Monthly Archives: June 2020

FIFA 21 Release Date Announced, Will Support Free Next-Gen Upgrade

EA has announced the release date for the current-gen versions of FIFA 21, as well as promised a free upgrade to next-generation consoles. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/ea-sports-montage-trailer-ea-play-2020"] Despite there being no messaging about FIFA 21 in the EA Play stream, the game’s website has been updated with a range of new information. Chief among this is the announcement that FIFA 21 will release on October 9 for PS4, Xbox One, and PC via Origin and Steam. No release date was announced for next-gen consoles, presumably due to the fact there is no official release date for those machines yet. Official dates for next-gen FIFA 21 will be announced later this year. Depending on the version bought, players can access FIFA 21 earlier than the release date. FIFA 21 Ultimate Edition or Champions Edition allows access from October 6, while EA Access and Origin Access subscribers can get into the Play First trial of the game from October 1. FIFA 21 will also make use of EA’s Dual Entitlement system, the publisher’s answer to Microsoft’s Smart Delivery on Xbox. Dual Entitlement works on both PlayStation and Xbox platforms, and will provide the next-gen upgraded version of FIFA 21 at no extra cost should you buy a PS5 or Xbox Seires X. This applies to both digital and physical purchases, although EA notes that if you have FIFA 21 in physical on PS4, then you’ll need to buy a PS5 with a disc drive as the disc must be in the drive to play the upgraded version. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/19/ea-play-2020-full-conference"] Dual Entitlement also carries over plenty of save data, including all progress and content in Ultimate Team and progression in Volta Football. Progress in online seasons, co-op seasons, career mode, and pro clubs are tied to specific consoles, so will not transfer if you upgrade. For more EA, check out everything announced at EA Play Live 2020. And if you can’t wait for October, why not check out our review of FIFA 20 from last year? [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time Allegedly Headed To PS4 and Xbox One

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time has been rated for PS4 and Xbox One by the Taiwan Digital Game Rating Committee.

The news arrives thanks to Gematsu, who first spotted the listing. The listing - which now appears to have been removed from the committee's search results for Crash Bandicoot - offered official box art for the game,  which can be seen in the tweet shared below.

The listing also featured and a short description of the game's premise: "Crash is relaxing and exploring his island in his time, 1998, when he finds a mysterious mask hidden away in a cave, Lani-Loli. The mask is one of the Quantum Masks and apparently knows Aku-Aku, Crash’s mask friend! With the Quantum Masks returning and a Quantum Rift appearing near our heroes, they decide to bravely head through to different times and dimensions to stop whoever is responsible."

It's also worth noting that the box art appears to confirm that the game will be playable on Xbox Series X too - in the bottom left of the box, it states that It's About Time is an "Xbox One game playable on Xbox Series X," so if this likely-looking story comes true, the game may well have some cross-gen capabilities. Similar messaging is not present on the PS4 box art. Additionally, there is no mention of a PC or Switch release, two platforms that received the previous Crash Bandicoot games, N. Sane Trilogy and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/06/29/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy-review"]

The box art also reveals that Spyro Reignited Trilogy developer Toys for Bob is behind the game, rather than the N. Sane Trilogy studio Vicarious Visions.

We reported earlier this month on leaked merchandise that appeared to suggest a new Crash Bandicoot game was inbound. Just yesterday, IGN received a 200-piece puzzle with the message "A little something to help pass the TIME" which revealed one of the mask's seen on the leaked cover above.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time Allegedly Headed To PS4 and Xbox One

Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time has been rated for PS4 and Xbox One by the Taiwan Digital Game Rating Committee.

The news arrives thanks to Gematsu, who first spotted the listing. The listing - which now appears to have been removed from the committee's search results for Crash Bandicoot - offered official box art for the game,  which can be seen in the tweet shared below.

The listing also featured and a short description of the game's premise: "Crash is relaxing and exploring his island in his time, 1998, when he finds a mysterious mask hidden away in a cave, Lani-Loli. The mask is one of the Quantum Masks and apparently knows Aku-Aku, Crash’s mask friend! With the Quantum Masks returning and a Quantum Rift appearing near our heroes, they decide to bravely head through to different times and dimensions to stop whoever is responsible."

It's also worth noting that the box art appears to confirm that the game will be playable on Xbox Series X too - in the bottom left of the box, it states that It's About Time is an "Xbox One game playable on Xbox Series X," so if this likely-looking story comes true, the game may well have some cross-gen capabilities. Similar messaging is not present on the PS4 box art. Additionally, there is no mention of a PC or Switch release, two platforms that received the previous Crash Bandicoot games, N. Sane Trilogy and Crash Team Racing Nitro-Fueled.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/06/29/crash-bandicoot-n-sane-trilogy-review"]

The box art also reveals that Spyro Reignited Trilogy developer Toys for Bob is behind the game, rather than the N. Sane Trilogy studio Vicarious Visions.

We reported earlier this month on leaked merchandise that appeared to suggest a new Crash Bandicoot game was inbound. Just yesterday, IGN received a 200-piece puzzle with the message "A little something to help pass the TIME" which revealed one of the mask's seen on the leaked cover above.

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Cyberpunk 2077: Free ‘More Robust’ Next-Gen Upgrade Coming To PS5 And Xbox Series X In 2021

CD Projekt Red has confirmed that a free "more robust" next-gen upgrade will arrive on PS5 and Xbox Series X in 2021, in addition to the PS4 and Xbox One versions both being playable on next-gen consoles at launch. As reported by Gematsu, the news was revealed in a conference call conducted by the developer yesterday. CD Projekt Red's CEO Adam Kicinski answered questions in the wake of the game's November delay, which was revealed yesterday. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/08/27/cyberpunk-2077-gameplay-demo"] "At some point we’re going to have a more robust update for the for the next-gens, which we’re planning to give free of charge to anybody who purchases the PS4 or Xbox One version, but in any case you will be able to play the game on the next-gens from the 19th of November when the game releases, and it will look better than on the next-gens from that moment," Kicinski explained. Microsoft has already confirmed that those who purchase Cyberpunk 2077 on Xbox One will also be able to play it upgraded on Xbox Series X via the Smart Delivery system, which makes it so that you only have to purchase certain games once to play them across every system in the current-gen and next-gen Xbox family. But we didn't know that this "more robust" update would arrive on PS5 free of charge for users who purchased the game on current-gen PS4 consoles, as Sony has not announced an official PlayStation equivalent to Xbox's Smart Delivery. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=100-new-cyberpunk-2077-screenshots-gangs-characters-and-playstyles-revealed&captions=true"] As for when the upgrade patch will launch, Kicinski is not sure and it could be subject to a delay, but said that CD Projekt Red currently plans to release the update in 2021. "We are sure that we will deliver it next year, but it was not even internally planned for a certain day, so it’s hard to say whether there is a potential delay of the next-gen. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Cyberpunk 2077: Free ‘More Robust’ Next-Gen Upgrade Coming To PS5 And Xbox Series X In 2021

CD Projekt Red has confirmed that a free "more robust" next-gen upgrade will arrive on PS5 and Xbox Series X in 2021, in addition to the PS4 and Xbox One versions both being playable on next-gen consoles at launch. As reported by Gematsu, the news was revealed in a conference call conducted by the developer yesterday. CD Projekt Red's CEO Adam Kicinski answered questions in the wake of the game's November delay, which was revealed yesterday. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2018/08/27/cyberpunk-2077-gameplay-demo"] "At some point we’re going to have a more robust update for the for the next-gens, which we’re planning to give free of charge to anybody who purchases the PS4 or Xbox One version, but in any case you will be able to play the game on the next-gens from the 19th of November when the game releases, and it will look better than on the next-gens from that moment," Kicinski explained. Microsoft has already confirmed that those who purchase Cyberpunk 2077 on Xbox One will also be able to play it upgraded on Xbox Series X via the Smart Delivery system, which makes it so that you only have to purchase certain games once to play them across every system in the current-gen and next-gen Xbox family. But we didn't know that this "more robust" update would arrive on PS5 free of charge for users who purchased the game on current-gen PS4 consoles, as Sony has not announced an official PlayStation equivalent to Xbox's Smart Delivery. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=100-new-cyberpunk-2077-screenshots-gangs-characters-and-playstyles-revealed&captions=true"] As for when the upgrade patch will launch, Kicinski is not sure and it could be subject to a delay, but said that CD Projekt Red currently plans to release the update in 2021. "We are sure that we will deliver it next year, but it was not even internally planned for a certain day, so it’s hard to say whether there is a potential delay of the next-gen. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

EA Play Live 2020: Everything Announced and Revealed

EA Play Live 2020 is EA's chance to show off all of its upcoming games to the world, and we are here to recap each and every announcement. From Star Wars Squadrons gameplay reveal to a glimpse of next-gen versions of Dragon Age, Battlefield, and Need for Speed to Apex Legends being released on Steam and Switch this fall to a new Skate game, we've gathered each announcement below;

Apex Legends is Headed to Switch and Steam with Full Cross-Play

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/apex-legends-season-5-lost-treasures-collection-event-trailer-ea-play-2020"] Apex Legends will be headed to Steam and Nintendo Switch later this fall alongside full cross-play with PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Respawn Entertainment explained Lost Treasures, the latest collection event headed to Apex Legends arriving on June 23, 2020. It will see the return of Armed and Dangerous: Evolved, the limited mode that only allows snipers and shotguns. It will also introduce a mobile respawn beacon, that each player will have at the start of each match. Be careful, however, because the respawn stations across the map will be gone. A new area, Crypto's Map Room, will give players a new look at what motivates Crypto. There will also be exclusive content and cosmetics that can be earned by completing challenges.

The Sims 4 is Now Available on Steam

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/the-sims-4-steam-announcement-trailer-ea-play-2020"] EA announced that The Sims 4 base game and packs are now available on Steam. [poilib element="poll" parameters="id=337ac324-2e92-47cf-88ec-dc4226dc9080"]

Hazelight's Josef Fares Announces It Takes Two

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/it-takes-two-announcement-trailer-ea-play-2020"] Hazelight's Josef Fares announced It Takes Two, the studio's next game following Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and A Way Out. It is co-op action-adventure platformer that will "blow your f**king mind away." It Takes Two follows a child whose parents are divorcing. To cope, she creates imaginary versions of them who must work together to make it through the story. It Takes Two is scheduled to be released in 2021.

Zoink Games Announces Lost in Random

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/lost-in-random-announcement-trailer-ea-play-2020"] The studio behind Fe, Zoink Games, announced Lost in Random, a game that takes place in the world of Random, a "dark kingdom where every citizen's future is determined by a roll of a dice." In 2021, follow the tale of Even and her sidekick Dicey to "play the odds and break the curse."

Rocket Arena, the 3v3 Rocket Game, Gets a New Trailer and Will Be Released on July 14

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/rocket-arena-preview-its-back-and-more-smash-bros-y-than-ever"] Rocket Arena, the competitive third-person 3v3 hero shooter that is all about using rockets to literally blow up the competition, will be released on July 14. We also have a preview of Rocket Arena, in which we say we are "very cautiously optimistic about Rocket Arena. Its unique gameplay mechanics stand out from other third-person hero shooters and the arena of 3v3 fights is actually quite fun."

Star Wars Squadrons Gameplay Reveal

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/star-wars-squadrons-gameplay-reveal-and-overview-trailer-ea-play-2020"] EA Motive revealed gameplay of its upcoming game, Star Wars Squadrons, a game that takes place after Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi. Featuring both single-player and multiplayer, Star Wars Squadrons aims to be the greatest Star Wars pilot game ever. The campaign will have players assuming the role of both a New Republic pilot and Imperial fighter pilot as part of the Vanguard and Titan Squadrons, respectively. Multiplayer will include modes like Dogfight, an all-out 5v5 battle, and the signature mode, Fleet Battles. Fleet Battles feature multiple phases and begins in a social hub that allows for strategic planning. Then, players will enter a battle that begins with a dogfight in in the middle of the map. It then transitions to one of the teams attacking the enemy's medium-sized capital ship before finally taking the battle to the enemy's flagships. Star Wars Squadrons will be released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on October 2, 2020, with full cross-play and VR Support for PS4 and PC. Oh, and there are no microtransactions.

EA Sports Montage Trailer: Madden 21 and FIFA 21

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/ea-sports-montage-trailer-ea-play-2020"] EA Sports gave fans a look at Madden 21 and FIFA 21 in action.

Dragon Age, Battlefield, and Need for Speed, EA Motive Project Next-Gen Tech Teasers

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/dragon-age-and-battlefield-tech-teaser-ea-play-2020"] EA gave viewers around the world a glimpse of what such games as Dragon Age, Battlefield, Need for Speed, and a new project by EA Motive will look like running on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and high-end PCs.

Untitled Skate Game Reveal

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/ea-sports-montage-trailer-ea-play-2020"] Cuz Parry and Deran Chung announced that a new Skate game is "really early" in development. Skate 3 was released in 2010 and fans have been clamoring for a new entry. It appears they will get their wish!

7 EA Games Coming to Nintendo Switch This Year

EA announced that seven games will be released on Nintendo Switch this year. EA has only discussed Burnout: Paradise and Apex Legends, but expect more announcements in the future. [poilib element="accentDivider"] 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 who thought Greg Miller's shirt was the star of the show. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

EA Play Live 2020: Everything Announced and Revealed

EA Play Live 2020 is EA's chance to show off all of its upcoming games to the world, and we are here to recap each and every announcement. From Star Wars Squadrons gameplay reveal to a glimpse of next-gen versions of Dragon Age, Battlefield, and Need for Speed to Apex Legends being released on Steam and Switch this fall to a new Skate game, we've gathered each announcement below;

Apex Legends is Headed to Switch and Steam with Full Cross-Play

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/apex-legends-season-5-lost-treasures-collection-event-trailer-ea-play-2020"] Apex Legends will be headed to Steam and Nintendo Switch later this fall alongside full cross-play with PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC. Respawn Entertainment explained Lost Treasures, the latest collection event headed to Apex Legends arriving on June 23, 2020. It will see the return of Armed and Dangerous: Evolved, the limited mode that only allows snipers and shotguns. It will also introduce a mobile respawn beacon, that each player will have at the start of each match. Be careful, however, because the respawn stations across the map will be gone. A new area, Crypto's Map Room, will give players a new look at what motivates Crypto. There will also be exclusive content and cosmetics that can be earned by completing challenges.

The Sims 4 is Now Available on Steam

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/the-sims-4-steam-announcement-trailer-ea-play-2020"] EA announced that The Sims 4 base game and packs are now available on Steam. [poilib element="poll" parameters="id=337ac324-2e92-47cf-88ec-dc4226dc9080"]

Hazelight's Josef Fares Announces It Takes Two

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/it-takes-two-announcement-trailer-ea-play-2020"] Hazelight's Josef Fares announced It Takes Two, the studio's next game following Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons and A Way Out. It is co-op action-adventure platformer that will "blow your f**king mind away." It Takes Two follows a child whose parents are divorcing. To cope, she creates imaginary versions of them who must work together to make it through the story. It Takes Two is scheduled to be released in 2021.

Zoink Games Announces Lost in Random

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/lost-in-random-announcement-trailer-ea-play-2020"] The studio behind Fe, Zoink Games, announced Lost in Random, a game that takes place in the world of Random, a "dark kingdom where every citizen's future is determined by a roll of a dice." In 2021, follow the tale of Even and her sidekick Dicey to "play the odds and break the curse."

Rocket Arena, the 3v3 Rocket Game, Gets a New Trailer and Will Be Released on July 14

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/rocket-arena-preview-its-back-and-more-smash-bros-y-than-ever"] Rocket Arena, the competitive third-person 3v3 hero shooter that is all about using rockets to literally blow up the competition, will be released on July 14. We also have a preview of Rocket Arena, in which we say we are "very cautiously optimistic about Rocket Arena. Its unique gameplay mechanics stand out from other third-person hero shooters and the arena of 3v3 fights is actually quite fun."

Star Wars Squadrons Gameplay Reveal

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/star-wars-squadrons-gameplay-reveal-and-overview-trailer-ea-play-2020"] EA Motive revealed gameplay of its upcoming game, Star Wars Squadrons, a game that takes place after Star Wars: The Return of the Jedi. Featuring both single-player and multiplayer, Star Wars Squadrons aims to be the greatest Star Wars pilot game ever. The campaign will have players assuming the role of both a New Republic pilot and Imperial fighter pilot as part of the Vanguard and Titan Squadrons, respectively. Multiplayer will include modes like Dogfight, an all-out 5v5 battle, and the signature mode, Fleet Battles. Fleet Battles feature multiple phases and begins in a social hub that allows for strategic planning. Then, players will enter a battle that begins with a dogfight in in the middle of the map. It then transitions to one of the teams attacking the enemy's medium-sized capital ship before finally taking the battle to the enemy's flagships. Star Wars Squadrons will be released on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on October 2, 2020, with full cross-play and VR Support for PS4 and PC. Oh, and there are no microtransactions.

EA Sports Montage Trailer: Madden 21 and FIFA 21

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/ea-sports-montage-trailer-ea-play-2020"] EA Sports gave fans a look at Madden 21 and FIFA 21 in action.

Dragon Age, Battlefield, and Need for Speed, EA Motive Project Next-Gen Tech Teasers

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/dragon-age-and-battlefield-tech-teaser-ea-play-2020"] EA gave viewers around the world a glimpse of what such games as Dragon Age, Battlefield, Need for Speed, and a new project by EA Motive will look like running on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and high-end PCs.

Untitled Skate Game Reveal

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/18/ea-sports-montage-trailer-ea-play-2020"] Cuz Parry and Deran Chung announced that a new Skate game is "really early" in development. Skate 3 was released in 2010 and fans have been clamoring for a new entry. It appears they will get their wish!

7 EA Games Coming to Nintendo Switch This Year

EA announced that seven games will be released on Nintendo Switch this year. EA has only discussed Burnout: Paradise and Apex Legends, but expect more announcements in the future. [poilib element="accentDivider"] 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 who thought Greg Miller's shirt was the star of the show. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

AMC Theaters Reopening Postponed (Again)

UPDATE 3: AMC Theaters is once again delaying reopening its U.S. cinemas due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, shifting from a late July reopening to mid-to-late August. "This new timing reflects currently expected release dates for much anticipated blockbusters like Warner Bros.' Tenet and Disney's Mulan, as well as release dates for several other new movies coming to AMC's big screens," AMC Theaters said in a statement released Thursday. UPDATE 2: AMC Theaters has pushed back its reopening date by two weeks due to the surge in new coronavirus cases. The theater chain giant will now reopen 450 of its 600 theaters on July 30 instead of July 15, according to Variety. That is, of course, unless COVID-19 numbers continue to spike. And when AMC Theaters does reopen, patrons will be required to wear face masks (see below). Our original report from June 19 follows. UPDATE: Following a public backlash, AMC Theaters has reversed course and will now require patrons to wear face masks once many of their theaters reopen July 15. The nation's leading theater chain had wished, as its CEO and President Adam Aron put it, to not to be “drawn into a political controversy" by requiring patrons wear face masks during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read their full statement below: Our original report from June 18 follows. [poilib element="accentDivider"] AMC Theaters plans to reopen 450 cinemas in the US on July 15 -- and won’t require people to wear masks so as not to be “drawn into a political controversy." The reopening will be in time for major releases such as Mulan (July 24) and Tenet (July 31). The nation's leading theater chain had closed over 600 locations in March due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. AMC CEO and President Adam Aron told Variety: “There were some jurisdictions in some states such as Georgia and Texas that allowed people to re-open theaters in mid-May. We opted to remain closed, so we could give the country time to get a better handle on coronavirus. We wanted to use this time to figure out how best to open and how to do so safely.” Included among those safety measures will be limited seating capacity, social distancing, new cleaning procedures, hand sanitizer stations, and, as the trade notes, AMC is also "encouraging contact-less and cash-free concessions." Will filmgoers be required to weak masks? According to AMC's new safety measures, employees are required to wear PPE such as face masks. As for patrons, "Protect yourself and others by wearing a mask, available for purchase if desired. In some municipalities, guests will be required to wear masks." “We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy,” AMC boss Aron told Variety. “We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary. We think that the vast majority of AMC guests will be wearing masks. When I go to an AMC feature, I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/why-amc-is-banning-universal-movies-ign-now"] Other leading exhibition chains such as Regal and Cinemark are also reopening their theaters mid-July. Deeply in debt and recently downgraded by Wall Street analysts, AMC Theaters has suggested the pandemic could force it into bankruptcy. The chain also remains at war with Universal Pictures over the studio's willingness to put some of its movies -- including Trolls World Tour, The King of Staten Island, and You Should Have Left -- on premium VOD instead of delaying their theatrical release.

AMC Theaters Reopening Postponed (Again)

UPDATE 3: AMC Theaters is once again delaying reopening its U.S. cinemas due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, shifting from a late July reopening to mid-to-late August. "This new timing reflects currently expected release dates for much anticipated blockbusters like Warner Bros.' Tenet and Disney's Mulan, as well as release dates for several other new movies coming to AMC's big screens," AMC Theaters said in a statement released Thursday. UPDATE 2: AMC Theaters has pushed back its reopening date by two weeks due to the surge in new coronavirus cases. The theater chain giant will now reopen 450 of its 600 theaters on July 30 instead of July 15, according to Variety. That is, of course, unless COVID-19 numbers continue to spike. And when AMC Theaters does reopen, patrons will be required to wear face masks (see below). Our original report from June 19 follows. UPDATE: Following a public backlash, AMC Theaters has reversed course and will now require patrons to wear face masks once many of their theaters reopen July 15. The nation's leading theater chain had wished, as its CEO and President Adam Aron put it, to not to be “drawn into a political controversy" by requiring patrons wear face masks during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Read their full statement below: Our original report from June 18 follows. [poilib element="accentDivider"] AMC Theaters plans to reopen 450 cinemas in the US on July 15 -- and won’t require people to wear masks so as not to be “drawn into a political controversy." The reopening will be in time for major releases such as Mulan (July 24) and Tenet (July 31). The nation's leading theater chain had closed over 600 locations in March due to the novel coronavirus pandemic. AMC CEO and President Adam Aron told Variety: “There were some jurisdictions in some states such as Georgia and Texas that allowed people to re-open theaters in mid-May. We opted to remain closed, so we could give the country time to get a better handle on coronavirus. We wanted to use this time to figure out how best to open and how to do so safely.” Included among those safety measures will be limited seating capacity, social distancing, new cleaning procedures, hand sanitizer stations, and, as the trade notes, AMC is also "encouraging contact-less and cash-free concessions." Will filmgoers be required to weak masks? According to AMC's new safety measures, employees are required to wear PPE such as face masks. As for patrons, "Protect yourself and others by wearing a mask, available for purchase if desired. In some municipalities, guests will be required to wear masks." “We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy,” AMC boss Aron told Variety. “We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary. We think that the vast majority of AMC guests will be wearing masks. When I go to an AMC feature, I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/why-amc-is-banning-universal-movies-ign-now"] Other leading exhibition chains such as Regal and Cinemark are also reopening their theaters mid-July. Deeply in debt and recently downgraded by Wall Street analysts, AMC Theaters has suggested the pandemic could force it into bankruptcy. The chain also remains at war with Universal Pictures over the studio's willingness to put some of its movies -- including Trolls World Tour, The King of Staten Island, and You Should Have Left -- on premium VOD instead of delaying their theatrical release.

Dune Returning to Hungary for Additional Filming

Dune cast member Oscar Isaac has revealed that the sci-fi epic is going back in front of cameras just a few months before it's scheduled to be released. Isaac informed Deadline that Dune will undergo additional filming in Hungary, one of the production's original shooting locations. “We’re going to do some additional shooting in mid August," Isaac revealed. "They’re saying in Budapest in Hungary.” Deadline claims the additional shooting will not affect the film's December 18th release date. It should be noted that reshoots and additional shooting are commonplace in major Hollywood productions and are generally planned into a production's schedule. [ignvideo width=610 height=374 url=https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/15/dune-director-explains-why-his-adaptation-will-be-split-across-two-movies-ign-news] Isaac, who portrays Duke Leto Atreides in the Denis Villeneuve-directed adaptation of Frank Herbert's classic saga, praised the footage from Dune that he has seen and also downplayed the notion of the late-stage additional shooting. “I saw some things cut together and it just looks amazing. Denis is a real artist and it will be exciting to see it come together," Isaac said. "It’s kind of wild that we’re doing some additional shooting a few months before it’s supposed to come out, but that happened with Star Wars as well.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=dune-how-the-movies-have-depicted-the-iconic-stillsuit-costume&captions=true"] Deadline adds that "Dune will shoot with extensive coronavirus safety measures in place." For more Dune coverage, learn what the director had to say about designing the sandworms, the upcoming Duke Leto prequel comic, what Jason Momoa said about his Han Solo-type character, and why David Lynch has zero interest in the Dune remake.