Monthly Archives: October 2021
Andy Serkis Is Congratulating PlayStation Players for Earning a Platinum Trophy… But No One Knows Which One
A new unlisted video on PlayStation Europe's YouTube account sees Venom: Let There Be Carnage's director Andy Serkis congratulating players for earning a Platinum Trophy for... something?
This YouTube video (watch it here!), which was first posted on October 7, was spotted by AuthenticM on ResetERA and looks to be some sort of tie-in with Venom: Let There Be Carnage. However, there is no game based on the sequel to 2018's Venom and the video only features footage from the film and mentions no PlayStation game.
"Hi there, It's Andy Serkis, director of Venom: Let There Be Carnage," Serkis says. "Congratulations on earning your Platinum Trophy. That's quite an achievement. Well done."
It's important to note that Sony distributed Venom: Let There Be Carnage, so having some connection to the PlayStation 5 would make sense, it's just unclear what this could be for.
For those unaware, a Platinum Trophy is the final trophy to earn when going through a game's list of challenges. Achieving this trophy means you've essentially completed all the challenges the developers have intended you to conquer.
We know that Venom will be a part of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, but that game isn't due to arrive until 2023. Could it be something for Marvel's Spider-Man or Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales? As of this writing, it's anybody's guess.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage was released in theaters on October 1, 2021. In our review, we said, "Venom: Let There Be Carnage improves on everything from the first movie, leaning into its own absurdity. While it plays it a little safe, it still points the series in an exciting direction."
For more, check out the biggest WTF questions we have after watching the film, our explainer of the ending and end credits scene, and how that end credits scene was "100% in flux" during development.
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.
Andy Serkis Is Congratulating PlayStation Players for Earning a Platinum Trophy… But No One Knows Which One
A new unlisted video on PlayStation Europe's YouTube account sees Venom: Let There Be Carnage's director Andy Serkis congratulating players for earning a Platinum Trophy for... something?
This YouTube video (watch it here!), which was first posted on October 7, was spotted by AuthenticM on ResetERA and looks to be some sort of tie-in with Venom: Let There Be Carnage. However, there is no game based on the sequel to 2018's Venom and the video only features footage from the film and mentions no PlayStation game.
"Hi there, It's Andy Serkis, director of Venom: Let There Be Carnage," Serkis says. "Congratulations on earning your Platinum Trophy. That's quite an achievement. Well done."
It's important to note that Sony distributed Venom: Let There Be Carnage, so having some connection to the PlayStation 5 would make sense, it's just unclear what this could be for.
For those unaware, a Platinum Trophy is the final trophy to earn when going through a game's list of challenges. Achieving this trophy means you've essentially completed all the challenges the developers have intended you to conquer.
We know that Venom will be a part of Marvel's Spider-Man 2, but that game isn't due to arrive until 2023. Could it be something for Marvel's Spider-Man or Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales? As of this writing, it's anybody's guess.
Venom: Let There Be Carnage was released in theaters on October 1, 2021. In our review, we said, "Venom: Let There Be Carnage improves on everything from the first movie, leaning into its own absurdity. While it plays it a little safe, it still points the series in an exciting direction."
For more, check out the biggest WTF questions we have after watching the film, our explainer of the ending and end credits scene, and how that end credits scene was "100% in flux" during development.
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.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Lets You Prank Call Amanda Waller In Real-Life
We’re days away from another Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League preview at DC FanDome, but it looks like Rocksteady is starting up a good old-fashioned ARG ahead of time.
The official Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Twitter account shared the phone number (310) 564-7047. Don’t worry, IGN tested it out and you won’t be dialing some poor random person’s number like what happened during Squid Game.
Instead, you’ll receive an automated message from Amanda Waller yelling at Harley Quinn for making prank calls instead of focusing on the mission. Here’s a full transcript of the “call” below.
“I know this is you, Harley. I have given you weapons, resources, and full sign-off to execute the Justice League and you’re here spending my time on prank calls? Stop screwing around and take the targets down. Now!”
Oh, and definitely DON'T text this number (You will receive a text inviting you to opt-in for updates. Standard message & data rates may apply.)
— Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League (@suicidesquadRS) October 12, 2021
What’s more, if you text the number you’ll receive a text from Amanda Waller asking if you have A.R.G.U.S. clearance. If not, you’ll be sent a link where you can opt-in for updates from Rocksteady.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is an upcoming action-adventure, open-world shooter starring the Suicide Squad. Unlike Rocksteady’s previous Batman: Arkham DC games, Suicide Squad features a four-player co-op where players can take over either Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark.
The other three members of the Squad can be controlled either by other players, or AI if you want to experience the game solo.
A Rocksteady Suicide Squad game was rumored for years before officially being revealed at DC FanDome in 2020. DC FanDome is promising another look this weekend along with new trailers for upcoming movies like The Batman, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and more.
Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Lets You Prank Call Amanda Waller In Real-Life
We’re days away from another Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League preview at DC FanDome, but it looks like Rocksteady is starting up a good old-fashioned ARG ahead of time.
The official Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League Twitter account shared the phone number (310) 564-7047. Don’t worry, IGN tested it out and you won’t be dialing some poor random person’s number like what happened during Squid Game.
Instead, you’ll receive an automated message from Amanda Waller yelling at Harley Quinn for making prank calls instead of focusing on the mission. Here’s a full transcript of the “call” below.
“I know this is you, Harley. I have given you weapons, resources, and full sign-off to execute the Justice League and you’re here spending my time on prank calls? Stop screwing around and take the targets down. Now!”
Oh, and definitely DON'T text this number (You will receive a text inviting you to opt-in for updates. Standard message & data rates may apply.)
— Suicide Squad: Kill The Justice League (@suicidesquadRS) October 12, 2021
What’s more, if you text the number you’ll receive a text from Amanda Waller asking if you have A.R.G.U.S. clearance. If not, you’ll be sent a link where you can opt-in for updates from Rocksteady.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is an upcoming action-adventure, open-world shooter starring the Suicide Squad. Unlike Rocksteady’s previous Batman: Arkham DC games, Suicide Squad features a four-player co-op where players can take over either Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark.
The other three members of the Squad can be controlled either by other players, or AI if you want to experience the game solo.
A Rocksteady Suicide Squad game was rumored for years before officially being revealed at DC FanDome in 2020. DC FanDome is promising another look this weekend along with new trailers for upcoming movies like The Batman, Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and more.
Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.
Apple Announces Its Second Fall Hardware Event
Apple has announced its second hardware event of the year for Fall 2021.
As noted in the invitations sent out today, Apple's next hardware event will air on October 18. While Apple did not give out any hints as to what will be announced at this event, many anticipated the company's second hardware event, and the invites and teaser video feature the word "Unleashed."
Rumors imply that Apple may use this event to announce new MacBook models, in particular, new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
Unleashed! These next six days are going to speed by. #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/0ops2bVPvl
— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) October 12, 2021
The company announced a new MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro last year during its "One More Thing," event last year, where both laptops included the company's in-house M1 chips. Other rumored products expected to appear include a model refresh of the higher-end Mac Mini, in addition to a third-generation of AirPods.
Apple held its first fall hardware event last month, where the main spotlight focused on the iPhone 13 line which consists of the iPhone 13 Mini, 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max smartphones. The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max were the first iOS devices to include a 120hz refresh rate. the company also announced the Apple Watch Series 7 and new models for its base iPad and iPad Mini line.
The announcement of a second fall hardware event comes at an interesting time. Aside from the event being held on a Monday, which is rare for Apple events among other tech events, this event is being held one day before Google's Pixel Fall Launch event where Google will officially announce the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro to the public.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
Apple Announces Its Second Fall Hardware Event
Apple has announced its second hardware event of the year for Fall 2021.
As noted in the invitations sent out today, Apple's next hardware event will air on October 18. While Apple did not give out any hints as to what will be announced at this event, many anticipated the company's second hardware event, and the invites and teaser video feature the word "Unleashed."
Rumors imply that Apple may use this event to announce new MacBook models, in particular, new 14 and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
Unleashed! These next six days are going to speed by. #AppleEvent pic.twitter.com/0ops2bVPvl
— Greg Joswiak (@gregjoz) October 12, 2021
The company announced a new MacBook Air and 13-inch MacBook Pro last year during its "One More Thing," event last year, where both laptops included the company's in-house M1 chips. Other rumored products expected to appear include a model refresh of the higher-end Mac Mini, in addition to a third-generation of AirPods.
Apple held its first fall hardware event last month, where the main spotlight focused on the iPhone 13 line which consists of the iPhone 13 Mini, 13, 13 Pro, and 13 Pro Max smartphones. The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max were the first iOS devices to include a 120hz refresh rate. the company also announced the Apple Watch Series 7 and new models for its base iPad and iPad Mini line.
The announcement of a second fall hardware event comes at an interesting time. Aside from the event being held on a Monday, which is rare for Apple events among other tech events, this event is being held one day before Google's Pixel Fall Launch event where Google will officially announce the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro to the public.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
Monark, the School RPG from Ex-Shin Megami Tensei Devs, Comes West in February
Monark, an RPG set in a supernatural school and developed by several ex-Shin Megami Tensei devs, will be heading to the west this February.
As announced in a new trailer, Monark will release to fans in the US on February 22, 2022, before coming out in Europe three days later on February 25. Upon its release, fans will be able to play the game across multiple different platforms including PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
As seen below, the game's new "Adversaries" trailer shows off various characters from Monark while NIS America's website delves into the game's premise and setting. Set in Shin Mikado Academy, a school campus surrounded by a barrier separating it from the rest of the outside world and linked to a mysterious realm known as the Otherworld, players in Monark must fight back to defy the daemons surrounding them.
The academy grounds at Shin Mikado are plunged into disarray as a madness-inducing Mist surrounds them. During gameplay, players will need to develop their skills and locate various cryptic phone calls around the academy. These phone calls link the campus to the Otherworld, and seven Pactbearers — each with their own Daemonic authority ruled by their egos — who need to be defeated.
Monark looks to mix up the RPG combat through the use of demonic powers called Authority or Vanity. Using either of these powers will increase the player's MAD gauge, which risks causing insanity in the player. This double-edged sword will add an extra layer of strategy to the tactical combat.
Outside of combat, players will need to navigate their desires which can change depending on the choices made by the player. And similar to Shin Megami Tensei, there will be Fiends that players can control and develop.
While players in the west will need to wait until February, Monark is set to release in Japan on October 14. For similar news, make sure to check out this article which explores why Japanese games are increasingly releasing at the same time across the globe.
Jared Moore is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
Monark, the School RPG from Ex-Shin Megami Tensei Devs, Comes West in February
Monark, an RPG set in a supernatural school and developed by several ex-Shin Megami Tensei devs, will be heading to the west this February.
As announced in a new trailer, Monark will release to fans in the US on February 22, 2022, before coming out in Europe three days later on February 25. Upon its release, fans will be able to play the game across multiple different platforms including PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC.
As seen below, the game's new "Adversaries" trailer shows off various characters from Monark while NIS America's website delves into the game's premise and setting. Set in Shin Mikado Academy, a school campus surrounded by a barrier separating it from the rest of the outside world and linked to a mysterious realm known as the Otherworld, players in Monark must fight back to defy the daemons surrounding them.
The academy grounds at Shin Mikado are plunged into disarray as a madness-inducing Mist surrounds them. During gameplay, players will need to develop their skills and locate various cryptic phone calls around the academy. These phone calls link the campus to the Otherworld, and seven Pactbearers — each with their own Daemonic authority ruled by their egos — who need to be defeated.
Monark looks to mix up the RPG combat through the use of demonic powers called Authority or Vanity. Using either of these powers will increase the player's MAD gauge, which risks causing insanity in the player. This double-edged sword will add an extra layer of strategy to the tactical combat.
Outside of combat, players will need to navigate their desires which can change depending on the choices made by the player. And similar to Shin Megami Tensei, there will be Fiends that players can control and develop.
While players in the west will need to wait until February, Monark is set to release in Japan on October 14. For similar news, make sure to check out this article which explores why Japanese games are increasingly releasing at the same time across the globe.
Jared Moore is a freelance writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
The Story of Marvel Studios Book Promises an Unprecedented Look at the Making of the MCU
On October 19, The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe book will give fans the first-ever, fully authorized, all-access history of the creation of the MCU that includes over 200 interviews from the stars of the films and the people behind the camera who made it all possible.
Written by Tara Bennett and Paul Terry, this new book chronicles the entire production history of The Infinity War Saga’s 23 movies, meaning fans will be treated to a complete story that includes every film from 2008’s Iron Man through 2019’s Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home.
You can check out an exclusive image of Iron Man's cave escape and a slideshow of various pages from the book below!
Bennett and Terry were given “unprecedented access to Marvel Studios,” and they’ve included conversations with “every Marvel Studios producer; MCU writers and directors; the stars of The Infinity Saga; concept artists, costume designers, composers, and the talents behind the MCU’s dazzling visual effects,” and more. It also contains over 500 production photos, including “previously unpublished behind-the-scenes photography and archival production material, as well as personal photos and memorabilia from cast and crew.”
The 512-page Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a two-volume set hardcover with a slipcase, and it can be pre-ordered now on AbaramsBooks.com for $150 USD.
The foreword is written by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and the afterword is from Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr., with exclusive cover art from Marvel Studios head of visual development Ryan Meinerding. The slipcase’s MCU concept art montage features art from Adi Granov, Ryan Meinerding, Andy Park, and Charlie Wen.
While you wait for the book’s release, be sure to check out our ranking and thoughts on the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga, how Eternals - the next MCU film - will have a “very big effect on the future of the franchise, and every upcoming Marvel film and TV show in 2021 and beyond.
The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be released on October 19, 2021, for $150 and it can be preordered now at AbramsBooks.com.
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.
The Story of Marvel Studios Book Promises an Unprecedented Look at the Making of the MCU
On October 19, The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe book will give fans the first-ever, fully authorized, all-access history of the creation of the MCU that includes over 200 interviews from the stars of the films and the people behind the camera who made it all possible.
Written by Tara Bennett and Paul Terry, this new book chronicles the entire production history of The Infinity War Saga’s 23 movies, meaning fans will be treated to a complete story that includes every film from 2008’s Iron Man through 2019’s Avengers: Endgame and Spider-Man: Far From Home.
You can check out an exclusive image of Iron Man's cave escape and a slideshow of various pages from the book below!
Bennett and Terry were given “unprecedented access to Marvel Studios,” and they’ve included conversations with “every Marvel Studios producer; MCU writers and directors; the stars of The Infinity Saga; concept artists, costume designers, composers, and the talents behind the MCU’s dazzling visual effects,” and more. It also contains over 500 production photos, including “previously unpublished behind-the-scenes photography and archival production material, as well as personal photos and memorabilia from cast and crew.”
The 512-page Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe is a two-volume set hardcover with a slipcase, and it can be pre-ordered now on AbaramsBooks.com for $150 USD.
The foreword is written by Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and the afterword is from Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr., with exclusive cover art from Marvel Studios head of visual development Ryan Meinerding. The slipcase’s MCU concept art montage features art from Adi Granov, Ryan Meinerding, Andy Park, and Charlie Wen.
While you wait for the book’s release, be sure to check out our ranking and thoughts on the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Infinity Saga, how Eternals - the next MCU film - will have a “very big effect on the future of the franchise, and every upcoming Marvel film and TV show in 2021 and beyond.
The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe will be released on October 19, 2021, for $150 and it can be preordered now at AbramsBooks.com.
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.