Monthly Archives: June 2020
FIFA 21 Release Date Announced, Will Support Free Next-Gen Upgrade
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.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time rated for PS4, Xbox One in Taiwan https://t.co/BRn89XmnWCpic.twitter.com/ATI2ENhgUU
— Gematsu (@gematsucom) June 19, 2020
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.
Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time rated for PS4, Xbox One in Taiwan https://t.co/BRn89XmnWCpic.twitter.com/ATI2ENhgUU
— Gematsu (@gematsucom) June 19, 2020
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
Cyberpunk 2077: Free ‘More Robust’ Next-Gen Upgrade Coming To PS5 And Xbox Series X In 2021
EA Play Live 2020: Everything Announced and Revealed
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
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)
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.It is absolutely crucial that we listen to our guests. With the full support of our scientific advisors, we are reversing course and are changing our guest mask policy. We now will require that all AMC guests nationwide wear masks as they enter and enjoy movies at our theatres. pic.twitter.com/DxS9pTjwSi
— AMC Theatres (@AMCTheatres) June 19, 2020
AMC Theaters Reopening Postponed (Again)
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.It is absolutely crucial that we listen to our guests. With the full support of our scientific advisors, we are reversing course and are changing our guest mask policy. We now will require that all AMC guests nationwide wear masks as they enter and enjoy movies at our theatres. pic.twitter.com/DxS9pTjwSi
— AMC Theatres (@AMCTheatres) June 19, 2020