Monthly Archives: January 2017
Game of Thrones Author Offers Status Update on Next Book
The wait for the sixth A Song of Ice and Fire novel continues, and George R.R. Martin is starting off the new year with an update -- however slim -- about the potential release window for The Winds of Winter.
Martin responded on his LiveJournal blog to a fan who pitched for a status update on the forthcoming Game of Thrones novel after the fan made the argument that there hasn't been any news on the project since January 2016. That update was when Martin revealed Winds wouldn't be out before Game of Thrones: Season 6.
Pokemon Go Might Not Launch in China
It might be pretty hard to catch 'em all in China with Pokemon Go, as the popular smartphone app might not release there.
Reuters reports the Chinese government is currently evaluating personal safety and national security risks with Pokemon Go. The state administration of press, publication, radio, film and television is specifically worried about the game's "threat to geographical information security and the threat to transport and the personal safety of consumers."
In the United States, Pokemon Go was blamed for car wrecks, for example. Developer Niantic even implemented a speed limit warning into the app after release.
Halo Wars 2 Getting Physical Release for PC
Halo Wars 2 will be getting a physical release for PC through a partnership between THQ Nordic, Microsoft Studios, and 343 Industries.
The standard and ultimate editions of Halo Wars 2 will both be available in retail stores, according to THQ Nordic.
The Ultimate Edition will cost $80 and includes four-day early access to the RTS as well as the game's season pass and Halo Wars: Definitive Edition. Buying the physical copy of Halo Wars 2 for PC will grant players access to a digital copy on Xbox One via Xbox Play Anywhere.
You Get to Pick the New Monopoly Tokens
The top hat and boot might get the boot in Monopoly. Starting today, Hasbro is letting fans decide the board game's eight tokens.
Called the Monopoly Token Madness Vote, you can now pick among 50-plus choices what tokens are packaged in Monopoly. And that means the current eight could become history, though they are available to choose.
The eight current tokens for Monopoly, including the top hat, boot and thimble. (Photo courtesy Hasbro)
All-New Guardians of the Galaxy Comic Announced
Marvel has announced a new Guardians of the Galaxy comic, which is from an entirely new creative team and brings with it several changes for the Guardians.
As revealed by ComicBook.com, the new series, aptly titled All-New Guardians of the Galaxy, is being created by Deadpool writer Gerry Duggan, Death of X artist Aaron Kuder, and Secret Wars colorist Ive Svorcina.
All-New Guardians of the Galaxy #1 cover art by Aaron Kuder, Marvel Entertainment, via ComicBook.com
ABC Still Looking to Develop Star Wars TV Series
ABC is still looking to work with Lucasfilm to develop a Star Wars TV show, but don't expect it to come to the network in the near future.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, ABC Entertainment president Channing Dungey confirmed that there still are discussions to bring Star Wars to ABC. That's no surprise considering both are offshoots of parent company Disney, but Dungey did temper expectations of when the series could potentially debut.
"We have had some conversations in general about wanting to find a way to bring something from the Lucas Star Wars Universe to ABC, but that’s far into the future," she said. "The focus at the moment for Lucas is on the current stuff that they’re doing on the film side and then, of course, they do have the stuff that they are doing on XD."
Vikings Clip: Ragnar’s Sons Plot Revenge
Ragnar's sons have a lot to contend with these days. Not only will they be compelled to set sail and seek revenge on King Aella, but four out of five of them also recently lost their mother to Lagertha. That's a lot of avenging to do!
We've got an exclusive clip from this week's new episode, “The Great Army” -- airing Wednesday, January 11th -- featuring two of Queen Aslaug's bitter boys, Ivar (Alex Høgh) and Ubbe (Jordan Smith). In this scene, you'll see that, as the Seer foretold, Lagertha's days might be numbered. Which makes you wonder what Bjorn will think about all this.
Take a look...
The official synopsis for "The Great Army" reads:
A great Viking army assembles at Kattegat, while Lagertha remains vigilant in the absence of Bjorn.
Over Six Million Copies of Final Fantasy XV Have Shipped
Physical shipments to stores and digital sales of Final Fantasy XV have exceeded six million copies, Square Enix announced today. This milestone comes just a little over one month after the game's global release on November 29, 2016.
It's important to note that this number does not necessarily mean six million copies of the game have been purchased by consumers. Rather, the over-six million figure is a combination of units sold digitally and shipped retail stores. Square did not provide individual numbers for either metric, nor announced how many copies have been sold to consumers overall.
After over a decade of development, Final Fantasy XV released to relatively positive reception, receiving an 8.2 here at IGN. For an inside look at what Square was up to during those ten years, check out our behind-the-scenes video features covering the game's development.
17 Most Anticipated Comics of 2017
A new year means plenty of new comics on the horizon. We're taking a look ahead at the next 12 months to break down the most promising new books hitting the shelves, from Marvel's Secret Empire to DC's next wave of Rebirth titles to John Wick's comic book debut. Scroll down to see what you should be looking forward to in 2017.
It's safe to assume that Marvel has at least one major, universe-spanning event comic lined up for 2017. It's kind of their thing. And while the only concrete announcement on that front so far is the inclusion of a graphic novel called "Classified Prelude TPB" in the March 2017 solicitations, they did recently tease a story called Secret Empire. Is Secret Empire 2017's answer to Civil War II?
DC Rebirth Titles Now Free If You Have a Library Card
A selection of titles from DC Comics' Rebirth line are now available digitally free of charge through participating libraries.
As reported by Newsarama, those with a membership card to select libraries can read DC Universe: Rebirth Deluxe Edition, Green Arrow Vol. 1: The Death & Life of Oliver Queen, and Superman Vol. 1: Son of Superman for free on their computer, tablet or smartphone, via a new digital service called hoopla digital.
"By teaming up with hoopla digital, we're able to reach a broader fan base and introduce new readers to the DC Universe," DC Entertainment senior VP of sales and trade marketing John Cunningham said.