Monthly Archives: November 2017
Pokemon Go Developer Making a Harry Potter Game
Niantic Labs, the developer behind Pokemon Go, is reportedly developing another augmented reality game: Harry Potter: Wizards Unite.
The game will be developed in collaboration with Warner Bros. Interactive's new Potter-focused sub brand, Portkey Games, according to Tech Crunch. Niantic is currently set to release the game in 2018.
TechCrunch reports details are scarce but the game will supposedly share elements with Niantic's first venture, Ingress. The company's follow-up, Pokemon Go, has been a massive success for the developer, and given how popular the Harry Potter franchise is, Niantic's next game follows suit in adapting a beloved worldwide franchise.
The Rock’s Black Adam Rumored to Debut in Suicide Squad 2
Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson's onscreen version of classic DC villain Black Adam will make his debut in Suicide Squad 2, say reports.
TheWrap reports that its sources say that the Suicide Squad sequel will see the band of supervillains searching for a superweapon - which turns out to be Black Adam himself.
Johnson has previously said that Black Adam's first appearance in the DC Extended Universe will surprise fans:
"We have a really cool surprise for Black Adam that I can't reveal, in terms of where we will see Black Adam being introduced."
Our Guide to the Best PC and Tech Gifts This Holiday
Holiday gift buying for the tech geek and PC gamer in your life isn't always easy. If you know a special someone who prefers PC over console gaming or just loves owning the best new gadgets, this is the gift guide for you. There are as many ways to satisfy your gift-giving needs as there are ways to configure a gaming rig, and the sheer number of games that are exclusive to, or look absolutely amazing on PC is staggering. We've separated the wheat from the chaff to bring you only the best in tech and PC gift giving ideas.
Oculus Rift with Touch Controllers Bundle Losing yourself in virtual reality is easier than ever. Surprise the PC gamer in your life with the newly reduced Oculus Rift bundle. It includes the headset and Touch controllers for one low price.
Marvel Studios Boss Calls DC-Marvel Fan Feuds “Ridiculous”
Marvel Studios president, Kevin Feige has dubbed online feuds between fans of Marvel and DC films "ridiculous".
Speaking to Crave, Feige was asked about his opinion on the divides that have formed between fans of the two comics giants' film universes.
"I think it’s ridiculous. I think movies are awesome and people should go out and support awesome movies, and I go support those movies and I thought Wonder Woman was awesome. I can’t wait to see what Geoff Johns and Joss
and the gang has done with Justice League.
GTA Publisher Plans Microtransactions in All Future Games
Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick has said that his company - which publishes the likes of Grand Theft Auto 5 and NBA 2K - will aim to offer "recurrent consumer spending opportunities" (read: microtransactions) in all of its games going forward.
In an investor call (as transcribed by Gamasutra) Zelnick explained that "we aim to have recurrent consumer spending opportunities for every title that we put out at this company. It may not always be an online model, it probably won't always be a virtual currency model, but there will be some ability to engage in an ongoing basis with our titles after release across the board".
Ubisoft CEO: Next Console Gen at Least Two Years Away
The next generation of PlayStation and Xbox hardware is at least a couple years away, if the thinking of Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot proves to be true.
"As Sony launched PlayStation 4 Pro last year and Microsoft Xbox One X this year, we think we still have a minimum of two years in front of us before something new is coming," Guillemot said during an investors' call (via GameSpot).
Guillemot emphasized that Ubisoft's projected arrival time of the next console generation is merely the publisher's "perception," noting they "don't have any confidential information on that front."
The Video Game Voice Actors’ Strike Is Officially Over
After a new ballot, SAG-AFTRA has voted "overwhelmingly" to end the year-long video game voice actor's strike.
Beginning in October 2016, members of the Screen Actor's Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists refused to work with the likes of Disney, Activision and Take 2, citing the lack of a fair payment deal for voiceover artists working for video game companies.
In September, a tentative agreement was made with all 11 affected publishers to bring the strike to an end after publishers agreed to bonus payments, more transparent contracts and means to combat vocal stress.
8 DC Comics We Want Brian Bendis to Write
The comic book industry was rocked by the surprise announcement that long-time Marvel writer Brian Michael Bendis is moving over to DC. No doubt Bendis will be a big player at DC in the years to come as he begins exploring this massive new sandbox.
Naturally, we have a few ideas for DC books we want to see Bendis tackle in the next few years. We've picked out eight good options, covering both DC's big franchises and some characters who have been out of the spotlight for a while. We've also selected an artist to go with each project, whether they happen to be one of Bendis' frequent collaborators or an up-and-coming star at DC. Check out our picks and let us know which DC books you want to see Bendis write in the comments below.
Toejam & Earl: New Game Delayed to 2018
Toejam & Earl: Back in the Groove will not meet its expected 2017 release and has been pushed back to an unspecified release date some time in 2018.
Citing the "inexact science" of game development and a desire to "deliver the best, most solid game possible", developer Humanature Studios offers its apologies to fans but closes with an assurance that the team is hard at work on the game, with more updates to come in the next few weeks and months. There's currently no estimation of how long the delay is likely to be, but it looks like things will become clearer as we head into 2018.
The project has been running since 2015, when Humanature announced the launch of a Kickstarter project to fund production of a return to the bizarre universe of Toejam and Earl. The campaign amassed well over the asked-for $400,000, with the total currently sitting at a little over $500,000.
‘Influencers’ Are Getting a Super-Limited Xbox One X Bundle
Microsoft is releasing a highly-limited edition Xbox One X bundle - but you can't buy it.
In celebration of both the launch of the Xbox One X and Under Armour's Curry 4 basketball shoes, Microsoft and Under Armour have announced a special partnership with an array of collaborators including Stance, V-MODA and Incase to launch a special edition of the new console is referring to as the "Xbox One X "More Power" Curry 4 VIP Kit". Rolls off the tongue.
Apparently, it's been "inspired by today’s top athletes, entertainers, and influencers who enjoy playing video games and want the best experience possible."