Nicki Minaj & Snoop Dogg are set to join Call of Duty with Season 5 releasing August 2

Infinity Ward and Activision revealed what’s coming to Call of Duty Season 5 on August 2. The new season will feature new five new multiplayer maps, three modes, three events for Modern Warfare II. While Warzone will get three new gameplay features, two modes, a new event and more. Season 5 of Call of Duty also celebrates 50 years of Hip Hop and with that there will be a couple familiar faced operators coming to the game. Nicki Minaj, 21 Savage and Snoop Dogg will be joining Modern Warfare II and Warzone as Operators. Minaj will be the first-ever self named female Operator in Call of Duty being available in-season and Snoop will be available during the launch window of the brand new season. It was already leaked that Nicki Minaj would come to the game as an Operator along with 21 Savage. The 21 Savage Operator Bundle will become available mid-season as part of the Reloaded Offerings. Born in London and raised in Atlanta, a community he continues to give back to through philanthropic efforts, the Slaughter King went from underground hero to award-winning rapper. Now, without warning, it’s time for him to go Savage Mode in Call of Duty – expect an Operator Bundle featuring 21 Savage to drop as part of the Reloaded offerings. Outside of the Hip Hop Celebration Operators, there will be Graves, OZ, Mila, Velikan and Mace. Aside from the Operator Bundles, the new season will bring new weapons. FR Avancer (AR) – Launch Window Carrack .300 (SN) – Launch Window M13C (AR) – In Season A new handgun and SMG will also be coming in-season, but are yet to be known. Season 5 for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II and Warzone contains loads of content for players. You can read more about it here. Are you ready to drop in as Nicki Minaj or Snoop Dogg?

PAYDAY 3 Closed Beta Date Announced

Deep Silver and Starbreeze Studios announced the PAYDAY 3 Closed Beta will take place from August 2nd to August 7th. Players can sign-up for a chance to play the ultimate co-op heist shooter fantasy on Steam and Xbox Series XlS. Here is what the PAYDAY 3 Closed Beta will feature: Play as the original gang: Dallas, Hoxton, Chains and Wolf. The iconic clown-masked characters that made the PAYDAY franchise infamous are all playable, each with its own unique skillset. No Rest For The Wicked, a classic heist, that gives players the opportunity relieve a small bank of the cash cluttering up their vault. Go stealthily without anyone noticing how the cash evaporated or go loud and create cinematic chaos in an NYC robbery that’s worthy of the silver screen. All difficulties will be playable, level cap is Infamy Level 22 and Weapon Level Progression is at 8. How Do I Sign Up For The PAYDAY 3 Closed Beta? Those looking to sign-up on PC go to the PAYDAY 3 Steam listing and press “Request Access” near the top of the page. For those on Xbox: go to the Xbox Insider Hub, navigate to previews and select PAYDAY 3. PAYDAY 3 will come to PC via PC Game Pass, Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Series XlS, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation 5 on September 21, 2023. The newest PAYDAY will require an online connection to play the game.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Announced Featuring Jimmy Neutron, Squidward & More

Today, IGN shared an exclusive announcement trailer for Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2. The fighting game will feature Jimmy Neutron and Squidward as newcomers. The sequel to the first All-Star Brawl will have new stages, improved graphics, new characters, new playstyles and more. Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 will feature a brand new Campaign, Crossplay and a whole lot more content compared to the first. Legendary voice acting talent brings new and returning characters from the iconic Nickelodeon shows to the brawl. It looks like they are trying to take All-Star Brawl to the next level with a new online experience that includes crossplay, updated lobby systems, new costumers, new unlockable rewards and an improved training mode. Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 will be available to pre-order on July 28 for Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series XlS, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam. The Base Edition will cost $49.99 USD. There will be a Digital Deluxe Edition for $69.99 USD, the Ultimate Edition will cost $79.99 USD and the Season Pass featuring 4 characters and costumes throughout 2024 will be $24.99 USD. All-Star Brawl 2 will be available this Fall. The first Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl provided a fun experience, but it was short lived. Learn more about Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 here.

The Walking Dead Celebrates 20 Years With New Dying Light 2 Event

So far for the post-launch lifespan of Dying Light 2, developer Techland is doing no different from expanding & innovating the game alike the original. Already, we saw a mass improvement when New Game+ and Photo Mode were added in. Additionally, the same can also be said for story add-on ‘Blood Ties’ which dropped back in October last year. Looking ahead, Techland is becoming a larger operation as it promises a new AAA fantasy RPG. The game is said to be the first original IP from the developer in over a decade. Elsewhere more recently, Techland confirms a new acquisition underway to make Chinese firm Tencent to be the new majority shareholder over Techland. On Thursday, Skybound & Techland announced a new collaboration for the 20th anniversary for The Walking Dead. In that, a new crossover event is now live in-game for Dying Light 2. Previously, we saw a similar operation for Left 4 Dead with Valve in the original Dying Light. You can watch the new trailer in the video below: “Each day, there is a new Personal Goal, such as killing enemies using ranged weapons or dismembering the infected, rewarded by a unique Comic Cover – think Dying Light 2 Stay Human meets The Walking Dead aesthetic – that can be gathered by the player in-game. The players who manage to get all 7 Comic Covers can try to reach the Collection Goal. Those who complete it will claim The Walking Dead memento weapon charm as a prize,” Techland writes. “A very special treat awaits particularly dedicated fans. We are talking about Lucille – Negan’s infamous barbed wire bat! This weapon can be won only by the most ruthless players. To get the item with blueprint, you need to complete the Weekly Goal by killing 850 enemies in total throughout the event. But that’s not all – there is one more prize to be claimed. If players of Dying Light 2 Stay Human prove themselves to be truly ferocious and slay 160 million enemies together, the Global Goal will be fulfilled and everyone will get Sheriff’s Hat as a reward!” What are you most intrigued by the Dying Light 2 x The Walking Dead event? Dying Light 2 is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Source: Techland

New Acquisition Announced For Tencent To Purchase Techland

With the recent Dying Light IP expanding with its second installment last year, the franchise is stretched across two publishers. The first was from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment whilst the second is Square Enix; but it retains the rights nonetheless. Looking ahead, it is unsure what Techland will be aiming for on its new AAA fantasy RPG as of yet. However, the team itself is handing over the reigns to Tencent according to a new press release this week. In that, a new agreement establishes the Chinese firm to be the major shareholder for the Polish game studio. So far, it is confirmed that Techland will still be in control of its IPs during this new transition. “I am happy to announce the partnership with Tencent who are in the process of becoming Techland’s majority shareholder. Teaming up with Tencent will allow us to move full speed ahead with the execution of the vision for our games. We have chosen an ally who has already partnered with some of the world’s finest video game companies and helped them reach new heights while respecting their ways of doing things. “We will retain full ownership of our IPs, maintain creative freedom, and continue to operate the way we believe is right. I’m also going to continue serving as the studio’s CEO. I couldn’t be happier about us making this giant step ahead toward the future and sharing this moment with you. Thank you for being with us on this journey, playing our games, and being an endless source of inspiration and positive energy that keeps us moving forward. The best memories are still ahead of us!” CEO Pawel Marchewka writes. In recent time, Tencent has continued this campaign to acquire more talent across the globe. Already, we saw this with the Sumo Digital alongside Turtle Rock Studios in 2021. Additionally, more is also said for new projects between both Dontnod, Yager Development, and Marvelous. Techland says much of the decision is to continue its endeavor to make ambitious projects with no boundaries. “Can we make these dreams come true? Yes, we can. But what we realized is that the best, boldest dreams can only be achieved while working side-by-side with like-minded friends and strong partners, who share the same vision, passion, and have the willingness to back it up with their knowledge, experience, and capabilities.” What is your impression from Techland’s acquisition? Source: Techland

Blue Fire, Inertial Drift Next Xbox Games With Gold Free Titles For August 2023

For years now, it appeared that Microsoft has been offering the bare minimum for its Xbox Games with Gold program. Previously, we wrote it appeared the service was being overshadowed by Xbox Game Pass as larger titles hit the new subscription as less gravitating games went to the Xbox Live service. Last month, it felt no different with Adios and The Vale: Shadow of the Crown then. And for July 2023, the same can also be said for the new duo: Darkwood & When the Past was Around. However, that will only be for a few short months as the service is being disbanded after a decade. In that, Xbox Game Pass Core is to ship in September which scraps Xbox Games with Gold and to feature a baseline list of titles for subscribers transitioning. Until then, Microsoft has issued a new pair of games coming to Xbox Live Games with Gold for August 2023. That being both Blue Fire & Inertial Drift. Unlike previous rosters, both titles are to be downloadable from August 1 to August 31. This month’s When the Past was Around is still available until August 15th. “Evil forces have taken over the world of Penumbra. They need a warrior of light and darkness! Embark on a journey to explore temples filled with 3D platforming challenges, battle wild enemies, and go on side quests. Master the art of movement as you face increasingly challenging Void Puzzles and unlock the secrets that will save the day,” the Blue Fire description reads. “Drive through a 90s retro future in this arcade racing game that leverages a unique handling model and twin-stick drift mechanices. Choose from 16 unique cars across 20 wild tracks to tear through the neon streets. Rev up your skills in single-player story move and then prove you’re the best in multiplayer,” the overview for Inertial Drift says. Which of the two are you most excited for Xbox Games with Gold? Blue Fire, Inertial Drift are available from August 1, 2023 to August 31, 2023. Source: Xbox Wire

PlayStation 5 has sold over 40 Million units

Sony announced on Thursday the PlayStation 5 has surpassed over 40 millon sales. This comes almost 3 years after its release in November 2020. Since then there has been over 2,500 games available to play on PS5 including recent exclusive, Final Fantasy XVI. Sony has allowed owners to customize their console by releasing plate covers that are available in a large variety including a custom Spider-Man 2 cover. Along with that they’ve come out with plenty of DualSense controllers available in many colors. Earlier in the year at CES 2023, Jim Ryan shared the PlayStation 5 will become more available to consumers. Due to the pandemic it impacted the availability of consoles throughout its first few years. “Despite the unprecedented challenges of COVID, our teams and our partners worked diligently to deliver PS5 on time. We continued to face headwinds with the pandemic, and it took months for supply chains to normalize so we could have the inventory to keep up with demand.” PlayStation 5 sales will continue to grow when they release the Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Limited Edition Console on September 1st. Source: PlayStation

Madden NFL 24 – New York Giants Player Ratings

EA released the Overall Ratings for all Madden NFL 24 Players and Teams. We are going to list off the top rated players on the New York Giants of the NFC East Division. These ratings are from EA Sports themselves and this is what will be officially in the game once it launches.  The highest rated player on the New York Giants in Madden NFL 24 is Defensive Tackle, Dexter Lawrence II at 94 followed by Saquon Barkley at 93. Their Quarterback, Daniel Jones’ rating might cause a discussion amongst fans. Here is the New York Giants lineup:   Player Name Position Rating Daniel Jones QB 75 Darren Waller TE 86 Saquon Barkley HB 93 Andrew Thomas LT 92 Isaiah Hodgins WR 77 Graham Gano K 83 Leonard Williams RE 82 Andoree’ Jackson CB 81 Bobby Okereke MLB 81 Sterling Shepard WR 81 Xavier Mckinney FS 80 Cole Beasley WR 75 Jamie Gillan P 75 Darius Slayton WR 77 You can view the rest of the New York Giants team ratings here.  What do you think of the lineup for one of New York’s teams in Madden NFL 24? Check out their division rival, Dallas Cowboys’ ratings. 

Microsoft Loves Doing The “Impossible” With Xbox Controllers

Over the years Xbox has been known for its unique controllers for consumers and the variety available. The Xbox Design Lab has been a great success for Microsoft allowing fans to customize a controller they’ve always wanted. Recently, Microsoft announced a very limited Pizza Scented Xbox controller that fans can only get one by winning a giveaway. That was not the first time the company did something with a controller that would blow your mind. Let’s take a look back at some of the unique Xbox controllers of recent memory. Earlier in the year Microsoft released the ‘Remix Special Edition‘ Xbox controller that is composed of recycled plastics. The controller was created with Earth Day in mind by aspiring to create a future of gaming in a world that we want to play in. “Mixing post-consumer recycled resins with regrind consisting of previously molded colored parts creates custom, earth-tone colors with subtle variations, swirling, markings, and texturing – giving each Remix Special Edition controller its own look and feel.” The Xbox Remix Special Edition Controller released on April 18, 2023 with a price of $84.99 USD, but now you can find it at $71.99 USD on the Microsoft Store. The PUBG Greaseproof Xbox One Controller. In 2018 Microsoft came out with a Limited Edition Greaseproof controller to celebrate the release of PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds on Xbox. This controller was coated in a urethane material that repelled the grease. The Greaseproof Xbox One Controller was extremely limited since 200 of them were made and they weren’t even sold. These controllers were given away from Xbox social media pages across the world where players were encouraged to share their best “Winner Winner Chicken Dinner Story”. The coating of this controller looked greasy since the engineers had to give it a super-glossy surface. You could even say it looks greasy. With the recent Pizza Scented Xbox Controllers, Remix Xbox Controller and the PUBG Greaseproof Controller what could be next? Microsoft always seems to do what we think is the impossible for Xbox controllers.

Death’s Door, Dreams, And PGA Tour 2K23 For PlayStation Plus August 2023 Free Monthly Titles

Recently, PlayStation Plus continues to pull off strongly with its July lineup. For its monthly offers it includes Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Alan Wake Remastered, and Endling – Extinction is Forever. Additionally, the same is also said for Extra & Premium subscribers with it offering It Takes Two, Sniper Elite 5, and Undertale just to list a few. Elsewhere, the same cannot be said for Xbox Live Games with Gold. In fact, it will be no longer come this September. In that, Microsoft announced the new Xbox Game Pass Core tier which will replace the overall Xbox Live Gold subscription which is identified with the platform for majority of Xbox’s life. The change will include two dozen featured titles for those already subscribed to the base tier. As for PlayStation Plus moving forward, it plans to continue its momentum for August 2023. Next month’s monthly titles includes Death’s Door, Dreams, and PGA Tour 2K23, Sony Interactive Entertainment announced. As for platforms, Dreams is the only PlayStation 4 title as both Death’s Door & PGA Tour 2K23 is featured for both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. From our review for Death’s Door, critic Gregory Dawes penned the game to be a 9.5/10 with its “frantic gameplay [which] always leaves you wanting to clear one more room to see what’s next and that feeling never faded for me throughout my playthrough.” Death’s Door was one of Xbox Game Pass’ highlighted titles upon its release before coming to PlayStation later on. Even more, there is an update on Dreams come this fall. Developer Media Molecule pressed that the game will face no more support come this September. While the game will still function in some respect, the title is being stripped of different features that launched with the base game. You can read the full report by heading here. What is your favorite game featured for PlayStation Plus for August 2023? Death’s Door, Dreams, and PGA Tour 2K23 comes to PlayStation Plus from August 1, 2023 to September 4, 2023. Source: PlayStation Blog