Disney has shared its slate of upcoming shows coming to Hulu and Disney+ in April, and one of the new additions is Genndy Tartakovsky's animated Clone Wars series. On April 2, Star Wars: Clone Wars Volume I and II will arrive on Disney+ along with Star Warks: Ewoks seasons 1 and 2 and Ewoks: The Battle for Endor. Tartakovsky is best known as the creator of the Samurai Jack animated series. Star Wars: Clone Wars premiered on Cartoon Network in 2003. The series is set between Star Wars Episode 2: Attack of the Clones and Episode 3: Revenge of the Sith and introduces characters like General Grievous who would go on to appear in the live-action movie. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-upcoming-star-wars-movie&captions=true"] Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi lead the cast of characters, but Tartakovsky managed to get most of the main characters in his series, which lasted for three seasons. Each episode was about three minutes each and showcased small story snippets that build up into a whole. The third season featured extended runtimes with episodes lasting as long as 12 minutes. Clone Wars, like Tartakovsky's other animated work, was critically acclaimed and won several Emmy Awards for best animated program. The distinct, 2D art style was a new take for the Star Wars universe, and some say Star Wars should revisit the style again for future shows. Me, I'm saying that. Tartakovsky has since kept himself busy with new animated shows like Primal, a new season of Samurai Jack, and feature films like Hotel Transylvania. As for Star Wars, the newest season of The Mandalorian wrapped on Disney Plus earlier this year. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor.

Update: In the wake of news of layoffs at Activision-Blizzard affecting between 50 and 190 employees, it’s being reported that Activision-Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick could be set to pocket a payout of up to US$200 million based on a stock-related incentive clause in his employment contract. According to Kotaku, union-sponsored pension fund advocacy organization CtW Investment Group has claimed Activision’s currently soaring stock price – which has climbed throughout the pandemic – will see Kotick benefit from the “Shareholder Value Creative Incentive clause” of Kotick’s 2016 employment agreement. This payout would allow Kotick to collect incentive bonuses he missed in previous years. CtW Investment Group alleges this windfall could total up to US$200 million. According to the firm’s website, CtW Investment Group seeks to hold “directors accountable for irresponsible and unethical corporate behavior and excessive executive pay.” IGN has contacted Activision-Blizzard for comment. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Activision-Blizzard has reportedly laid off nearly 190 employees, including 50 employees from the company's esports division. Bloomberg reports that the layoffs affected less than 2% of the company's employees — two percent translates roughly to 190 employees. Fifty of those employees worked in Activision's esports division. U.S. workers laid off will receive a minimum of 90 days of severance and health benefits for up to a year, according to Bloomberg, and each employee laid off was given $200 in gift cards to Battle.net, which is the company's online video game storefront. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/02/26/activision-ea-ceos-found-to-be-among-most-overpaid-in-us"] Sports Business Journal reports that Activision executive, Tony Petitti, said the 50 esports-specific layoffs are a result of the company's attempt at reinventing its esports division amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. Petitti told SBJ that the company is planning for a future where Activision's esports look different and are "less dependent on live events." Activision said the employees laid off will receive "proper severance packages," according to SBJ, and that despite the company's shift in its esports focus, which heavily centers on the Overwatch League and the Call of Duty League, it doesn't plan to move away completely from live events. Both the Overwatch League and the Call of Duty League shifted from live in-person events to online-only events during the past year and SBJ reports that it's possible Activision could continue down this route for future events. Petitti said the layoffs are partly because of a need to reduce costs and another part a means to free up resources to reallocate to other areas of the company, but it's important to note that he was speaking to SBJ about the 50 esports layoffs — Pettiti didn't speak to SBJ about the other layoffs Bloomberg reported as having happened. He said the company "learned a lot last year in terms of how the leagues can be structured for online play" and that it will "look to carry forward the best practices from that." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/02/12/activision-blizzard-begins-laying-off-workers"] "In terms of timing, it's a reaction to the realities of how the leagues are playing and what resources we need to allocate to best serve the league, owners, teams, and fans," Petitti said. An Activision spokesperson told Bloomberg that "players are increasingly choosing to connect with our games digitally and the e-sports team, much like traditional sports, entertainment, and broadcasting industries, has had to adapt its business due to the impact the pandemic has had on live events." This is the company's second large round of layoffs in the past few years. Activision-Blizzard laid off nearly 800 employees back in March of 2019, including 209 employees from Blizzard. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes. 

MoviePass may be making a return. A new website with the MoviePass name features a countdown timer with a cryptic message: "The movie is about to start." Notably, the countdown is featured on the website MoviePass.ventures and not the official MoviePass website. As of this writing, MoviePass.com still features a letter from the company's former CEO Mitch Lowe explaining details on the service's disruption in 2019. However, this mysterious countdown reads 5 days and 18 hours, signaling that whatever MoviePass has in store, if anything, will be revealed in the morning on Monday, March 22. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/08/01/moviepass-was-dead-the-whole-time] The countdown has appeared at a time when lockdowns have begun to ease across the United States as COVID-19 vaccinations become available to the public. This month, movie theaters were allowed to reopen in both New York City and Los Angeles at limited capacity. Were MoviePass to relaunch, the company would be doing so at a particularly unique time for filmgoing. MoviePass was originally launched in 2014, offering subscribers unlimited movie tickets at a price that could range anywhere from $7 to $50 in monthly fees based on one's location. However, the company decided to rebrand drastically after being acquired by analytics firm Helios and Matheson in August 2017, shifting its model to a nationwide price of $9.95/month. The decision proved less than sustainable. While subscriber numbers initially skyrocketed, MoviePass later began to implement methods to curb its unlimited access, price-surging popular releases and timeslots, limiting its daily selection of films and even changing some users' passwords to prevent them from accessing their account. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=2021-movies-preview&captions=true"] MoviePass officially shut down its services in September 2019. However, the service's popularity prompted theater chains like AMC and Cinemark to launch their own subscription-based programs. When the service shut down, MoviePass suggested it would be "continuing its efforts to seek financing to fund its operations." While that promise might be fulfilled by whatever is at the end of this countdown, the fact that it isn't on MoviePass' official website suggests it might be best to not get too excited at the moment. [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer. The summer of MoviePass was his Woodstock. (Photo by Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images)

A Microsoft spokesperson has told IGN that VR is not coming to the Xbox Series X|S at this time after it was reported the Xbox console referred to a VR peripheral. IGN Italy reported that while testing the new Xbox Wireless Headset a prompt appeared on their Xbox Series X system saying their "VR Headset" needs an update. This suggests the Xbox Series X supports VR peripherals in some capacity. However, a Microsoft Spokesperson says this is not the case. In a statement to IGN, the company says, "The copy in this error message is inaccurate due to a localization bug. VR for console is not a focus for us at this time." [caption id="attachment_2487185" align="alignnone" width="906"] Source: Giovanni Marrelli, IGN Italy[/caption] Microsoft has been asked in the past whether it will bring VR to the Xbox, but the company has been cool on the idea. Ahead of the Xbox Series X reveal in 2019, Phil Spencer said that VR is not part of its next-gen plans because "nobody's asking for it." Compare this with PlayStation which has been an early adopter of console VR, and fairly successful with its venture to boot. The company recently announced a new VR headset for the PlayStation 5. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=xbox-wireless-headset-review&captions=true"] Meanwhile, Microsoft isn't completely out of the VR game though most, if not all, of its efforts, are entirely on the PC side of things. Windows mixed reality platform works with VR games, and the HoloLens AR headset recently revealed a Pokemon demo created in partnership with Niantic using the Microsoft Mesh mixed reality platform. So at this time at least, Microsoft seems content keeping AR/VR on PC while focusing on other ventures for its Xbox Series X hardware. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor

Rian Johnson is back on the case. Peacock announced Tuesday that the filmmaker will serve as creator, writer, and director on the streaming service's mystery series Poker Face. Natasha Lyonne is attached to star and executive produce. The streamer has ordered 10 episodes. "I'm very excited to dig into the type of fun, character-driven, case-of-the-week mystery goodness I grew up watching. It's my happy place," Johnson said in a statement. "Having Natasha as a partner in crime is a dream, and we've found the perfect home at Peacock." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/09/10/knives-out-review"] With Poker Face, Johnson is officially doing a double-dip into the mystery genre. The director is also currently developing a sequel to his 2019 whodunit Knives Out, with Daniel Craig likely to reprise his role as Detective Benoit Blanc. Additionally, Johnson reportedly confirmed last month that his original Star Wars trilogy is still in the works, which would bring The Last Jedi director back to that galaxy far, far away. No official dates have been announced yet for the project. Johnson is also no stranger to the television landscape. Though Poker Face will be his first foray into writing a television series, he has previously directed episodes of Breaking Bad and Terriers. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=hidden-gems-to-watch-on-peacock&captions=true"] Lyonne is best known for her recent work as the star and co-creator of Netflix's time loop comedy series Russian Doll, which recently entered production on Season 2. NBCUniversal launched Peacock last July. In our review, IGN gave Peacock a 6, calling it a "solid streaming service [with] glaring features missing that most platforms have had for years." [poilib element="accentDivider"] J. Kim Murphy is a freelance entertainment writer. (Photo by Christopher Jue/Getty Images)

Marvel Comics is kicking off a new limited series in June 2021 called The United States of captain America. And with June being Pride Month, it's only fitting that comic will introduce readers to the first LGBTQ+ character to take up the Captain America mantle. Written by Christopher Cantwell (Doctor Doom) and drawn by Dale Eaglesham (Fantastic Four), The United States of Captain America focuses on four heroes who have served as Cap at one point or another - Steve Rogers, Sam Wilson, Bucky Barnes and John Walker. The four heroes will embark on a cross-country journey to track down Steve's missing shield. Along the way, they'll meet a number of ordinary Americans who have been inspired by Cap's example to help their communities. That's where new hero Aaron Fischer comes in. [caption id="attachment_2486963" align="aligncenter" width="2054"] Art by Nick Robles. (Image Credit: Marvel)[/caption] Aaron will debut in issue #1's main story and also star in a backup feature written by Aaron Trujillo (Dodge City) and drawn by Jan Bazaldua (X-Force), both of whom also created the character. As an openly gay man and the self-proclaimed "Captain America of the Railways," Aaron has made it his mission to protect runaways and the homeless, even if he doesn't exactly have the powers or resources of Steve Rogers. “Aaron is inspired by heroes of the queer community: activists, leaders, and everyday folks pushing for a better life,” Trujillo said in Marvel's press release. “He stands for the oppressed, and the forgotten. I hope his debut story resonates with readers, and helps inspire the next generation of heroes.” “I want to thank Editor Alanna Smith and Joshua Trujillo very much for asking me to create Aaron,” Bazaldua said. “I really enjoyed designing him, and as a transgender person, I am happy to be able to present an openly gay person who admires Captain America and fights against evil to help those who are almost invisible to society. While I was drawing him, I thought, well, Cap fights against super-powerful beings and saves the world almost always, but Aaron helps those who walk alone in the street with problems that they face every day. I hope people like the end result!” [caption id="attachment_2486962" align="aligncenter" width="2733"] Art by Jan Bazaldua. (Image Credit: Marvel)[/caption] Future issues of The United States of Captain America will continue to include backup stories from different creative teams that flesh out new heroes introduced in the main story. Look for issue #1 to be released digitally and in print on June 2. In other recent comic book news, IGN learned how Black Adam will transform the Justice League in DC's Infinite Frontier, and Marvel is teasing the start of a major new X-Men event in June's Planet-Size X #1. Check out the video below to learn more about what Marvel has planned in 2021: [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/01/04/what-to-expect-from-marvel-in-2021"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

The motion controls for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD on Switch will be "smoother" and "more intuitive" than they were in the original Wii version, according to Nintendo. Nintendo posted the claim on Twitter alongside a video demonstration of the motion controls in action, which shows the right Joy-Con being used to slash Link's sword and the left to raise his shield. As previously announced, the motion controls will be optional in the upcoming Switch version, as Nintendo has added a new button-only controller scheme. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-hd-screenshots&captions=true"] The implementation of mandatory motion controls in the original Wii version of Skyward Sword has long been divisive among Zelda fans. IGN's Skyward Sword review called the controls "a revelation," praising their "responsiveness and intuitiveness," while others were less impressed, often citing unresponsiveness, inaccuracy, or a general contempt for motion controls. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD will be released for Switch on July 16 alongside new special edition Joy-Cons designed to resemble the Hylian Shield and Master Sword. Elsewhere in the kingdom of Hyrule, Breath of the Wild 2 director Eiji Aounuma said fans can expect "new information" on the highly anticipated sequel later this year. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/17/the-legend-of-zelda-skyward-sword-hd-nintendo-switch-announcement-trailer"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan is a freelance writer for IGN.

This week in Red Dead Online, claim the Outlaw Pass No. 5, take advantage of the new Wheeler, Rawson, and Co. Club, and much more.

Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train has been set for a North American theatrical release on April 23. Aniplex of America and Funimation have revealed distribution plans for Demon Slayer: Mugen Train in North America. The action-packed anime will be arriving in theaters in the US and Canada on April 23. Audiences will have the opportunity to watch the movie in 4DX and on IMAX screens, and the feature will also be available in both English dub as well as subtitled. Tickets will go on sale from April 9. There's no word yet on any potential distribution plans for Demon Slayer: Mugen Train in other territories, however, the movie will be made available on digital video storefronts such as Apple TV, Microsoft Store, Vudu, Google Play, PlayStation Store, and Amazon on June 22. Pre-orders will begin on April 26 on Apple TV, Microsoft Store, and PlayStation Store. [caption id="attachment_2486923" align="alignnone" width="720"] Image credit: Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable[/caption] Set after the events of the 2019 anime series Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train picks up with Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, and Inosuke as they embark on a new mission. Together with one of the most powerful swordsmen of the Demon Slayer Corps, Flame Hashira Kyojuro Rengoku, they investigate the mysterious disappearance of over 40 people aboard the Mugen Train. "We are thrilled to be bringing Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train to theaters in North America," said Shu Nishimoto, president of Aniplex of America. "The support from fans worldwide has truly been the driving force behind the series, and we can't wait for everyone to experience the next chapter in Tanjiro's journey as a Demon Slayer." "Demon Slayer's record-breaking box office sales in Japan have elevated the series—and anime itself— to a new level," added Colin Decker, CEO of Funimation Global Group, in his statement accompanying the announcement. "It is a truly global-scale franchise, and we're honored to be the home and distributor of the film in many territories worldwide." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/26/demon-slayer-kimetsu-no-yaiba-official-trailer-english-dub"] Directed by Haruo Sotozaki from a story by Koyoharu Gotoge, Demon Slayer: Mugen Train broke multiple records when it opened in Japan on October 16, 2020. It became the fastest movie to achieve over $100 million at the Japanese box office, having reached that figure after only 10 days in theaters. It also set the record for the highest-grossing IMAX release in Japan. Demon Slayer: Mugen Train currently stands as the highest-grossing anime and Japanese movie of all time, having grossed an estimated $368M in Japan. The R-rated anime adventure managed to surpass Studio Ghibli's Spirited Away to earn the coveted ranking. It's also enjoyed further success in Australia and New Zealand, where it opened at No. 1 last month. The movie is a direct sequel to the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba anime series directed by Haruo Sotozaki and produced by Ufotable. The series tells the thrilling tale of a young man in search of a cure for his sister, who has been turned into a demon after their family was viciously slaughtered by demons. It won Anime of the Year at Crunchyroll's fourth annual anime awards last year. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=top-10-most-anticipated-anime-of-2021&captions=true"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

It's a big month for Xbox Game Pass additions for a number of reasons -- one of which is that Xbox RPG fans without Nintendo Switch systems can finally play Octopath Traveler. Xbox announced today that Octopath Traveler would be joining Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC (sadly not Cloud) starting March 25, having previously only been available on Nintendo Switch at launch, then on PC and Google Stadia in subsequent years. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/07/12/octopath-traveler-review"] Octopath Traveler first launched in 2018, and follows the story of eight adventurers with eight distinctive stories, who ultimately come together to stop the threats faced by their world of Orsterra. We awarded the game a 9.3 in our review at launch due to its beautiful style and excellent take on turn-based combat. It has since spawned a mobile prequel (though it's only out in Japan so far) and a new console game in the series is said to be in the works as well. It's a big month for new Game Pass titles, with Octopath Traveler joining games like Outriders, Undertale, Nier Automata, Star Wars: Squadrons, and Yakuza 6: Song of Life on the service in the coming few weeks. A few games are on their way out as well, including Hyperdot, Journey to the Savage Planet, and Machinarium. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Rebekah Valentine is a news reporter for IGN. You can find her on Twitter @duckvalentine.