Monthly Archives: July 2022

1 8 9 10 11 12 62

Wizards of the Coast Sets Up a Video Game Studio Led By Dragon Age Producer

Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons publisher Wizards of the Coast has established a video game studio led by Dragon Age's fromer executive producer.

Christian Dailey, who announced his departure from Bioware in February, will serve as vice president and head of studio at Skeleton Key - a new Austin, Texas based game development studio working on a AAA project.

"I am excited to be starting this new adventure with the company that has created so many of my favorite toys and games growing up," Dailey said. "Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast have been a huge influence on me. Their brands have inspired my pursuit of a lifelong career in video games. We are looking forward to growing our studio team with more talented creators who share our passion."

"Wizards of the Coast have been a huge influence on me. Their brands have inspired my pursuit of a lifelong career in video games."

President of Wizards of the Coast and digital gaming Cynthia Williams added that the team is "thrilled to continue to build our roster of exceptionally talented digital gaming leaders. We will greatly benefit from the experience that this team and new video game studio bring to Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro."

Skeleton Key is one of several studios Wizards of the Coast has established in recent years, joining Archetype Entertainment, Atomic Arcade, Tuque Games, and more. The studio didn't reveal any more details about what it's working on, but it will likely be years before anything is announced as it's only just been formed.

While Wizards has established a number of studios, its most recent high-profile game - Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance - was not well recieved. Our review noted that Tuque Games had created a "bland, boring trek through repetitive encounters." Lets hope Skeleton Key makes something more impressive.

Wizards of the Coast Sets Up a Video Game Studio Led By Dragon Age Producer

Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons publisher Wizards of the Coast has established a video game studio led by Dragon Age's fromer executive producer.

Christian Dailey, who announced his departure from Bioware in February, will serve as vice president and head of studio at Skeleton Key - a new Austin, Texas based game development studio working on a AAA project.

"I am excited to be starting this new adventure with the company that has created so many of my favorite toys and games growing up," Dailey said. "Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast have been a huge influence on me. Their brands have inspired my pursuit of a lifelong career in video games. We are looking forward to growing our studio team with more talented creators who share our passion."

"Wizards of the Coast have been a huge influence on me. Their brands have inspired my pursuit of a lifelong career in video games."

President of Wizards of the Coast and digital gaming Cynthia Williams added that the team is "thrilled to continue to build our roster of exceptionally talented digital gaming leaders. We will greatly benefit from the experience that this team and new video game studio bring to Wizards of the Coast and Hasbro."

Skeleton Key is one of several studios Wizards of the Coast has established in recent years, joining Archetype Entertainment, Atomic Arcade, Tuque Games, and more. The studio didn't reveal any more details about what it's working on, but it will likely be years before anything is announced as it's only just been formed.

While Wizards has established a number of studios, its most recent high-profile game - Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance - was not well recieved. Our review noted that Tuque Games had created a "bland, boring trek through repetitive encounters." Lets hope Skeleton Key makes something more impressive.

The Gray Man Is Already Getting a Sequel and a Spin-Off

Pitching a movie as 'Ryan Gosling vs. Chris Evans' has seemingly been a major success for Netflix, because The Gray Man is already getting a sequel and a spin-off – less than two weeks after release.

Netflix announced that a sequel will see Gosling return alongside directors Joe and Anthony Russo. Stephen McFeely (co-writer on The Gray Man and Avengers: Endgame) will handle the screenplay.

Alongside that sequel, we'll get a spin-off that will "explore a different element of The Gray Man universe" - although those details are being kept secret for now. What we do know is that the spin-off will be written by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, best known for their work on Deadpool and Zombieland.

Understandably, there's not much more information on either movie, but we did get a celebratory picture of Gosling looking moody:

In a press release, the Russo brothers wrote, “The audience reaction to The Gray Man has been nothing short of phenomenal. We are so appreciative of the enthusiasm that fans across the world have had for this film. With so many amazing characters in the movie, we had always intended for the Gray Man to be part of an expanded universe, and we are thrilled that Netflix is announcing a sequel with Ryan, as well as a second script that we’re excited to talk about soon.”

While it's clearly been a hit for Netflix, we weren't quite as sold on The Gray Man. In a 5/10 review, we said that the movie "wastes its all-star cast by giving them little to work with beyond quips. While it eventually becomes watchable, it spends most of its runtime being visually and emotionally indecipherable."

Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

The Gray Man Is Already Getting a Sequel and a Spin-Off

Pitching a movie as 'Ryan Gosling vs. Chris Evans' has seemingly been a major success for Netflix, because The Gray Man is already getting a sequel and a spin-off – less than two weeks after release.

Netflix announced that a sequel will see Gosling return alongside directors Joe and Anthony Russo. Stephen McFeely (co-writer on The Gray Man and Avengers: Endgame) will handle the screenplay.

Alongside that sequel, we'll get a spin-off that will "explore a different element of The Gray Man universe" - although those details are being kept secret for now. What we do know is that the spin-off will be written by Paul Wernick and Rhett Reese, best known for their work on Deadpool and Zombieland.

Understandably, there's not much more information on either movie, but we did get a celebratory picture of Gosling looking moody:

In a press release, the Russo brothers wrote, “The audience reaction to The Gray Man has been nothing short of phenomenal. We are so appreciative of the enthusiasm that fans across the world have had for this film. With so many amazing characters in the movie, we had always intended for the Gray Man to be part of an expanded universe, and we are thrilled that Netflix is announcing a sequel with Ryan, as well as a second script that we’re excited to talk about soon.”

While it's clearly been a hit for Netflix, we weren't quite as sold on The Gray Man. In a 5/10 review, we said that the movie "wastes its all-star cast by giving them little to work with beyond quips. While it eventually becomes watchable, it spends most of its runtime being visually and emotionally indecipherable."

Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

SolForge: Fusion, a New Card Game From the Creator of Magic, Releases This September

Stone Blade Entertainment has announced that SolForge: Fusion, a new physical/digital hybrid trading card game from the creators of Magic: The Gathering and Ascension, will be released on September 22 this year.

SolForge: Fusion is the sequel to SolForge, a digital-only trading card game released in 2016 and eventually shuttered in 2019. Designed by Richard Garfield (Magic: The Gathering) and Justin Gary (Ascension Deckbuilding Game), this sequel combines both physical cards and a digital game to create a card game that can be played both in-person and remotely online.

Originally funded by Kickstarter, the game is now almost ready to go and will be available in stores from September 22. The core premise of SolForge: Fusion is that players ‘fuse’ together two half-decks to create a full deck of cards. Those cards are also "algorithmically generated", with the intention of ensuring that “no two SolForge: Fusion decks are the same”. Stone Blade hopes this will prevent the classic card game issue of players copying decks with high win rates.

Half decks and booster packs will be available in physical form, and those cards can then be scanned into the SolForge online database to be used in online battles. The digital side of SolForge, while having an official website and leaderboards, will actually be conducted via Tabletop Simulator.

“SolForge Fusion represents the culmination of over a decade of development from Richard [Garfield] and I to create a great game unlike any other,” said Justin Gary in a press release. “Players can customize truly one of a kind decks to create a unique and compelling experience every time they play, whether in person or online.”

"Combining two procedurally generated half-decks gives an easy way to customize your deck, and wildly expands the possibilities of a collection." said Richard Garfield. "And creating cards by fusing two halves together gives over 15K possible cards in the first set alone, more than were created in the first 20+ years of Magic: The Gathering!"

SolForge: Fusion will be available to play at GenCon 2022 from August 4-7, where learn to play tutorials and tournaments will be held. Further events are being planned for PAX Unplugged and other conventions.

For more from the world of card games, check out Magic's crossover with Fortnite, and how it is hiding rare vintage cards in upcoming booster packs.

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

SolForge: Fusion, a New Card Game From the Creator of Magic, Releases This September

Stone Blade Entertainment has announced that SolForge: Fusion, a new physical/digital hybrid trading card game from the creators of Magic: The Gathering and Ascension, will be released on September 22 this year.

SolForge: Fusion is the sequel to SolForge, a digital-only trading card game released in 2016 and eventually shuttered in 2019. Designed by Richard Garfield (Magic: The Gathering) and Justin Gary (Ascension Deckbuilding Game), this sequel combines both physical cards and a digital game to create a card game that can be played both in-person and remotely online.

Originally funded by Kickstarter, the game is now almost ready to go and will be available in stores from September 22. The core premise of SolForge: Fusion is that players ‘fuse’ together two half-decks to create a full deck of cards. Those cards are also "algorithmically generated", with the intention of ensuring that “no two SolForge: Fusion decks are the same”. Stone Blade hopes this will prevent the classic card game issue of players copying decks with high win rates.

Half decks and booster packs will be available in physical form, and those cards can then be scanned into the SolForge online database to be used in online battles. The digital side of SolForge, while having an official website and leaderboards, will actually be conducted via Tabletop Simulator.

“SolForge Fusion represents the culmination of over a decade of development from Richard [Garfield] and I to create a great game unlike any other,” said Justin Gary in a press release. “Players can customize truly one of a kind decks to create a unique and compelling experience every time they play, whether in person or online.”

"Combining two procedurally generated half-decks gives an easy way to customize your deck, and wildly expands the possibilities of a collection." said Richard Garfield. "And creating cards by fusing two halves together gives over 15K possible cards in the first set alone, more than were created in the first 20+ years of Magic: The Gathering!"

SolForge: Fusion will be available to play at GenCon 2022 from August 4-7, where learn to play tutorials and tournaments will be held. Further events are being planned for PAX Unplugged and other conventions.

For more from the world of card games, check out Magic's crossover with Fortnite, and how it is hiding rare vintage cards in upcoming booster packs.

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

Keanu Reeves Wants to Play Batman

The Matrix and John Wick star Keanu Reeves has revealed that he wants to play Batman in a live action film.

Speaking to Extra about playing the role in League of Super-Pets, Reeves said that, while Robert Pattinson is at the helm right now in The Batman, he'd love to take on the role himself one day.

"I love Batman as a character, and I love him in the comic books, in the films, so to get the opportunity to voice, to play Batman, was awesome."

When asked about playing a live action version, Reeves said "it's always been a dream, but Pattinson's got Batman right now. He's doing awesome. Maybe down the road. Maybe when they need an older Batman."

The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves and also starring Zoë Kravitz, was released earlier this year to strong commercial success and critical acclaim, with DC confirming that a sequel is on the way in April.

The cast and crew have shared what they'd like to explore in it, with Pattinson himself wanting a take on the Court of Owls saga while director Matt Reeves hopes to bring Mr. Freeze to his dark and gritty Batman universe.

There's also two TV shows on the way: one focused on Colin Farrell's Penguin, and a Gotham PD series that tells a "haunted house" style story based in Arkham.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

Keanu Reeves Wants to Play Batman

The Matrix and John Wick star Keanu Reeves has revealed that he wants to play Batman in a live action film.

Speaking to Extra about playing the role in League of Super-Pets, Reeves said that, while Robert Pattinson is at the helm right now in The Batman, he'd love to take on the role himself one day.

"I love Batman as a character, and I love him in the comic books, in the films, so to get the opportunity to voice, to play Batman, was awesome."

When asked about playing a live action version, Reeves said "it's always been a dream, but Pattinson's got Batman right now. He's doing awesome. Maybe down the road. Maybe when they need an older Batman."

The Batman, directed by Matt Reeves and also starring Zoë Kravitz, was released earlier this year to strong commercial success and critical acclaim, with DC confirming that a sequel is on the way in April.

The cast and crew have shared what they'd like to explore in it, with Pattinson himself wanting a take on the Court of Owls saga while director Matt Reeves hopes to bring Mr. Freeze to his dark and gritty Batman universe.

There's also two TV shows on the way: one focused on Colin Farrell's Penguin, and a Gotham PD series that tells a "haunted house" style story based in Arkham.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelancer. He'll talk about The Witcher all day.

PlayStation Shows Off Early Look at PS VR2’s UI

Sony has revealed the first images of the PS VR2's user interface, including what the see-through system and play area customisation will look like.

Similar to the Oculus/Meta Quest line of VR headsets, the PlayStation VR2 will feature a 'see-through' view which allows you to view your real-life surroundings in black and white. This uses cameras mounted to the headset, and is helpful for seeing where your controllers are, or navigating your playspace without taking the headset off. See-through view can be activated with a physical 'function' button on the hardware itself, or via the UI's Control Center.

Control Center will also allow you to draw out and edit a customised play space on the floor using the hand-held controllers, also similar to how the Meta Quest handles things. A grid wall will display in-game when you move too close to your set boundaries. Your settings are saved between sessions, but moving to a new room will require a new play area to be drawn.

A 'cinematic mode' has also been confirmed, which will allow you to watch non-VR content, such as existing games, in a "virtual cinema screen". (Being in VR allows things to look much bigger than they are, and so you can create a sort-of cinema experience). This content will be displayed in 1920×1080 HDR video format with 24/60Hz and also 120Hz frame rates, so will not be as high quality as, say, your nice 4K TV. VR content, on the otherhand, will be 4000 x 2040 resolution HDR (2000 x 2040 per eye) with 90Hz/120Hz frame rate.

PS VR2 will also feature a broadcast mode that, when coupled with a PS5 HD Camera, can stream video of both what you're seeing in the headset and what you're doing in real-life.

Sony has said that PS VR2 will have more than 20 major launch games. Coming to the platform is Horizon: Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil Village, and Ghostbusters VR, among others. The headset itself was only revealed earlier this year, and you can see how it stacks up against other VR headsets in our comparisson.

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

PlayStation Shows Off Early Look at PS VR2’s UI

Sony has revealed the first images of the PS VR2's user interface, including what the see-through system and play area customisation will look like.

Similar to the Oculus/Meta Quest line of VR headsets, the PlayStation VR2 will feature a 'see-through' view which allows you to view your real-life surroundings in black and white. This uses cameras mounted to the headset, and is helpful for seeing where your controllers are, or navigating your playspace without taking the headset off. See-through view can be activated with a physical 'function' button on the hardware itself, or via the UI's Control Center.

Control Center will also allow you to draw out and edit a customised play space on the floor using the hand-held controllers, also similar to how the Meta Quest handles things. A grid wall will display in-game when you move too close to your set boundaries. Your settings are saved between sessions, but moving to a new room will require a new play area to be drawn.

A 'cinematic mode' has also been confirmed, which will allow you to watch non-VR content, such as existing games, in a "virtual cinema screen". (Being in VR allows things to look much bigger than they are, and so you can create a sort-of cinema experience). This content will be displayed in 1920×1080 HDR video format with 24/60Hz and also 120Hz frame rates, so will not be as high quality as, say, your nice 4K TV. VR content, on the otherhand, will be 4000 x 2040 resolution HDR (2000 x 2040 per eye) with 90Hz/120Hz frame rate.

PS VR2 will also feature a broadcast mode that, when coupled with a PS5 HD Camera, can stream video of both what you're seeing in the headset and what you're doing in real-life.

Sony has said that PS VR2 will have more than 20 major launch games. Coming to the platform is Horizon: Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil Village, and Ghostbusters VR, among others. The headset itself was only revealed earlier this year, and you can see how it stacks up against other VR headsets in our comparisson.

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

1 8 9 10 11 12 62