Rockstar Games apparently slammed the breaks on the idea of turning Grand Theft Auto into a movie starring Eminem.

Games industry veteran Kirk Ewing, a friend of Rockstar co-founders Sam and Dan Houser, told Bugzy Malone's Grandest Game podcast, per Eurogamer, that an LA producer once approached him with a $5 million offer to buy the rights to a Grand Theft Auto movie starring Eminem, with Top Gun helmer Tony Scott in the director's chair.

Ewing and Sam had allegedly discussed the possibility of a movie adaptation or tie-in following the launch of GTA 3 in 2001, but when the offer for a Grand Theft Auto movie was eventually put on the table, the brothers declined the deal, telling Ewing that they were "not interested" in going down that route — and that's where the conversations ended.

"At that point," Ewing explained, "they withdrew from any conversation about making a film when they realised the media franchise they had was bigger than any movie that was going on at the time."

The last entry in the open-world action-adventure games franchise was Grand Theft Auto V, which was initially released in 2013. GTA 5 was the fastest entertainment release across all mediums to reach $1 billion — and it's since earned Rockstar and Take-Two billions more, making it the most-profitable entertainment release ever, at least as of 2018.

While there's no sign of a big-screen adaptation on the horizon, fans have a new GTA game to get excited about. A release date is not currently known, but people were given a first – extremely unintended – look at Rockstar's next AAA title after an unprecedented leak spilt dozens of video files of what purported to be in-development footage.

The leak caused a massive fallout, kickstarting a discussion about leaks within the video game industry and how they affect game development.

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

Guerrilla Games has confirmed that upcoming virtual reality game Horizon: Call of the Mountain will be released on February 22 as a PlayStation VR2 launch title.

Announced in a blog post on its website, Guerrilla finally revealed the release date for what was expected to be but never officially confirmed as one of the new headset's 20-something launch games.

Sony announced that a Call of the Mountain bundle would be available for the PS VR2 when it revealed the hardware's release date and $549.99 price point, but didn't clarify if this would be available at launch. It certainly appears to be the case now, however, meaning those looking to buy the headset immediately can pay an extra $50 to have the game included.

It's the only official PS VR2 bundle confirmed so far, though Sony has also announced a $49.99 controller charging station as an optional accessory.

Details on the software available at launch are still a little hazy, as while Sony has announced several games coming to the PS VR2 including Ghostbusters VR and Resident Evil Village, release windows for most remain at a vague 2023.

Other games announced for the platform include Crossfire: Sierra Squad, The Light Brigade, Cities VR - Enhanced Edition, Cosmonious High, Hello Neighbor: Search and Rescue, Jurassic World Aftermath Collection, Pistol Whip VR, Zenith: The Last City, After the Fall, Tentacular, and more.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

David Harbour has learned more about Thunderbolts and its narrative arc, warning fans that "a bomb" will be dropped on the MCU when the movie hits theaters in 2024.

Speaking to io9, Harbour revealed that Thunderbolts writer Eric Pearson has a "really cool" idea for "the arc of the movie and how it functions." He hinted there are some big things to come for the MCU coinciding with the release of the Phase 5 movie, promising: "It'll be funny, it'll be weird, it'll be action. And then we're also going to drop a bomb."

When Thunderbolts cropped up at D23 this past September, Harbour's Red Guardian was confirmed to be part of the "ragtag" group leading the movie, along with Florence Pugh's Yelena Belova, Wyatt Russell's US Agent, and a bunch of other MCU antiheroes. Harbour assured that the "very random" nature of the roster is a deliberate choice.

"I've loved Wyatt [Russell], and Sebastian [Stan] and Julia [Louis-Dreyfus'] characters throughout the universe," he told io9. "What [director Jake Schreier] wants to do with Florence's character is very interesting and how I factor into how we develop our relationship is very interesting. And then when you see what Jake and Eric Pearson is trying to fashion, it's really clever... So you have this movie that's, you know, kind of ragtag."

There have been dozens of Thunderbolts members throughout the comic's history, including notable Marvel heroes like Black Widow, Ant-Man, Venom, and Deadpool. However, the MCU is forging a new antihero team led by Julia Louis Dreyfus' Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, and it sounds like the eclectic group could close out Phase 5 with a bang.

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

The Season 5 premiere of Yellowstone has set a new ratings record for the series with an impressive 12.1 million viewers.

As reported by Variety, the 12.1 million viewers who tuned into the premiere of Yellowstone Season 5 is up from the previous record of 11.2 million set by the first episode of Season 4.

The 12.1 million number was reached by the first episode airing across Paramount Network, CMT, TV Land, and Pop. On Paramount Network, it brought in 8.8 million viewers and was up from 8 million from last year. Across all four networks, viewership equaled 10.3 million, an improvement from the 9.5 million last year.

The premiere was then rebroadcast on all four networks twice on Sunday, November 13, and that helped the number reach 12.1 million and surpass the previous record of 11.2 million set last year. It is important to note, however, that the Season 4 premiere was only rebroadcasted on Paramount Plus.

According to THR and Samba TV, Yellowstone also now holds the record for the top scripted series premiere of 2022.

“After four seasons, the show’s massive audience base continues to impress with its latest season premiere becoming the most watched scripted television premiere of 2022,” said Ashwin Navin, co-founder and CEO, Samba TV. “Yellowstone continues to tap into the passions of a broad swath of viewers throughout the American Midwest hungry for Western-themed genres that have been largely underrepresented on television in recent years.

"Viewership significantly over-indexed for the season premiere within cities such as St. Louis, Cleveland and Pittsburgh and not surprisingly under-indexed in the largely coastal urban centers of San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.”

For more on Yellowstone, be sure to check out how you can watch Season 5, the first trailer for the Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren-led prequel series, and other shows like Yellowstone if you just can't get enough of a good western.

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 Season 5 premiere of Yellowstone has set a new ratings record for the series with an impressive 12.1 million viewers.

As reported by Variety, the 12.1 million viewers who tuned into the premiere of Yellowstone Season 5 is up from the previous record of 11.2 million set by the first episode of Season 4.

The 12.1 million number was reached by the first episode airing across Paramount Network, CMT, TV Land, and Pop. On Paramount Network, it brought in 8.8 million viewers and was up from 8 million from last year. Across all four networks, viewership equaled 10.3 million, an improvement from the 9.5 million last year.

The premiere was then rebroadcast on all four networks twice on Sunday, November 13, and that helped the number reach 12.1 million and surpass the previous record of 11.2 million set last year. It is important to note, however, that the Season 4 premiere was only rebroadcasted on Paramount Plus.

According to THR and Samba TV, Yellowstone also now holds the record for the top scripted series premiere of 2022.

“After four seasons, the show’s massive audience base continues to impress with its latest season premiere becoming the most watched scripted television premiere of 2022,” said Ashwin Navin, co-founder and CEO, Samba TV. “Yellowstone continues to tap into the passions of a broad swath of viewers throughout the American Midwest hungry for Western-themed genres that have been largely underrepresented on television in recent years.

"Viewership significantly over-indexed for the season premiere within cities such as St. Louis, Cleveland and Pittsburgh and not surprisingly under-indexed in the largely coastal urban centers of San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.”

For more on Yellowstone, be sure to check out how you can watch Season 5, the first trailer for the Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren-led prequel series, and other shows like Yellowstone if you just can't get enough of a good western.

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.

Shortly after its first price increase, Apple TV+ is adding a little more star power to its growing library of series specials. Apple's latest project includes writing talent from the HBO series Veep, with Seth Rogan on board as co-writer, director, and executive producer.

As reported by Deadline, Seth Rogen will also star in the new straight-to-series order for Apple TV+, accompanied by fellow filmmakers at Point Grey Pictures and Lionsgate, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver. Goldberg will direct with Rogen, while Veep's Alex Gregory and Peter Huyck join as writers. Goldberg and Weaver are also set to executive produce.

The Deadline report notes Apple landed the deal competing against "multiple bidders." As another comedy from Rogen, the series will follow a struggling Hollywood studio "trying to survive in a world where it is increasingly difficult for art and commerce to live together."

Amidst the increasingly competitive streaming landscape, Apple TV+ recently lost its mantle as one of the cheapest streaming services. The price bump took effect last month, bringing the monthly cost from $4.99 to $6.99.

In a review of its 2019 debut, IGN noted the platform's "meager library" and lack of original content, but that's changing. Even prior to today's Rogen news, IGN's recent reevaluation of Apple TV+ praised its expanding library of original content and move to add more licensed series.

Regardless, Apple seems to be pushing to earn its new price tag. The new Rogen comedy will join a library of other bigger Apple TV+ originals, like Ted Lasso and Godzilla and the Titans. You can follow the latest on the big streamers like Apple, Netflix, Disney, and HBO by checking out IGN's regular State of Streaming.

Thumbnail image credit: Jon Kopaloff

Andrea Shearon is a freelance contributor for IGN covering games and entertainment. She's worn several hats over her seven-year career in the games industry, with bylines over at Fanbyte, USA Today's FTW, TheGamer, VG247, and RPG Site. Find her on Twitter (@Maajora) or the Materia Possessions podcast chatting about FFXIV, RPGs, and any series involving giant robots.

Shortly after its first price increase, Apple TV+ is adding a little more star power to its growing library of series specials. Apple's latest project includes writing talent from the HBO series Veep, with Seth Rogan on board as co-writer, director, and executive producer.

As reported by Deadline, Seth Rogen will also star in the new straight-to-series order for Apple TV+, accompanied by fellow filmmakers at Point Grey Pictures and Lionsgate, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver. Goldberg will direct with Rogen, while Veep's Alex Gregory and Peter Huyck join as writers. Goldberg and Weaver are also set to executive produce.

The Deadline report notes Apple landed the deal competing against "multiple bidders." As another comedy from Rogen, the series will follow a struggling Hollywood studio "trying to survive in a world where it is increasingly difficult for art and commerce to live together."

Amidst the increasingly competitive streaming landscape, Apple TV+ recently lost its mantle as one of the cheapest streaming services. The price bump took effect last month, bringing the monthly cost from $4.99 to $6.99.

In a review of its 2019 debut, IGN noted the platform's "meager library" and lack of original content, but that's changing. Even prior to today's Rogen news, IGN's recent reevaluation of Apple TV+ praised its expanding library of original content and move to add more licensed series.

Regardless, Apple seems to be pushing to earn its new price tag. The new Rogen comedy will join a library of other bigger Apple TV+ originals, like Ted Lasso and Godzilla and the Titans. You can follow the latest on the big streamers like Apple, Netflix, Disney, and HBO by checking out IGN's regular State of Streaming.

Thumbnail image credit: Jon Kopaloff

Andrea Shearon is a freelance contributor for IGN covering games and entertainment. She's worn several hats over her seven-year career in the games industry, with bylines over at Fanbyte, USA Today's FTW, TheGamer, VG247, and RPG Site. Find her on Twitter (@Maajora) or the Materia Possessions podcast chatting about FFXIV, RPGs, and any series involving giant robots.

An indie developer who made a demo of a Superman flight experience in Unreal Engine 5 said his work was stolen and listed for sale on Steam.

In April, we shared a video of an amazing Superman-style flight experience built in Unreal Engine 5. The demo, which is still free to try out on itch.io, was built using Epic's The Matrix Awakens' city. Developer Tyson Butler-Boschma replaced the Matrix elements and inserted a Superman-like character to give players an idea of what a future superhero game could look like on Unreal Engine 5.

Two weeks ago, a fan pointed out to Butler-Boschma that an identical game popped up on Steam, under the title Heroes City Superman Edition. According to PC Gamer, a group under the name of Hero Game Studios apparently listed Butler-Boschma's exact work on Steam for a price of $10.99, and copyright claimed Butler-Boschma's trailer promoting the free-to-play demo. The game has since been removed from Steam, but not before causing the game's creator a lot of trouble.

On Twitter, Butler-Boschma revealed that Hero Game Studios started going after his YouTube content after listing the game, saying, "The team that stole my free superman demo and are selling it on Steam, are now copyright claiming my content on @YouTube as well... They are straight up attacking and harassing me at this point and I don't feel safe providing my personal information for a counter claim..."

The team that stole my free superman demo and are selling it on Steam, are now copyright claiming my content on @YouTube as well...
They are straight up attacking and harassing me at this point and I don't feel safe providing my personal information for a counter claim... pic.twitter.com/dqd0oHjul4

— Tyson Butler-Boschma (@TJATOMICA) November 14, 2022

Butler-Boschma left a review of the game on Steam, warning people that the game was a scam, and that he was the real creator. Hero Game Studios responded the review before the game was removed, saying the following:

Our game is not stolen. One of the former developers of our user team TJ ATOMICA left our team a long time ago, but now he claims that the entire project belongs to him. But this is completely false. The game’s rights and development process belong entirely to us. The reason why he did this is because the sales were increasing quite rapidly. He thinks he can make money from it.

Butler-Boschma (who goes by TJ ATOMICA on Twitter and Steam) told PC Gamer he has no idea who Hero Game Studios is, and his LinkedIn lists no affiliation with the company.

The developer also bought the game on Steam only to find the opening level he says he created from scratch, including a message he wrote about how the demo works. Butler-Boschma said, "This 100% confirmed to me this project was the one I made and this developer just downloaded, stole, and passed this work off as their own."

All that remains on Steam is Butler-Boschma's negative review, Hero Game Studios' response, and a handful of comments in support of Butler-Boschma. You can still check out the free demo for yourself over on itch.io.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN covering video game and entertainment news. He has over six years of experience in the gaming industry with bylines at IGN, Nintendo Wire, Switch Player Magazine, and Lifewire. Find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

An indie developer who made a demo of a Superman flight experience in Unreal Engine 5 said his work was stolen and listed for sale on Steam.

In April, we shared a video of an amazing Superman-style flight experience built in Unreal Engine 5. The demo, which is still free to try out on itch.io, was built using Epic's The Matrix Awakens' city. Developer Tyson Butler-Boschma replaced the Matrix elements and inserted a Superman-like character to give players an idea of what a future superhero game could look like on Unreal Engine 5.

Two weeks ago, a fan pointed out to Butler-Boschma that an identical game popped up on Steam, under the title Heroes City Superman Edition. According to PC Gamer, a group under the name of Hero Game Studios apparently listed Butler-Boschma's exact work on Steam for a price of $10.99, and copyright claimed Butler-Boschma's trailer promoting the free-to-play demo. The game has since been removed from Steam, but not before causing the game's creator a lot of trouble.

On Twitter, Butler-Boschma revealed that Hero Game Studios started going after his YouTube content after listing the game, saying, "The team that stole my free superman demo and are selling it on Steam, are now copyright claiming my content on @YouTube as well... They are straight up attacking and harassing me at this point and I don't feel safe providing my personal information for a counter claim..."

The team that stole my free superman demo and are selling it on Steam, are now copyright claiming my content on @YouTube as well...
They are straight up attacking and harassing me at this point and I don't feel safe providing my personal information for a counter claim... pic.twitter.com/dqd0oHjul4

— Tyson Butler-Boschma (@TJATOMICA) November 14, 2022

Butler-Boschma left a review of the game on Steam, warning people that the game was a scam, and that he was the real creator. Hero Game Studios responded the review before the game was removed, saying the following:

Our game is not stolen. One of the former developers of our user team TJ ATOMICA left our team a long time ago, but now he claims that the entire project belongs to him. But this is completely false. The game’s rights and development process belong entirely to us. The reason why he did this is because the sales were increasing quite rapidly. He thinks he can make money from it.

Butler-Boschma (who goes by TJ ATOMICA on Twitter and Steam) told PC Gamer he has no idea who Hero Game Studios is, and his LinkedIn lists no affiliation with the company.

The developer also bought the game on Steam only to find the opening level he says he created from scratch, including a message he wrote about how the demo works. Butler-Boschma said, "This 100% confirmed to me this project was the one I made and this developer just downloaded, stole, and passed this work off as their own."

All that remains on Steam is Butler-Boschma's negative review, Hero Game Studios' response, and a handful of comments in support of Butler-Boschma. You can still check out the free demo for yourself over on itch.io.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN covering video game and entertainment news. He has over six years of experience in the gaming industry with bylines at IGN, Nintendo Wire, Switch Player Magazine, and Lifewire. Find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

Space nerds will be able to stream the inaugural launch of NASA’s gigantic moon rocket live in 8K and 360 degree VR when it launches on November 16. Hopefully.

Upon launch, the Space Launch System (SLS) will be the most powerful rocket ever to blast off from our planet’s surface. However, actually getting the darn thing off the ground is proving to be something of a nightmare for NASA.

The super-heavy lift rocket was first meant to launch in 2017, but a series of technical issues pushed the maiden voyage of the SLS all the way back to 2022. Even with this extra time the SLS is still struggling to get on a launch footing.

Already this year, a slew of technical problems including engine cooling and fuel-loading issues have contributed to a number of scrubbed launch attempts. These holdups, combined with the disruption caused by Hurricane Ian, led to NASA setting a new November 16 launch window for the rocket, which will open promptly at 1:04 a.m. EST.

For this latest attempt, the collaborative cloud streaming platform MeetMo.io is partnering with Felix & Paul Studios and FlightLine Films to provide super-high definition streams of the launch.

Viewers will be able to access 8K live streams from multiple cameras arrayed around the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida on Facebook starting at 11:57 p.m. ET on November 15.

The attempt will also be available in VR via Meta Quest, and as a 4K 360 degree stream. 360 degree fulldome projections will also be hosted in a number of domes and planetariums.

Whilst NASA is currently stating that the launch will go ahead, it is also tracking a potential issue with the rocket’s launch-abort system (LAS). The tower-like structure - which is located at the pinnacle of the 320-ft-tall rocket - is designed to pull the Orion command capsule away from danger in the event of a malfunction with the launch vehicle while on the pad, or in flight.

Insulation around the base of the LAS was damaged by the winds of Hurricane Ian, and engineers are currently assessing whether there is a danger that it could come loose during launch.

Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video gaming news for IGN. He has over eight years experience of covering breaking developments in multiple scientific fields and absolutely no time for your shenanigans. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer

Image credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky