Elden Ring is off to an incredibly strong start as it has already sold 12 million copies worldwide since its February 25 release date.

FromSoftware and Bandai Namco shared the news in a press release, stating that Elden Ring has sold more than one million copies in Japan alone and 12 million copies worldwide as of March 14, 2022. These sales are "derived from distribution figures of the package version and sales figures of the downloadable versions."

"It's astonishing to see just how many people have been playing Elden Ring," FromSoftware President and CEO/director Hidetaka Miyazaki said. "I'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks on behalf of the entire development team. Elden Ring is based on a mythological story written by George R. R. Martin. We hope players enjoy a high level of freedom when adventuring through its vast world, exploring its many secrets and facing up to its many threats. Thank you for your continued support."

President and CEO of Bandai Namco Yasuo Miyakawa also shared some words in celebration of Elden Ring's success, saying this is only the beginning for the brand new IP.

"Much effort was placed into creating ELDEN RING so that we could exceed the expectations of our fans worldwide," Miyakawa said. "In like manner, we will continue our efforts in expanding the brand beyond the game itself, and into everyone’s daily life. We will continue to create enjoyment and fulfillment through entertainment, so that we can come closer and connect to our fans around the world."

For comparison, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice - FromSoftware's previous game - sold two million copies in 10 days. Bloodborne, which was only released on PS4, sold over 1 million copies within two weeks of its launch back in 2015.

In 2015, Famitsu revealed that Dark Souls, Dark Souls with the Artorias of the Abyss expansion, Dark Souls II, and the remastered release Scholar of the First Sin had sold over eight million copies worldwide. For context, Dark Souls 2 was released on March 11, 2014.

Dark Souls 3 was Bandai Namco's fastest-selling title in its history and it sold over three million copies about a month after its worldwide release in April 2016.

In our 10/10 review of Elden Ring, we said that it is a "massive iteration on what FromSoftware began with the Souls series, bringing its relentlessly challenging combat to an incredible open world that gives us the freedom to choose our own path."

For more, check out our extensive Wiki guide that will help you survive in the Lands Between, how it is Europe's biggest new IP since The Division, and where it already ranks on our list of the top 10 open-world games of all time.

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.

Human Things, the team behind Genki products such as the Shadowcast, launched a new Kickstarter project: a pair of wireless earbuds that will allow you to connect to two consoles simultaneously.

As noted on its Kickstarter page, the Genki Waveform uses Human Things' new DualStream technology which allows the earbuds to output audio from two separate devices concurrently.

So, for example, if you wanted to use these with your Nintendo Switch and wanted to start a voice chat from the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, Genki Waveform would allow you to connect to both without having to toggle between one device over the other.

Although Nintendo released Bluetooth support on the Nintendo Switch last September, performance varies depending on the headset/earbuds you are using.

Of course, the Nintendo Switch is not the only console you can pair the Waveform to; Human Things confirmed that the Waveform is compatible with all Bluetooth-pairable devices. This includes other game consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Genki Waveform also features adaptive noise cancellation, "ultra-low" latency, and promises a battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge. Human Things also confirmed that the Waveform's case supports wireless charging.

Although Genki Waveform has surpassed its funding goal of $50,000, you can still back the project on Kickstarter until April 15. Pledging $199 to the Kickstarter project nets you one pair of Waveform earbuds.

Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.

Human Things, the team behind Genki products such as the Shadowcast, launched a new Kickstarter project: a pair of wireless earbuds that will allow you to connect to two consoles simultaneously.

As noted on its Kickstarter page, the Genki Waveform uses Human Things' new DualStream technology which allows the earbuds to output audio from two separate devices concurrently.

So, for example, if you wanted to use these with your Nintendo Switch and wanted to start a voice chat from the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app, Genki Waveform would allow you to connect to both without having to toggle between one device over the other.

Although Nintendo released Bluetooth support on the Nintendo Switch last September, performance varies depending on the headset/earbuds you are using.

Of course, the Nintendo Switch is not the only console you can pair the Waveform to; Human Things confirmed that the Waveform is compatible with all Bluetooth-pairable devices. This includes other game consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Genki Waveform also features adaptive noise cancellation, "ultra-low" latency, and promises a battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge. Human Things also confirmed that the Waveform's case supports wireless charging.

Although Genki Waveform has surpassed its funding goal of $50,000, you can still back the project on Kickstarter until April 15. Pledging $199 to the Kickstarter project nets you one pair of Waveform earbuds.

Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.

We're a step closer to Dune: Part 2 becoming a reality, as Dune Director Denis Villeneuve confirmed to Collider that full preparations are underway on the sequel and that the screenplay is "mostly finished".

"The screenplay is finished mostly, but it's always a work in progress," Villeneuve said. "It'll be a work in progress until final cut, but I will say it's solidified. I have a script in my hands. We are in prep right now."

The first Dune was praised for its amazing imagery, and it seems we can expect an even greater emphasis on that in the sequel, with Villeneuve confirming plans to shoot even more IMAX footage for Part 2.

"Definitely. [Cinematographer] Greig Fraser and I — we fell in love with this format, and definitely there [will] be — even probably more — IMAX footage in this movie. Definitely."

Dune: Part 2 was officially announced shortly after the original's box office success last year. The movie is set to premiere on October 20, 2023, exclusively in movie theaters. Filming on Dune 2 is set to begin later this summer.

While specific details on what Dune: Part 2 will entail are light, we have been getting casting news about the sequel. This week, we learned Elvis star Austin Butler will play the villainous Feyd-Rautha, and we know Florence Pugh is in talks to play Princess Irulan. The casting would be a reunion for Pugh and Dune star Timothée Chalamet, who starred together in 2019's Little Women.

Even with the filmmakers focusing on production for Dune: Part 2, they are no doubt keeping one eye on awards season. Dune was nominated in 10 different Academy Awards categories, including Best Picture.

For more on Dune 2, check out what to expect from the Dune sequel. Or, check out why Dune won IGN's best movie of 2021 award.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

We're a step closer to Dune: Part 2 becoming a reality, as Dune Director Denis Villeneuve confirmed to Collider that full preparations are underway on the sequel and that the screenplay is "mostly finished".

"The screenplay is finished mostly, but it's always a work in progress," Villeneuve said. "It'll be a work in progress until final cut, but I will say it's solidified. I have a script in my hands. We are in prep right now."

The first Dune was praised for its amazing imagery, and it seems we can expect an even greater emphasis on that in the sequel, with Villeneuve confirming plans to shoot even more IMAX footage for Part 2.

"Definitely. [Cinematographer] Greig Fraser and I — we fell in love with this format, and definitely there [will] be — even probably more — IMAX footage in this movie. Definitely."

Dune: Part 2 was officially announced shortly after the original's box office success last year. The movie is set to premiere on October 20, 2023, exclusively in movie theaters. Filming on Dune 2 is set to begin later this summer.

While specific details on what Dune: Part 2 will entail are light, we have been getting casting news about the sequel. This week, we learned Elvis star Austin Butler will play the villainous Feyd-Rautha, and we know Florence Pugh is in talks to play Princess Irulan. The casting would be a reunion for Pugh and Dune star Timothée Chalamet, who starred together in 2019's Little Women.

Even with the filmmakers focusing on production for Dune: Part 2, they are no doubt keeping one eye on awards season. Dune was nominated in 10 different Academy Awards categories, including Best Picture.

For more on Dune 2, check out what to expect from the Dune sequel. Or, check out why Dune won IGN's best movie of 2021 award.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

Another actor will take up the mantle as James T. Kirk. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds announces Paul Wesley will be the latest actor to sit on the captain’s chair.

Paramount+ has announced Paul Wesley has been cast as James T. Kirk in the second season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. That’s right, Strange New Worlds’ second season is already in development even though the first season is set to premiere on May 5, 2022.

Wesley has appeared in shows such as The Vampire Diaries and the Netflix miniseries Medal of Honor. He is the latest actor to take on the role of the Star Trek captain alongside William Shatner from the original series and Chris Pine in the 2009 movie reboot.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a spinoff of Star Trek: Discovery as well as a prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, which explains Kirk’s appearance. His future crewmate Spock (played by Ethan Peck) is already set to appear in Strange New Worlds alongside Christopher Pike (played by Anson Mount in Star Trek: Discovery and Strange New Worlds) and Nyota Uhura (played by Celia Rose Gooding).

Strange New Worlds will follow the crew of the USS Enterprise, led by Captain Pike, as they explore the galaxy decades before the events of the original series. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is the latest Star Trek series joining Paramount+’s growing Trek universe alongside shows like Discovery, Picard, and Lower Decks.

While Wesley will take over the role of Kirk on Paramount+, Pine is set to reprise his version of the role alongside the rest of the JJ Abrams reboot cast in a new Star Trek Movie from WandaVisiond director Matt Shakman.

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

Another actor will take up the mantle as James T. Kirk. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds announces Paul Wesley will be the latest actor to sit on the captain’s chair.

Paramount+ has announced Paul Wesley has been cast as James T. Kirk in the second season of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. That’s right, Strange New Worlds’ second season is already in development even though the first season is set to premiere on May 5, 2022.

Wesley has appeared in shows such as The Vampire Diaries and the Netflix miniseries Medal of Honor. He is the latest actor to take on the role of the Star Trek captain alongside William Shatner from the original series and Chris Pine in the 2009 movie reboot.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a spinoff of Star Trek: Discovery as well as a prequel to Star Trek: The Original Series, which explains Kirk’s appearance. His future crewmate Spock (played by Ethan Peck) is already set to appear in Strange New Worlds alongside Christopher Pike (played by Anson Mount in Star Trek: Discovery and Strange New Worlds) and Nyota Uhura (played by Celia Rose Gooding).

Strange New Worlds will follow the crew of the USS Enterprise, led by Captain Pike, as they explore the galaxy decades before the events of the original series. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is the latest Star Trek series joining Paramount+’s growing Trek universe alongside shows like Discovery, Picard, and Lower Decks.

While Wesley will take over the role of Kirk on Paramount+, Pine is set to reprise his version of the role alongside the rest of the JJ Abrams reboot cast in a new Star Trek Movie from WandaVisiond director Matt Shakman.

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

Young Luke Skywalker will appear in Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the actor portraying the character just got a huge pat on the back from a franchise legend.

On Twitter, Luke Skywalker himself — Mark Hamill — retweeted a post about Grant Feely, the young actor who will play Luke in the upcoming series. In the tweet, Hamill said, "Grant Feely looks like a perfect Luke Skywalker and I am wishing him all the very best! #TheForceIsWithFeely"

Grant Feely looks like a perfect Luke Skywalker and I am wishing him all the very best!#TheForceIsWithFeely https://t.co/FOMDPEeht9

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) March 15, 2022

It's rare for the Luke Skywalker character to be played by anyone other than Hamill, so a blessing from the original Luke himself is certainly a big deal. Even in The Mandalorian, the showrunners synthesized Luke's voice using old clips of Mark Hamill, rather than recasting the role.

We don't entirely know what Luke's role will be in the show. Earlier this week, we learned that early versions of Obi-Wan's script featured Obi-Wan and a young Luke Skywalker on the run from Darth Maul, before the plot changed to avoid similarities to The Mandalorian. In our Obi-Wan trailer breakdown, it appears Obi-Wan will lure Jedi-hunting Inquisitors away from Tatooine to protect Luke from falling into the Empire's hands.

For more on Obi-Wan, check out our piece on what happens to a Jedi when there's no Jedi order. Or check out how Mark Hamill has played a secret role in every Star Wars movie since 2015.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

Young Luke Skywalker will appear in Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the actor portraying the character just got a huge pat on the back from a franchise legend.

On Twitter, Luke Skywalker himself — Mark Hamill — retweeted a post about Grant Feely, the young actor who will play Luke in the upcoming series. In the tweet, Hamill said, "Grant Feely looks like a perfect Luke Skywalker and I am wishing him all the very best! #TheForceIsWithFeely"

Grant Feely looks like a perfect Luke Skywalker and I am wishing him all the very best!#TheForceIsWithFeely https://t.co/FOMDPEeht9

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself) March 15, 2022

It's rare for the Luke Skywalker character to be played by anyone other than Hamill, so a blessing from the original Luke himself is certainly a big deal. Even in The Mandalorian, the showrunners synthesized Luke's voice using old clips of Mark Hamill, rather than recasting the role.

We don't entirely know what Luke's role will be in the show. Earlier this week, we learned that early versions of Obi-Wan's script featured Obi-Wan and a young Luke Skywalker on the run from Darth Maul, before the plot changed to avoid similarities to The Mandalorian. In our Obi-Wan trailer breakdown, it appears Obi-Wan will lure Jedi-hunting Inquisitors away from Tatooine to protect Luke from falling into the Empire's hands.

For more on Obi-Wan, check out our piece on what happens to a Jedi when there's no Jedi order. Or check out how Mark Hamill has played a secret role in every Star Wars movie since 2015.

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.

Nicolas Cage wants to oppose Robert Pattinson in a future Batman film, and his dream role is a fascinating deep cut. In an interview with an Austin news channel at SXSW, Cage was asked if there are any roles he still wants to play. The actor responded, saying he'd like to play a very specific DC supervillain.

"We have this new [movie with] Robert Pattinson as The Batman, which I'm excited to see. I haven't seen it yet but I think he would be terrific." Cage said. "The villain that Vincent Price played on the 60s show, Egghead, I think I want to have a go at Egghead. I think I can make him absolutely terrifying. And I have a concept for Egghead. So let them know over at Warner Bros., I'm down for Egghead."

Egghead is a master criminal who happens to be one of the smartest men in the world, and he actually figures out Batman's identity in the series. He only eats grade triple-A white eggs, and he never pays for anything. In the 1960s Batman television show starring Adam West as the Caped Crusader, Egghead appeared in six episodes. The character has also appeared in Batman: The Brave and the Bold animated series, and had a cameo in The Lego Batman Movie.

Robert Pattinson's Batman already encountered The Riddler, Penguin, and Catwoman in The Batman, and Director Matt Reeves has already teased another familiar foe who could appear in future sequels. While there's currently no clear path forward for Egghead to appear in this universe, we have looked into five comics that could shape the next Batman movie. If you haven't seen it yet, check out our The Batman review.

Nicolas Cage's next project is The Unbearable Weight Of Massive Talent, where the actor stars as himself in an action-comedy where he must accept a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of an unhinged superfan. For more on the actor, you can learn why Nicolas Cage gave up karaoke for good.

Image Credit: Getty Images/Tim Mosenfelder

Logan Plant is a freelance writer for IGN. You can find him on Twitter @LoganJPlant.