PDP’s Riffmaster Is Bringing Back The Era Of Gaming Instruments; Compatible With Fortnite Festival & Rock Band 4

Although the era of Guitar Hero & Rock Band had remained a blessed memory of a time before, players that still regular these rhythmic games do hope to see a resurgence for the genre. Potentially, that could be on the horizon according to one report. In that, it was suggested Microsoft’s plans include Guitar Hero as part of the firm’s plans with the Activision Blizzard King deal now completed. Additionally, Fortnite is also taking this head-on as well. In December, Epic Games launched Fortnite Festival which is a new experienced developed by Harmonix. Thanks to the prior acquisition of the developer in 2021, the project was realized into the live-service giant. Part of the plans includes instrument support as Epic Games wants to support the new mode for the foreseeable future. On Wednesday, PDP alongside IGN revealed the first effort of this era making its return to the surface with the announcement of the Riffmaster. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “At first glance, it looks similar to plastic guitar controllers made at the height of Guitar Hero and Rock Band’s popularity. But a closer examination reveals some noticeable changes to the formula,” IGN writes in the article. Confirmed for support, both Rock Band 4 as well as Fortnite Festival are to be compatible with the PDP Riffmaster. “Most notably, the Riffmaster has a thumbstick behind the guitar, an ambidextrous design, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a promised battery life of 36 hours on a single charge. Riffmaster’s disassembly, meanwhile, is pretty unique. Instead of detaching the guitar body and the long neck to create a two-piece teardown, the Riffmaster uses a foldable design that makes it easy to travel or store.” And while Harmonix continues to support Fortnite Festival, it gives a farewell to Rock Band 4. Although the game is not being shuttered anytime soon, it is confirmed that the game will be ending its content support eight years since the game released. You can read the full report by heading here. What has you eager to get the PDP Riffmaster? The PDP Riffmaster is planned to release sometime in spring 2024. Source: IGN

Now EA’s Total Earnings Account For 73% From Live-Service, It Promises Continued Effort To Resolve Current Decline For Apex Legends

Image Credit: GameInformer For the past few seasons, Apex Legends has started to face a decline in its growing player retention. While the title has remained a glowing entry in the online gaming sphere, the current system it houses has grown rather stale for players. Previously, Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson addressed a greater expansion is on the way for the live-service moving forward. Thus far, we’ve seen a major influx of improvements come in Season 18 – Resurrection with the redoing of simulacrum Revenant. And in Season 19 – Ignite, the addition of Conduit also injects a wave of Titanfall lore to get users to turn their heads some more. Most recently, Respawn Entertainment grabbed attention with the recent ‘Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Collection Event’ which featured themed cosmetics and the iconic Buster Sword for the battle royale. Now according to Electronic Arts as per its latest earnings report, the firm is committed to continuing this effort in restoring the momentum of Apex Legends. Partly, it is due to roughly 73 percent of all quarterly earnings now generated by live-service projects. As a category leader with millions of loyal fans, we are looking forward to celebrating the fifth anniversary of Apex Legends. Over the past few months, we have listened closely to our community, and have deployed new features, new styles of play, and new content. We have also implemented tools to better understand day-to-day game performance. In Q3, our new modes drove improved engagement, and the early impact of our new content in the current quarter is promising. To generate future growth, we are focused on entertaining core players and engaging new players by investing in geographic expansion, innovating in the game economy, and making it easier than ever for players to jump into our gameplay. Andrew Wilson, Electronic Arts CEO CFO Stuart Canfield adds by saying, “In a highly competitive quarter, Apex Legends did not meet our expectations, as our teams continue to learn and iterate with each new season and event. In the past few weeks, our recent cross-over promotion showed promising early signals, delivering two of our highest net bookings days over the fiscal year. “With Season 20 launching in February, our teams will deliver more innovation as we continue to build for the long-term. We remain committed to Apex Legends, a proven franchise with loyal fans, and we will continue to invest in opportunities to drive new growth points as we build and expand the franchise over time through engaging a broader base of players.” Additionally, Canfield continues, stating “we continue to take a measured approach to Apex Legends in its largest quarter of the year, as we introduce new modes of play and content offerings.” While the future of Apex Legends has yet to be full revealed, GameInformer did a complete feature on the path the next season is heading. You can read the full piece by heading here. What has you most excited for Apex Legends moving forward? Apex Legends is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Source: Electronic Arts, (1)

Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League Developer Confirms The Battle Pass Doesn’t Expire, Like Halo Infinite

Batman Akrham fans have come a long way to this moment: the newest Rocksteady Studios title is set to release later this week. Speaking of, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is launching this Friday. And while there is plenty to be excited for, there are some warranted complaints as well. For one, the game is online only. But, the developer has confirmed 2024 will introduce an offline mode for those playing solo. Additionally, the game is to be a live-service, premium release. In that, the title is to feature a battle pass that players can grind to unlock new in-game items. It is confirmed that this approach is purely cosmetic with no pay-to-win elements. What’s more, the post-launch shares that each battle pass will feature a new playable character – the first being The Joker taking a new for. Recently, Rocksteady Studios held a Discord Q&A answering questions about the game and how much of its systems will work. In that, it reveals the battle pass system does not feature an expiration date and can be revisited at anytime, even after a new season arrives. Thanks, @ArkhamVideos. “There will be 75 tiers to complete in Season 1’s Battle Pass and included within will be Outfits, Emotes, Banners, Swatches and some premium currency. This can be used to purchase cosmetic items in the store or go towards purchasing future Premium Battle Passes,” Rocksteady Studios pens as part of the response. “We’re also happy to announce that you will be able to go back and play previous Battle Passes after a Season ends. We believe that our team has created some of the best looking cosmetic items ever, and we want those to be available for our players to enjoy without fear that they’ll miss out on anything. “And as a reminder each Season will have a new playable character, a new Elseworld to explore, LOADS of new gear, new missions to play and more all for free! The Premium Battle Pass is an optional extra for those who want to look extra fly while kicking some Brainiac butt. And keep in mind, all purchasable items are completely optional and do not affect gameplay in any way.” This approach, of course, takes a note from Halo Infinite’s book. When it came to live-service battle passes, Halo Infinite introduced the non-expiring model to continue engagement for those that might be out of the loop. But as of this week, seasonal system has now been adjusted to Operations. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you satisfied with the approach from Rocksteady Studios? Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League launches on February 2, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Again, RGG Studio Meets New Steam Milestone With Like A Dragon: Infinite Wealth Now Its Most-Played Release

Last fall, Ryu Ga Gotoku studio rolled out Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. In our review, we wrote: “With its rich characters, intricate plot, and attention to detail, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio has delivered a masterpiece that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the gaming landscape. Saito’s journey is not just a game; it’s an experience that transcends the medium, inviting players to embark on a soul-stirring odyssey that will resonate long after the credits roll.” Beyond that, RGG Studio has faced even more praise on PC. From the number of users that launched the game on Steam, it was recorded the highest peak player count for the series to date. Now the question was if the coming January launch for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth could do the same. It is understood to be a new large release asking for roughly 100 hours of play for its core story alone, the studio revealed. In a new update in a post on X, RGG Studio reveals that Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth did in fact make new headlines and broke the prior record held by Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. For a greater comparison, SteamCharts puts the numbers into comparison. For Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, its all-time peak lists 13,737. And then for Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, it currently sits at an all-time peak of 46,029 – a complete 3:1 overtaking of the November launch title. While Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is continued to be another praised release from RGG Studio, it also remains a controversial installment as well. Since its pre-order went live last summer, it faced scrutiny revealing that the game will be walling its New Game+ feature through its Deluxe Edition. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you surprised by the performance of Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth thus far? Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Resident Evil 4 Remakes Climbs To The Fastest-Selling Release For The IP After Reaching 6 Million+ Units Sold

Come March this year, Resident Evil 4 Remake will mark its first full earth revolution since the game launched. Since then, the title has proven to be as monumental as the initial, name-shared 2005 release. The most recent feat is the game launching on iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max devices last month. Additionally, the game is welcomed a PlayStation 4 version as well, Capcom confirmed. Elsewhere, Capcom also did rollout a free PlayStation VR 2 update for Resident Evil 4 Remake. Not to mention the game already welcoming its story add-on as well this past fall. In that, ‘Separate Ways’ already shipped for the main game. Around that time too, Capcom celebrated the title also exceeding more than 5 million copies sold; breaking more ground for the new release. This week, Capcom in a new internal report – that was picked out by Gematsu – points out that Resident Evil 4 Remake is now the fastest-selling release in the entirety of the franchise. Now reaching 6.48 million units, the game is recorded to sell over 1 million copies within three months. It also overtook the original Resident Evil 4 which sat at 5.8 million. “Regarding catalog title sales, the Monster Hunter series delivered solid sales, driven by the announcement of Monster Hunter Wilds, an all-new addition to the series. Further, Resident Evil 4, launched in March 2023, contributed to sales growth, reaching 6.48 million units cumulatively, supported by ongoing promotional measures including free title updates for PlayStation VR2.” The document continues, “Additionally, the Company conducted proactive promotional campaigns to gain wide recognition for its intellectual property and acquire new fans, focusing primarily on series title sales, such as Resident Evil 2. As a result, catalog title sales reached 26.7 million units, exceeding 22 million units in the same period of the previous fiscal year and boosting sales.” Are you surprised by the new achievement made by Resident Evil 4 Remake? Resident Evil 4 Remake is out now for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC, and iPhone 15 Pro & Pro Max. Source: Capcom

Foamstars, Rollerdrome, Steelrising Confirmed For PlayStation Plus February 2024 Free Titles

Over the course of 2024 thus far, PlayStation Plus remains a extremely active service as of yet. The free games for January includes A Plague Tale: Requiem, Evil West, and Nobody Saves the World. Even more, the monthly catalog additions features Tiny Tina’s Wonderland, Resident Evil 2, Just Cause 3 just to list a few. Looking ahead, many are excited for the coming release on the way to PlayStation. One anticipated release nearing its launch is Foamstars for early February. With Sony’s hand in the project making it an exclusive release with Square Enix, it is understood that some form of PlayStation Plus arrangement is planned for the full release.  And on Wednesday, Sony Interactive Entertainment confirms that Foamstars alongside both Rollerdrome & Steelrising are to both be coming as per the PlayStation Plus February 2024 free games. Noted, the current trio of free titles for January 2024 are still available well until February 5th next month. Regarding support, both Foamstars & Rollerdrome feature both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions. However, Steelrising will only be a PlayStation 5 version come the new PlayStation Plus update next month. Additionally, PlayStation Plus members will be granted access to a unique PlayStation ‘Icons Pack’ in Fall Guys which features Ratchet, Clank, and Aloy bean costumes. Amongst the three featured titles, read our review on Steelrising. At its release, we wrote: “Steelrising sets itself apart from the Souls-likes by doing what Spiders does best, adding its own unique elements while preserving what is best about the genre.” You can read the full piece by heading here. Which games has you most excited for February 2024? Foamstars, Rollerdrome, and Steelrising comes to PlayStation Plus on February 6, 2024 until March 4, 2024. Source: PlayStation Blog

Microsoft Adds Six New Vapor Special Edition Options To Xbox Design Lab

Upon engagement with its users, Microsoft has continued to listen to outcries for a DualSense-like controller. Following the same path as PlayStation 5, reports recently tell a new peripheral codenamed ‘Sebile’ is planned to ship as early as May 2024. But, Microsoft has recently rolled out other controllers as well. This past fall, we witnessed the elegant welcoming of ‘Gold Shadow Special Edition’ in October. Earlier that summer, Microsoft also continued the trend of its Vapor Special Edition line with ‘Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition’ in August. Additionally, Xbox Design Lab also faced a wave of Vapor-designed plates as well. This includes pre-existing designs alongside a new store unique design ‘Cosmic Shift’ as well then. This week, a new half dozen of Xbox Design Lab Vapor Special Edition designs are coming to the service. This more than doubles the amount previously available for users to create via Xbox Design Lab. The Vapor series with Xbox Design Lab brings some of the most unique controller designs available for your customization, offering six top case options with swirling color patterns. If green is your thing, the Electric Vapor top case merges the bold Electric Volt and the iconic Velocity Green, while the Nocturnal Vapor top case draws you in with its Dark Green and Grey swirl. Feel the heat with the Fire Vapor top case, featuring a fiery red and orange swirl, or opt for the cool and collected Stormcloud Vapor, with a sleek blue swirl design. If pink and purple are your power colors, look no further than the Cyber Vapor top case, showcasing a lively pink and purple swirl, or enter in the dreamy hues of the Dream Vapor top case with its soft pink and soft purple swirl. Mekias Bekalu, Xbox Accessories Product Marketing Manager “Introducing the newest collection of Xbox Wireless Controllers: the Vapor series in Xbox Design Lab and the Xbox Wireless Controller – Dream Vapor Special Edition. In this collection, each top case features a dynamic pattern that is unique to every controller. If you are familiar with the Xbox Wireless Controller – Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition, you have seen how this misty pattern creates a subtle and textured look that only you can call yours.” The Xbox Wire post also adds, “Alternatively, enter dreamland with our newest Special Edition design, the Xbox Wireless Controller – Dream Vapor. Using the pink and purple top case from the Vapor collection, we’ve dreamt up a Special Edition controller that highlights the best that this colorway has to offer. The subtle pink-purple swirl is extended to the rest of the design, featuring soft pink thumbsticks, bumpers, triggers, and hybrid D-pad.” What has you most interested in the new line of Xbox Vapor Special Edition designs for Xbox Design Lab? Source: Xbox Wire

A Sonic Sports & A Sonic Chao Game Is In Development For Mobile

This year may as well be the year of Sonic as there seem to be multiple new games featuring everyone’s favorite hedgehog coming very soon. According to a reliable leaker on X (formerly Twitter), @MbKKssTBhz5 there are a total of three new Sonic games in development for mobile devices. The leaker claims the Sonic Fall Guys game will release at the start of Summer and ‘Sonic Chao Guardians’ will be the title of another mobile game coming exclusively to Netflix and there will be a Sonic sports game coming only to Apple Arcade. He also confirms that Rovio is not developing any of these games but there are collaborations planned in the future with the developer. https://twitter.com/MbKKssTBhz5/status/1752239534618628536 Sega seems to be all in on mobile gaming and sees Netflix and Apple as great platforms to expand their audience. On top of all these games in development, Sonic Mania Plus will come to Netflix Games at some point this year. Sonic Dream Team was just the start in 2023 of bringing in exclusive games for the Apple Arcade.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III & Warzone Season 2 releases February 7

Activision and Sledgehammer Games are already preparing for the launch of Season 2 for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Warzone. They only put out a short teaser video but from the looks of it you can tell it’s going to be heavily focused on Zombies. The Walking Dead x Call of Duty Collaboration After being leaked in November, it is official that Call of Duty and The Walking Dead are collaborating in Season 2 bringing in Rick Grimes and Michonne as Operators. If anything, this season is going to be entertaining if you’re a big Zombies fan especially with The Walking Dead being involved. In the coming days, we expect Activision and Sledgehammer Games to provide more information of the content coming in Season 2.

Review: Pyrene (Quebec Games Celebration Demo)

Developer / Développeur – Two Tiny Dice Publisher / Éditeur de jeux – Indie Asylum Platforms / Plateformes –  PC (Reviewed) Early Review copy given by Publisher / Copie de révision préalable fournie par l’éditeur Note: The following game is also a part of the massive Quebec Games Celebration event. This Demo also coincides with the annual showcase event DemoNights, which you can learn more about by clicking here. This review is of the Demo and the game may change upon final release. The event is put together by the Indie Asylum, a collective and incubator of indie game studios, Purple is Royal, the marketing arm of the Indie Asylum, and La Guilde du jeu vidéo du Québec, a non-profit industry association for video game studios across the province. The Review of the Demo has also been translated into French to celebrate the Quebec Games Celebration Event and will be included below the English Version. Note: Le jeu suivant fait également partie de l’événement massif Célébration des Jeux du Québec. Cette démo coïncide également avec l’événement vitrine annuel DemoNights, sur lequel vous pouvez en savoir plus en cliquant ici. Cette revue concerne la démo et le jeu peut changer lors de la sortie finale. L’événement est organisé par Indie Asylum, un collectif et incubateur de studios de jeux indépendants, Purple is Royal, la branche marketing d’Indie Asylum, et La Guilde du jeu vidéo du Québec, une association industrielle à but non lucratif pour les studios de jeux vidéo. à travers la province. La revue de la démo a également été traduite en français pour célébrer l’événement de célébration des Jeux du Québec et sera incluse sous la version anglaise. Indie studio, Two Tiny Dice has once again stepped into the spotlight with their latest creation, Pyrene, showcased at the massive Quebec Games Celebration event on Steam. Following the success of FORWARD: Escape the Fold, studio lead Christophe Coyard is back with a roguelike deckbuilder/dungeon crawler that not only pays homage to its predecessor but elevates the genre to new heights. The demo presents players with a tantalizing glimpse into a world inspired by Basque mythology, a fresh and unexplored setting in the realm of video games. The game boasts multiple playable characters, each with their own unique skills, mechanics, and magical abilities. This diversity adds a layer of strategy, encouraging players to experiment with different characters and tailor their decks to maximize their chances of survival in the unforgiving dungeons of the Pyrenees. The variety in gameplay styles ensures that Pyrene is not just a one-size-fits-all experience but a game that invites players to explore and adapt. The strategic decision-making in Pyrene strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and depth. The deep deck-building elements intertwine seamlessly with dungeon-crawling gameplay, forcing players to think carefully before every move. With numerous unlockable items, relics, and cards, the game’s replayability is evident, and each run feels like a unique adventure. The story revolves around reuniting townspeople to combat the Demon Herensuge and his monstrous hordes, adding a layer of urgency and purpose to the gameplay. The distinct biomes, inspired by Basque landscapes, are not only visually stunning but also introduce unique challenges and modifiers, ensuring that no two expeditions feel the same. Pyrene’s commitment to replayability is further emphasized by the ability to return to your village between expeditions. Restoring buildings unlocks upgrades for items and spells, providing a sense of progression and customization that enhances the overall experience. Two Tiny Dice’s dedication to storytelling is evident in Pyrene, as it delves into untold stories, deities, and creatures from Basque mythology. This uncharted setting breathes fresh air into the gaming world, offering players a chance to explore and learn in a captivating virtual landscape. In conclusion, the Pyrene demo is a promising journey into the world of Basque mythology, blending engaging storytelling, deep strategy, and diverse gameplay. With its unique characters, strategic decision-making, and built-in replayability, Pyrene has the potential to become a standout title in the roguelike deckbuilding genre. Keep an eye on Two Tiny Dice; they are cooking up something special with Pyrene. French : Le studio indépendant Two Tiny Dice est une fois de plus sous les projecteurs avec sa dernière création, Pyrene, présentée lors du grand événement Célébration des Jeux du Québec sur Steam. Suite au succès de FORWARD : Escape the Fold, le responsable du studio Christophe Coyard est de retour avec un deckbuilder/dungeon crawler roguelike qui non seulement rend hommage à son prédécesseur mais élève le genre vers de nouveaux sommets. La démo présente aux joueurs un aperçu alléchant d’un monde inspiré de la mythologie basque, un décor nouveau et inexploré dans le domaine des jeux vidéo. Le jeu propose plusieurs personnages jouables, chacun avec ses propres compétences, mécanismes et capacités magiques. Cette diversité ajoute une couche de stratégie, encourageant les joueurs à expérimenter différents personnages et à adapter leurs decks pour maximiser leurs chances de survie dans les donjons impitoyables des Pyrénées. La variété des styles de jeu garantit que Pyrene n’est pas seulement une expérience unique, mais un jeu qui invite les joueurs à explorer et à s’adapter. La prise de décision stratégique à Pyrène établit un équilibre parfait entre accessibilité et profondeur. Les éléments profonds de construction de deck s’entremêlent parfaitement avec un gameplay d’exploration de donjons, obligeant les joueurs à réfléchir attentivement avant chaque mouvement. Avec de nombreux objets, reliques et cartes à débloquer, la rejouabilité du jeu est évidente et chaque partie ressemble à une aventure unique. L’histoire tourne autour de la réunion des habitants pour combattre le démon Herensuge et ses hordes monstrueuses, ajoutant une couche d’urgence et de but au gameplay. Les biomes distincts, inspirés des paysages basques, sont non seulement visuellement époustouflants, mais introduisent également des défis et des modificateurs uniques, garantissant qu’aucune expédition ne se ressemble. L’engagement de Pyrene en faveur de la rejouabilité est encore souligné par la possibilité de retourner dans votre village entre les expéditions. La restauration des bâtiments débloque des améliorations pour les