Monthly Archives: June 2020
Summer Games Done Quick 2020 Cancels On-Site Event, Moves Online
Games Done Quick has announced that its physical Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ) 2020 event has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but an online event will take its place to allow runners to "participate from the safety of their homes."
Summer Games Done Quick 2020 Online will run from August 16-23, 2020 in support of Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières. 100% of all donations go directly to Doctors Without Borders and Games Done Quick has raised over $26 million for charities around the world since 2010.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/07/04/the-celeste-speedrun-that-wasnt-humanly-possible"]
"We would like to thank the community for its patience while we were figuring out the best way to proceed with Summer Games Done Quick 2020," said Kasumi Yogi, Director of Marketing and Business Development at Games Done Quick. "We're excited to continue showcasing some of the most talented speedrunners in the world while observing best practices to keep everyone safe in the midst of a global pandemic."
Games Done Quick also holds the Awesome Games Done Quick event in the Winter, and the last one took place earlier this year and raised over $3.13 million for the Prevent Cancer Foundation. The over 54,000 donations were from over 80 countries.
Games Done Quick also recently held a speedrunning marathon to help raise funds against the COVID-19 pandemic called Corona Relief Done Quick. It was held in April 2020 and raised over $400,000.
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For more on speedrunning, be sure to check out our Devs React series where developers watch speedrunners race through their games. Some of the latest runs were from Darksiders Genesis, Resident Evil 2, Dead Cells, Doom Eternal, and Half-Life 2.
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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.
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands Livestream Postponed
Blizzard has announced that it has postponed its upcoming World of Warcraft: Shadowlands livestream that was originally planned for June 9. Blizzard says that now is not the right time for the event and will announce more details at a later date.
Blizzard had previously announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will not be hosting a physical BlizzCon event this year. While the company said that a digital alternative is being planned for early 2021, the company also announced a livestream event to detail more of its upcoming World of Warcraft: shadowland expansion. The original event would feature executive producer John Hight and game director Ion Hazzikostas as they provide a new look into WoW's next expansion. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/01/world-of-warcraft-shadowlands-expansion-cinematic-trailer"] Announced at BlizzCon 2019, Shadowlands is WoW's eight expansion. Set in the world of the dead, one notable feature is that Shadowlands will reduce the level cap to 60 from 120, rather than raise it. IGN will provide an updated date when it is announced. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN.More important voices than ours need to be heard, and now is the time to listen.
We are postponing our upcoming World of Warcraft: Shadowlands livestream planned for June 9, and will share more details about the expansion in the future. — World of Warcraft (@Warcraft) June 5, 2020
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands Livestream Postponed
Blizzard has announced that it has postponed its upcoming World of Warcraft: Shadowlands livestream that was originally planned for June 9. Blizzard says that now is not the right time for the event and will announce more details at a later date.
Blizzard had previously announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it will not be hosting a physical BlizzCon event this year. While the company said that a digital alternative is being planned for early 2021, the company also announced a livestream event to detail more of its upcoming World of Warcraft: shadowland expansion. The original event would feature executive producer John Hight and game director Ion Hazzikostas as they provide a new look into WoW's next expansion. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/01/world-of-warcraft-shadowlands-expansion-cinematic-trailer"] Announced at BlizzCon 2019, Shadowlands is WoW's eight expansion. Set in the world of the dead, one notable feature is that Shadowlands will reduce the level cap to 60 from 120, rather than raise it. IGN will provide an updated date when it is announced. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN.More important voices than ours need to be heard, and now is the time to listen.
We are postponing our upcoming World of Warcraft: Shadowlands livestream planned for June 9, and will share more details about the expansion in the future. — World of Warcraft (@Warcraft) June 5, 2020
Valorant is Being Prototyped for Consoles, But It Won’t Necessarily Happen
Riot Games said Valorant is being prototyped for consoles but that this doesn't necessarily mean the game is coming to consoles.
Valorant was released on PC on June 2 and already, its popularity has fans wondering about the game's current exclusivity to PC and whether or not the 5v5 tactical shooter will ever come to consoles. Valorant Executive Producer Anna Donlon answered this by saying that a console version of the game is currently being prototyped.
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"We are definitely prototyping that right now," Donlon said in an interview with GameSpot. "But there's a way to play this game and there's a way to experience this game that we're not entirely sure translates completely to console play."
Donlon said the core of Valorant is the game's "strong level of competitive integrity" and that the team doesn't want players to feel the effects of unfair advantages from the platform the game is played on. Players would need to feel the same Valorant "experience" no matter what console they're on, according to Donlon.
"If we feel like we can deliver this experience on those platforms, we absolutely will," Donlon said. "But we really want Valorant to stand for a certain type of gameplay and a certain type of experience.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/02/valorant-riots-gameplay-explainer"]
Donlon said if Riot Games needs to "compromise" on any facet of the game to make it work on consoles, the console version just won't happen.
"It's not a no, for sure, but it definitely wasn't the focus out of the gate," Donlon said. "If we're to do it, it'll definitely be delayed."
If you're playing Valorant on PC, be sure to check out our guide on the best Valorant map callouts and the patch notes for the game's 1.0 update. Read about how cheaters banned during the Valorant beta are still banned even after the game's full release. If you haven't given the free-to-play game a go yet, read about what you can expect in our Valorant review in progress.
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Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.
Valorant is Being Prototyped for Consoles, But It Won’t Necessarily Happen
Riot Games said Valorant is being prototyped for consoles but that this doesn't necessarily mean the game is coming to consoles.
Valorant was released on PC on June 2 and already, its popularity has fans wondering about the game's current exclusivity to PC and whether or not the 5v5 tactical shooter will ever come to consoles. Valorant Executive Producer Anna Donlon answered this by saying that a console version of the game is currently being prototyped.
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=gameplay-screenshots-of-valorant-closed-beta&captions=true"]
"We are definitely prototyping that right now," Donlon said in an interview with GameSpot. "But there's a way to play this game and there's a way to experience this game that we're not entirely sure translates completely to console play."
Donlon said the core of Valorant is the game's "strong level of competitive integrity" and that the team doesn't want players to feel the effects of unfair advantages from the platform the game is played on. Players would need to feel the same Valorant "experience" no matter what console they're on, according to Donlon.
"If we feel like we can deliver this experience on those platforms, we absolutely will," Donlon said. "But we really want Valorant to stand for a certain type of gameplay and a certain type of experience.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/03/02/valorant-riots-gameplay-explainer"]
Donlon said if Riot Games needs to "compromise" on any facet of the game to make it work on consoles, the console version just won't happen.
"It's not a no, for sure, but it definitely wasn't the focus out of the gate," Donlon said. "If we're to do it, it'll definitely be delayed."
If you're playing Valorant on PC, be sure to check out our guide on the best Valorant map callouts and the patch notes for the game's 1.0 update. Read about how cheaters banned during the Valorant beta are still banned even after the game's full release. If you haven't given the free-to-play game a go yet, read about what you can expect in our Valorant review in progress.
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Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.
The Witcher Season 2 May Be About to Restart Production
Netflix's The Witcher season 2 could resume filming soon, as production studios in the UK are starting to open their doors again.
Deadline reports that Arborfield Studios, which was one of the first production studios to shut down in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, is preparing to reopen for business in the coming weeks.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/27/the-witcher-season-1-review"]
Arborfield Studios' managing director Bob Terry confirmed that work is "underway to reopen the site," as the UK government recently approved a new mandate of safety protocols in relation to film and television productions, outlining rules around physical distancing, safety training, and temperature tests.
The Guardian notes that these new guidelines, compiled by the British Film Commission and the British Film Institute, will enable some film and television shoots to take their first steps back into production. However, it will be up to each individual production to decide how, and when, to restart filming; Netflix has not given any official word on its position as of yet.
"This is a green light that signals that the UK is open for business again for film and high-end TV production," an industry source told the outlet. "Many productions have to get up and running again in the next two months or they won't get made this year as they rely on summer weather and conditions."
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The Witcher season 2 suspended its production in London back in March, as Netflix paused filming on all of its films and TV shows in the US and Canada, including Stranger Things, which was shooting its fourth season before the unscheduled interruption.
The Witcher season 2 is currently expected to premiere in 2021. For more on the fantasy series, check out our cast rundown of all the new characters appearing in season 2, discover all about the new fantasy elements being introduced in future episodes, and find out why Netflix ultimately decided to adapt the books and not the games.
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Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.
The Witcher Season 2 May Be About to Restart Production
Netflix's The Witcher season 2 could resume filming soon, as production studios in the UK are starting to open their doors again.
Deadline reports that Arborfield Studios, which was one of the first production studios to shut down in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, is preparing to reopen for business in the coming weeks.
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/12/27/the-witcher-season-1-review"]
Arborfield Studios' managing director Bob Terry confirmed that work is "underway to reopen the site," as the UK government recently approved a new mandate of safety protocols in relation to film and television productions, outlining rules around physical distancing, safety training, and temperature tests.
The Guardian notes that these new guidelines, compiled by the British Film Commission and the British Film Institute, will enable some film and television shoots to take their first steps back into production. However, it will be up to each individual production to decide how, and when, to restart filming; Netflix has not given any official word on its position as of yet.
"This is a green light that signals that the UK is open for business again for film and high-end TV production," an industry source told the outlet. "Many productions have to get up and running again in the next two months or they won't get made this year as they rely on summer weather and conditions."
[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-delayed-movie-due-to-coronavirus-so-far&captions=true"]
The Witcher season 2 suspended its production in London back in March, as Netflix paused filming on all of its films and TV shows in the US and Canada, including Stranger Things, which was shooting its fourth season before the unscheduled interruption.
The Witcher season 2 is currently expected to premiere in 2021. For more on the fantasy series, check out our cast rundown of all the new characters appearing in season 2, discover all about the new fantasy elements being introduced in future episodes, and find out why Netflix ultimately decided to adapt the books and not the games.
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Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.
Call of Duty, NBA 2K20 Add In-Game Black Lives Matter Tributes
In response to the global protests following the death of George Floyd, many games, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and NBA 2K20, have added in-game Black Lives Matter tributes.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, after delaying Modern Warfare, Warzone, and Call of Duty: Mobile's upcoming seasons and committing to ban racist names from its online modes, has added an update that prompts a Black Lives Matter message to each and every Modern Warfare player as they log on.
The message reads "Black Lives Matter. Our community is hurting. The systemic inequalities our community experiences are once again center stage. Call of Duty and Infinity Ward stand for equality and inclusion. We stand against the racism and injustice our Black community enures. Until change happens and Black Lives Matter, we will never truly be the community we strive to be."
As reported by Kotaku, NBA 2K20 has also chosen to use its platform for Black Lives Matter and is giving away three free shirts for players to wear on their in-game avatars. These shirts say "Black Lives Matter," "I Can't Breathe," and "Say Their Names."
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image Credit: Kotaku[/caption]
In addition, a message pops up in-game saying "In Memoriam - George Floyd, Black Lives Matter #BLM."
In the neighborhood hub world section of NBA 2K20, many players wore the free shirts and protested in-game, all while large "Black Lives Matter" posters adorned the surrounding buildings.
[caption id="attachment_236080" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image Credit: @FlyWithoutWings[/caption]
The in-game tributes accompany the many companies around the world spreading the Black Lives Matter message and stepping back to allow for important voices to be heard.
In a mission to not take over this important conversation, Sony delayed its PlayStation 5 reveal event, Fortnite delayed Chapter 2 Season 3, Rockstar shut down GTA Online and Red Dead Online for 2 hours, and the Cyberpunk 2077 news broadcast, Night City Wire, was delayed from June 11 to June 25.
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.
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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 who can't say this loudly enough - Black Lives Matter.. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
Call of Duty, NBA 2K20 Add In-Game Black Lives Matter Tributes
In response to the global protests following the death of George Floyd, many games, including Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and NBA 2K20, have added in-game Black Lives Matter tributes.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, after delaying Modern Warfare, Warzone, and Call of Duty: Mobile's upcoming seasons and committing to ban racist names from its online modes, has added an update that prompts a Black Lives Matter message to each and every Modern Warfare player as they log on.
The message reads "Black Lives Matter. Our community is hurting. The systemic inequalities our community experiences are once again center stage. Call of Duty and Infinity Ward stand for equality and inclusion. We stand against the racism and injustice our Black community enures. Until change happens and Black Lives Matter, we will never truly be the community we strive to be."
As reported by Kotaku, NBA 2K20 has also chosen to use its platform for Black Lives Matter and is giving away three free shirts for players to wear on their in-game avatars. These shirts say "Black Lives Matter," "I Can't Breathe," and "Say Their Names."
[caption id="" align="alignnone" width="800"] Image Credit: Kotaku[/caption]
In addition, a message pops up in-game saying "In Memoriam - George Floyd, Black Lives Matter #BLM."
In the neighborhood hub world section of NBA 2K20, many players wore the free shirts and protested in-game, all while large "Black Lives Matter" posters adorned the surrounding buildings.
[caption id="attachment_236080" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Image Credit: @FlyWithoutWings[/caption]
The in-game tributes accompany the many companies around the world spreading the Black Lives Matter message and stepping back to allow for important voices to be heard.
In a mission to not take over this important conversation, Sony delayed its PlayStation 5 reveal event, Fortnite delayed Chapter 2 Season 3, Rockstar shut down GTA Online and Red Dead Online for 2 hours, and the Cyberpunk 2077 news broadcast, Night City Wire, was delayed from June 11 to June 25.
[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 who can't say this loudly enough - Black Lives Matter.. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
Limited Edition Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One X Console Is Up at Amazon
Update: The console is sold out at Walmart and GameStop, but it's still available at Amazon without the $100 discount.
Big summer deals for gaming are just kicking off, and you can now order the highly anticipated Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition Xbox One X console. Not only that but the console will only cost $299 for a limited time during the Xbox Deals Unlocked sale, running from June 5 - 15.
This is likely to be a hot item, especially with that $100 discount, so don't miss out if you've been eagerly waiting for the last ever special edition Xbox One X to be released. Right now only Walmart has the console up and ready to order, but this is likely to change as the day goes on, and we'll be updating this page with all the current listings.
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- Get it at Amazon - $399
- Get it at Walmart - $299 (SOLD OUT)
- Get it at GameStop - $299 (SOLD OUT)
Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One Controller
- Get it at Adorama - $69.99
- Also at Microsoft Store - $74.99
- Also at Amazon - $74.99 (temporarily out of stock)