2023-08

Microsoft has submitted a new deal to the U.K.’s Competition and Markets Authority regulatory agency that proposes Ubisoft get the rights to Activision Blizzard game streaming for 15 years.  After the CMA blocked Microsoft’s proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard for a colossal $69 billion back in April over cloud gaming concerns, Microsoft set its sights on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission for approval. In July, a California judge denied the FTC’s request for a preliminary injunction in its case to block Microsoft’s proposed acquisition. Shortly after that decision, Microsoft announced it was pausing its appeal efforts in the U.K. to negotiate with the CMA, and the CMA extended the company’s deadline to do so to August 29, 2023.  Today, the CMA confirmed it is blocking Microsoft’s original proposed deal. However, Microsoft also offered a new deal today following that...

IGN can exclusively reveal the launch of Midwest Games, a new, regionally focused video game publisher headquartered in Green Bay, Wisconsin. ...

Konami has seen fit to include a content warning with the Metal Gear Solid Master Collection, warning players that it "contains expressions and themes which may be considered outdated."...

Microsoft has revealed new console wraps for the Xbox Series X.  These wraps work similarly to Sony’s PlayStation 5 console covers, allowing players to change the console’s cosmetic look without buying an entirely new one. Instead of sliding covers off like with the PS5, Xbox’s solution is to wrap the cosmetic change around the console, hence the name. The company has revealed three wraps to kick off the product, including a special edition Starfield wrap.  “The Starfield-inspired console wrap reimagines your console as an on-board avionics module, powering you through your adventures,” an Xbox blog post reads. “Key internal console components are highlighted through outlined access panel and game-inspired graphics. Technical callouts detail actual console functionality, with an in-game twist.” Xbox says this wrap has a “soft, smooth white high-tech feel” with painted-on tactile graphics. On the inside of the wrap,...

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Ghostrunner II will launch this October.  More specifically, publisher 505 Games and developer One More Level have announced that it will hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC (via Steam and GOG) on October 26. Alongside this news, 505 Games has released a new trailer that you can watch below:  As you can see in the trailer above, various editions are up for preorder and purchase. The base version of the game costs $39.99 and preorders include two sword skins and two hand skins. The Deluxe Edition costs $49.99 and has everything in the base edition, four additional hand skins, four extra sword skins, and a “personalized hand hologram displaying [your] current username.”  The final edition up for grabs is the Brutal Edition, which costs $69.99 and includes everything in the Deluxe Edition and 48 hours of early...

The Invincible will be released this November. More specifically, publisher 11 bit studios and developer Starward Industries have revealed that its upcoming sci-fi mystery game will hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on November 6. Starward Industries has released a new trailer highlighting this release date as well as new footage of the game, and you can watch it below:  In The Invincible, players control Yasna, an astrobiologist in search of her lost crew that she must bring back dead or alive. They’re lost somewhere on the Mars-like planet of Regis III. “On the surface, it may seem that Regis III is uninhabited but that doesn’t mean the people who visit here can feel like unopposed rulers,” a press release reads. Starward Industries says the philosophical nature of what happens to Yasna on Regis III will have...

Update, 8/22/23:  Yesterday, after Nintendo announced the news that Charles Martinet would no longer be voicing Mario and would instead work for the company as a "Mario Ambassador," a brand new role, Game Informer reached out to ask if Martinet voices Mario in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Nintendo says he does not.  "While Charles is not involved in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, we're excited to honor his legacy and contributions, including looking ahead to what he'll be doing as Mario Ambassador. Character voice actor will be credited in the game credits, so please wait for the game to be released."  The original story continues below... Original story, 8/21/23:  Nintendo of America has revealed that Charles Martinet, the longtime voice of Mario in the company’s various Mario games, is stepping back from the role and will no longer record lines for the character. ...

Nintendo of America has revealed that Charles Martinet, the longtime voice of Mario in the company’s various Mario games, is stepping back from the role and will no longer record lines for the character.  Nintendo announced this in a tweet posted today, revealing that Martinet is now moving into “the brand-new role of Mario Ambassador.” While he is stepping back from recording lines for Mario, Nintendo says Martinet will continue to travel the world to interact with fans and share the joy of the character.  We have a message for fans of the Mushroom Kingdom. Please take a look. pic.twitter.com/U1ASicOuTO — Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 21, 2023 Martinet has been the voice of Mario in the mainline games since Super Mario 64 in 1996. That’s more than 25  years as one of the most popular mascots of all time. Nintendo...