Nintendo has confirmed that a total of 300,000 user accounts have been compromised, up 140,000 cases above the 160,000 already declared in April. In an update on the Nintendo Japan support page, the company states that an additional 140,000 NNIDs have been accessed maliciously. The passwords of these accounts have been reset, and the owners contacted directly. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/24/nintendo-confirms-account-hacks-disables-nintendo-network-id-logins"] In April, Nintendo began investigating reports of unauthorized account breaches, leading to an estimation that 160,000 NNIDs had potentially been affected. At the time, Nintendo clarified that this was not a security breach of the Nintendo network, but that it appeared the login data for accounts had been acquired by other means. At 300,000 cases, Nintendo assures that less than 1% of NNIDs have been illegally logged into. The company is currently in the process of refunding users who had purchases made using their account. These purchases will have been made using linked PayPal or bank accounts, as credit card numbers are not part of the information that was compromised. Nintendo states that a third party may have been able to see nicknames, date of births, country/regions, and email addresses. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-2020-video-game-release&captions=true"] Nintendo has stated that it is taking additional security measures. It is also recommended that users activate two-factor authentication on their accounts. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter. 

Naughty Dog vice president Neil Druckmann hasn't yet decided if his next game will be The Last of Us Part III, or a brand new IP. In a huge interview article with GQ, Druckmann explains that, so close to the release of The Last of Us Part II, his thoughts have inevitably begun turning to the next project: "As you start wrapping things up, creatively there are fewer and fewer responsibilities and my mind can't help but think about the next thing. So yeah, the next thing could be a Part III, the next thing could be some new IP.” Druckmann gives no indication as to which he prefers, with GQ paraphrasing his mindset as, "Ultimately, the best idea wins." [poilib element="poll" parameters="id=a244cf65-0631-4d63-9b4c-718c58c8b112"] If Naughty Dog did return for a third instalment in its celebrated franchise, it seems likely that it'd revisit the same ruined American settings as the first two games, rather than diverge too much. Discussing the planning stages for the second game, Druckmann explains that many people saw the ending of the first game as "sacred", and would have preferred for it not to be continued: “People are always like ‘do another one but focus on all new characters.' Or like, 'do it in, like, Europe. Or do it in Japan. Do something really different.'” Druckmann describes that approach as the “coward’s way out.” As if to reinforce the idea that any Last of Us sequel will focus on the same kinds of locations and characters, Druckmann adds that, if you were to wildly change setting or protagonists, “To me, at that point, you might as well just do a new IP.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/the-last-of-us-part-2-the-final-preview-no-story-spoilers"] Likely before that decision is finalised, Druckmann will begin working on the HBO TV adaptation of The Last of Us. The show, which recently found a director in Chernobyl's Johan Renck, will begin production after The Last of Us Part 2 is released. Druckmann, who is co-writing with Craig Mazin, also explained to GQ what the benefit of a TV version could be, saying, “It really lets us focus on the characters and the drama and shows you other aspects of those characters.” Mazin explains why he feels The Last of Us was important within gaming, as well as why it's a good fit for a non-interactive adaptation: “It’s ironic that in a medium where technology has progressed so rapidly and incessantly, the narratives so often feel 8-bit. That’s not because of lack of plot. Video games have been drowning in plot for years. The problem was always the lack of compelling characters. Neil brought emotional sophistication, but maybe more importantly, he brought confidence — confidence that story and characters were worth stopping for.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-last-of-us-part-2-new-screenshots&captions=true"] Before we get to any of this, however, we have the small matter of The Last of Us Part 2 to play through. The game finally arrives on June 19, and we've got a combat-focused final preview to whet your appetite. We also recently spoke to Neil Druckmann, who discussed creating (and recreating) the Infected, and the new human factions in the game. We recently got confirmation that the PS4 version of The Last of Us Part 2 will be compatible with PS5 upon the new console's release. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Get your air guitars ready, as the first totally bodacious poster for Bill & Ted Face the Music has just dropped out of the sky and into our social media feeds. The official Bill & Ted 3 Twitter account shared the excellent new artwork on Tuesday, alongside the caption: "Their destiny is calling. Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter are BACK in the official poster for Bill & Ted Face the Music! Time to be excellent, dudes." [caption id="attachment_236218" align="alignnone" width="1382"] Image credit: Warner Bros.[/caption] The one-sheet shows the titular duo, played by Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter, approaching the iconic time-travelling phone booth that kickstarted the pair's excellent adventures in 1989's Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and 1991's Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey. "The Future Awaits" tagline appears directly below the film's fuchsia-accented title, just ahead of the "Summer 2020" release window, which is printed in favour of the slated theatrical release date of August 21, 2020. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/09/bill-ted-face-the-music-official-trailer-1"] Bill and Ted 3 has been in the works for decades, with both Reeves and Winter consistently teasing the threequel throughout the years, until the moment that it was finally made official with the announcement of the franchise's original writers Ed Solomon and Chris Matheson boarding the long-awaited project. The third installment of the beloved franchise follows Bill and Ted, who are now middle-aged and dealing with real-life family responsibilities, still trying to write the greatest song ever made. However, a visitor from the future suddenly warns the hard-rocking duo that only their song can save the universe. So prepare yourselves to party on (dudes) when Bill & Ted Face the Music blasts into theatres on August 21. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=bill-and-ted-face-the-music-first-look&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

A Bungie job listing has indicated that the studio's new IP will be "comedic" and feature "whimsical characters." A posting for an Incubation Art Director on the Bungie career portal asks potential applicants if they would like to work on "something comedic with lighthearted and whimsical characters," giving us a teensy glimpse at the tone the studio may be setting for its next game beyond the Destiny series. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/10/09/destiny-2-shadowkeep-review"] Other job listings help further illustrate the direction of Bungie's new IP. A position for incubation investment designer reveals that the game will have "a wide variety of pursuit and loot systems", and notes the role requires experience in "fundamental RPG" systems, indicating that we can once again expect a game built on RPG principles. "You will work in tandem with our sandbox and economy teams to build and distribute items to our players," explains the listing, which suggests an open world design. The position of incubation senior/lead combat designer also indicates that "weapons, armor, and abilities" will be a core component of the game's combat encounters. We know that Bungie is working on something new. Last year, Bungie CEO Pete Parsons told IGN that the studio is aiming to have a new franchise "within the marketplace" by 2025. Prior to that interview, PCGamesN reported that Bungie had filed a trademark for something called 'Matter' back in 2018. And before that, Bungie entered a partnership worth $100 million with Chinese publisher NetEase, a deal struck to allow Bungie to "explore new directions". Despite not having had a proper announcement, Matter already has logo decorated with a burst of paint-like colour. Early speculation could tie colourful to "comedic" and "whimsical", and so it may be that these jobs relates to Matter. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-bungie-game-ever-reviewed-by-ign&captions=true"] Even with the cheeky Fillion quips from Cayde-6 and its shiny metallic weapons, Destiny is not exactly bright and whimsical, but rather a broody space drama. This looks like a new direction for Bungie in the future, then, despite the promise of loot systems. It'll be interesting to see these "whimsical characters" in action, and hopefully - despite the COVID-19 situation - the 2025 target of a new franchise is still on track. In other Destiny news,  check out our coverage of the Almighty Tower explosion live event which occurred over the weekend. Last month, Destiny 2 was confirmed for Xbox Series X and PS5, which should please devoted fans ready to jump to the next generation. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

IBM has announced that its company is no longer offering general-purpose facial recognition or analysis software, with the CEO calling for a "national dialogue" on whether and how the technology should be employed by law enforcement. Arvind Krishna, the CEO of IBM, addressed the change in a letter to U.S. Congress members on Monday, in which he explained the company's decision to exit the facial recognition business, and opposed the use of such technology for purposes of mass surveillance and racial profiling. "IBM firmly opposes and will not condone uses of any [facial recognition] technology, including facial recognition technology offered by other vendors, for mass surveillance, racial profiling, violations of basic human rights and freedoms, or any purpose which is not consistent with our values and Principles of Trust and Transparency," Krishna outlined in the letter. "We believe now is the time to begin a national dialogue on whether and how facial recognition technology should be employed by domestic law enforcement agencies." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/01/09/scanning-our-face-into-fallout-4-is-pretty-much-the-coolest-thing-of-ces-ces-2016"] This comes after several studies have indicated that some facial recognition systems demonstrate inaccuracies in the algorithms that analyse a subject's face, which can produce bias along lines of age, race, and ethnicity. IBM confirmed to The Verge that the multinational firm will also stop further development and research of this technology, as Krishna wrote his letter to encourage the use of other technologies that will bring "greater transparency and accountability to policing," such as body cameras and modern data analytics techniques. In the statement, IBM further expressed the company's desire to work with Congress in pursuit of justice and racial equity, underscoring the need to reassess policy areas and police reform in the wake of George Floyd's death. IGN stands in solidarity with the black community, and condemns racism. We encourage those reading to donate to the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and support the fight for racial justice. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Ikumi Nakamura has revealed that she is planning to pitch a new Okami game to Capcom While answering fan questions during an interview with IGN Japan, Nakamura revealed that a new Okami game "is the project that she wants to make a reality the most." Nakamura told IGN Japan that she thinks the chances that the project might become a reality are pretty high, and that after quarantine lifts, she is planning to make a visit to Capcom to "propose the idea." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/12/14/okami-hd-review"] Through a translator, it was also revealed that Nakamura would want Hideki Kamiya to direct the project. Kamiya was the director of the original Okami, as well as Resident Evil 2 and Bayonetta. "Originally there was a lot of Okami that has not yet been told - there is still a lot to tell in that universe," Nakamura added, before rallying Okami fans to get behind a petition and show Capcom that a new Okami game is in demand. Nakamura rounded off the section by noting that she doesn't mind what part she might play in the project, as long as it gets made. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=top-25-nintendo-switch-games&captions=true"] This isn't the first time Nakamura has expressed a wish for a new Okami; last year she rallied fans behind the idea of an Okami sequel. In other Okami news, the game launched in HD on Nintendo Switch back in August of 2018. You can check out our original review of the game's HD port here, which we called "staggeringly pretty." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Space Force is the name of both the latest addition to the United States Armed Forces as well as Netflix's new workplace comedy starring Steve Carell, which lampoons it. But in the end only one will have the ability to globally trademark "Space Force" for the purposes of merchandising, a potential legal showdown that could see the streaming titan face the U.S. government in court. Netflix's ability to make a show about Space Force is protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. constitution guaranteeing the right to free speech. And it appears Netflix has been far more proactive about securing trademark rights to "Space Force" across international territories, including Europe and Mexico, than Uncle Sam has been. "Meanwhile, the Air Force merely owns a pending application for registration inside the United States based on an intent to use," according to The Hollywood Reporter. "Meaning that the feds have gotten a place in line but no confirmed trademark rights thus far." (The Department of Defense established a trademark and branding office back in 2007, while the U.S. Air Force has a site dedicated to the licensing of intellectual property for "entertainment uses.") [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/netflixs-space-force-exclusive-season-1-sneak-peek-featuring-steve-carell"] Trademark clarifies who is selling what product, in this case any Space Force-branded merchandise that might conceivably confuse consumers as to whether they're buying merch related to the U.S. military or to a TV show. Overseas, this Space race comes down to whoever filed the intent to trademark "Space Force" first, the streaming service or the U.S. government. As THR explains:

"Although the United States operates on what's called a 'first-to-use' trademark registration system, where priority is based on actual use in commerce rather than who gets to the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office first, many other countries operate on a 'first-to-file' basis. Records show that Netflix was submitting applications for 'Space Force' around the world as early as January 2019. In other words, the Department of Defense was caught sleeping."

But would the U.S. government actually go to court over the trademark to Space Force? The feds would face a huge hurdle in U.S. courts given the free speech protections granted to satires, which Netflix's Space Force most certainly qualifies as. But overseas? That's a different story. As THR notes, many countries beyond the U.S. don't offer the sort of protections and "fair use" standards America enjoys. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=space-force-season-1-gallery&captions=true"] For its part, though, the U.S. Air Force -- whose department Space Force lies within -- seems to harbor no current litigious intent toward Netflix. An Air Force rep informed THR they are unaware of any trademark conflicts between the federal government and Netflix over Space Force: "We wish Netflix and the show's producers the best in their creative depiction of our nation's newest branch of the military." For more legal drama, read about Activision's recent legal victory to depict Humvees in their Call of Duty games. And for more on Steve Carrell's new show, check out our Space Force review and why John Malkovich cried over a fart joke.

The long-awaited next Evil Dead movie is actually happening, according to Ash Williams himself, actor Bruce Campbell. However, the original trilogy's director, Sam Raimi, will not direct the film, instead passing the baton -- er, chainsaw? -- to a new director. And, according to Campbell, Ash himself will also be sitting out this installment. In a chat with Empire, Campbell revealed the next Evil Dead movie is being written and directed by Lee Cronin. Raimi and Campbell appear to be involved in a producing capacity. "It’s called Evil Dead Now. Sam handpicked Lee – he did a cool movie called The Hole In The Ground. We’re going to get that sucker out as soon as practical,” Campbell said. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/11/01/bruce-campbell-takes-igns-evil-dead-quiz"] Campbell said Evil Dead Now, like the 2013 reboot Evil Dead, will focus on a female protagonist rather than Ash, with the actor-producer promising a "more dynamic" entry. “From this point forward, they kind of have to stand on their own,” Campbell said of the films. “We just want to keep the series current. And the mantra, really, is that our heroes and heroines are just regular people. That’s what we’re going to continue.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-15-best-horror-tv-shows-of-the-last-10-years&captions=true"] Campbell last played the role in the now-canceled Starz series Ash vs Evil Dead. He and Raimi collaborated on Evil Dead, Evil Dead 2, and Army of Darkness.

The CW announced Monday that they have fired The Flash cast member Hartley Sawyer over a series of racist, misogynistic tweets he posted in the past. Sawyer portrayed Ralph Dibny, aka the Elongated Man, on the superhero series. He first appeared on The Flash in a recurring role in 2017 before becoming a series regular in 2018. "Hartley Sawyer will not be returning for season seven of The Flash," The CW, producers Warner Bros. TV and Berlanti Productions and executive producer Eric Wallace said in a statement (via THR). "In regards to Mr. Sawyer's posts on social media, we do not tolerate derogatory remarks that target any race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, or sexual orientation. Such remarks are antithetical to our values and polices, which strive and evolve to promote a safe, inclusive and productive environment for our workforce." [caption id="attachment_2361922" align="alignnone" width="720"] Hartley Sawyer as Ralph Dibny on The Flash.[/caption] In 2012, Sawyer tweeted, "The only thing keeping me from doing mildly racist tweets is the knowledge that Al Sharpton would never stop complaining about me." Several other cited past tweets are sexual and misogynistic in nature. Although Sawyer has deleted his Twitter account, he has since posted an apology to his Instagram account for his past tweets. "My words, irrelevant of being meant with an intent of humor, were hurtful, and unacceptable," Sawyer wrote. "I am ashamed I was capable of these really horrible attempts to get attention at that time. I regret them deeply." The Flash's showrunner and executive producer Eric Wallace said on Twitter that Sawyer's past tweets "broke my heart and made me mad as hell":

My statement regarding Hartley Sawyer and THE FLASH. pic.twitter.com/hni0MxOWZU

— Eric Wallace (@ewrote) June 8, 2020

The Flash's sixth season recently ended, with the show renewed for a seventh season that is expected to air in 2021. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=17-tv-stars-who-were-fired-for-unacceptable-behavior&captions=true"]

EA and Criterion Games have announced that Need for Speed Heat will become the first EA game to feature cross-play. Criterion Games General Manager Matt Webster posted a letter on EA's official site explaining that, after an update coming to the game on June 9, Need for Speed Heat will be the first EA title ever to feature cross-play across PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Webster said this update will also be the game's last as the team is working on the next title in franchise. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/10/15/need-for-speed-heat-13-minutes-of-4k-gameplay"] "So we're thrilled to let you all know that on June 9, Need for Speed Heat will be the first EA title to offer cross-play, meaning that players — regardless of their platform — can jump into Palm City together as one, united community," Webster said. "As we at Criterion shift gears into the future with full focus on developing the next Need for Speed game, this will be the final update for Need for Speed Heat." Webster said that since the launch of the game last year, the team has been listening to what players love about the game and what they believe could make it better, all in an effort to create "the most expressive, most socially connected, action-packed game yet for Need for Speed fans and beyond." He said to keep an eye out at EA Play Live on June 18 for additional Need for Speed announcements. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/17/need-for-speed-heat-accolades-trailer"] After installing the update, players will need to opt-in to cross-play. After doing that, players can search for friends that have also opted-in to cross-play on any system inside the Find Players menu. After becoming friends, players can use the new EA Friends tab in the Party menu to see who is online and ready to play. Need for Speed Heat was recently added to Steam with other EA titles and the game will be added to EA Access and Origin Access Basic Vault on June 16. We thought Criterion's latest crack at the series was great and you can read about why in our Need for Speed Heat review. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.