Monthly Archives: August 2022

Microsoft Confirms No Price Increase for Xbox Series X and S

Following the news that Sony will increase the price of the PlayStation 5 in several markets, Microsoft has confirmed that it is not planning similar moves to adjust the price of the Xbox Series X and S.

In a statement to Windows Central, Microsoft confirmed that there are no plans to raise the price of the Xbox Series X or Series S and that the consoles will remain at their current price in the US, UK, and Europe.

Microsoft says the Series S suggested retail price will remain at $299 and the Series X will remain at $499.

The statement follows the news from earlier that Sony will be adjusting the price of the PlayStation 5 in Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Canada. In a PlayStation Blog, the company announced a ~$50 price increase for the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Digital Edition in numerous markets citing the global inflation rate and "adverse currency trends," as the reason.

For example in the UK, the PS5 with a disc drive will now cost £479.99, up from £449.99 and the Digital Edition costs £389.99, up from £359.99.

Sony isn't the only hardware manufacturer to increase the price of its system as a result of the global economy. Meta announced earlier this year that it will increase the price of its popular Meta Quest 2 VR headset by $100.

Experts say that the global supply chain is still under stress leading to these price increases. Though Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls suggests Sony might not be impacted by the price bump due to continued demand.

The supply chain has been under stress since nearly the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and has been exasperated by the global economy as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.

Microsoft Confirms No Price Increase for Xbox Series X and S

Following the news that Sony will increase the price of the PlayStation 5 in several markets, Microsoft has confirmed that it is not planning similar moves to adjust the price of the Xbox Series X and S.

In a statement to Windows Central, Microsoft confirmed that there are no plans to raise the price of the Xbox Series X or Series S and that the consoles will remain at their current price in the US, UK, and Europe.

Microsoft says the Series S suggested retail price will remain at $299 and the Series X will remain at $499.

The statement follows the news from earlier that Sony will be adjusting the price of the PlayStation 5 in Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Canada. In a PlayStation Blog, the company announced a ~$50 price increase for the PlayStation 5 and PS5 Digital Edition in numerous markets citing the global inflation rate and "adverse currency trends," as the reason.

For example in the UK, the PS5 with a disc drive will now cost £479.99, up from £449.99 and the Digital Edition costs £389.99, up from £359.99.

Sony isn't the only hardware manufacturer to increase the price of its system as a result of the global economy. Meta announced earlier this year that it will increase the price of its popular Meta Quest 2 VR headset by $100.

Experts say that the global supply chain is still under stress leading to these price increases. Though Ampere Analysis' Piers Harding-Rolls suggests Sony might not be impacted by the price bump due to continued demand.

The supply chain has been under stress since nearly the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and has been exasperated by the global economy as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Matt T.M. Kim is IGN's News Editor. You can reach him @lawoftd.

Netflix’s BioShock Movie Has Its Director

Netflix’s upcoming Bioshock movie has found a writer and director.

Hunger Games director Francis Lawrence will helm the video game adaptation while Logan and Blade Runner 2049 writer Michael Green will pen the script.

“BioShock — our live-action feature film adaptation of the renowned video game franchise — will be directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Slumberland) from a script written by Michael Green (Logan, Blade Runner 2049, American Gods),” Netflix announced via Twitter.

Bioshock has been in the works for a long time, with numerous attempts to bring the classic dystopian FPS to the big screen. Soon after the release of the first game, director Gore Verbinski was attached to a live-action adaptation which was later canceled.

It was later revealed that this version was just weeks away from filming.

Most recently, it was announced to be in the works by Netflix, and now it looks as though the project is finally moving forward.

Bioshock was released in 2007 and soon became recognized as one of the best games of the decade. Set in the futuristic underwater city of Rapture, the game follows Jack – an aircraft passenger who’s thrust into the underworld dystopia after a plane crash leaves him stranded.

But as many of us already know, all is not what it seems…

The games (and its sequels) are ripe material for a Hollywood adaption, with fans eager to see the game head to the big screen. Now, it looks as though we’re closer than ever to seeing it happen.

Would you kindly start filming now, Netflix?

IGN’s review of the original game gave it 9.7/10 and called it “a monolithic example of the convergence of entertaining gameplay and an irresistibly sinister, engrossing storyline that encompasses a host of multifaceted characters. This is an essential gaming experience.”

Want to read more about Bioshock? Check out our full guide for Bioshock: The Collection and get a closer look at the Bioshock film that almost happened.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Netflix’s BioShock Movie Has Its Director

Netflix’s upcoming Bioshock movie has found a writer and director.

Hunger Games director Francis Lawrence will helm the video game adaptation while Logan and Blade Runner 2049 writer Michael Green will pen the script.

“BioShock — our live-action feature film adaptation of the renowned video game franchise — will be directed by Francis Lawrence (I Am Legend, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, Slumberland) from a script written by Michael Green (Logan, Blade Runner 2049, American Gods),” Netflix announced via Twitter.

Bioshock has been in the works for a long time, with numerous attempts to bring the classic dystopian FPS to the big screen. Soon after the release of the first game, director Gore Verbinski was attached to a live-action adaptation which was later canceled.

It was later revealed that this version was just weeks away from filming.

Most recently, it was announced to be in the works by Netflix, and now it looks as though the project is finally moving forward.

Bioshock was released in 2007 and soon became recognized as one of the best games of the decade. Set in the futuristic underwater city of Rapture, the game follows Jack – an aircraft passenger who’s thrust into the underworld dystopia after a plane crash leaves him stranded.

But as many of us already know, all is not what it seems…

The games (and its sequels) are ripe material for a Hollywood adaption, with fans eager to see the game head to the big screen. Now, it looks as though we’re closer than ever to seeing it happen.

Would you kindly start filming now, Netflix?

IGN’s review of the original game gave it 9.7/10 and called it “a monolithic example of the convergence of entertaining gameplay and an irresistibly sinister, engrossing storyline that encompasses a host of multifaceted characters. This is an essential gaming experience.”

Want to read more about Bioshock? Check out our full guide for Bioshock: The Collection and get a closer look at the Bioshock film that almost happened.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

Godzilla and Kong Are Teaming Up In Their Next Movie

Godzilla and King Kong will return for another epic battle on the big screen, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced.

After the two Titans clashed in 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong, the studio says that the two giant monsters will fight "a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence – and our own."

The movie will also explore how the mysterious Titans came to be by diving into their ancient histories and uncovering the legendary battle that created them and forever linked them to humans.

Adam Wingard will return to direct the MonsterVerse film, as well as cast members Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle. They will be joined by newcomers Dan Stevens, Fala Chen, Alex Ferns, and Rachel House. Screenwriters Terry Rossio, Jeremy Slater and Simon Barrett are also part of the project. It is being shot on location in Queensland, Australia.

It will be a while before the extraordinary behemoths grace our screens again, however. The untitled film is set for a March 15, 2024, release. While you wait, here's how you can watch all the Godzilla moves in order.

The latest installment in the franchise will follow Godzilla and Kong's spectacular showdown and subsequent team-up to destroy Mechagodzilla. IGN rated the previous movie a 7/10, saying "it is a glorious love letter to these iconic characters’ collective histories and a satisfying culmination of the arc leading up to it."

The movie announcement comes just days after Deadline reported that a new King Kong series is in development for Disney+. The show will focus on the colossal monkey's origins and will be based on filmmaker Merian Cooper's original books.

Michelle Jalbert is a social coordinator and contributing freelancer for IGN.

Godzilla and Kong Are Teaming Up In Their Next Movie

Godzilla and King Kong will return for another epic battle on the big screen, Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures announced.

After the two Titans clashed in 2021's Godzilla vs. Kong, the studio says that the two giant monsters will fight "a colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world, challenging their very existence – and our own."

The movie will also explore how the mysterious Titans came to be by diving into their ancient histories and uncovering the legendary battle that created them and forever linked them to humans.

Adam Wingard will return to direct the MonsterVerse film, as well as cast members Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, and Kaylee Hottle. They will be joined by newcomers Dan Stevens, Fala Chen, Alex Ferns, and Rachel House. Screenwriters Terry Rossio, Jeremy Slater and Simon Barrett are also part of the project. It is being shot on location in Queensland, Australia.

It will be a while before the extraordinary behemoths grace our screens again, however. The untitled film is set for a March 15, 2024, release. While you wait, here's how you can watch all the Godzilla moves in order.

The latest installment in the franchise will follow Godzilla and Kong's spectacular showdown and subsequent team-up to destroy Mechagodzilla. IGN rated the previous movie a 7/10, saying "it is a glorious love letter to these iconic characters’ collective histories and a satisfying culmination of the arc leading up to it."

The movie announcement comes just days after Deadline reported that a new King Kong series is in development for Disney+. The show will focus on the colossal monkey's origins and will be based on filmmaker Merian Cooper's original books.

Michelle Jalbert is a social coordinator and contributing freelancer for IGN.

The Boys Adds Jeffrey Dean Morgan to Cast

Watchmen star Jeffrey Dean Morgan has joined The Boys.

According to Variety, the 56-year-old actor has joined Season 4 of Amazon’s superhero show in an undisclosed role as a recurring guest star.

Morgan has been a fan of The Boys for some time, expressing a firm interest in joining the show after interacting with showrunner Eric Kripke on Twitter.

This isn’t the first time he’s worked with Kripke on a TV project.

Morgan starred as John Winchester in The CW’s long-running drama, Supernatural, which Kripke created. Winchester was the demon-hunting father of Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki). Of course, Ackles has also appeared on The Boys as Soldier Boy.

Unfortunately, Soldier Boy is back in the freezer after The Boys Season 3 finale, meaning it’s unlikely that we’re going to get a Supernatural reunion in Season 4. But never say never.

The Boys Season 4 may be some time away, but it’s already announced a number of new cast members including Valorie Curry as Firecracker, and Susan Heyward as Sister Sage. They’ll be joined by Cameron Crovetti who plays Homelander’s son Ryan – returning in Season 4 as a series regular, rather than his earlier recurring role.

And that likely means even more tension between Homelander and Butcher.

“If [Homelander] is allowed to raise Ryan, he will raise Ryan to be a second Homelander, which will have apocalyptic stakes. If he stays in that environment, he's on his way to becoming another Homelander,” said Kripke. “And so I think it's a hint at what one of the major conflicts in season four will be, which is Butcher and Homelander having this battle over Ryan.”

Whatever happens, it’s unclear how Jeffrey Dean Morgan will fit into it.

But given his superhero pedigree with the likes of Zack Snyder’s Watchmen, it might be neat to see Morgan as another washed-up superhero like The Comedian.

Want to read more about The Boys? Check out our explanation of The Boys Season 3 finale as well as what’s in store for Hughie in the future.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

The Boys Adds Jeffrey Dean Morgan to Cast

Watchmen star Jeffrey Dean Morgan has joined The Boys.

According to Variety, the 56-year-old actor has joined Season 4 of Amazon’s superhero show in an undisclosed role as a recurring guest star.

Morgan has been a fan of The Boys for some time, expressing a firm interest in joining the show after interacting with showrunner Eric Kripke on Twitter.

This isn’t the first time he’s worked with Kripke on a TV project.

Morgan starred as John Winchester in The CW’s long-running drama, Supernatural, which Kripke created. Winchester was the demon-hunting father of Dean (Jensen Ackles) and Sam (Jared Padalecki). Of course, Ackles has also appeared on The Boys as Soldier Boy.

Unfortunately, Soldier Boy is back in the freezer after The Boys Season 3 finale, meaning it’s unlikely that we’re going to get a Supernatural reunion in Season 4. But never say never.

The Boys Season 4 may be some time away, but it’s already announced a number of new cast members including Valorie Curry as Firecracker, and Susan Heyward as Sister Sage. They’ll be joined by Cameron Crovetti who plays Homelander’s son Ryan – returning in Season 4 as a series regular, rather than his earlier recurring role.

And that likely means even more tension between Homelander and Butcher.

“If [Homelander] is allowed to raise Ryan, he will raise Ryan to be a second Homelander, which will have apocalyptic stakes. If he stays in that environment, he's on his way to becoming another Homelander,” said Kripke. “And so I think it's a hint at what one of the major conflicts in season four will be, which is Butcher and Homelander having this battle over Ryan.”

Whatever happens, it’s unclear how Jeffrey Dean Morgan will fit into it.

But given his superhero pedigree with the likes of Zack Snyder’s Watchmen, it might be neat to see Morgan as another washed-up superhero like The Comedian.

Want to read more about The Boys? Check out our explanation of The Boys Season 3 finale as well as what’s in store for Hughie in the future.

Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.

She-Hulk Includes QR Codes That Link to Free Marvel Comics

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law's episodes feature QR codes that viewers can scan to access a free Marvel comic book related to the Disney+ series.

The second episode of She-Hulk is now streaming on Disney Plus, and a lot of people have taken to social media to share their insights, opinions, and critiques of the latest chapter — but some have been studying the frames a little more closely than others and have spotted interactive Easter eggs planted by Marvel Studios in certain scenes.

Warning: Spoilers for She-Hulk: Attorney at Law follow.

Episode 2, for example, features a QR code on Jennifer Walter's laptop. The scene in question sees Jen searching online for new jobs after being fired from her law firm for transforming into She-Hulk and derailing a trial. She brings up a webpage that lists "10 Offbeat Jobs For a Fresh Start." Alongside that headline, there's a QR code that redirects those who choose to scan it to She-Hulk (2004) #1.

She-Hulk's premiere also included a free comic giveaway. A QR code pops up around six minutes into the first episode as Jen stumbles into a bar after accidentally transforming into She-Hulk for the first time. The code appears on a poster hung on the wall in the background of the scene, and it leads viewers to a free digital copy of the character's first comic appearance in 1979's Savage She-Hulk #1.

This isn't the first time QR codes have been spotted in MCU shows. Several of these interactive Easter eggs were embedded into Moon Knight, including one that linked to Werewolf by Night, which is being developed as a Halloween special for Disney Plus, and a couple of codes were also unlocked in Ms. Marvel, connecting up to the first issue of the titular superhero's solo series.

Episode 2 of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is now streaming on Disney Plus. IGN called it "another strong episode" that "strikes a great balance between important issues and sitcom hilarity" while reintroducing old MCU players and showcasing "the important roles of supporting characters."

You can also check out our She-Hulk series premiere review if you're not caught up just yet!

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.

She-Hulk Includes QR Codes That Link to Free Marvel Comics

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law's episodes feature QR codes that viewers can scan to access a free Marvel comic book related to the Disney+ series.

The second episode of She-Hulk is now streaming on Disney Plus, and a lot of people have taken to social media to share their insights, opinions, and critiques of the latest chapter — but some have been studying the frames a little more closely than others and have spotted interactive Easter eggs planted by Marvel Studios in certain scenes.

Warning: Spoilers for She-Hulk: Attorney at Law follow.

Episode 2, for example, features a QR code on Jennifer Walter's laptop. The scene in question sees Jen searching online for new jobs after being fired from her law firm for transforming into She-Hulk and derailing a trial. She brings up a webpage that lists "10 Offbeat Jobs For a Fresh Start." Alongside that headline, there's a QR code that redirects those who choose to scan it to She-Hulk (2004) #1.

She-Hulk's premiere also included a free comic giveaway. A QR code pops up around six minutes into the first episode as Jen stumbles into a bar after accidentally transforming into She-Hulk for the first time. The code appears on a poster hung on the wall in the background of the scene, and it leads viewers to a free digital copy of the character's first comic appearance in 1979's Savage She-Hulk #1.

This isn't the first time QR codes have been spotted in MCU shows. Several of these interactive Easter eggs were embedded into Moon Knight, including one that linked to Werewolf by Night, which is being developed as a Halloween special for Disney Plus, and a couple of codes were also unlocked in Ms. Marvel, connecting up to the first issue of the titular superhero's solo series.

Episode 2 of She-Hulk: Attorney at Law is now streaming on Disney Plus. IGN called it "another strong episode" that "strikes a great balance between important issues and sitcom hilarity" while reintroducing old MCU players and showcasing "the important roles of supporting characters."

You can also check out our She-Hulk series premiere review if you're not caught up just yet!

Adele Ankers-Range is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow her on Twitter.