Season 5 for Modern Warfare III will bring Slam Deathmatch with WWE crossover
It was already revealed that the WWE will be coming to Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Warzone in a new crossover Activision announced. Today, more details were released for Season 5 which officially goes live on July 24. The WWE crossover will not only bring operator skins, but it also brings the Slam Deathmatch mode. The WWE SummerSlam event will go live on July 31 and that is when players will be able to get a taste of Slam Deathmatch. In this mode, weapons can only down enemies, and to earn points you must finish off opponents by hitting them with a Finishing Move. All Finishing Moves will be randomized WWE Finishing moves. Below is more information shared from the Call of Duty Blog on the limited-time mode: Wrestle up your finest Finishing Moves in this spin on traditional Team Deathmatch. It’s still all about eliminations in Slam Deathmatch, but in this Mode weapons can only down your enemies. To earn points, you must finish off opponents by hitting them with a Finishing Move. All Finishing Moves will be randomized WWE Finishing Moves in upcoming Slam Deathmatch brawls, and the Mode will only be available during the WWE SummerSlam event, starting on July 31. You can’t have a WWE crossover without operator skins. Activision and Infinity Ward revealed Cody Rhodes, Rey Mysterio, and Rhea Ripley will have Operator bundles. These will become available when Season 5 goes live on Modern Warfare III and Warzone.
First Impressions: EA Sports FC 25 Producer Showcase
Recently I was invited to attend a Special Event with EA Sports FC25 Producers for them to showcase the newest installment in the FC Series of games, FC25. To start the Event, Senior Producer Sam Rivera, hit the stage to let everyone attending know that FC 25 will launch September 27th 2024, with Early Access starting September 20th 2024 for Ultimate Edition Players. Immediately after announcing the launch dates, Sam introduced everyone to the first look of FC25 in a Trailer for the game, the trailer shown however was not in Game Footage as the game at the time of the event was still in an “In Progress” State. The New Trailer showed off cinematic gameplay for different things in the game such as a Player taking a Penalty Shot, and some crazy moves and slides from the players. During the end of the Trailer, we see a quick flash of some demonstrations of some new mechanics and foundations for FC25 called FC IQ, which is a new foundational pillar that sits alongside HyperMotionV and PlayStyles to round out a comprehensive and authentic gameplay experience and drive further depth to match tactics and positioning. We also got a few graphics showcasing a few of the perks that will be included in the Ultimate Edition of the game which include: After This introductory Trailer, Sam then introduced everyone to the Coverstar of the game, which is Jude Bellingham (Center Midfielder (CM) for Real Madrid ), who is the youngest cover athlete so far. The Ultimate Edition cover will feature multiple players such as Gianluigi Buffon, Aitana Bonmati, Jude Bellingham, Zidane, and David Beckham. After a quick behind-the-scenes video of the creation of the Coverart, Sam then gives un more in-depth information about FC IQ and Rush. As mentioned above FC IQ is a new foundational pillar that sits alongside HyperMotionV and PlayStyles to round out a comprehensive and authentic gameplay experience and drive further depth to match tactics and positioning. While Rush is defined as an exciting and engaging social experience that is integrated across all core game modes, bringing a fast-paced 5v5 experience that emphasizes time on the ball. Rush is meant to give a faster-paced match with Fluid positioning. During the presentation for Rush, we also learn that it will be played in a Special Arena designed in part with Nike AirZoom, as well as some of the unique features of the Rush Experience, such as: Videos were then shown going over each of these Features and what they look like in-game as well as a more in-depth look at the Nike Airzoom Arena. After the video ends Sam Rivera welcomed on stage Producer Thomas Caleffi to go even more in-depth about FC IQ. Thomas talks about what went into the AI behind FC IQ and the data that drives it, using tactics and positioning from actual players and matches. I won’t bore you with all the technical jargon that was explained that went into how the AI functions, but this was an interesting presentation on how it all works, and it will be exciting to see it in action, and the hands of players. After the presentation, and a quick break, Producer Fab Muoio got on stage for a presentation on Gameplay and Match Day Experience. Without going into some secret details that will be revealed at a later time, he shared new gameplay innovations and matchday experiences that will bring you closer to the pitch, as well as things that will help enrich content sharing and introduce unprecedented levels of customization available to players to define their on-pitch experience. The First main part of Fab’s presentation was talking about the HyperMotion V Technology and its Volumetric Capture technology how it is the foundation for FC IQ, and how it brings different moves and techniques to the game such as Stepping over the ball, Heel Nutmegs and Drag Turns. We also learned some information about Environmental and Weather Effects and how they have been improved such as Wind. Some of the other things Fab went over are the additions to Living Stadiums, such as adding Authentic Team Mascots that react to the play on the pitch, as well as Active sideline reactions from managers, officials as well as Crowd Reactions. As a Part of this section of the presentation, Fab shared a video of a player interacting with a mascot in their celebration after scoring a goal. Fab then went into talking about graphics, and how the game will be 60 FPS and 4K upscaling across two graphic modes: There was also a demonstration of the Time of Day progression during a match with the sun setting and the lighting going dark during the second half of a match. To end Fab’s presentation he showed off how player models were created, before heading into another break in presentations before the final Two Presentations. The Second to last presentation focused on Career Mode and was hosted by Game Design Director, Pete O’Donnell and Producer Andreas Wilsdorf. Andreas started this presentation off by saying Carrer mode is “The Biggest” Update to the game this year. This year the main focus for career mode is on 4 main topics: A few other features that have been changed or added, but aren’t considered the 4 main focuses include : Live Start points will affect career mode and help keep it fresh, incorporating Live events based on League and Cup competitions such as the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, Bundesliga, Coppa Italia, and more. With incorporating more Leagues, we were also told there are now over 160 countries to scout from in the game. We were then given a quick demo of how scouting works and how you can focus on which roles you want to scout for using FC IQ. After the scouting demo, the presentation switched to showcasing the end of a match stats and player performance screen updates, that showcase each player’s match rating , and things like most
Microsoft reveals very limited Deadpool Xbox Cheeky Controller
The Deadpool & Wolverine movie is set to come to theaters on July 26, 2024, and Microsoft announced a unique collaboration with Marvel Studios. Microsoft revealed the Cheeky Xbox Controller that is designed by Deadpool. For the first time, the Xbox controller now features a butt and there will only be one available and it’s being given away on social media. The Cheeky Controller features Deadpool’s buns of steel in its firm and comfortable grip. It is designed by Merc with a Mouth himself. How Can I Win The Deadpool Controller? Fans can enter to win the Cheeky Deadpool controller and a custom Deadpool-inspired Xbox Series X. It also comes with a stand featuring foam versions of Deadpool’s katanas, Bea and Arthur, and two Xbox wireless controllers. The contest is open to anyone that is 18+ and you will have to follow Xbox on X and reshare the giveaway post. It will conclude on August 11, 2024. Source: Xbox Wire
The Fallout TV Series Receives 16 Emmys Nominations
Back in April, Fallout-mania took place as fans of the Bethesda video game series as well as new viewers were energetic surrounding the popular RPG series. Of course, this is thanks to the Amazon Prime Video TV show that aired its first season. Within a two weeks time, it generated more than 65 million views and was even ranked #1 worldwide on the platform at the time. It was not long as Amazon went ahead to greenlit a second season for the show. With plenty of lore to explore and many storyline left unanswered by the finale – fans are certainly ready to return for another watch. Speaking to the showrunners, The Hollywood Reporter learned that Fallout could face a lifespan of five seasons in total to tell its entire story. Now with 2024 folding to the other half of the calendar, The Emmys nominations went live this week and revealed that 16 nominations in total were casted for Amazon’s Fallout. You can read the full list of nominations below: Outstanding Emerging Media Program – Vault 33 Outstanding Drama Series Outstanding Fantasy/Sci-Fi Costumes – The End Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series – Walton Goggins Outstanding Main Title Design Outstanding Music Supervision – The End Outstanding Period Or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup – The Head Outstanding Picture Editing For A Drama Series – The End, The Ghouls Outstanding Production Design For A Narrative Period Or Fantasy Program – The End Outstanding Prosthetic Makeup – The Beginning Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series – The Target Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy Or Drama Series – The Target Outstanding Special Visual Effects In A Season Or A Movie Outstanding Stunt Coordination Outstanding Stunt Performance – The Target Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series – The End On the surface, the impression Fallout has made on the entertainment industry is paramount. But what’s more is the impact it also made on the franchise itself. One of the biggest unanswered questions is how Obsidian Entertainment’s Fallout: New Vegas ties to the universe. And speaking to IGN, Todd Howard – who was part of the writing team for the show – confirmed that the show cements the 2010 game as canon. What’s more, this is another major year for video game adaptations. In 2023, HBO’s The Last of Us was the talk then with another season on the way. But what showed the weight it left was winning eight Oscars. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you surprised by the number of nominations Fallout received? Source: The Emmys
EA Sports FC 25 Launches September 27th For Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, PC
Yes, summer is still ongoing as the latter half of another year is before us. And, of course, new updates on annual sports titles are also soon to be revealed. Thus far, we’ve witnessed word from 2K on its next title coming later this fall. It was announced that NBA 2K25 is prepared to launch September 6th featuring cover athletes Jayson Tatum, A’ja Wilson, and Vince Carter. Additionally, Electronic Arts is doing the same. Later this week, the publisher is ramping up release for EA Sports College Football 25: a wait more than ten years for NCAA to make a comeback with a new coat of paint. That’s not all it appears. In a separate report, it was indicated that the next EA Sports FC title is prepared to launch September 27th later in the fall. This week, Electronic Arts announced EA Sports FC 25 is coming this autumn and corroborates with the leaked date. Real Madrid & England player Jude Bellingham is the featured cover athlete. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “With EA SPORTS FC 25, we’re strengthening our vision of a fan-first future for football and redefining what’s possible on the pitch with FC IQ, using AI and real-world data to modernize player tactics and complement the power of HyperMotionV and PlayStyles,” senior vice president, and group general manager of EA Sports FC Nick Wlodyka says in a statement. “We’re bringing our fans innovative ways to play with Rush, our most social and engaging experience we’ve ever created, and continuing to craft an authentic representation of the world’s game with the introduction of women’s football into Career Mode.” There is also a new Rush Mode that is coming to the new release bringing a tight 5v5 mode to the experience. “EA SPORTS FC 25 introduces Rush, an all-new 5v5 experience that harnesses the same gameplay controls and true-to-football mechanics of 11v11. Available across Football Ultimate Team™, Clubs and Kick-Off, Rush is tailor-made to play with your friends as it allows groups of four to team up and take to the pitch together, with an AI-controlled goalkeeper. As a single player, fast-paced experience in Manager Career, Rush will have you take control of your Youth Academy development throughout the season with new playable 5v5 tournaments.” How excited are you for EA Sports FC 25? EA Sports FC 25 launches September 27, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Electronic Arts, (1)
Amazon Now Lists A Fire Stick Bundle With Xbox Game Pass Minus A Console
At Microsoft, things are shifting for Xbox that appears to continue putting its service at the forefront as it sacrifices the standing platform that is its console space. We witnessed this with launch support for Amazon Fire Sticks enabling Xbox Game Pass – removing the necessity for an Xbox in the living room altogether. Additionally, Microsoft is pushing this even further with more avenues to inject its service. From one special on TopGear, it was hinted that support from smart-capable vehicles are next. At least at the time of writing, it was showcased for the Verne Robotaxi. What’s more, Microsoft has just announced to be restructuring pricing for the subscription as well which appears to be in anticipation for a new wave of users adopting the service. In extension to the recent Fire Stick news, Amazon has now gone ahead featuring a new listing for its streaming devices which includes an Xbox controller as well as a subscription for Xbox Game Pass. The most radical difference from this is that there is no Xbox console included and only an internet connection is required to experience the same titles via Fire Stick. “The only streaming media player with the Xbox app: Stream Forza Motorsport, Starfield, Palworld, and discover hundreds of other high-quality games directly on your Fire TV with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate via cloud gaming. No console required, “the description reads. “Bundle has everything you need to start game play, including a Fire TV Stick 4K Max and an Xbox Wireless Controller. Plus, get 1 month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – valid for new Game Pass members only.” Across the Xbox landscape, many players are concerned that streaming will be the end of the console altogether; or at least diminish physical media. There is a new discless model coming. However, it was previously stated that console is here to stay and is not planned to be overshadowed by new initiatives. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning to play Xbox on Fire Stick?
No Mans’ Sky Worlds Part I Update Revitalizes With Quality Of Life Improvements For Visuals & More
One of the games that keeps on giving is No Man’s Sky. Despite its upset of a release, the Hello Games title now sits as an underdog tale for developers overpromising and undoing the damage inflicted. For nearly a decade almost, No Man’s Sky has continued this tradition to offer free in-game updates that further evolve the base game and has yet to slow down. In February we witnessed this with ‘Omega’ arrived offering new plot experiences to enrich the evergrowing universe. Additionally, the ‘Orbital’ update that came later further expanded the ship customization that was already enriched over the course of ongoing support. And, the most recent ‘Adrift’ update which featured new expeditions adding to the list of things to do in-game. Now this week, for the first time an update is coming in increments. Announcing ‘Worlds Part I’, it features a revitalizing effort from Hello Games to deepen the game visually as well as include more aspects to the game, of course. You can watch the new trailer in the video below: “Gravitational distortions have warped some lush and tropical worlds, shaking loose floating islands that now drift in the atmosphere above the planet’s surface. Hop from rock-to-rock with the jetpack or starship, build bases in the sky, or simply marvel at the dramatic waterfalls that cascade down from the sky,” the synopsis for the new biome reads. “A total overhaul of the clouds brings vastly increased detail and definition. The cloud system has been rewritten from the ground up to improve performance, fix visual artefacts, and introduce fine details such as wispy cirrus clouds and dark, rain-laden nimbus clouds. […] Shadows have new depth and realism. Planetary environments are now more richly lit, with natural features, structures, starships, and Travellers accurately self-shadowing and representing exposure to sunlight – especially noticeable on finely-detailed flora such as grass. “An astounding range of sights await explorers on water planets, as seas, oceans, and lakes now ripple and sparkle with realistic wave formations and foam generation. As well as these living, dynamic water conditions, a total overhaul of the water rendering technology also brings dramatic reflections and beautifully lit surface details.” Are you excited for the first portion of the Worlds Update? No Man’s Sky is out now for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation VR, and PlayStation VR 2. Source: Hello Games
Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club Arrives To Nintendo Switch August 29th
This year is already proving to be a fulfilling month for visual novel games. In two instances from Capcom, the firm has shown the demand is still there in that sector. At the beginning of the year, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy arrived. And it wasn’t until this June that it also revealed Ace Attorney Investigations Collection is also coming later this year. Now looking ahead, many are curious what could be on the horizon. In an abrupt teaser from Nintendo, a teaser for Emio was shared online for a new M-rated experience coming to Nintendo Switch. This week, it is revealed to be a continuation of the Famicom Detective Club visual novel series for the first time in 35 years. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “In Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club, a student has been found dead in a chilling fashion, his head covered with a paper bag with an eerie smiling face drawn on it. This unsettling visage bears a striking resemblance to a recurring clue in a string of unsolved murders from 18 years ago, as well as Emio (the Smiling Man), a killer of urban legend who is said to grant his victims ‘a smile that will last forever.’ “Play the role of an assistant private investigator with Utsugi Detective Agency, where you are tasked with helping police solve this crime. Along the way, scrutinize the clues and testimonies you gather for potential connections to the gruesome events of the past,” the press release from Nintendo reads. How excited are you for Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club? Emio – The Smiling Man: Famicom Detective Club ships August 29, 2024 for Nintendo Switch. Source: Nintendo
MultiVersus will have a “huge” announcement at EVO 2024
The biggest fighting game tournament of the year, EVO, will take place this week featuring over 10,000 competitors across multiple fighting games. One game that is not featured to compete in is MultiVersus, but it will have a presence at the event with a huge announcement. Player First Games announced there will be a big announcement right before Mortal Kombat 1 Top 6 this Saturday and it will be during the live stream around 12:30 – 1:00 PM PT. MVPS! A huge announcement will be happening at #Evo2024 for #MultiVersus this weekend! What are you expecting to happen? What do you WANT to happen? 🗣️📢 Let us know down below! https://t.co/h32vvI5f0X — Player First Games (@Player1stGames) July 17, 2024 The announcement could likely be regarding a new character joining the game and other content. We are nearing two months since MultiVersus released for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. The latest character to join the roster is Agent Smith from The Matrix, so it’s safe to assume a character reveal is needed and EVO is usually a good event for that.
