be in possession of crucial details pertaining to Sony’s next system, the PlayStation firm would pull further engagements with the Call of Duty publisher. Ryan goes on to share that if said information was in Microsoft’s hands would benefit its own platform rather than improve the overall game. “I believe that their own incentives – their primary incentive will, at post-acquisition, would be to optimize the overall Xbox business, not the business of Activision.” Other developments have also surfaced from the recent FTC battle in the courts. In that, Microsoft has admitted that Xbox after more than two decades being in the industry has lost the console wars. You can read the full report by heading here. What do you believe from Ryan’s statement? Source: Federal Trade Commission
New Statement From Microsoft In FTC Legal Battle Reveals Xbox Officially “Lost The Console Wars”

Image Source: WCCFTech Over the course of a year and half now, Microsoft has fight tirelessly to acquire Activision Blizzard. And despite the pushback from many online, the Xbox firm has won plenty of ground in many territories. This includes the more recent victory by the E.U. Commission last month granting a pass for the purchase. However, the U.K. CMA says otherwise when declaring the deal to be against the favor of the consumer. Already, the United States Federal Trade Commission shares plans to take this conversation to the courts with Microsoft. This month, however, the regulator already obtained an injunction on the deal which restrains further progress to be made on the acquisition. Additionally, the FTC also concluded that much of combatants towards the deal is due to the handling of the Bethesda acquisition as Microsoft’s actions is not of what it stated then. As the water continues to boil, a new statement from Microsoft admittedly verifies that Xbox did in fact lose the console war. Amid users of all platforms engaging in online discourse for which platform is better, Xbox is the first to pull its troops, it appears. “Xbox has lost the console wars, and its rivals are positioned to continue to dominate, including by leveraging exclusive content. Xbox has consistently ranked third in consoles behind PlayStation and Nintendo,” the document shares. The document goes on to note the continued dominance Sony has maintained since the founding of PlayStation. “Sony is the dominant player in consoles. Sony PlayStation, for over two decades and through five generations, has been the leading console both worldwide and in the U.S. Sony’s gamer base is [redacted] as large as Xbox’s worldwide, and [redacted] larger in the United States.” “Xbox’s console has consistently ranked third (of three) behind PlayStation and Nintendo in sales. In 2021, Xbox had a share of 16% while Nintendo and PlayStation had shares of [redacted] and [redacted] respectively.” Transparently, Microsoft is aware of this. In part due to vocal support of PlayStation, but also the tactics PlayStation utilized for its platform. Previously, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer in an interview shared intent to minimize the amount of damage done by PlayStation with the Activision Blizzard deal. ‘Sony is trying to protect its dominance on the console. The way they grow is by making Xbox smaller,” Spencer stated. You can read the full report by heading here. What is your takeaway from the comment by Microsoft? Source: Federal Trade Commission
Avowed Developer Confirms In-Game Visuals Will Be Improved As Team Plans To Face Its Longest Alpha/Beta Period

Rewinding the clock back to July 2020, Xbox Game Studios & Obsidian Entertainment revealed a new open-world RPG to battle the likes of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is on the way. Going by ‘Avowed’, it expands the already-established Pillars of Eternity franchise with its extensive universe. A following report shared the game would feature new elements that would win over fans of that particular genre. Since the announcement nearly three years ago, fans of the next game are growing hungry for new developments on the new title. Especially when featuring an impressive choice to depict the world for Pillars of Eternity aimed exclusively for Xbox Series X|S, expectations are high. And Obsidian Entertainment answered as much at the Xbox Games Showcase this much revealing gameplay and a 2024 release window for the title. Well, patient fans did respond, but not as favorable in terms of the game visually. However, Obsidian Entertainment via RPGCodex tells the game still has plenty of work to be done. Going by alias ‘Briar Diem’, it is said that Avowed is still to be in an Alpha/Beta period longer than any title before it. “On previous projects Alpha periods were sometimes just a few months long. This is actually the longest we’ll have for Alpha/Beta period for any game at Obsidian by a longshot, and is good news,” the comment reads. Additionally, the users also speaks on the handling of the trailer sharing that it loosely represents the full game elaborating that the team that worked on the trailer toned back what is closer represented in the full game from available images. Even more, it is said that the gameplay is not officially in Alpha and plans to drastically rework the lighting come the full game. “All I can say is the game has not entered Alpha yet, art will get refined in various ways. Lighting will change. Though designs will not change of course. They are what they are.” What is your takeaway from the comments on Avowed’s visuals? Avowed is listed for Xbox Series X|S & PC for a 2024 launch. Source: RPGCodex
Immortals Of Avenum Receives New Delayed Release For August 2023

While 2023 already has proven to be one of the most fulfilling years for the video game industry in recent time, there is still plenty more heavy-hitters on the way. One surprise comes from EA Original team Ascendant Studios with its coming title, Immortals of Aveum. Recently, Rectify Gaming got a hands-off impression with the game. “The game’s design philosophy was backed up by the visuals, story telling and combat sequences on display. “Immortals of Aveum is a single player, story driven shooter, and the laser focus comes across with the level of polish on display. Furthermore, despite the Call of Duty background, my lasting thoughts on the entirety of the game resembled an older, but beloved EA classic. […] The movement Jak is capable of, plus the free-form nature of the magic powers and spells, looks like Doom Eternal dialed to eleven.” However, a new development for the game reveals that Immortals of Aveum will require more time by delaying the game to August. Originally, the game was scheduled to ship in July this summer. As you know, this is our first game as a self-funded independent studio. We set out five years ago to ambitiously make an original Magic FPS in a new fantasy world. Along the way, we worked through a pandemic, built a new team, developed on Unreal Engine 5.1 and pushed the boundaries of what we thought was possible. Now, the finish line is in sight. “Your reactions to Immortals of Aveum over the past few weeks has been incredibly inspiring – from our trailer at the PlayStation Showcase, and the recent hands-on previews, to the latest gameplay reveal, and being named one of the most anticipated games from Summer Game Fest. It’s been amazing. “The recent feedback to the game proves to us what we already felt: that Immortals of Aveum is something special. In order to realize our full vision, we are going to take a few extra weeks, making our new launch date Tuesday, August 22nd. This will give us time to further polish the game, finish optimizing all platforms, and deliver a strong launch. We owe it to ourselves and to you to get this right.” Are you fine with a longer wait for Immortals of Aveum? Immortals of Aveum is coming to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on August 22, 2023. Source: Ascendant Studios
Fire Emblem Comes To Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy Advanced Virtual Console Today

This week, Nintendo is its familiar approach to announcements held an abruptly scheduled Nintendo Direct featuring plenty of new titles coming to its platform. Stacking high its fall release schedule includes WarioWare: Move It, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Detective Pikachu Returns, and Super Mario RPG divided between October & November. Additionally, the firm has more coming this week. Part of the Wednesday-scheduled presentation launched both Pikmin 1 & Pikmin 2 for Nintendo Switch following the showcase. Even more, Thursday features a new addition to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. In that, the Game Boy Advance virtual console welcomes Fire Emblem. Nintendo announced the new addition more than a week ago and June 22nd officially embraces the newest title for the subscription. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “In Fire Emblem, the nation of Lycia stands on the precipice of war after centuries of peace. Turmoil grows as noble houses plot treason, allies become enemies and armies stand poised for combat … all while a mysterious figure manipulates empires from the shadows. Now Lyn, along with Eliwood and Hector, must amass their own army to fight back against the forces that would destroy everything they hold dear – and before the world is burned to ash. “Over the course of the story, you’ll gather heroes to your side, train them to excel with a wide array of weapons and classes, and further hone their skills on the battlefield. In battle, strategize your course of action around a variety of terrain and conditions. Then take command of the field and lead your units to victory by fulfilling specific objectives. But be warned: In this Fire Emblem game, if your soldiers meet their end, they’re gone forever.” Earlier in June, Nintendo Switch Online featured a new update for the base service tier. Part of the update welcomed Kirby Tilt ‘n’ Tumble, Blaster Master: Enemy Below, Harvest Moon, Mystery Tower. You can read the full report by healing here. How excited are you for Fire Emblem being added to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack? Fire Emblem is out now for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Source: Nintendo
Microsoft To Partner With IGN For Upcoming ID@Xbox Showcase Next Month

Over the course of the past month, Microsoft has held three separate presentations celebrating its platform and the games that will be coming to Xbox. Over a week ago, the Xbox firm featured its annual Xbox Games Showcase plus a following Starfield Direct. Looking ahead, the showcase effectively illustrated how much 2023 is looking more promising for Xbox this year. And this comes after the fact that platform sellers such as Gears of War & Halo were both absent from the show. Additionally, the later Xbox Games Showcase Extended presentation further illustrated the effort. Even more, it featured nearly a dozen new games coming to Xbox Game Pass as part of the ID@Xbox program as well. Now looking deeper into the summer, IGN will be partnering with Microsoft for an exclusively-hosted ID@Xbox Showcase in July. Currently, there is no official list of featured games that will be present during the show. “This special ID@Xbox Showcase premieres on July 11, 2023, and, in addition to it being filled to the brim with trailers, gameplay, reveals, and more, IGN will be hosting a special edition of Unlocked immediately following the ID@Xbox Showcase including a deeper dive into some of the games from the show itself,” the blog post reads. “From a deep dive into Vampire Survivors’ second expansion to an exciting look at Cassette Beasts, a game that looks like Pokemon but with cassette tapes, there were a lot of different types of games on display that all deserve a look.” IGN adds although clarifying “we can’t yet reveal what awesome indie games will be part of the presentation.” What has you most excited for the next ID@Xbox Showcase? Source: IGN
Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 Launches This October Featuring More Games In Recent Announcement

Over the course for a handful of years, many fans of Konami’s Metal Gear series were left distraught realizing there may never be a new game for the series. And while rumor mill pushed out more potential games on the way, it was looking grimmer & grimmer. But out of the blue this month, Konami unveiled Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater – a complete remake for 2004’s Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Additionally, fans of classics will not have to wait long as there is also a remastered bundle on the way for major systems too. The Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 features the original trilogy of Metal Gear Solid games. However, a new discovery on the PlayStation Store revealed both Metal Gear & Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake is also included in the compilation as well. From a new announcement for Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1, Nintendo Switch alongside Xbox is added to the list a features new games and other additional content promised for the full package. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 contains ‘Metal Gear Solid,’ ‘Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty,’ ‘Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater’ and much more bonus content. Bonus content includes the first title in the Metal Gear series, a Screenplay Book containing in-game text of each title and a Master Book detailing the story and characters.” The NES version of Metal Gear is also included as well as Snake’s Revenge. “Also included in the bonus content of the Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 will be two digital graphic novels. The Metal Gear Solid: Digital Graphic Novel is a fully voiced, digital comic depicting the events of Metal Gear Solid through beautifully dynamic animated panels, followed by Metal Gear Solid 2: Digital Graphic Novel that expands on the events of the sequel.” What are you most excited for now with Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 coming this fall? Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 1 ships on October 24, 2023 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Source: Konami