The director of Rampage, Brad Peyton, has been attached to helm Sniper Elite; an upcoming action thriller based on the series of gory World War 2 video games from developer Rebellion. As reported by Variety, the movie is to be set in London, capital of Rebellion's home turf, England. It will see the game's protagonist, Karl Fairburne, brought to life in live-action. His mission for the movie will be to save Winston Churchill, the British Prime Minister of the era, from a Nazi assassination attempt. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/09/20/sniper-elite-4-first-gameplay-trailer"] According to the Variety report, the Sniper Elite film is looking to distance itself from traditional serious WW2 period movies such as Enemy at the Gates, and land as a kind of Sherlock Holmes-meets-Bourne Identity. Peyton and writer Gary Graham are adding "lightness" to the script, and intend on both Fairburne and his enemy to be seen as "loveable". The movie will also explore a personal relationship between the two snipers, as well as force Fairburne to make a choice between "the fate of the war and confronting his deepest secret." Peyton, who also directed disaster flick San Andreas as well as video game adaptation Rampage, will be joined by producer Jean-Julien Baronnet of Marla Studios, who previously produced the Assassin's Creed movie and Taken. Additionally, Jason Kingsley, the CEO of Rebellion, will also be a producer. “We wanted to twist and tweak the viewers’ expectations as to what they’d get from a movie like this,” Kingsley told Variety. Currently, no studio is attached, but Baronnet said that the aim is to establish a global deal with a Hollywood studio or a streaming platform. For more from the world of video game movie adaptations, check out our reviews of Sonic and Monster Hunter. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer.

IO Interactive has announced Seven Deadly Sins, a multi-part paid-for expansion for Hitman 3. As the title implies, Seven Deadly Sins will be made up of seven new content packs that are themed around the capital vices of greed, lust, gluttony, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. Each one will include a "visually distinct" contract, sin-themed unlockable suit, and at least one sin-themed object that can be used both in the new contract and across all missions in the Hitman trilogy. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/24/hitman-3-seven-deadly-sins-announcement-trailer"] Delivered episodically, Seven Deadly Sins will start with Act 1: Greed, which launches on March 30. This pack features a new Escalation called The Greed Enumeration. Set in Dubai, it's new notable feature is that it will allow players to carry certain special items over from stage to stage of the Escalation. Additionally, players will be able to unlock the golden Rapacious Suit, and make use of the Greedy Little Coin and Devil's Cane items. Pricing has not been announced, but when Seven Deadly Sins launches, players will have two options: to buy each new Season of Sin as it arrives, or buy all seven as part of a season pass for a discounted price. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-hitman-review&captions=true"] IO Interactive notes that the monthly Hitman roadmap, which delivers free content such as Escalations, Featured Contracts, and Elusive Targets, will largely remain in tact. However, the monthly set-up will be adjusted to the new 'Season of Sin' format, which can last anywhere between four and six weeks. When the season concludes, a new Season of Sin will start and the next premium Seven Deadly Sin pack will be launched, along with the expected new dose of free content. IO promises a full content roadmap for Season of Greed will be released in week beginning April 5. For more from Hitman, check out the Hitman 3 March Roadmap, as well as our Hitman 3 review. And if you want to see some of the most talented players in action, be sure to take a look at our Devs React to Hitman 3 speedrunners video. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

IO Interactive has announced Seven Deadly Sins, a multi-part paid-for expansion for Hitman 3. As the title implies, Seven Deadly Sins will be made up of seven new content packs that are themed around the capital vices of greed, lust, gluttony, sloth, wrath, envy, and pride. Each one will include a "visually distinct" contract, sin-themed unlockable suit, and at least one sin-themed object that can be used both in the new contract and across all missions in the Hitman trilogy. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/24/hitman-3-seven-deadly-sins-announcement-trailer"] Delivered episodically, Seven Deadly Sins will start with Act 1: Greed, which launches on March 30. This pack features a new Escalation called The Greed Enumeration. Set in Dubai, it's new notable feature is that it will allow players to carry certain special items over from stage to stage of the Escalation. Additionally, players will be able to unlock the golden Rapacious Suit, and make use of the Greedy Little Coin and Devil's Cane items. Pricing has not been announced, but when Seven Deadly Sins launches, players will have two options: to buy each new Season of Sin as it arrives, or buy all seven as part of a season pass for a discounted price. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-hitman-review&captions=true"] IO Interactive notes that the monthly Hitman roadmap, which delivers free content such as Escalations, Featured Contracts, and Elusive Targets, will largely remain in tact. However, the monthly set-up will be adjusted to the new 'Season of Sin' format, which can last anywhere between four and six weeks. When the season concludes, a new Season of Sin will start and the next premium Seven Deadly Sin pack will be launched, along with the expected new dose of free content. IO promises a full content roadmap for Season of Greed will be released in week beginning April 5. For more from Hitman, check out the Hitman 3 March Roadmap, as well as our Hitman 3 review. And if you want to see some of the most talented players in action, be sure to take a look at our Devs React to Hitman 3 speedrunners video. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

PUBG Mobile has just surpassed a frankly enormous 1 billion downloads worldwide. The news was revealed by the official PUBG Mobile account on Twitter. A commemorative video has been released alongside the news, thanking players for their continuous support.

Players, it's our turn to level up! PUBG MOBILE just hit 1 billion downloads worldwide! Stay tuned for an awesome new update #pubgm1Billion pic.twitter.com/0XotZfblqM

— PUBG MOBILE (@PUBGMOBILE) March 22, 2021

Krafton and PUBG Studio CEO C.H. Kim delivered a special message to fans to mark the occasion, which also happens to be the third anniversary of the game's launch in March of 2018. Kim told fans to "stay tuned as PUBG Mobile continues to evolve." It's not clear how the game will coexist with PUBG: New State, the sequel to PUBG Mobile set in 2051, with futuristic equipment to utilise. The new game will add in-game weapon customization, drones, a combat roll ability, destructible windows, interactable objects, futuristic ballistic shields, and new environments to explore, including a defunct shopping mall. PUBG Mobile recently introduced a number of music-based abilities as part of the Hundred Rhythms update, which sees players using musical armbands to commit abilities and thwart foes. Back in November of 2020, a special version of the game was reintroduced to India after the game was banned in the country. If you're just digging into the new content, here's a video covering everything you need to know about PUBG Mobile's Season 18. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

PUBG Mobile has just surpassed a frankly enormous 1 billion downloads worldwide. The news was revealed by the official PUBG Mobile account on Twitter. A commemorative video has been released alongside the news, thanking players for their continuous support.

Players, it's our turn to level up! PUBG MOBILE just hit 1 billion downloads worldwide! Stay tuned for an awesome new update #pubgm1Billion pic.twitter.com/0XotZfblqM

— PUBG MOBILE (@PUBGMOBILE) March 22, 2021

Krafton and PUBG Studio CEO C.H. Kim delivered a special message to fans to mark the occasion, which also happens to be the third anniversary of the game's launch in March of 2018. Kim told fans to "stay tuned as PUBG Mobile continues to evolve." It's not clear how the game will coexist with PUBG: New State, the sequel to PUBG Mobile set in 2051, with futuristic equipment to utilise. The new game will add in-game weapon customization, drones, a combat roll ability, destructible windows, interactable objects, futuristic ballistic shields, and new environments to explore, including a defunct shopping mall. PUBG Mobile recently introduced a number of music-based abilities as part of the Hundred Rhythms update, which sees players using musical armbands to commit abilities and thwart foes. Back in November of 2020, a special version of the game was reintroduced to India after the game was banned in the country. If you're just digging into the new content, here's a video covering everything you need to know about PUBG Mobile's Season 18. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Michael Keaton has indicated that he hasn't yet committed to reprising his Batman role for The Flash because of his busy schedule and concerns over the current COVID situation in the UK. In an interview with Deadline, Keaton appeared to cast some doubt over whether he would be suiting up to play Batman in the upcoming DC superhero film, opposite Ezra Miller's Barry Allen. The actor acknowledged that he is "fortunate and blessed" to be busy with work at the moment, though he also cited his packed schedule and COVID concerns as two major considerations for taking on new projects. "I am needing a minute to think about it because I'm so fortunate and blessed, I got so much going on now," Keaton explained. "I'm really into work right now. I don't know why, but I am, and so, yeah, I mean, you know, to tell you the truth, somewhere on my iPad is an iteration of the whole Flash thing that I haven't had time yet. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/12/the-flash-movie-features-lots-of-superheroes-and-will-restart-the-dceu-dc-fandome"] "I called them and said, I have to be honest with you. I can't look at anything right now. I'm so deep into this thing I'm doing. Also, I’m prepping a thing I’m producing and getting ready to do down the road in the fall that I'll be in, and I feel responsible to that. So, yeah, there is that. I'm not being cute or coy. If I talked about it, I'll be just bulls***ting you. I don't really know. I have to look at the last draft." Beyond scheduling, Keaton raised concerns about the ongoing COVID situation, especially in the UK where The Flash is filming. The actor admitted that COVID had become one of his greatest worries when deciding whether to take on new projects, and that he regularly monitors the ever-changing to situation to help him determine whether it's safe for him to accept the work. "I keep my eye more on the Covid situation in the UK than anything," Keaton said. "That will determine everything, and so that's why I'm living outside the city here on 17 acres, staying away from everybody, because the Covid thing has got me really concerned. So, that's my first thing about all projects. I look at it and go, is this thing going to kill me, literally? And you know, if it doesn't, then we talk." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-flash-movies-possible-dceu-cameos&captions=true"] With Ben Affleck's Batman already confirmed to have a "very substantial part" in The Flash, Keaton previously joked that all "127" previous "Batmen" will be making an appearance in the movie, which is expected to deal with the DC multiverse and offer its own take on the iconic Flashpoint storyline that inspired elements of The Flash TV series and 2013's Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Michael Keaton has indicated that he hasn't yet committed to reprising his Batman role for The Flash because of his busy schedule and concerns over the current COVID situation in the UK. In an interview with Deadline, Keaton appeared to cast some doubt over whether he would be suiting up to play Batman in the upcoming DC superhero film, opposite Ezra Miller's Barry Allen. The actor acknowledged that he is "fortunate and blessed" to be busy with work at the moment, though he also cited his packed schedule and COVID concerns as two major considerations for taking on new projects. "I am needing a minute to think about it because I'm so fortunate and blessed, I got so much going on now," Keaton explained. "I'm really into work right now. I don't know why, but I am, and so, yeah, I mean, you know, to tell you the truth, somewhere on my iPad is an iteration of the whole Flash thing that I haven't had time yet. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/12/the-flash-movie-features-lots-of-superheroes-and-will-restart-the-dceu-dc-fandome"] "I called them and said, I have to be honest with you. I can't look at anything right now. I'm so deep into this thing I'm doing. Also, I’m prepping a thing I’m producing and getting ready to do down the road in the fall that I'll be in, and I feel responsible to that. So, yeah, there is that. I'm not being cute or coy. If I talked about it, I'll be just bulls***ting you. I don't really know. I have to look at the last draft." Beyond scheduling, Keaton raised concerns about the ongoing COVID situation, especially in the UK where The Flash is filming. The actor admitted that COVID had become one of his greatest worries when deciding whether to take on new projects, and that he regularly monitors the ever-changing to situation to help him determine whether it's safe for him to accept the work. "I keep my eye more on the Covid situation in the UK than anything," Keaton said. "That will determine everything, and so that's why I'm living outside the city here on 17 acres, staying away from everybody, because the Covid thing has got me really concerned. So, that's my first thing about all projects. I look at it and go, is this thing going to kill me, literally? And you know, if it doesn't, then we talk." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-flash-movies-possible-dceu-cameos&captions=true"] With Ben Affleck's Batman already confirmed to have a "very substantial part" in The Flash, Keaton previously joked that all "127" previous "Batmen" will be making an appearance in the movie, which is expected to deal with the DC multiverse and offer its own take on the iconic Flashpoint storyline that inspired elements of The Flash TV series and 2013's Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Despite Nintendo's plan to remove Super Mario 3D All-Stars from Nintendo Switch's eShop and to cease production of physical copies on March 31, the company has confirmed that retail download codes will still be valid past that date. As reported by VGC, Nintendo's Japan HQ confirmed that these codes will be redeemable "after April," and it would be safe to assume this would be the same for Western markets as well. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/16/super-mario-3d-all-stars-analysis"] It's a small bit of good news for those who have yet to purchase Super Mario 3D All-Stars, but those interested shouldn't waste time picking up the game if they wish to as March 31 is only seven days away. Super Mario 3D All-Stars' release was part of the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. on the NES. When the Mario party ends on March 31 - the day the internet has dubbed "The Day Mario Dies" - Super Mario 3D All-Stars will be gone alongside the battle royale-esque Super Mario Bros. 35., the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. device, and themed merchandise. If you've been waiting to purchase this collection that includes Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy, Nintendo has supported it with updates like adding inverted camera controls and GameCube controller support for Super Mario Sunshine. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/22/is-march-31-the-day-mario-dies-ign-now"] For more on Super Mario 3D All-Stars, check out our full analysis to see how some of the best Mario games of all time perform on the Nintendo Switch. [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.

Despite Nintendo's plan to remove Super Mario 3D All-Stars from Nintendo Switch's eShop and to cease production of physical copies on March 31, the company has confirmed that retail download codes will still be valid past that date. As reported by VGC, Nintendo's Japan HQ confirmed that these codes will be redeemable "after April," and it would be safe to assume this would be the same for Western markets as well. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/16/super-mario-3d-all-stars-analysis"] It's a small bit of good news for those who have yet to purchase Super Mario 3D All-Stars, but those interested shouldn't waste time picking up the game if they wish to as March 31 is only seven days away. Super Mario 3D All-Stars' release was part of the celebration of the 35th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. on the NES. When the Mario party ends on March 31 - the day the internet has dubbed "The Day Mario Dies" - Super Mario 3D All-Stars will be gone alongside the battle royale-esque Super Mario Bros. 35., the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. device, and themed merchandise. If you've been waiting to purchase this collection that includes Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy, Nintendo has supported it with updates like adding inverted camera controls and GameCube controller support for Super Mario Sunshine. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/22/is-march-31-the-day-mario-dies-ign-now"] For more on Super Mario 3D All-Stars, check out our full analysis to see how some of the best Mario games of all time perform on the Nintendo Switch. [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.

Sony has patented the ability to add trophies to older, emulated games, potentially allowing the rewards to be added to titles that pre-date the Trophy system. The patent was published on March 18 and spotted by the Bartman013 on the GamingLeaksAndRumours subreddit. The patent is described as a "Method and apparatus for awarding trophies," and describes how an emulated game could still trigger trophies "by comparing a memory value of the emulated game to a predetermined value and assigning the one or more trophies to the user based on the detected trophy trigger." The patent's description talks about how the technology will allow Sony to award trophies in "previously released or sold video games, without modifying the original game." Essentially, this could allow for older titles to be retrofitted with trophies, so players can earn them in games that pre-date the feature, which was introduced with the PlayStation 3. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/11/06/playstation-5-review"] It also mentions how the system would perform validity checks on the code of older games to determine if criteria has been met to award players with trophies, by tracking disk access in-game and monitoring strings and frames. It also mentions Cloud computing, suggesting this technology could interface with the PlayStation Now service. One of the most interesting parts of the patent is a section which talks about physical rewards. In describing the trophy awarding process, the patent says the following: "This may be done by transmitting an electronic trophy or sending a notification that a physical award, such as a T-shirt, accessory or other physical merchandise, has been earned by the player." This isn't the first time Sony has produced a patent for this kind of thing - as far back as 2013, we saw patents that could add Trophies to PS1 and PS2 games, although those were specifically for disk-based games. Given that that tech never emerged, it may be that this new filing is simply an update to that original idea. As always, patents don't necessarily mean a feature is on the way, but do offer us a glimpse at what companies are considering behind the scenes. In and of itself, the mention of PlayStation game emulation will be of interest to many, after unconfirmed rumours suggested that the PS3, Vita and PSP stores could be permanently closed in a few months, potentially cutting off access to many older games. In other PlayStation news, Sony recently acquired the Evolution Champion Series, the world's largest fighting game tournament. We also learned that Assassin's Creed creator Jade Raymond will be making a new game for PlayStation, and got a first look at PSVR 2's brand-new controllers. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.