An anonymous World Wrestling Entertainment employee says employees are being "forced to work" TV tapings, and are unable to observe proper social distancing protocol. Journalist Jon Alba today tweeted footage from a meeting of Florida's Orange County Board of County Commissioners, during which the statement of an anonymous WWE employee, who referred to themselves as "John", provided a public comment. That statement was read into the record, stating that WWE employees are being forced to work in order to keep their job. "My employer, World Wrestling Entertainment, a.k.a. WWE, is forcing me to work the TV tapings for its weekly shows despite stay-at-home orders for coronavirus," the public comment reads. "I am unable to speak out as I need this job and I know I will be fired if I approach my higher-ups. Despite sanitary precautions, we cannot maintain social distancing and have to touch other people. I request the government to shut down these tapings and enforce the stay-at-home order so my colleagues and I may follow social distancing rules without fear or repercussion of losing our jobs."

At Tuesday's Orange County Board of County Commissioners meeting, a #WWE employee named "John" submitted public comment they're being "forced to work" TV tapings despite stay at home orders. Says he's unable to speak out and feels he will be fired if he approaches his higher-ups. pic.twitter.com/UJTvX1RGc7

— Jon Alba (@JonAlba) April 21, 2020

WWE was originally deemed a non-essential business at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic but Florida governor, Gov. Ron DeSantis, named it an essential business earlier this month. Despite being dubbed an essential business, WWE is responsible for maintaining social distancing among other precautions per Gov. DeSantis' orders. Before WWE was an essential business, the Orange County Sheriff Office warned the wrestling organization on several occasions that it was in violation of Florida's stay-at-home order, according to Spectrum News 13. This was because WWE continued to hold wrestling events in the Orlando-based WWE Performance Center. This center is where the company's current no-audience TV tapings are being shot and produced. At the time, officers told WWE to shut down its production as it was a non-essential business. A few days after one of the final warnings from the sheriff's office, Gov. DeSantis deemed WWE an essential business. According to "John", employees are being forced to work and aren't able to follow social distancing precautions while doing so. "John" said employees fear losing their jobs should they speak out against this. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/13/how-coronavirus-delays-are-impacting-2020-movies-ign-now"] Gov. DeSantis' office told Spectrum News 13 in Orlando that WWE was "critical to Florida's economy" and that "employees at these locations" benefit from the business being recognized as essential. WWE has not responded to this anonymous employee's public comment at this time. This news comes just a week after WWE announced roster cuts and furloughed some of its staff. Here are some ways to help and stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

March 2020 was a record-breaking month for both Nintendo Switch and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, with Animal Crossing achieving the third highest launch month physical dollar and unit sales of any Nintendo published game and passing Call of Duty: Modern Warfare as the best-selling game of the month. As revealed by NPD's video game analyst Mat Piscatella, Animal Crossing: New Horizons sits only behind Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the highest launch month physical software sales. Launch month sales of New Horizons have exceeded the lifetime sales of all other Animal Crossing titles, which makes this newest entry the best-selling game in franchise history. The Nintendo Switch set a new all-time record for hardware unit sales in a March month, besting the previous high that Nintendo has held since the launch of the Switch in March 2017. Switch has also generated the highest Q1 unit sales for any hardware platform since the Nintendo DS in Q1 2010, a number that also had to deal with Switch shortages around the world. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/20/the-biggest-games-coming-in-2020"] Hardware sales are up 63% from March 2019 and have reached $461 million. Nintendo Switch sales have more than doubled and PlayStation 4 and Xbox One both saw more than a 25% rise. Q1 2020 hardware spending is up 2% from Q1 2019 and is at $773 million. As for March as a whole, spending across video game hardware, software, accessories, and game cards totaled $1.6 billion, which is a 35% increase over March 2019. The $1.6 billion milestone is the highest earned in a March month since March 2008's $1.8 billion. However, year-to-date sales total $3.0 billion, which is a 4% decline compared to last year. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-2020-video-game-release&captions=true"] After Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, MLB: The Show 20, Resident Evil 3, and NBA 2K20 round out the top 5 best-selling games of March 2020. The full list is as follows:

March 2020's Best-Selling Games

1. Animal Crossing: New Horizons
2. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
3. MLB: The Show 20
4. Resident Evil 3
5. NBA 2K20
6. Doom Eternal
7. Persona 5: Royal
8. Grand Theft Auto V
9. Borderlands 3
10. Mario Kart 8: Deluxe
11. Nioh 2
12. Red Dead Redemption II
13. FIFA 20
14. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
15. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
16. Madden NFL 20
17. Just Dance 2020
18. Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
19. Mortal Kombat 11
20. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2: Remastered

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/21/animal-crossing-new-horizons-april-free-update-trailer"] Some important notes on the above games include MLB The Show instantly becoming the 5th best-selling game of 2020 and fastest-selling game in MLB The Show franchise history, a number that may have been bolstered by the delay of the MLB season to to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare is now the best-selling game of 2020 and March sales of Call of Duty franchise titles are the highest they have been since March 2010. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons' April 2020 update will arrive on April 23 and will add the Nature Day seasonal event, a museum expansion with an Art Gallery, Leif and Jolly Redd as new merchants, hints at future events like Wedding Season, and much more. Nature Day will run from April 23 to May 4, and will help celebrate our real world Earth Day that takes place on April 22. This update also gives us a glimpse at future events, including May Day Tour from May 1 - May 7, International Museum Day from May 18 - May 31, and the previously mentioned Wedding Season from June 1 - June 30. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/21/animal-crossing-new-horizons-april-free-update-trailer"] Nature Day will feature special Nook Miles challenges that are focused on such activities as planting trees and watering flowers. May Day Tour will allow players to use a one-time May Day Ticket to go on a limited-time tour to a special island that may include "a special visitor who looks familiar." International Museum Day brings a Stamp Rally to Animal Crossing: New Horizons and will have player viewing fish, insects, and fossils they've collected and getting stamps for visiting exhibits. Wedding Season will take place at Harvey's Island and will let players meet the married couple Reese and Cyrus. They will also be able to arrange and take anniversary photos with them in the wedding-picture studio, and earn wedding-themed items as a reward. Leif the sloth will bring his Garden Shop to your island and he will allow you to buy the newly added shrubs, like the White-azalea or the orange-tea-olive. Jolly Redd the fox will bring his Treasure Trawler boat to your shores and will offer artwork and furniture in exchange for bells. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=animal-crossing-new-horizons-april-2020-update&captions=true"] The museum expansion adds an Art Gallery that includes paintings, sculptures, and much more, many that are modeled after real world masterpieces. While you prepare for all these new updates and events, be sure to check out our Animal Crossing Wiki Guide that can help you make bells fast, conquer the Turnip Market, and much more. In addition, read everything we know about Leif the Sloth and Earth Day and discover the best real-world Turnip tools that will help you get the best return on investment. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/09/16-things-we-loved-and-didnt-about-animal-crossing-new-horizons"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

WarnerMedia has announced that its new streaming platform HBO Max will officially launch on May 27. The new streaming service will be available to U.S. customers for $14.99 per month (the same price as HBO Now), with approximately 10,000 hours of content available to viewers from day one, including a mix of original projects and an extensive lineup of library and acquired programming. Existing HBO customers will get access to HBO Max at no extra charge.

Where all of HBO meets your favorite shows, movies, and new Max Originals. Streaming May 27.

Sign up for updates: https://t.co/e3U0f0wgAV pic.twitter.com/SbBjZ0smb8 — HBO Max (@hbomax) April 21, 2020

Launch day originals include the scripted comedy Love Life, starring Anna Kendrick; Sundance 2020 Official Selection feature documentary On the Record; underground ballroom dance competition series Legendary; Craftopia, hosted by YouTube star LaurDIY; all-new Looney Tunes Cartoons, from Warner Bros. Animation; and Sesame Workshop's The Not Too Late Show with Elmo. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=everything-coming-to-hbo-max&captions=true"] The service will also launch with a large selection of library titles such as Friends, The Big Bang Theory, Doctor Who, Rick and Morty, plus CW shows such as Batwoman, Nancy Drew, and Katy Keene, the first season of DC's Doom Patrol, and much more, with the platform expected to add the complete libraries of South Park, Gossip Girl, The West Wing, and many others in the first year of launch. In addition to TV series, specials, and documentaries, HBO Max will feature a catalogue of more than 2,000 feature films within the first year, including titles from Warner Bros., New Line and DC such as Joker, Suicide Squad, Wonder Woman, and Aquaman, as well as a mix of films acquired specifically for HBO Max via Warner Bros., the Criterion Collection, and the acclaimed Studio Ghibli. HBO Max officially acquired U.S. streaming rights to Studio Ghibli films last year, meaning that 20 films from Japan's legendary animation arthouse will be available on the platform at launch, including Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle and The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, as well as fan-favourites My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Ponyo, and Kiki's Delivery Service, while The Wind Rises will join the collection in the Fall. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2015/11/20/our-favorite-studio-ghibli-films-ign-anime-club"] "Our number one goal is having extraordinary content for everyone in the family, and the HBO Max programming mix we are so excited to unveil on May 27 will bear that out," said Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of WarnerMedia Entertainment and Direct-To-Consumer. "Even in the midst of this unprecedented pandemic, the all-star teams behind every aspect of HBO Max will deliver a platform and a robust slate of content that is varied, of the highest quality, and second to none. I’m knocked out by the breadth and depth of our new offering, from the Max originals, our Warner Bros library and acquisition titles from around the world, and of course the entirety of HBO." After the initial launch, Max Originals will continue to premiere on the streamer at a regular cadence throughout Summer and Fall, so there is a significant amount of content in the works. In fact, it was recently revealed that three high-concept projects from J.J. Abrams' Bad Robot are in development - a DC Comics-inspired series using characters from Justice League Dark; a show set at The Shining's infamous Overlook Hotel; and a 1970s-set drama about a getaway driver. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-delayed-movie-due-to-coronavirus-so-far&captions=true"] The highly anticipated Friends unscripted cast reunion will also be released on the platform at a later date, as the production was delayed indefinitely amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, and David Schwimmer were all set to return to the original soundstage, where the show started out about 25 years ago, to film the special on March 23 and March 24, but plans had to be postponed. The good news is that, even without the Friends reunion special, HBO Max will have plenty of content to offer subscribers when it launches next month, as it attempts to compete with the likes of Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and the Disney+ platform. If you want to find out more about these services, check out our breakdown of the state of the streaming wars so far. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

IGN can exclusively reveal Peaky Blinders: Mastermind, a puzzle-adventure game made by Futurlab and published by Curve Digital, which will come to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC this summer. Mastermind comes with a fairly unique twist - every level of the top-down game has you controlling six members of the show's Shelby family simultaneously. That's made possible by putting the entire level on an adjustable timeline, which can be rewound and replayed, allowing you to adjust the actions of each character to find solutions to obstacles, whether violent, stealthy, or both. Each member of the Shelby family comes with unique abilities - Tommy (threatening), Arthur (brawling and door kicking), Polly (bribing and lock picking), John (arson and brawling), Ada (distraction) and Finn (sneaking and pickpocketing). You'll need to to use each one, linking the many abilities in sequence, to get through the game's challenges. It's essentially an action-tactics game, and you can get a good look at how that works in the reveal trailer, below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/21/peaky-blinders-mastermind-official-reveal-trailer"] Made in collaboration with show creator Steven Knight, Mastermind's story acts as a prequel to the show's first season, as the Shelby family discovers a plot to put their burgeoning criminal empire out of business. The game's set-up is a nod to Tommy Shelby's ability to think through complex scenarios in his head - you're essentially creating, enacting, and retooling his plans before they happen for real. The game's soundtrack has been created by Feverist, the art-rock band that scored the show's first season. Game director James Marsden explains the inspiration for the game's core mechanic: “There’s a point in the show where Tommy Shelby explains he has no concern for the past, nor the future; all he cares about is a crucial moment he calls the soldier’s minute. We designed our game around that idea, allowing the player to plan actions backward and forward in time, choreographing an ensemble cast of characters to synchronise their actions during these crucial moments. The player gets to feel like the smart and sophisticated leader that Tommy is, so we think becoming the mastermind will resonate with fans of the show and gamers alike.” To see how that mechanic plays out across an entire level of the game, check out our exclusive gameplay from the first level below: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/21/peaky-blinders-mastermind-gameplay-reveal"] The game won't be released until summer this year, but you can wishlist the game on Steam right now. For those not familiar with Peaky Blinders, the series offers a gritty snapshot of life in 1920s Birmingham, following the Shelby family's schemes and setbacks. We named the fifth season one of the best drama TV series of 2019. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=peaky-blinders-mastermind-12-screenshots&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News, and those hats make him feel terrified these days. Follow him on Twitter.

ComiXology is offering free access to the first entry of several essential titles from its DC collection. There are up to 34 different comics to choose from, including access to titles such as Batman: The Long Halloween, Doomsday Clock, Flashpoint, Harleen, and much more. Yes, it is just the first issue of each title available, but this shouldn't put you off what is a great chance to check out some of the most essential DC reading available. If you were unsure about a comic or graphic novel series before, here presents an opportunity to test the waters. We've also rounded up all 34 of the comics available, which you can check out right here: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=free-first-issues-on-comixology&captions=true"]

• Free DC First Issues at ComiXology (34 Available)

Free Online Graphic Novels and Comics

[poilib element="commerceCta" json="%7B%22image%22%3A%7B%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F03%2F17%2Fcomixology-logo1584456891735.jpeg%22%2C%22styleUrl%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fassets1.ignimgs.com%2F2020%2F03%2F17%2Fcomixology-logo1584456891735_%7Bsize%7D.jpeg%22%2C%22id%22%3A%225e70e4c0e4b08e237d61fbc5%22%7D%2C%22url%22%3A%22https%3A%2F%2Fr.zdbb.net%2Fu%2Fbjca%22%2C%22title%22%3A%22ComiXology%20Unlimited%22%2C%22store%22%3A%22ComiXology%22%2C%22additionalInfo%22%3A%22%22%2C%22ourPick%22%3Afalse%7D"]

• Get a 60-Day Free Trial to ComiXology

These free comics are seemingly tasters for all the content available on ComiXology, which hosts over 20,000 digital comics, graphic novels, and manga from DC, Marvel, Image, Dark Horse, and more. If you are interested in reading more than just the first issue of comics such as Batman: Year One, Kingdom Come, and Dark Nights Metal, you should check out ComiXology's Unlimited subscription. There are even other non-superhero titles such as Darth Vader, Stranger Things, and Attack on Titan ready to read. If you're an avid comic reader, there is a free 60-day trial available which includes access to all the comics mentioned, or you might even want to consider continuing afterwards since it's only $5.99/month. ComiXology is owned by Amazon, so you can even use your Amazon details to sign in, giving you one less password to keep track of. If you're not interested in picking up the full subscription once your trial expires, simply remember to cancel before your first bill. It couldn't get more risk-free. We've even got some great suggestions for you to get started with if you're looking for the 25 best comic series to binge on ComiXology while you enjoy your free trial. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Robert Anderson is a commerce writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @robertliam21

Death Stranding's PC release has been delayed to July 14 due to a temporary closure of Kojima Productions.

Following the temporary closure of KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, we have had to delay the PC launch of DEATH STRANDING to July 14, 2020, to allow more development time amidst the current work-from-home orders in place. Thank you all for your patience and continued support!#keeponkeepingon pic.twitter.com/euOmebcdQj

— KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS (Eng) (@KojiPro2015_EN) April 21, 2020

Kojima Productions previously had to cancel its appearance at GDC due to the Coronavirus and started enacting safeguarding precautions in late March when one of its employees tested positive for COVID-19. This led to a temporary closure of the studio. In the statement posted to Twitter, Kojima Productions notes that the delay has been actioned "to allow more development time amidst the current work-from-home orders in place." The company thanked fans for their patience and support. Death Stranding's PC release was initially set for June 2, the date being revealed back in early March. The game will feature an official crossover with Valve's Half-Life series, with Sam able to wear a Headcrab hat, don a head valve and wear Alyx's gravity gloves from last month's Half-Life: Alyx. It will also include the full photo mode added to the PS4 version. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/08/death-stranding-pc-photo-mode-showcase-2-trailer"] For more on Death Stranding, check out our review of the game, which we called "a fascinating world of supernatural sci-fi." In other news, Kojima recently revealed a collaborative jacket with German Techwear house Acronym, which sold out almost immediately after retailing for close to $2000. Here are some ways to help others and stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. [poilib element="accentDivider"]  

DC's Digital First program is set to expand its slate of comic books with a variety of titles released digitally seven days a week. DC Comics announced the expansion of its digital publishing program in a recent press release, outlining the plan to give comic book readers daily and weekly access to stories that have never been made available on digital platforms before. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/04/03/11-times-dc-movies-improved-on-the-comics"] The first wave of titles released as part of the new expansion will be Superman: The Man of Tomorrow, Batman: Gotham Nights, Wonder Woman: Agent of Peace, Aquaman: Deep Dives, Flash: Fastest Man Alive, Swamp Thing: New Roots and DC Super Hero Girls: Infinite Frenemies, with each debuting online for the first time, having previously been exclusive to DC Giants anthologies. "Comic book fans want more access to content than ever before," Chief creative officer and publisher Jim Lee said in a statement. "This strategy is intended to get daily content to fans immediately, and also to ensure that when comic shops open back up for business, they will have new content and product that their customers will want. In the meantime, we will have properly stoked and protected the demand for comics, keeping fans interested in our characters and stories. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/17/dc-universe-online-birds-of-prey-launch-trailer"] "I really want to stress that regularly scheduled and solicited print comics, traditionally available on Wednesdays, will continue to be available day-and-date digitally on Tuesdays moving forward," Lee added. "On the other hand, DC Digital First comics will be released seven days a week, with a strikingly different trade dress that will distinguish these titles from physical versions." In addition to the new batch of content joining its Digital First catalog, DC has launched DC Essential Reads, a free digital promotion offering first issues of Watchmen, Batman: Hush, The Sandman, Dark Nights: Metal, Doomsday Clock, Crisis on Infinite Earths, Mister Miracle, and more iconic editions from the DC library, on a variety of digital platforms until June 8. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-top-25-heroes-of-dc-comics&captions=true"] This news comes shortly after DC Comics announced that it would be shipping a limited selection of new comics to stores starting April 28 after an initial slowdown at the start of the month when Diamond Comic Distributors stated it would stop shipping deliveries of new books to stores as of April 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Over time, the pandemic has caused multiple delays and shutdowns across the entertainment industry, but we remain hopeful that some of 2020's biggest comic book projects will get back on track. DC is currently preparing for two major Joker-centric stories; Joker War will chronicle what may be the final confrontation between Batman and Joker, while the long-awaited Three Jokers will finally address one of the biggest mysteries in the DC Universe. For a list of recommendations on how best to help, and stay safe, during the coronavirus pandemic, please read our resource guide. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Nintendo will attempt to boost output of Switch units in response to a growing demand for the console under current remote conditions. According to a report from the Nikkei Asian Review, in which both Nintendo and Switch parts suppliers are spoken to, Nintendo plans to produce "10% more units of the Switch series in 2020," having produced 20 million consoles in 2019. There is currently a widespread shortage of Nintendo Switch consoles at retail, which is a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic's effects on the supply chain. Stock scarcity is being further exacerbated by a group of resellers who are buying up fresh stock to mark up the price and make a profit. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/20/why-nintendo-switches-are-impossible-to-find-ign-daily-fix"] Nintendo has asked its suppliers and assembly contacts to "prepare for additional production in the April-June quarter" to make up for the shortage. However, a Nintendo representative said that, despite calls for increased production, "the outlook remains uncertain, and we can't forecast exactly how many Switches can be supplied." Parts suppliers have reportedly received orders up to 50% larger than their expected output, and Nintendo is reportedly ordering from a wider range of companies to avoid any potential bottlenecks. An industry source tells Nikkei that, "There are signs procurement is being moved forward to deal with the disruptions in the supply chains." With the gaming market booming and Nintendo riding high after the success of last month's Animal Crossing, this shortage comes at an unfortunate time for the company, but hopefully its stock can be replenished, and something can be done about the rampant reselling affecting the market at present. For more on the Nintendo Switch, check out our coverage of last week's update that finally allows players to remap their Joy-Con controllers. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/14/switch-update-finally-lets-you-remap-controllers-ign-news"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.