Diablo Immortal’s release in China has been pushed back, just days before it was due to launch. The official line is that the development team needs more time to optimise the game, but the delay comes in the wake of the banning of Blizzard’s Chinese social media account.

Over the weekend, a new press release on the Chinese Blizzard website explained that the Diablo Immortal development team needs to make a number of optimisation adjustments, including support for a wider range of devices, improving render quality, and other network and performance improvements. No new release date was provided, just the news that Diablo Immortal will not release on June 23.

NetEase, the Chinese gaming giant and co-developer of Diablo Immortal, suffered a 10% drop in stock value the morning following the delay announcement, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

While further development work is the official reason for the delay from NetEase and Blizzard, it hasn’t stopped some from speculating that a recent social media ban is the actual reason behind the changed launch plans. Recently the official Blizzard Weibo account (China’s most prominent social network) for Diablo Immortal allegedly posted a reference to Winnie the Pooh. Following the post, the Weibo account has reportedly been banned for “violation of related laws and regulations”, according to the SCMP.

The fictional bear is often used as a method of being critical of China’s leader, Xi Ping, and just as often met with intervention. Recent examples include video game Devotion, which was pulled from Steam following the discovery of a Winnie the Pooh meme within the game.

The Financial Times reports that NetEase shares also fell following backlash over the Winnie the Pooh post, but currently it’s impossible to know if the social media ban itself is the reasoning for Diablo Immortal’s delay in China.

This isn’t the first time Diablo Immortal has found itself in hot water; despite making $24 million in microtransactions since its main launch, players are very unhappy with Blizzard’s approach to monetisation. And while the game has pulled in reasonable reviews, Diablo Immortal has faced backlash since the day it was announced back in 2018.

Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Features Editor.

Moon Knight star Oscar Isaac has shared details of a scene that was deleted from the show's season finale that he wishes could have stayed in the episode.

Actor and producer Oscar Isaac told Gold Derby about his dual roles on Marvel's Moon Knight, particularly his involvement with the post-production process. He admitted there was one scene in the sixth episode that ended up on the cutting room floor despite its potential to strengthen the connection between Egyptian goddess Ammit and Marc Spector's mother.

"And in some ways, we tried to push it more," Isaac explained. "There was a great scene at the end of [Episode] 6 that just didn't quite fit in the rhythm of it and that was one scene that, for me, would have tied in mother and Ammit a little closer, because that's also why I came up with this 'Laters gators' thing because then she says, 'After a while, crocodile.'

"For me, that's like... she said, 'Crocodile.' She was the crocodile goddess that's saying, 'I wish I could pre-judge you because you would never have... this never would have happened," he added. "So for me, it was really important even if the audience doesn't get it literally, that there's some even subtextual emotional connection to everything that's happening."

In addition to this scene, Moon Knight showrunner Mohamad Diab previously revealed that the ending of episode six was supposed to feature one of two MCU crossovers, but both of those reveals also ended up being cut from the series. However, not all of the cut ideas were lost, as some were actually used as concept art in the end credits of each episode.

Moon Knight's sixth episode may not have included the origin of Steven Grant's "laters gators" phrase, but it did introduce a brand new hero to the MCU. IGN's review of "Gods and Monsters" also recognized how the "distinctive quirks of the story" helped to "lift it up over other rushed MCU climaxes" to offer a conclusion that was both "stylish and satisfying."

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

Moon Knight star Oscar Isaac has shared details of a scene that was deleted from the show's season finale that he wishes could have stayed in the episode.

Actor and producer Oscar Isaac told Gold Derby about his dual roles on Marvel's Moon Knight, particularly his involvement with the post-production process. He admitted there was one scene in the sixth episode that ended up on the cutting room floor despite its potential to strengthen the connection between Egyptian goddess Ammit and Marc Spector's mother.

"And in some ways, we tried to push it more," Isaac explained. "There was a great scene at the end of [Episode] 6 that just didn't quite fit in the rhythm of it and that was one scene that, for me, would have tied in mother and Ammit a little closer, because that's also why I came up with this 'Laters gators' thing because then she says, 'After a while, crocodile.'

"For me, that's like... she said, 'Crocodile.' She was the crocodile goddess that's saying, 'I wish I could pre-judge you because you would never have... this never would have happened," he added. "So for me, it was really important even if the audience doesn't get it literally, that there's some even subtextual emotional connection to everything that's happening."

In addition to this scene, Moon Knight showrunner Mohamad Diab previously revealed that the ending of episode six was supposed to feature one of two MCU crossovers, but both of those reveals also ended up being cut from the series. However, not all of the cut ideas were lost, as some were actually used as concept art in the end credits of each episode.

Moon Knight's sixth episode may not have included the origin of Steven Grant's "laters gators" phrase, but it did introduce a brand new hero to the MCU. IGN's review of "Gods and Monsters" also recognized how the "distinctive quirks of the story" helped to "lift it up over other rushed MCU climaxes" to offer a conclusion that was both "stylish and satisfying."

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

Nintendo has announced that a Nintendo Direct will stream this Wednesday, and will be dedicated to Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

Tune in on 6/22 at 7am PT for a livestreamed #XenobladeChronicles3 Direct presentation featuring roughly 20 minutes of information about the upcoming RPG adventure for #NintendoSwitch. pic.twitter.com/x3pRs0EYRA

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 20, 2022

Starting at 7am PT / 10am ET / 3pm UK, the Nintendo Direct will be 20 minutes long and provide a closer look at Monolith Soft’s upcoming RPG, which will launch on July 29.

Due to the lack of a cohesive E3 event, this year’s summer of gaming news has been a bit more scattered than usual, and so we’ve not seen a traditional June Nintendo Direct this year. While it looks like we won’t be getting a full overview of Nintendo’s plans in the immediate future, this is at least a big look at one of the Switch’s most important upcoming games.

The Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct will be live on June 22. For more from the game, check out why fans are frustrated with the pre-order situation for the special edition, and the director discussing clues in the reveal trailer.

Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Features Editor.

Nintendo has announced that a Nintendo Direct will stream this Wednesday, and will be dedicated to Xenoblade Chronicles 3.

Tune in on 6/22 at 7am PT for a livestreamed #XenobladeChronicles3 Direct presentation featuring roughly 20 minutes of information about the upcoming RPG adventure for #NintendoSwitch. pic.twitter.com/x3pRs0EYRA

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) June 20, 2022

Starting at 7am PT / 10am ET / 3pm UK, the Nintendo Direct will be 20 minutes long and provide a closer look at Monolith Soft’s upcoming RPG, which will launch on July 29.

Due to the lack of a cohesive E3 event, this year’s summer of gaming news has been a bit more scattered than usual, and so we’ve not seen a traditional June Nintendo Direct this year. While it looks like we won’t be getting a full overview of Nintendo’s plans in the immediate future, this is at least a big look at one of the Switch’s most important upcoming games.

The Xenoblade Chronicles 3 Direct will be live on June 22. For more from the game, check out why fans are frustrated with the pre-order situation for the special edition, and the director discussing clues in the reveal trailer.

Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Features Editor.

If you saw the painfully bloody gameplay reveal for The Callisto Protocol at this year’s Summer Games Fest, it may not come as a total surprise that developer Striking Distance Studios studied real life examples of gore while researching how to portray the nastier side of horror.

In an interview with PCGamesN, Striking Distance’s chief creative officer, Chris Stone, said “we’ve found ourselves looking at a lot of real-life examples of horror and gore. While these were a lot less fun to research, it was some of the most memorable and valuable content when it came to creating realistic visuals and experiences.”

The extended gameplay trailer for The Callisto Protocol features numerous sequences of gory violence; weapons tear chunks from enemy bodies, while foes thrown through industrial fans explode into sloppy mist. I’m thankfully no expert on what bodies look like when torn apart, but I’d guess Striking Distance is in the right ballpark.

As the PCGamesN interview also notes, studios using real-life references for violence has been a source of controversy in the past. Those working on Mortal Kombat 11, for instance, worked in a studio where colleagues were watching detailed human and animal deaths as part of research. One developer was diagnosed with PTSD as a result of their exposure to such graphic material.

Not all of the research has been so grisly, though. Stone, who was animation director on the original Dead Space, also pointed to Silent Hill and Resident Evil as “obvious influences”, but also noted that the studio draws “a lot of inspiration from movies like The Thing and Event Horizon.”

For more, check out our own interview with Striking Distance, where we learned that The Callisto Protocol will be much more open and replayable than Dead Space ever was.

Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Features Editor.

If you saw the painfully bloody gameplay reveal for The Callisto Protocol at this year’s Summer Games Fest, it may not come as a total surprise that developer Striking Distance Studios studied real life examples of gore while researching how to portray the nastier side of horror.

In an interview with PCGamesN, Striking Distance’s chief creative officer, Chris Stone, said “we’ve found ourselves looking at a lot of real-life examples of horror and gore. While these were a lot less fun to research, it was some of the most memorable and valuable content when it came to creating realistic visuals and experiences.”

The extended gameplay trailer for The Callisto Protocol features numerous sequences of gory violence; weapons tear chunks from enemy bodies, while foes thrown through industrial fans explode into sloppy mist. I’m thankfully no expert on what bodies look like when torn apart, but I’d guess Striking Distance is in the right ballpark.

As the PCGamesN interview also notes, studios using real-life references for violence has been a source of controversy in the past. Those working on Mortal Kombat 11, for instance, worked in a studio where colleagues were watching detailed human and animal deaths as part of research. One developer was diagnosed with PTSD as a result of their exposure to such graphic material.

Not all of the research has been so grisly, though. Stone, who was animation director on the original Dead Space, also pointed to Silent Hill and Resident Evil as “obvious influences”, but also noted that the studio draws “a lot of inspiration from movies like The Thing and Event Horizon.”

For more, check out our own interview with Striking Distance, where we learned that The Callisto Protocol will be much more open and replayable than Dead Space ever was.

Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Features Editor.

A company that develops cheat codes for Destiny 2 has agreed to pay Bungie $13.5 million in damages in a move that will end a copyright infringement lawsuit.

The company has also agreed to a permanent injunction against the creation of any new cheating software for Destiny 2 or any other Bungie game.

As seen in court documents and a report from TorrentFreak, Bungie accused Canadian cheats company Elite Boss Tech of violating Destiny 2’s user agreement with its software, as well as costing the developer “exorbitant amounts of money” in developing anti-cheat technology. Bungie also noted that Elite Boss Tech’s software disrupted player experiences and damaged Destiny 2’s reputation, which in turn threatened the game’s commercial viability.

While Elite Boss Tech argues that it never copied Destiny 2 code and that some of Bungie’s claims were based on unenforceable statements from its Limited Software License Agreement, the cheats company has agreed to pay $13.5 million in damages and agree to never create Destiny 2 cheats again. The $13.5m was calculated based on the number of times Elite Boss Tech’s cheating software was downloaded; 6,765 times, with a penalty of $2,000 each.

“This permanent injunction is binding against Defendants worldwide, without regard to the territorial scope of the specific intellectual property rights asserted in the Complaint and may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction wherever Defendants or their assets may be found,” the settlement said.

“Any violations of this order by Defendants will subject them to the full scope of this Court’s contempt authority, including punitive, coercive, and monetary sanctions.”

Bungie isn’t the only company going after cheat companies. Activision recently filed a lawsuit against a Call of Duty cheat distributor. Riot, along with Bungie, also filed a lawsuit against GatorCheats last year. PUBG Mobile’s developer recently won $10m in damages from a cheat creator, too.

Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Features Editor.

A company that develops cheat codes for Destiny 2 has agreed to pay Bungie $13.5 million in damages in a move that will end a copyright infringement lawsuit.

The company has also agreed to a permanent injunction against the creation of any new cheating software for Destiny 2 or any other Bungie game.

As seen in court documents and a report from TorrentFreak, Bungie accused Canadian cheats company Elite Boss Tech of violating Destiny 2’s user agreement with its software, as well as costing the developer “exorbitant amounts of money” in developing anti-cheat technology. Bungie also noted that Elite Boss Tech’s software disrupted player experiences and damaged Destiny 2’s reputation, which in turn threatened the game’s commercial viability.

While Elite Boss Tech argues that it never copied Destiny 2 code and that some of Bungie’s claims were based on unenforceable statements from its Limited Software License Agreement, the cheats company has agreed to pay $13.5 million in damages and agree to never create Destiny 2 cheats again. The $13.5m was calculated based on the number of times Elite Boss Tech’s cheating software was downloaded; 6,765 times, with a penalty of $2,000 each.

“This permanent injunction is binding against Defendants worldwide, without regard to the territorial scope of the specific intellectual property rights asserted in the Complaint and may be enforced in any court of competent jurisdiction wherever Defendants or their assets may be found,” the settlement said.

“Any violations of this order by Defendants will subject them to the full scope of this Court’s contempt authority, including punitive, coercive, and monetary sanctions.”

Bungie isn’t the only company going after cheat companies. Activision recently filed a lawsuit against a Call of Duty cheat distributor. Riot, along with Bungie, also filed a lawsuit against GatorCheats last year. PUBG Mobile’s developer recently won $10m in damages from a cheat creator, too.

Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Features Editor.

When you think of Nerf, you likely have fond memories of using a variety of colorful and exciting blasters to fire an endless barrage of foam darts at your friends and family. But that's all about to change once the Hasbro-owned company's first-ever mascot, Murph, is seared into your mind.

Hasbro has just introduced, and this is not a joke, their new nightmarish mascot for NERF brand products named "Murph."

Murph's terrifying catchphrase is "unleash the play in you."

Here is Murph: pic.twitter.com/THZYb02sKY

— Alex Zalben (@azalben) June 17, 2022

Murph is an anthropomorphic character made out of hundreds of Nerf darts, who the company says has no set sex or gender and uses they/them pronouns. They lack any facial features – or anything besides a general human-like shape, really – ultimately looking more like something out of a horror film.

Murph is an unusual choice to lead Nerf's new campaign, called "Unleash the Play in You", which aims to get more kids and adults outside having fun in the sun. But despite looking like they just crawled out of the depths of hell, Hasbro's SVP and GM, Adam Kleinman, calls Murph a “playful spirit and gifted athlete."

“We wanted to introduce a mascot that represents this ageless, unbridled fun that lives in all of us and creates a physical embodiment of that feeling you get when you play with Nerf,” Kleinman said.

Murph looks more likely to grind us into meat than try to get us pumped for outdoor activities, but regardless, the new mascot will begin appearing in promotional materials and on Nerf's social media channels this month to spread the word about the company's summer initiative.

Anyways, good luck sleeping tonight. Hopefully he'll fuel fewer nightmares than the dreadful Nerf Legends FPS that released last year.

Billy Givens is a freelance writer at IGN.