Monthly Archives: November 2022
Horizon MMO Is Reportedly in the Works From Sony and NCSoft
Horizon is reportedly getting its very own MMO from Sony and NCSoft.
According to MTN (via VGC), the Horizon franchise, which includes Horizon: Zero Dawn and Horizon: Forbidden West, is heading online with an MMO from the makers of Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2.
NCSoft is said to be currently recruiting for the project, which is referred to as “Project H” in the company’s job adverts.
However, NCSoft has refused to confirm the existence of the game, stating: “It is difficult to confirm information about unpublished projects that are currently under development.”
Horizon Zero Dawn launched in 2017 and begins to tell the story of Aloy – a young woman finding her feet in a post-apocalyptic, tribal world which is overrun by robotic creatures.
The game was met with critical acclaim – IGN’s own review gave it 9.3/10 and said: “Across a vast and beautiful open world, Horizon Zero Dawn juggles many moving parts with polish and finesse. Its main activity - combat - is extremely satisfying thanks to the varied design and behaviors of machine-creatures that roam its lands, each of which needs to be taken down with careful consideration. Though side questing could have been more imaginative, its missions are compelling thanks to a central mystery that led me down a deep rabbit hole to a genuinely surprising - and moving - conclusion.”
Zero Dawn was followed by Horizon Forbidden West which was released on PS5 earlier this year.
According to VGC, developer Guerrilla Games has long planned to develop multiplayer in the Horizon franchise, with co-op initially planned for the very first game. However, this feature was scrapped to allow the team to focus on “other areas”.
Sony was reportedly keen to include co-op in Forbidden West, but Guerrilla Games shelved this in favor of including multiplayer in a future project – either a sequel or an online spin-off.
However, this push towards an MMO comes after Sony announced earlier this year that it plans to launch 10 live service games by March 31, 2026, via its partnership with Bungie.
“Through close collaboration with Bungie and the PlayStation Studios, we aim to launch more than 10 live service games by the fiscal year ending March 31, 2026,” said Sony CFO Hiroki Totok.
Clearly, Sony is keen to develop this further with Horizon.
Want to read more about Horizon? Check out who will star as the main character in the upcoming Horizon TV series as well as Aloy’s biggest moments in Horizon Forbidden West.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
Keanu Reeves Reportedly In Talks to Join Ana de Armas and Ian McShane in John Wick Spin-Off Ballerina
Keanu Reeves will reportedly return for Ballerina – the upcoming John Wick spin-off.
According to Collider, the legendary assassin is already in Prague to film Ballerina, appearing alongside Ana de Armas as he reprises the iconic role.
The news comes shortly after it was announced that Ian McShane is back as Winston – the fan favorite manager of The Continental Hotel who will star opposite de Armas.
It’s currently unclear whether Reeves’ appearance is a mere cameo or a larger role.
John Wick was last seen in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum after Winston seemingly double-crossed the assassin after some tricky dealings with the High Table.
It’s currently unknown whether Winston pulled his shot to save John… but we’ll likely find out in the upcoming John Wick: Chapter 4, which is due to be released on March 23, 2023.
“We’re thrilled to have Ian McShane joining us for a pivotal role in Ballerina,” said John Wick producer Basil Iwanyk. “He’s been such an integral part of the franchise since the original John Wick. It’s been fun to have him on this journey as the Wick universe expands.”
Although production on Ballerina is currently underway, little is known about the John Wick spin-off, except that it will focus on the titular Ballerina – a young female assassin who is motivated to seek out the people responsible for killing her family and bring them to justice.
The Ballerina has already appeared in the John Wick franchise once before – glimpsed in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum while she was training to become an assassin. The character was played by American ballet dancer Unity Phelan.
Of course, John Wick will return for his own sequel in John Wick: Chapter 4, which will continue the story of the world’s greatest assassin.
Additionally, the John Wick universe will be expanding even further with The Continental – a TV spin-off show heading to Peacock which focuses on a young Winston, played by Colin Woodell.
Ballerina is being directed by Len Wiseman, based on a screenplay by Shay Hatten. Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chad Stahelski are on board as producers.
Want to read more about John Wick? Check out what we know about Lionsgate’s potential John Wick video game and find out which action movies you should watch if you love John Wick.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
Keanu Reeves Reportedly In Talks to Join Ana de Armas and Ian McShane in John Wick Spin-Off Ballerina
Keanu Reeves will reportedly return for Ballerina – the upcoming John Wick spin-off.
According to Collider, the legendary assassin is already in Prague to film Ballerina, appearing alongside Ana de Armas as he reprises the iconic role.
The news comes shortly after it was announced that Ian McShane is back as Winston – the fan favorite manager of The Continental Hotel who will star opposite de Armas.
It’s currently unclear whether Reeves’ appearance is a mere cameo or a larger role.
John Wick was last seen in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum after Winston seemingly double-crossed the assassin after some tricky dealings with the High Table.
It’s currently unknown whether Winston pulled his shot to save John… but we’ll likely find out in the upcoming John Wick: Chapter 4, which is due to be released on March 23, 2023.
“We’re thrilled to have Ian McShane joining us for a pivotal role in Ballerina,” said John Wick producer Basil Iwanyk. “He’s been such an integral part of the franchise since the original John Wick. It’s been fun to have him on this journey as the Wick universe expands.”
Although production on Ballerina is currently underway, little is known about the John Wick spin-off, except that it will focus on the titular Ballerina – a young female assassin who is motivated to seek out the people responsible for killing her family and bring them to justice.
The Ballerina has already appeared in the John Wick franchise once before – glimpsed in John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum while she was training to become an assassin. The character was played by American ballet dancer Unity Phelan.
Of course, John Wick will return for his own sequel in John Wick: Chapter 4, which will continue the story of the world’s greatest assassin.
Additionally, the John Wick universe will be expanding even further with The Continental – a TV spin-off show heading to Peacock which focuses on a young Winston, played by Colin Woodell.
Ballerina is being directed by Len Wiseman, based on a screenplay by Shay Hatten. Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, and Chad Stahelski are on board as producers.
Want to read more about John Wick? Check out what we know about Lionsgate’s potential John Wick video game and find out which action movies you should watch if you love John Wick.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
True Detective: Night Country Begins Production With Stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis
Season 4 of True Detective is underway with Jodie Foster and Kali Reis.
The upcoming HBO series known as True Detective: Night Country has begun production in Iceland, three years after True Detective Season 3 premiered.
“When the long winter night falls in Ennis, Alaska, the eight men who operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station vanish without a trace,” reads the show’s official synopsis. “To solve the case, detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) must confront their pasts and the dark truths lying underneath the Arctic ice.”
True Detective debuted back in 2014 with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson suiting up as two detectives working a homicide cold case in Louisiana.
The show became renowned for its star-studded pairing which continued into Season 2 with Colin Farrel, Vince Vaughn, and Rachel McAdams investigating the murder of a corrupt city official whose body was found at the side of a road.
Season 3 teamed Mahershala Ali with Stephen Dorff as the pair investigated the disappearance of two children.
Of course, True Detective has continued the A-list casting into its fourth season, with Jodie Foster set to star as Detective Liz Danvers alongside Kali Reis and Christopher Eccleston.
They’re joined by Fiona Shaw, Finn Bennett, Anna Lambe, Aka Niviâna, Isabella Star Lablanc, and Joel D. Montgrand.
Aside from the show’s cast and synopsis, little else is known about Night Country.
Issa Lopez and Alan Page are confirmed to co-write the show’s scripts, with Lopez also directing the show and acting as showrunner. Cary Joji Fukunaga and True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto are on board as executive producers, alongside Foster, Page, Barry Jenkins, Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak, Mari Jo Winkler, Chris Mundy, Steve Golin, Richard Brown, Matthew McConaughey, and Woody Harrelson.
Want to read more about True Detective? Check out how True Detective Season 3 links back to the first season as well as where the show sits among our 50 best TV opening credits.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
Jodie Foster Blogroll credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin, Getty Images
True Detective: Night Country Begins Production With Stars Jodie Foster and Kali Reis
Season 4 of True Detective is underway with Jodie Foster and Kali Reis.
The upcoming HBO series known as True Detective: Night Country has begun production in Iceland, three years after True Detective Season 3 premiered.
“When the long winter night falls in Ennis, Alaska, the eight men who operate the Tsalal Arctic Research Station vanish without a trace,” reads the show’s official synopsis. “To solve the case, detectives Liz Danvers (Jodie Foster) and Evangeline Navarro (Kali Reis) must confront their pasts and the dark truths lying underneath the Arctic ice.”
True Detective debuted back in 2014 with Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson suiting up as two detectives working a homicide cold case in Louisiana.
The show became renowned for its star-studded pairing which continued into Season 2 with Colin Farrel, Vince Vaughn, and Rachel McAdams investigating the murder of a corrupt city official whose body was found at the side of a road.
Season 3 teamed Mahershala Ali with Stephen Dorff as the pair investigated the disappearance of two children.
Of course, True Detective has continued the A-list casting into its fourth season, with Jodie Foster set to star as Detective Liz Danvers alongside Kali Reis and Christopher Eccleston.
They’re joined by Fiona Shaw, Finn Bennett, Anna Lambe, Aka Niviâna, Isabella Star Lablanc, and Joel D. Montgrand.
Aside from the show’s cast and synopsis, little else is known about Night Country.
Issa Lopez and Alan Page are confirmed to co-write the show’s scripts, with Lopez also directing the show and acting as showrunner. Cary Joji Fukunaga and True Detective creator Nic Pizzolatto are on board as executive producers, alongside Foster, Page, Barry Jenkins, Adele Romanski, Mark Ceryak, Mari Jo Winkler, Chris Mundy, Steve Golin, Richard Brown, Matthew McConaughey, and Woody Harrelson.
Want to read more about True Detective? Check out how True Detective Season 3 links back to the first season as well as where the show sits among our 50 best TV opening credits.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
Jodie Foster Blogroll credit: Axelle/Bauer-Griffin, Getty Images
European Commission Opens In-Depth Investigation Into the Xbox and Activision Blizzard Deal
The European Commission is putting Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard under the microscope.
Announced today, the European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation for the business proposal. According to the press release, the Commission is concerned the deal "may reduce competition in the markets" for video games and PCs. The Commission has until March 23, 2023, to make a decision.
Specifically, the Commission mentioned concerns surrounding Call of Duty in the following statement:
"In particular, the Commission is concerned that, by acquiring Activision Blizzard, Microsoft may foreclose access to Activision Blizzard's console and PC video games, especially to high-profile and highly successful games (so-called ‘AAA' games) such as ‘Call of Duty'."
Ever since officials started looking into the proposed merger, Microsoft has repeatedly shared intentions to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation consoles. The latest reassurance from Xbox's Phil Spencer came just last week, where he said Call of Duty will remain on PlayStation "as long as there's a PlayStation to ship to."
In fact, Xbox's official response to the European Commission's investigation even mentioned Call of Duty. In a statement from a Microsoft spokesperson to The Verge's Tom Warren, Microsoft said "Sony, as the industry leader, says it is worried about Call of Duty, but we've saud we are committed to making the same game available on the same day on both Xbox and PlayStation."
Microsoft responds to the EU investigation into the Activision deal, and manages to bring up Sony’s Call of Duty concerns https://t.co/xFjVJMWRmA pic.twitter.com/ACO9R0ACEn
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) November 8, 2022
The European Commission's release also mentions that it will investigate the acquisition's potential impact on video game subscription services, like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. Finally, the Commission will also investigate if Microsoft's acquisition would "discourage users to buy non-Windows PCs" if Microsoft were to combine "Activision Blizzard's games and Microsoft's distribution of games via cloud game streaming to Windows."
The concerns from the European Commission are similar to those of the UK Government, which recently asked for public opinion on the matter. Microsoft's enormous purchase has also come under fire from multiple U.S. senators, New York City, and the U.S. Justice Department. Through the entire reviewal process, Spencer has said he feels good about the acquisition's progress.
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.
European Commission Opens In-Depth Investigation Into the Xbox and Activision Blizzard Deal
The European Commission is putting Microsoft's proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard under the microscope.
Announced today, the European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation for the business proposal. According to the press release, the Commission is concerned the deal "may reduce competition in the markets" for video games and PCs. The Commission has until March 23, 2023, to make a decision.
Specifically, the Commission mentioned concerns surrounding Call of Duty in the following statement:
"In particular, the Commission is concerned that, by acquiring Activision Blizzard, Microsoft may foreclose access to Activision Blizzard's console and PC video games, especially to high-profile and highly successful games (so-called ‘AAA' games) such as ‘Call of Duty'."
Ever since officials started looking into the proposed merger, Microsoft has repeatedly shared intentions to keep Call of Duty on PlayStation consoles. The latest reassurance from Xbox's Phil Spencer came just last week, where he said Call of Duty will remain on PlayStation "as long as there's a PlayStation to ship to."
In fact, Xbox's official response to the European Commission's investigation even mentioned Call of Duty. In a statement from a Microsoft spokesperson to The Verge's Tom Warren, Microsoft said "Sony, as the industry leader, says it is worried about Call of Duty, but we've saud we are committed to making the same game available on the same day on both Xbox and PlayStation."
Microsoft responds to the EU investigation into the Activision deal, and manages to bring up Sony’s Call of Duty concerns https://t.co/xFjVJMWRmA pic.twitter.com/ACO9R0ACEn
— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) November 8, 2022
The European Commission's release also mentions that it will investigate the acquisition's potential impact on video game subscription services, like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. Finally, the Commission will also investigate if Microsoft's acquisition would "discourage users to buy non-Windows PCs" if Microsoft were to combine "Activision Blizzard's games and Microsoft's distribution of games via cloud game streaming to Windows."
The concerns from the European Commission are similar to those of the UK Government, which recently asked for public opinion on the matter. Microsoft's enormous purchase has also come under fire from multiple U.S. senators, New York City, and the U.S. Justice Department. Through the entire reviewal process, Spencer has said he feels good about the acquisition's progress.
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.
Indiana Jones TV Series Is Reportedly Being ‘Actively’ Explored for Disney+
Indiana Jones will be heading to Disney+ with his very own TV series.
According to Variety, Disney and Lucasfilm are "actively" looking to potentially develop a new TV show starring the legendary archaeologist... but it's unclear whether Harrison Ford is involved.
The show is reportedly very early in development with no writer currently attached, so plot details are non-existent. It's also unknown whether the show will act as a prequel or spin-off to the popular film franchise which is set to continue with Indiana Jones 5 in 2023.
Both Disney and Lucasfilm have reportedly been bringing up the possibility of a show set within the Indiana Jones universe.
Quite what that means remains to be seen… but Ford is unlikely to be involved. After all, he already hinted that he’s hanging up his fedora after Indiana Jones 5.
“This is it,” said Ford during an appearance at Disney’s D23. “I will not fall down for you again. But thank you so much.”
“Thank you for making these films such an incredible experience for all of us,” he said. “I’m very proud to say to say that this one is fantastic… Indiana Jones movies are about fantasy and mystery, but they’re also about heart. We have a really great story to tell, as well as a movie that will kick your ass.”
Whether or not Ford returns, Disney won’t be giving up Indiana Jones without a fight.
The studio is reportedly exploring other options to continue the franchise, which could mean a new series, new films, other media, or all of those. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time Indiana Jones has headed to TV.
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles debuted in 1992, focusing on a young Indy as played by both Sean Patrick Flanery and Corey Carrier. George Hall played an elderly Indiana Jones who appeared at the start and end of every episode.
It’s certainly no surprise that Disney would want to keep the franchise going, and with a variety of successful Marvel and Star Wars TV shows of late, it could well be another feather in Disney’s cap.
Want to read more about Indiana Jones? Check out the first official trailer for Indiana Jones 5 as well as the touching reunion between Indy and Short Round.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
Indiana Jones TV Series Is Reportedly Being ‘Actively’ Explored for Disney+
Indiana Jones will be heading to Disney+ with his very own TV series.
According to Variety, Disney and Lucasfilm are "actively" looking to potentially develop a new TV show starring the legendary archaeologist... but it's unclear whether Harrison Ford is involved.
The show is reportedly very early in development with no writer currently attached, so plot details are non-existent. It's also unknown whether the show will act as a prequel or spin-off to the popular film franchise which is set to continue with Indiana Jones 5 in 2023.
Both Disney and Lucasfilm have reportedly been bringing up the possibility of a show set within the Indiana Jones universe.
Quite what that means remains to be seen… but Ford is unlikely to be involved. After all, he already hinted that he’s hanging up his fedora after Indiana Jones 5.
“This is it,” said Ford during an appearance at Disney’s D23. “I will not fall down for you again. But thank you so much.”
“Thank you for making these films such an incredible experience for all of us,” he said. “I’m very proud to say to say that this one is fantastic… Indiana Jones movies are about fantasy and mystery, but they’re also about heart. We have a really great story to tell, as well as a movie that will kick your ass.”
Whether or not Ford returns, Disney won’t be giving up Indiana Jones without a fight.
The studio is reportedly exploring other options to continue the franchise, which could mean a new series, new films, other media, or all of those. We’ll just have to wait and see.
Of course, this wouldn’t be the first time Indiana Jones has headed to TV.
The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles debuted in 1992, focusing on a young Indy as played by both Sean Patrick Flanery and Corey Carrier. George Hall played an elderly Indiana Jones who appeared at the start and end of every episode.
It’s certainly no surprise that Disney would want to keep the franchise going, and with a variety of successful Marvel and Star Wars TV shows of late, it could well be another feather in Disney’s cap.
Want to read more about Indiana Jones? Check out the first official trailer for Indiana Jones 5 as well as the touching reunion between Indy and Short Round.
Ryan Leston is an entertainment journalist and film critic for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter.
Disney+ Reaches 164.2 Million Subscribers and Expects to ‘Achieve Profitability in Fiscal 2024′
The Walt Disney Company has revealed that Disney+ has reached 164.2 million subscribers and that it expects streaming losses will "narrow going forward" as it plans to "achieve profitability in fiscal 2024."
The news was shared as part of The Walt Disney Company's Fourth Quarter and Full Year Earnings for Fiscal 2022, and it also confirmed that Disney+ added 12.1 million subscribers during this fourth quarter. Analysts had expected Disney+ subscriptions to reach 160.45 million, so it is currently ahead of projections.
Overall, Disney confirmed that it added 57 million subscriptions across all its services this year, and the total number of subscribers for Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ has surpassed 235 million. As of October 1, 2022, ESPN+ has 24.3 million subscribers and Hulu has 47.2 million.
“2022 was a strong year for Disney, with some of our best storytelling yet, record results at our Parks, Experiences and Products segment, and outstanding subscriber growth at our direct-to-consumer services, which added nearly 57 million subscriptions this year for a total of more than 235 million,” said Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “Our fourth quarter saw strong subscription growth with the addition of 14.6 million total subscriptions, including 12.1 million Disney+ subscribers.
"The rapid growth of Disney+ in just three years since launch is a direct result of our strategic decision to invest heavily in creating incredible content and rolling out the service internationally, and we expect our DTC operating losses to narrow going forward and that Disney+ will still achieve profitability in fiscal 2024, assuming we do not see a meaningful shift in the economic climate.
"By realigning our costs and realizing the benefits of price increases and our Disney+ ad-supported tier coming December 8, we believe we will be on the path to achieve a profitable streaming business that will drive continued growth and generate shareholder value long into the future. And as we embark on Disney’s second century in 2023, I am filled with optimism that this iconic company’s best days still lie ahead.”
As reported by THR, Disney CFO Christine McCarthy said losses "should fall by about $200 million in fiscal Q1." It should continue to improve in Q2 as the ad tier and price increase kick into the equation.
Direct-to-consumer revenues reached $4.9 billion in Q4, which is up 8% year-over-year, and Linear Networks' revenue was down 5% to $6.3 billion.
Elsewhere in the world of Disney, the Parks, Experiences, and Products division had its best year ever with $7.4 billion in revenue for Q4 and $28.7 billion for fiscal year 2022. This is due to higher guest spending and volumes and contributions from Disney Cruises.
Overall, Disney revenue was $20.1 billion in Q4, which is lower than what was expected by Wall Street.
For more on Disney+, check out our review from September 2022 of Disney+ and the latest review of Andor.
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.