Black Myth: Wukong Delays Xbox Series Version As Pre-Orders Go Live

Just this past December, developer Heishenhua announced Black Myth: Wukong is planned to release in August 2024. The platform lineup included Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. But, this is altering now with pre-orders now live as of Summer Game Fest on Friday. It is revealed that Xbox Series X|S is now delayed with PayStation & PC still prepared for the launch come this summer. “PC and PS5 users can enjoy the full game starting August 20, 2024. We are currently optimizing the Xbox Series X|S version to meet our quality standards, so it won’t release simultaneously with the other platforms. We apologize for the delay and aim to minimize the wait for Xbox users. We will announce the release date as soon as it meets our quality standards,” the FAQ reads. Additionally, Game Science revealed that there is an issue in its distribution for physical copies of the game and will require the game launch digital temporarily. “Game Science is actively collaborating with several production teams to concurrently produce both the Deluxe and Collector’s Editions in physical format. Due to the production of the physical edition involving a significant amount of necessary manual processes and our mutual commitment to quality, we regret that we cannot guarantee immediate delivery of all physical editions right after the release. Both physical editions come with an activation code for the Digital Deluxe Edition of Black Myth: Wukong (for purchases on JD.com, it will be a WeGame activation code; for overseas purchases, it will be a Steam activation code). “To ensure the Destined One with a physical edition can play on August 20th’s launch, activation codes will be sent in advance by the customer service of our sales platform after purchase confirmation.” Game Science goes on to clarify that with Black Myth: Wukong being the firm’s first worldwide release, it is met with ongoing issues to align distribution with the release date. “These factors have made it difficult for us to sell physical discs simultaneously with the official release of the game. Our publishing team is actively working on resolving these issues and exploring options to offer physical discs.” Do you plan to get Black Myth: Wukong at launch? Black Myth: Wukong ships on August 20, 2024 for PlayStation 5 & PC. Source: Game Science

Console Testing For Valorant Comes To Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5 This Year

For a few years now, Riot Games has continued to dominate the competitive gaming sphere with League of Legends as well as the newer Valorant. The arena-style, hero-based shooter brings a new flavor to the genre with its unique character, abilities, and settings to the experience. However, more and more players anticipate the game coming to more systems. While only on PC currently, there is a strong understanding that consoles are also in mind for Valorant. Even more, a job listing for Riot Games even point out console with a game design manager role. The title says “you will help set a vision and guide designers on bringing VALORANT to new platforms.” At Summer Game Fest, Riot Games reveals console testing is being prepared for both Xbox & PlayStation starting June 14th. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “The Limited Beta is intended to help us make sure VALORANT is ready for you on Console. The Limited Beta will help us test our server performance, as well as some other things. We’ll end it once we feel confident in where the game is at. Follow our social channels for updates as we go!” Riot Games pens in a FAQ post. “Our first wave of the Limited Beta will be playable in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Japan. We will be rolling out to more regions throughout the Beta, so please check back here as we will update. If you are not from any of the initial regions we have listed, you can still sign up. This will ensure you’re registered if your region opens up during the Limited Beta, and will help us gather interest from all countries. “ Do you plan to sign-up for the limited playtest? Valorant is out now for PC. Source: Riot Games

Electronic Arts To Host Console Playtest For Skate Later This Year

After more than a decade of waiting, Electronic Arts finally addressed a new Skate game is in the works. With just the title ‘Skate’, it is a new project built from the ground up with a dedicated studio – Full Circle. But, the game is far from being completely realized. With very light details on the game at the time, the developer used its creativity to tease the new project. Additionally, one of the spotlights for the new Skate is that Electronic Arts is planned to ship the game on PC. Not only that, but Skate will be a free-to-play experience with live-service in mind. So to set a solid foundation for the release, active testing has been established for Skate on PC for multiple months now. At Summer Game Fest, Electronic Arts & Full Circle revealed that console testing will arrive for Skate later this year for Xbox & PlayStation. You can watch the new trailer in the video below: “Sign up to become a skate. Insider today for a chance to playtest and help shape the future of skate. Console playtesting is coming this Fall 2024. If you’ve already signed up, hang tight — we haven’t forgotten about you,” the new blog post reads. Keep an eye on your inbox for an invite to future playtests in the coming months as we continue to welcome more and more players into San Vansterdam. What are you most excited for Skate on console? Skate is list for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and mobile.  Source: Full Circle

LEGO Horizon Adventures comes to PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch this Holiday

Summer Game Fest has concluded and featured announcements for upcoming games, DLC, and more. One of the surprise appearances at the show was LEGO Horizon Adventures from Guerrilla Games and Studio Gobo. It will be coming to PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC in Holiday 2024. The iconic PlayStation IP is getting its first LEGO game after Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West released over the last few years exclusively for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. In a distant future, the land is made of LEGO bricks and incredible dinosaur-like machines roam the Earth. Aloy, the game’s leading hero, is found in a cave as a baby and raised by a grizzled huntsman called Rost, who teaches her the way of the wilds. One day, Aloy embarks on a quest to discover her true destiny. Guided by a thousand-year-old hologram of a scientist called Elisabet, Aloy must confront Helis, the leader of a group of sun worshipers who bow to an Ancient Evil shrouded in mystery. There’s much more in store for Aloy and her friends, as their adventure sends them across the tallest mountains and deepest cauldrons — all beautifully recreated in LEGO elements. LEGO Horizon Adventures will feature couch co-op and online co-op. It’s made to support up to two players without the need for a split-screen if you decide to play couch co-op. Source: PlayStation

Blumhouse Games Announces Six Games: Fear The Spotlight, Grave Seasons, Project C, Sleep Awake, The Simulation, Crisol: Theater of Idols

Earlier in 2023, film production firm Blumhouse Productions announced its new venture to tackle video game publishing. In the announcement, it established ‘Blumhouse Games’, a banner understood to platform its already know film franchises for video game purposes. Of course, it is also the other way around as well with films like Five Nights at Freddy’s already. In one report, Blumhouse Productions announced its plans to adapt Dead by Daylight into a live-action film. However, it does not stop there. In a separate report, it was revealed that both Jason Blum with his namesake firm as well as James Wan of Atomic Monsters are readily searching for more video games to tackle with film. From Summer Game Fest, Blumhouse Games unveiled six games in total. You can read the descriptions for each below: Crisol: Theater of DollsDive into a unique first-person horror adventure where folklore and religion intertwine in a nightmarish version of Spain. Players will navigate a world steeped in eerie legends and sacred rituals, facing terrifying statues of saints that come to life. In a desperate fight for survival, players must sacrifice their own blood to fight for survival, players must sacrific use as ammunition against the horrors that lurk around every corner. Fear the SpotlightA creepy love letter to classic 90s teen horror stories, Fear the Spotlight is designed for a modern audience. Sneak into a school after hours with Vivian and Amy, survive a seance gone wrong, solve tactile puzzles, and uncover the disturbing mystery behind a school tragedy decades before. And, whatever you do, stay out of the spotlight. Grave SeasonsA charming pixelated farming and town simulation game where, amidst all the relationship building and crop harvesting, players must figure out which of the townsfolk is a supernatural serial killer. Uncover the hidden secrets of Ashenridge, find a way to stay one step ahead of the murderer… and maybe save the next victim. Project CAn ambitious game from the minds of Sam Barlow (Her Story, IMMORTALITY) and Brandon Cronenberg (Possessor, Infinity Pool). Prepare to have your mind broken by Half Mermaid’s most twisted vision yet. Sleep AwakeFrom Cory Davis (Spec Ops: The Line) and Robin Finck (Nine Inch Nails) comes a first-person psychedelic horror set in the far future. In the last known city on Earth, people are disappearing in their sleep. Those who remain exist in a crisis of reckless experiments to keep awake. Katja must navigate depraved death cults, otherworldly forces, and the ever-present horror of The HUSH, to save herself and those who rely upon her. The SimulationA never-before-seen horror game is the only evidence found at a crime scene. As a retired game designer hired to investigate the case, you find a hidden mode that plunges you into a rabbit hole of the unknown. As more obscure games are uncovered, cross the fourth wall of their worlds and delve deep into terrifying truths that transcend their own reality… “We’re blown away by the teams who are creating our first slate of games, and truly couldn’t be more proud to partner with strong, independent game creators who are bringing unique ideas to the horror genre,” Jason Blum says in a statement. “Our upcoming titles represent standout storytelling, inventive play styles, and fresh approaches to scary stories, created by game developers who are deeply passionate about horror.” How excited are you for any of the new titles from Blumhouse Games? Source: Blumhouse Games

Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Arrives This September For Xbox/PlayStation/Switch/PC, Launch On PlayStation Plus

Ever since the release of Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, it has been no secret that Warner Bros. is actively chasing live-service projects. And this would be no different for other owned properties. The most evident is the upcoming project Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions. The game aims to be an online-focused experience set within the Harry Potter universe. Additionally, executives at Warner Bros. spare its eagerness to tackle more games in this sphere. CEO David Zaslav expressed energetic interest in more live-service titles. And more, a separate report tells that this pursuit has overshadowed the ongoing AAA business model at Warner Bros. Games. This report comes after the launch for Rocksteady’s newest release. At Summer Game Fest, Warner Bros. Games & Unbroken Studios shared a new trailer for Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions with a September release date. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “The team is excited to unveil Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions and showcase our take of this magical sport. We’ve worked hard to create a Quidditch game to play solo or with friends, that is an authentic representation of the fan-favorite sport,” Unbroken Studios CEO Paul Ohanian shares. It is also confirmed the game is planned to launch on PlayStation Plus monthly games as well. Dissecting the FAQ for the game does reveal microtransactions are not part of the groundwork for Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions. “There are no plans to include microtransactions in the game at this time,” the page reads. Are you planning to play Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions at release? Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions ships for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC on September 3, 2024. Source: Warner Bros. Games, (1)

Firaxis Games Reveals Civilization VII For Xbox, PlayStation, PC, Switch

Developer Firaxis Games in its most recent effort launched Marvel’s Midnight Suns. The game arrived in December 2022 for current consoles offering a new strategy experience for the comic book heroes. What came as a larger surprise was when it was revealed that the Nintendo Switch version would be scrapped after promising support for both consoles. And although the team has completed the post-launch promises for Marvel’s Midnight Suns, there is more on the horizon. In fact, it’s Civilization once more. The team shared its new restructuring for the game studio has also lift off development for the seventh flagship release. Recently, 2K Games was reported to be revealing a new game during the upcoming Summer Game Fest. And while it is not to the longing cries for Bioshock or Mafia, it is now confirmed that Civilization VII is underway. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “For more than 30 years, players from around the world have shared their love and support for Civ.  incredibly excited for Civ fans to see Civilization VII, a game that represents the culmination of three decades of strategy innovation and refinement,” Firaxis Games founder Sid Meier says. “With more than 70 million copies sold-in and over 1 billion hours played, the Civilization franchise is a crown jewel for 2K. What the team is looking to accomplish with Civilization VII is nothing short of breathtaking, and we’re confident that Firaxis Games has another hit on their hands with Civilization VII,” 2K president David Ismailer adds. How excited are you for Civilization VII? Civilization VII ships in 2025 for Xbox One,  Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Source: 2K

Bokeh Game Studios’ Slitterhead Launches This November

Ever since the Siren team was dismantled, many players were worried about the future for the team with Keiichiro Toyama – former Silent Hill developer – leading the pack. In 2020, Bokeh Game Studios was formed with a vision in mind to bring new storytelling to the industry which Toyama has been eager to roll out with this endeavor now established. At The Game Awards in 2021, Toyama along with Bokeh Game Studios unveiled Slitterhead. What’s more, the game featured a fresh perspective on horror with its new creatures and adversaries. According to one statement prior to the announcement, Bokeh Game Studio was preparing to ship its first release in 2023. However, fans are still awaiting the arrival for Slitterhead. During Summer Game Fest, Boken Game Studios shared a new gameplay trailer for Slitterhead along with a November release date. You can watch the new trailer in the video below: “Set in the densely cluttered streets of ‘Kowlong,’ filled with obscurity and chaos, this battle action-adventure game casts players as the ‘Hyoki,’ an entity devoid of memory and physical form. His only motive is to eradicate the monstrous beings known as ’Slitterheads’ crawling around the city, disguising themselves as humans,” the synopsis for the Steam page reads. “Roaming the vibrant neon-lit cityscape, players must seek out allies among humans known as ‘Rarities,’ infiltrate and track dangerous organizations, and engage in battles harnessing the power of blood. As the suspenseful drama unfolds, delve into the mystery behind Hyoki’s existence and the appearance of the Slitterheads.” How excited are you for Slitterhead? Slitterhead launches November 8, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. 

Alan Wake II DLC ‘Night Springs’ Gets June 8th Release

The quickly beloved Alan Wake 2 arrived last fall and became one of the most talked about releases for 2023 fairly late into the year. “From the incredible worldbuilding and interconnected narratives to the elevated survival horror and detective case solving, Alan Wake 2 is a unique experience that you don’t want to miss,” Rectify Gaming wrote for the review for Alan Wake 2 then. In a more recent update, it was revealed that despite the outstanding applause for the latest release from Remedy Entertainment, the game has yet to break even. And the team is still churning out more projects. Already, it is confirmed that DLC expansions for Alan Wake 2 is already established for the game’s post-launch. At Summer Game Fest, Remedy Entertainment unveiled Night Springs – a new expansion with three unique chapters for Alan Wake 2. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Three episodes. Three playable characters. An endless time loop in… Night Springs. Trapped in the enigmatic Dark Place, Alan Wake seeks an escape. As he pens the scripts for the once-beloved TV show ‘Night Springs,’ he unwittingly unravels the fabric of reality. Step into the surreal and experience the world of Alan Wake as never before in… Night Springs. Will you break free from the loop, or become another echo lost in the shadows?” the description for the DLC reads. And similar to the longing wait for the new DLC for Alan Wake 2, it will be out this Friday. How excited are you for Alan Wake 2’s newest DLC? Night Springs comes to Alan Wake 2 on June 8, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC.

Astro’s Playroom New Update Adds Abridged DLC For ‘Astro Bot’

Over on PlayStation, the push for first-party content has remained in the hands of outside developers for 2024. From titles including Helldivers 2, Rise of the Ronin, and Stellar Blade, there is no sign of in-house releases. At least new ones. In one statement from then-Sony CFO Hiroki Totoki, established IPs will be taking the bench this year. However, there was one lingering franchise that could be on the map. One report indicated that Astro Bot could be making an appearance this year. In a follow-up, it was also indicated that the PlayStation VR series could be showcased at the recent PlayStation State of Play. And just a week ago, Astro Bot was officially announced. Scheduled to launch this September, it brings a new breath of life to PlayStation which many were hoping for months now. And amid the wait for the game’s release, there is a new update that rolled out abridging the PlayStation 5 launch game Astro’s Playroom with Astro Bot. Gematsu constructed a lineup of the added content from Update 1.900.000. “A mysterious portal has appeared in the center of PlayStation Labo. Could this be related to ASTRO’s new big adventure? A new collection of gatchas have also been added,” in-game notifications read. “Time to go spend those extra coins!A Special Bot has appeared in GPU Jungle and needs your help! Solve the riddle to rescue it. It may all be connected to Astro’s next big adventure? Let the search begin! Tick Tock…” Are you excited to jump back into Astro’s Playroom? Astro’s Playroom is out now for PlayStation 5.