Over the past week, developer Facepunch Studios revealed its online survival game, Rust, generated over $1 million twice in one week. Released in early access back in 2013, Rush is having what many say is an “Among Us” style surge in popularity. Today, Garry Newman, founder of Facepunch and developer of Garry’s Mod, revealed Rust made over $1 million in revenue on two separate days in the same week on Steam. At the time of this writing, Rust is the most viewed game on Twitch with 717k viewers.

We made over $1m on Steam on two days this week pic.twitter.com/UTiqxgzdO0

— garry (@garrynewman) January 8, 2021

What is Rust?

Rust is a multiplayer-only survival game released in Early Access in 2013 and a full release in 2018. In Rust, several players are put on a procedurally generated map where they must scavenge and craft weapons and supplies to ensure their survival. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/15/rust-console-announcement-trailer"] While players usually begin games with only a rock and torch, these can be used to acquire other materials and eventually craft more sophisticated weapons like guns and unique ammo. Essentially, think of Rust like a really violent game of PvP Minecraft.

Why is Rust So Popular Now?

Although a fixture of multiplayer gaming since 2013, Rust is having a bonafide surge in popularity, seven years after its initial Early Access release. Facepunch revealed Rust doubled its player count record on January 7, 2021, beating a record that was set on January 3, 2021.

Rust on track to double it's previous high player count.. which was set like 4 days ago pic.twitter.com/1AP0hkJ6EH

— garry (@garrynewman) January 7, 2021

The explosion of popularity is attributed to a group of high-profile streamers who have taken to playing Rust together on a private server started by Offline TV. The roster of streamers includes Shroud, XQc, Disguised Toast, Pokimane, Myth, and more. Their streams have brought over a million viewers to Rust, and this exposure is translating into player interest.

The Rust Private Server

Given the high-profiles of these streamers, the private server has become akin to a TV show with different streamers starting up competing factions and focuses. XQc, for example, leads a competitive PvP stable called Team Rocket.

THE OTV RUST SERVER IS TOO FUN THATS ALL I THINK ABOUT. MY COMPETITIVENESS OVERWHELMED ME AND I WAS RUDE TO NON-PVPERS. TOMORROW WERE GONNA DO BETTER AND TEAM ROCKET WILL TAKE OVER

— xQc (@xQc) December 31, 2020

Other streamers on the server prefer role-playing over PvP and Offline announced it will spin up a second, smaller private Rust server with a focus on role-playing. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rust was recently rated for consoles by the ESRB, which times perfectly with the newfound popularity. With ongoing stay-at-home orders around the world, more players might discover Rust now. Check out IGN's Rust review. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

From a four-player TMNT cabinet to the sit-down driving experience, Arcade1Up has released a ton of interesting arcade cabinets, and now it's announcing its first-ever four-player Pub-Style Head-to-Head machine. Arcade1Up's latest machine is called the Pong 4-Player Pub Table and it’s basically a tall round table you and your friends can gather around to drink and play Atari classics. There are 8 licensed Atari games including Pong, Pong Doubles, Quadra Pong, Pong Sports, Warlords, Circus Atari, Tempest, and Super Breakout Aside from play classic Atari games, the Pong 4-Player Pub Table is a functional piece of furniture. It even has a clear cover top to protect it from accidental spills. It's also now available for preorder at Best Buy. If you’re looking for a more traditional arcade cabinet, Arcade1Up has also announced a new Dragon’s Lair machine. The machine features an HD transfer of all the original arcade games including Dragon’s Lair, Dragon’s Lair II: Time Warp, and Space Ace. This cabinet is an almost perfect replica of the early '80s machine with nearly identical art and the same form factor. Acrade1Up is also rolling out a new X-Men 4 Player Arcade. Similar to the company’s previous 4-player TMNT cabinet, it’s loaded with the 4-player X-Men arcade game from 1992 but with Wi-Fi added so you can play with others both in-person and online. You’ll also find Captain America and The Avengers and The Avengers in Galactic Storm loaded onto this machine. Lastly, there’s a new Killer Instinct made in collaboration between Arcade1Up and Rare. On this machine, you’ll be able to play Killer Instinct and Killer Instinct 2, as well as Battle Toads Arcade. It also features Live Wi-Fi, so you can take on opponents playing from their own Killer Instinct cabinets. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam

From a four-player TMNT cabinet to the sit-down driving experience, Arcade1Up has released a ton of interesting arcade cabinets and now its announcing its first-ever four-player Pub Style Head to Head machine. Arcade1Up latest machine is called the Pong 4-Player Pub Table and it’s basically a tall round table you can your friends can gather around to drink and play Atari classics. There are 8 licensed Atari games including Pong, Pong Doubles, Quadra Pong, Pong Sports, Warlords, Circus Atari, Tempest, and Super Breakout Aside from play classic Atari games, the Pong 4-Player Pub Table is a functional piece of furniture. It even has a clear cover top to protect it from accidental spills. If you’re looking for a more traditional arcade cabinet, Arcade1Up has also announced a new Dragon’s Lair machine. The machine features an HD transfer of the original arcade games including Dragon’s Lair, Dragon’s Lair II: Time Warp, and Space Ace. This cabinet is an almost perfect replica of the early '80s machine with nearly identical art and the same form factor. Acrade1Up is also rolling out a new X-Men 4 Player Arcade. It’s similar to the company’s previous four-layer TMNT cabinet except this time it’s loaded with X-Men 4 Player arcade game from 1992 with the twist of modern Wi-Fi so you can play with others both in-person and online. You’ll also find Captain America and the Avengers and The Avengers in Galactic Storm loaded onto this machine. Lastly, there’s a new Killer Instinct made in collaboration between Arcade1Up and Rare. On this machine you’ll be able to play Killer Instinct and Killer Instinct 2, and as a bonus Battle Toads Arcade. It also features Live Wi-Fi, so you can take on opponents playing from their own Killer Instinct cabinets. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com Kevin Lee is IGN's Hardware and Roundups Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam

Mass Effect Legendary Edition, the remaster collection of the original Bioware RPG trilogy, releases on March 12, 2021, according to a report by Eurogamer.

The release date leak comes courtesy of Singapore retailer Shopitree and Indonesia company GSShop, both of which have posted the March 12 date, which was spotted by Twitter user Idle Sloth.

Eurogamer states that their sources believe the date to be accurate.

Udah ga sabar buat lihat petualangan Commander Shepard menjalani kehidupan baru dalam resolusi super tajam, framerate lebih cepat, dan peningkatan visual yang indah ?

Yuk Pre Order Mass Effect Legendary Edition di Outlet GSSHOP terdekat kamu.. Jangan sampai ketinggalan ya  pic.twitter.com/sCNxsurLFx — GSSHOP (@GSShopID) January 11, 2021

 

Electronic Arts has yet to confirm any official release date for Mass Effect Legendary Edition. The collection will include all single-player base content and DLC from the first three games, with “forward compatibility and targeted enhancements on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.” It will also include all promo weapons, armors, and packs, all in a package that’s remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD, along with improved frame rates. BioWare hasn't shown any gameplay footage from Legendary Edition, but with a March release date, it's possible they'll debut some in the near future.

"Our goal was not to remake or reimagine the original games, but to modernise the experience so that fans and new players can experience the original work in its best possible form," BioWare

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/11/mass-effect-new-installment-announcement-trailer"]

You can pre-order Mass Effect Legendary Edition on PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC right now with our pre-order guide.

BioWare also revealed a new Mass Effect game at December’s Game Awards, teasing a look at an Asari who appears to be Liara T’Soni. BioWare also recently lost two of its most noted members, general manager Casey Hudson and Dragon Age executive producer Mark Darrah. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer/romanceable NPC for IGN.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition, the remaster collection of the original Bioware RPG trilogy, releases on March 12, 2021, according to a report by Eurogamer.

The release date leak comes courtesy of Singapore retailer Shopitree and Indonesia company GSShop, both of which have posted the March 12 date, which was spotted by Twitter user Idle Sloth.

Eurogamer states that their sources believe the date to be accurate.

Udah ga sabar buat lihat petualangan Commander Shepard menjalani kehidupan baru dalam resolusi super tajam, framerate lebih cepat, dan peningkatan visual yang indah ?

Yuk Pre Order Mass Effect Legendary Edition di Outlet GSSHOP terdekat kamu.. Jangan sampai ketinggalan ya  pic.twitter.com/sCNxsurLFx — GSSHOP (@GSShopID) January 11, 2021

 

Electronic Arts has yet to confirm any official release date for Mass Effect Legendary Edition. The collection will include all single-player base content and DLC from the first three games, with “forward compatibility and targeted enhancements on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5.” It will also include all promo weapons, armors, and packs, all in a package that’s remastered and optimized for 4K Ultra HD, along with improved frame rates. BioWare hasn't shown any gameplay footage from Legendary Edition, but with a March release date, it's possible they'll debut some in the near future.

"Our goal was not to remake or reimagine the original games, but to modernise the experience so that fans and new players can experience the original work in its best possible form," BioWare

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/11/mass-effect-new-installment-announcement-trailer"]

You can pre-order Mass Effect Legendary Edition on PS4, Xbox One, PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC right now with our pre-order guide.

BioWare also revealed a new Mass Effect game at December’s Game Awards, teasing a look at an Asari who appears to be Liara T’Soni. BioWare also recently lost two of its most noted members, general manager Casey Hudson and Dragon Age executive producer Mark Darrah. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer/romanceable NPC for IGN.

Longtime smartphone case maker OtterBox is entering the gaming space by partnering with Xbox to launch several products aimed at both console and mobile gamers alike. The primary product is a controller shell for Xbox controllers (there's versions for both the Series X and Xbox One controller) that provides a bit of grip as well as protection against drops (or being smashed in a fit of rage).   Other products include a clip to hold your smartphone while gaming, a heat-dissipating phone case, a controller carrying case, and a smartphone screen-protector that functions as a privacy shield. The Mobile Gaming Clip attaches to Xbox controllers with or without the protective shell, and collapses to a relatively compact size when not in use. Meanwhile, the Gaming Glass Privacy Guard adds protection to your phone screen from both scratches and prying eyes. The privacy glass keeps everything clear for you while looking straight-on, but obscures the screen from anyone looking at an angle. OtterBox's gaming offerings will be available for pre-order on January 25, and should begin shipping in mid-February.

Longtime smartphone case maker OtterBox is entering the gaming space by partnering with Xbox to launch several products aimed at both console and mobile gamers alike. The primary product is a controller shell for Xbox controllers (there's versions for both the Series X and Xbox One controller) that provides a bit of grip as well as protection against drops (or being smashed in a fit of rage).   Other products include a clip to hold your smartphone while gaming, a heat-dissipating phone case, a controller carrying case, and a smartphone screen-protector that functions as a privacy shield. The Mobile Gaming Clip attaches to Xbox controllers with or without the protective shell, and collapses to a relatively compact size when not in use. Meanwhile, the Gaming Glass Privacy Guard adds protection to your phone screen from both scratches and prying eyes. The privacy glass keeps everything clear for you while looking straight-on, but obscures the screen from anyone looking at an angle. OtterBox's gaming offerings will be available for pre-order on January 25, and should begin shipping in mid-February.

Since it rocketed to fame earlier this year, Phasmophobia’s brand of ghost hunting antics has terrified numerous players, in part due to the way the game handles audio. Apart from speaking to friends over crinkly radios, many players believed that your voice played a huge role in making ghosts appear, causing a ghost to hunt you if you taunted it enough.

Turns out that was never true...until now. Phasmophobia developer Kinetic Games announced a new update for the game’s beta build on Monday, which now allows the game’s cast of ghosts to listen for player voices when hunting, spurring them to search the locations where noise originates.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/20/phasmophobia-first-time-ghost-hunting-goes-terribly-wrong"]

“Lots of people thought it was a feature so it has been added,” Kinetic Games tweeted. "This is experimental so please let me know if there are any issues."

Kinetic Games also shared that the new feature is based on how loud a player’s mic is, meaning you can still whisper while a ghost is hunting for your terrified fleshy body.

The new audio feature is sure to throw more boisterous players out of the frying pan and into the fire, and might play a significant role in Phasmophobia’s larger levels where players can put more distance between them and their ghostly target.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=phasmophobia-prison-level-screenshots&captions=true"]

During a January 8th update, Kinetic Games also added new features that make ghosts move to your last known position, meaning you’ll probably have to be a little craftier than hiding around the corner. Phasmophobia’s professional difficulty mode will also no longer tell you if a ghost responds to groups of players or isolated individuals.

Kinetic Games has also recently teased its new prison level, which promises to be one of its biggest ghost hunting grounds. If you’re stuck with a particular ghost, check out IGN’s Phasmophobia wiki for tips and guides.

Since it rocketed to fame earlier this year, Phasmophobia’s brand of ghost hunting antics has terrified numerous players, in part due to the way the game handles audio. Apart from speaking to friends over crinkly radios, many players believed that your voice played a huge role in making ghosts appear, causing a ghost to hunt you if you taunted it enough.

Turns out that was never true...until now. Phasmophobia developer Kinetic Games announced a new update for the game’s beta build on Monday, which now allows the game’s cast of ghosts to listen for player voices when hunting, spurring them to search the locations where noise originates.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/20/phasmophobia-first-time-ghost-hunting-goes-terribly-wrong"]

“Lots of people thought it was a feature so it has been added,” Kinetic Games tweeted. "This is experimental so please let me know if there are any issues."

Kinetic Games also shared that the new feature is based on how loud a player’s mic is, meaning you can still whisper while a ghost is hunting for your terrified fleshy body.

The new audio feature is sure to throw more boisterous players out of the frying pan and into the fire, and might play a significant role in Phasmophobia’s larger levels where players can put more distance between them and their ghostly target.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=phasmophobia-prison-level-screenshots&captions=true"]

During a January 8th update, Kinetic Games also added new features that make ghosts move to your last known position, meaning you’ll probably have to be a little craftier than hiding around the corner. Phasmophobia’s professional difficulty mode will also no longer tell you if a ghost responds to groups of players or isolated individuals.

Kinetic Games has also recently teased its new prison level, which promises to be one of its biggest ghost hunting grounds. If you’re stuck with a particular ghost, check out IGN’s Phasmophobia wiki for tips and guides.

The winners of the Critics' Choice Super Awards have been announced, with Amazon's The Boys coming out on top in the TV series category. The TV adaptation of Garth Ennis' comic book earned four awards in total, including one for the best superhero series, at the Critics Choice Super Awards that aired on The CW on Sunday night. Produced remotely following COVID safety protocols, ceremony hosts Kevin Smith and Dani Fernandez handed out awards that honored the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both television and movies. In the TV series category, Starr was the only actor to take home multiple awards for his work, as he gained recognition as the best actor and best villain for his role in The Boys. His co-star Aya Cash picked up the trophy for best actress in a superhero series. The Mandalorian also dropped an award into its camtono of accolades, as the popular Disney+ series was named best sci-fi/fantasy series on the night. Over on the film side, Hulu and Neon's Palm Springs and Disney+'s Soul led the winners, earning three trophies apiece. Palm Springs won best sci-fi/fantasy movie, best actor in a sci-fi/fantasy movie for Andy Samberg, and best actress in a sci-fi/fantasy movie for Cristin Milioti, while Pixar's Soul won the title for best animated movie. Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey also took home awards for their voice work in the movie. A full list of the Critics' Choice Super Awards winners can be found below... [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/14/pixars-soul-review"]

Film Winners for the Inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards

• Best Action Movie: Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)
• Best Actor in an Action Movie: Delroy Lindo – Da 5 Bloods (Netflix)
• Best Actress in an Action Movie: Betty Gilpin – The Hunt (Universal)
• Best Animated Movie: Soul (Disney+)
• Best Voice Actor in an Animated Movie: Jamie Foxx – Soul (Disney+)
• Best Voice Actress in an Animated Movie: Tina Fey – Soul (Disney+)
• Best Superhero Movie: The Old Guard (Netflix)
• Best Actor in a Superhero Movie: Ewan McGregor – Birds of Prey (Warner Bros.)
• Best Actress in a Superhero Movie: Margot Robbie – Birds of Prey (Warner Bros.)
• Best Horror Movie: The Invisible Man (Universal)
• Best Actor in a Horror Movie: Vince Vaughn – Freaky (Universal)
• Best Actress in a Horror Movie: Elisabeth Moss – The Invisible Man (Universal)
• Best Sci-Fi / Fantasy Movie: Palm Springs (Hulu and NEON)
• Best Actor in a Sci-Fi / Fantasy Movie: Andy Samberg – Palm Springs (Hulu and NEON)
• Best Actress in a Sci-Fi / Fantasy Movie: Cristin Milioti – Palm Springs (Hulu and NEON)
• Best Villain in a Movie: Jim Carrey – Sonic The Hedgehog (Paramount)

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/10/the-boys-season-ending-explained"]

TV Series Winners for the Inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards

• Best Action Series: Vikings (History)
• Best Actor in an Action Series: Daveed Diggs – Snowpiercer (TNT)
• Best Actress in an Action Series: Angela Bassett – 9-1-1 (Fox)
• Best Animated Series: BoJack Horseman (Netflix)
• Best Voice Actor in an Animated Series: Will Arnett – BoJack Horseman (Netflix)
• Best Voice Actress in an Animated Series: Kaley Cuoco – Harley Quinn (HBO Max)
• Best Superhero Series: The Boys (Amazon)
• Best Actor in a Superhero Series: Antony Starr – The Boys (Amazon)
• Best Actress in a Superhero Series: Aya Cash – The Boys (Amazon)
• Best Horror Series: Lovecraft Country (HBO)
• Best Actor in a Horror Series: Jensen Ackles – Supernatural (The CW)
• Best Actress in a Horror Series: Jurnee Smollett – Lovecraft Country (HBO)
• Best Sci-Fi / Fantasy Series: The Mandalorian (Disney+)
• Best Actor in a Sci-Fi / Fantasy Series: Patrick Stewart – Star Trek: Picard (CBS All Access)
• Best Actress in a Sci-Fi / Fantasy Series: Natasia Demetriou – What We Do in the Shadows (FX)
• Best Villain in a Series: Antony Starr – The Boys (Amazon)

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=2021-movies-preview&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.