Ubisoft is reported to release The Rogue Prince of Persia later this year

It has been reported that Ubisoft is planning to release a new Prince of Persia game later this year for Steam. Insider Gaming reports that The Rogue Prince of Persia, developed by Evil Empire will launch in Early Access sometime in 2024. The Rogue Prince of Persia is a new Roguelite that will receive consistent free updates and will improve over time. The outlet also reports the game’s art direction has inspiration from the Franco-Belgian comics. It seems this will be a unique Prince of Persia title than we are used to as it will be more of a live service experience from Ubisoft this time around. Evil Empire who is rumored to be the developer was responsible for the post-launch content for Dead Cells which ended up being a great success. An exact release or announcement date has not been reported yet. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown was the first Ubisoft title to release this year and it seems it won’t be the only one from the Prince of Persia series. Source: Insider Gaming
Props for the Minecraft movie have already been spotted

The Minecraft Movie began production at the end of December 2023 and it’s expected to arrive in theaters in April 2025. The live-action Minecraft movie will star Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Jennifer Coolidge, and Danielle Brooks. Some of the set props for the highly anticipated film have been spotted already with a couple of images shared online. Thanks to Josh_Space on X (Twitter) who shared a few images of the tree prop that looks exactly like what you’d expect from a real-life Minecraft tree and there was a glimpse of a rock wall. The rock wall prop does not look as exciting at this point, but here is a look at it: Found part of a rock wall for the MINECRAFT Movie pic.twitter.com/ayNVGDdcrP — josh_space (@joshspace2) April 2, 2024 There has not been too much news regarding the film and what other stars it may feature. It’s safe to say we are all looking forward to seeing the world of Minecraft from a different perspective when it hits the big screen in 2025.
Dragon’s Dogma 2 has sold 2.5 million units

Capcom announced that Dragon’s Dogma 2 has sold 2.5 million units in just over a week since its release on March 21, 2024. The series started in 2012 and in total, the franchise has sold over 10 million units in twelve years. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is an action game set in a sprawling open world with a high degree of freedom. The game allows players to enjoy an intricately crafted, all-too-real fantasy setting while providing a taste of adventuring in a group of up to four people all while playing solo thanks to AI-controlled pawn characters that act as travelling companions. Dragon’s Dogma 2 received great praise from critics averaging an 88 on OpenCritic while it received an average score of 85 on Metacritic. You can play the latest Capcom title on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Source: Capcom
EA CEO Presses On Apex Legends Branching Beyond Its Battle Royale Roots

For Respawn Entertainment and more importantly Electronic Arts, retention for Apex Legends has been a continued pursuit over the past year. While a decline has been recorded in that period, things are looking to be showing gradual growth. The Final Fantasy VII Rebirth event did show a jump in player activity. And, of course, this is an effort it will continue to establish with its live-service venture generating roughly 3/4 of the firm’s revenue as of this past fiscal year. So when it comes to Apex Legends, an evolution of the game is required for players to continue returning. In Season 20 – Breakout, this has been evident for the most part. And this is just the beginning in 2024. Lead writer Ashley Reed told that many of its lore will breach into the gameplay loop throughout this year to bring a more connected experience. Previously when speaking at the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference, and transcribed by Video Game Chronicle, the publisher spoke on Apex Legends and this pursuit for continued retention for the next decade. If you’re thinking about streaming services which are dealing with 40% and 50% churn, we’ve got a core community in Apex that has 75% retention over the course of a five-year period – it’s an incredible franchise. But in the growth of franchises, we do see ebbs and flows, and where we’ve gotten to with Apex, is we’ve got that first cohort of community that have been with us now for five years, and it’s big, it’s large, it’s global and it’s deeply engaged. Andrew Wilson, Electronic Arts CEO “It’s an incredible game, it’s a core game, it’s not for the faint of heart when you come into it, and that’s part of its charm and part of why people love it. But job number one for us is, how do we make that a little more new player friendly? And that’s what you’re starting to see, you’re starting to see it with Season 20, which is really built around how do we drive more acquisition and more engagement,” he said. “And I would say the early signs of that have been very promising. We’re starting to see numbers that are more like the numbers that we’d seen at the peak. The next phase will then be, how do we think about more modalities of play, how do you expand beyond the traditional battle royale universe? And we’ll start to see that in the coming year.” Surely, the expansion outside of Apex Legends traditional battle royale is welcomed. With some game modes already shaking the cage with conventional game types, more of that is a nice change of pace. And with a promise to be operating for more than a decade, players will look for new ways to play and for new users to find variety in such a huge IP. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you think Apex Legends can breach beyond its battle royale heritage? Apex Legends is out for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
Report: Epic Games Store, Xbox Game Pass Deals For Indie Teams Are “Way Down”

The all-time gaming subscription that is Xbox Game Pass hit a new milestone this past winter. In that, the service officially faced a new overtaking with 34 million users subscribed. However, there are many concerns for the future for the service as of late. One of the biggest issues is the statement on it cannibalizing titles in its library. It is reported that titles featured later suffer due to financial decline with its main user base tuning in via subscription. Additionally, retention is always a concern for long-term activity. And while first-party games are day-and-date for Xbox Game Pass, there is no promised exclusive, says Phil Spencer. This draws an even bigger question mark with smaller teams partnering with Xbox to release its game for the service. One game in particular – She Dreams Elsewhere – is an example of a full ride from Xbox intended for the subscription. However according to a new report from PCGamer, the land of opportunity that is Xbox Game Pass and even Epic Games Store is no more. At GDC in March, the outlet spoke with Casey Yano, Slay the Spire studio Mega Crit co-founder on the matter and it is not what it was years ago. “I talked to at least five small teams, like 35 [members] and under, during GDC, and they’re like: Cuts, cuts, cuts, funding canceled, talks that were going on for a year, canceled. He continues: “It sounds like it’s shit. We’re definitely very privileged to be able to self-fund. [Otherwise] I’d be very, very, very scared right now.” What was once a guaranteed opportunity for small projects to make an impression has now been identified to have “come down in scope.” PCGamer also spoke with Darkest Dungeon director Chris Bourassa who shared the same sentiment. “So has Epic,” he expressed. “The Gold Rush is over. I come from the Northwest Territories. The town I’m from was built on gold, and then they found diamonds further north. Maybe another paradigm shift is waiting for us, but I definitely think the scale of the deals I’m hearing about is significantly dimishesed from the big swinging days. Certainly we got our Epic [deal] at the right time.” On the topic of Xbox once more, a collective of developers are even questioning supporting the platform altogether. According to gamesindustry.biz, many big studios & publishers are second-guessing support for the Microsoft platform. You can read the full report by heading here. How surprised are you by this recent development for Xbox Game Pass/Epic Games Store? Source: PCGamer
Lego 2K Drive, Kona, And More Coming To Xbox Game Pass April 2024 Library Update

On the spectrum of all things Xbox Game Pass, subscribers have something to celebrate with more than 34 million users accounted for, Microsoft announced. In addition to that, the service is to feature its first title coming to the service’s library in March – Diablo IV. Of course, that is just the beginning with more games to come at a later time down the road. In March, the service featured a heavy-helping of highly-anticipated titles. The start of the month showcased No More Heroes III, Control, MLB The Show 24 which drew eyes to the service ahead of spring this year. Even more, this trend continued in the latter half with games like Evil West, The Quarry, and Ark: Survival Ascended later on. Now entering into April, a new roster of games is here. You can read the full list below: Console Lego 2K Drive – 4/3 Lil Gator Game – 4/4 EA Sports PGA Tour [EA Play] – 4/4 Kona – 4/9 Botany Manor (Xbox Series X|S) – 4/9 Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition – 4/11 Harold Halibut (Xbox Series X|S) – 4/16 PC Lil Gator Game – 4/4 EA Sports PGA Tour (Xbox Series X|S) [EA Play] – 4/4 Botany Manor – 4/9 Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition – 4/11 Harold Halibut – 4/16 Cloud Lego 2K Drive – 4/3 Lil Gator Game – 4/4 EA Sports PGA Tour [EA Play] – 4/4 Kona – 4/9 Botany Manor – 4/9 Shadow of the Tomb Raider Definitive Edition – 4/11 Harold Halibut – 4/16 In the meantime, we urge you read our review for Shadow of the Tomb Raider. “Shadow of the Tomb Raider stands as not just the best game in the entire trilogy, but one of the best action-adventure games period. Overall, I absolutely recommend Shadow of the Tomb Raider – a clear Game of the Year candidate for me.” Like always, there are a selection of games leaving on April 15th. Those being Amnesia Collection (Cloud; Console; PC), Amnesia: Rebirth (Cloud; Console; PC), Back 4 Blood (Cloud; Console; PC), Phantom Abyss (Cloud; Console; PC), Research and Destroy (Cloud; Console; PC), and Soma (Cloud; Console; PC). What has you most excited for Xbox Game Pass this month? Source: Xbox Wire
The Sonic & IHOP collaboration comes with an exclusive Amy outfit DLC for Sonic Superstars

IHOP and Sega have announced their collaboration featuring Sonic and it will come with a menu that is themed after all your favorite Sonic characters. It will feature the Knuckles’ Chicken Sandwich, Tails’ 2x2x2, Amy’s Sweet Strawberry Delight, Dr. Eggman’s Benedict, and there’s more. Here is the IHOP menu that will be themed after Sonic the Hedgehog and friends: Sonic’s Blue Blur Special: Four buttermilk pancakes with double the blueberries for double the speed! Ask to try them with blueberry syrup Knuckles’ Chicken Sandwich: A crispy chicken sandwich with bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, & buttermilk ranch that won’t leave you hangry. Order with a side of “gold” onion rings Tails’ 2x2x2: Two eggs, two pancakes, two bacon strips or two sausage links – just like Tails, everything good comes in twos Shadow’s Chaos Chocolate Pancakes: Go ahead and be a little chaotic – a four-stack filled with chocolate chips is the ultimate pancake experience Amy’s Sweet Strawberry Delight: Vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and fresh strawberries atop a golden-brown waffle quarter is a perfectly sweet dessert for an epic adventure. Ask to try with strawberry syrup Dr. Eggman’s Benedict: A 300 IQ genius like Eggman knows that black forest ham, poached eggs, & creamy hollandaise sauce makes for a superior meal For those that are a fan of Sonic Superstars there will be exclusive DLC you can obtain by eating pancakes and using the IHOP Stack Market. Loyalty members can earn PanCoins to redeem Sonic content and one of them includes an exclusive DLC Amy outfit for Sonic Superstars. $25… The power of Pancakes compels you! pic.twitter.com/FQySNoHQSC — Dave Luty (Badnik Mechanic) (@DaveLuty) April 2, 2024 You’ll also be able to earn download codes for Sonic Superstars, Sonic Frontiers, and Sonic Origins Plus through the IHOP Stack Market. Source: businesswire
Monster Hunter collaboration items are now available in Street Fighter 6

The Monster Hunter 20th Anniversary in-game collaboration event is now happening in Street Fighter 6. You can gain access to the new Monster Hunter-themed gear in Street Fighter by purchasing the Fighting Pass. Some of the items include themed avatar gear, emotes, and special titles. There are also various in-game collaborative events happening now in Street Fighter 6. Here are all the details of the latest Street Fighter 6 collaboration: Enter the fray in the Battle Hub, decked out in Monster Hunter decor and playing your favorite Monster Hunter music! The menacing Rathalos and Rathian join you in the photo booth to spice up your pictures! During the event period, players can watch one Tutorial within Fighting Ground to get the Wyvern Jawblade avatar gear! The next Street Voter event kicks off as well with the age-old question – “What’s your favorite Monster Hunter weapon?” Voting opens on April 8 and all voters will receive 2,000 Drive Tickets! Limited time Monster Hunter weapon shaped accessories will be available for purchase from the Hub Goods Shop via Fighter Coins or Drive Tickets, with lots of challenges to earn Drive Tickets from! Multiple weapons can even be equipped together! Premium rewards for the Fighting Pass include avatar gear like Rathalos Helm, Mail, Coil, Greaves, and Felyne Head, as well as items like a “Happy Hunting!” photo frame, “Gimmie it Well-Done!” player title, and a “Hunter’s Dance” emote! Additional content coming with this latest update includes: The classic arcade game “Magic Sword” comes to the Battle Hub Game Center as an unlockable premium reward! Kimberly and JP are both celebrating their birthdays this month! Let’s celebrate right alongside them with the opportunity to get Drive Tickets and bonus Kudos along with participating in character-specific tournaments! Street Fighter 6 is available for PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Source: Capcom
Review: Halver

Developer – Gologames Publisher – Gologames Platforms – PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Developer Upon first encountering Halver, I found myself drawn in by its trailer, evoking memories of the indie favorite “Thomas Was Alone.” As I explored further, I noticed parallels in aesthetics and gameplay mechanics, albeit with a more modest budget and a departure from the whimsical narrative humor of its predecessor. In Halver, players assume the role of a rectangle armed with movement, jumping, block manipulation, and precision shooting abilities. The game unfolds as a blueprint-style, physics-based puzzle platformer accompanied by meditative music. The primary objective? Divide blocks into equal parts to navigate the maze-like levels toward the exit. Puzzle variety in Halver is abundant, featuring mechanics ranging from gravity-defying challenges to daring leaps. Yet, amidst its richness, Halver can be somewhat perplexing in various aspects. Throughout the game, players encounter “White Blobs/Orbs” which, while fun to collect, lack a clear purpose beyond offering additional challenge or exploration incentive. Similarly, the introduction of the “dark light” mechanic lacks initial clarity, only becoming apparent several levels later when players discover its use in purchasing tips. However, this feature rarely appears thereafter, rendering them seemingly an afterthought in game design. The meditative soundtrack complements Halver’s minimalist aesthetic, though its tracks tend to blend together without much differentiation. While this simplicity of the games design , focuses attention on the main character and puzzles, it also limits opportunities for creative problem-solving, detracting from the game’s potential enjoyment. Halver’s minimalistic approach extends to gameplay hints, leaving players to decipher new mechanics and puzzles largely on their own. The absence of an undo or rewind feature amplifies frustration, forcing players to restart levels for even the slightest mistake. Despite offering a level editor, Halver’s main game comprises a mere 48 short levels, which might leave some players feeling shortchanged. While it presents promising mechanics, the game’s flaws in English translation, unclear instructions, and superficial use of collectibles diminish its overall appeal, rendering it more of a semi-enjoyable diversion than a standout title in the genre.