2023-09

SAG-AFTRA union members have voted yes to authorize a video game strike. It did so with a 98.72% vote in favor of authorizing a strike on the Interactive Media Agreement that covers its members' work in the games industry. In total, 34,687 members cast ballots, which represents 27.47% of eligible voters, SAG-AFTRA writes in a press release.  This vote does not mean SAG-AFTRA is striking, but gives the union leverage in its ongoing negotiations and, if needed, allows the union to begin a strike immediately. The union hopes this strike authorization will work as added leverage, compelling the companies it is bargaining with "to make significant movement on critical issues where we are still far apart." As for why, SAG-AFTRA has been in Interactive Media Agreement negotiations with "signatory video game companies," including Activision Productions Inc., Disney Character Voices Inc.,...

Don't Nod Entertainment, the studio behind Life is Strange, revealed its action RPG, Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, during The Game Awards last year. Earlier this year, in June, Don't Nod announced Banishers will be released in November but today, the studio delayed its release to next year. More specifically, Banishers will now hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on February 13, 2024.  As for why, Don't Nod CEO Oskar Guilbert says the team is aiming for a "less saturated period" of video game releases, alluding to the swath of games releasing in the coming weeks, including next month's Assassin's Creed Mirage, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Alan Wake 2, and more (and that's just some of what's releasing in October, which then leads right into November).  "We have decided to postpone the release of...

The Talo Principle II has a new trailer that includes a release date of November 2. The follow-up to the acclaimed 2014 puzzle game was first announced during the PlayStation Showcase in May. Set in the distant future after the events of the first game, The Talos Principle II unfolds in a world ruled by robots after humanity has gone extinct. These machines preserve human culture in their day-to-day lives, and the story centers on a unraveling the truth behind a megastructure hiding a great mystery and immense power. The story-driven game takes players across several futuristic locations and includes multiple endings. Gameplay features familiar mechanics and new twists, including challenges centering on mind transference and gravity manipulation.  The Talos Principle II will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC for $29.99. You can read our review of the...

Assassin's Creed Mirage brings players to Baghdad in 861, during its Golden Age when it was the cultural and technological epicenter of the region. The city feels alive with merchants, townsfolk, guards, palaces, and more. It's vibrant, lively, and, well, looks and sounds like a city. It's painted with hues of desert orange and "Arabian Nights" blue skies, something intentional, according to artistic director Jean-Luc Sala.  Having lived in the region, Sala says he and his visual team infused many sights he remembers near the Tigris River to bring Baghdad to life. The result is beautiful, if my two hours of hands-on time is any indication. With Mirage meant to serve as an homage to the first Assassin's Creed that started the series in 2007, Sala and the rest of the team at Ubisoft Bordeaux added an option to make Baghdad...

In anticipation of Insomniac's superhero PS5 sequel, we've compiled an overview of everything you need to know about Spider-Man 2....

Star Wars' Ahsoka Tano is now a part of Epic Games' battle royale, Fortnite. She joined Fortnite Chapter 4 Season 4: Last Resort this morning and includes a battle pass, her white Jedi Training Lightsaber weapon, Force abilities, and more. Epic says Ahsoka, her lightsaber, and Force abilities will remain in Fortnite until the v26.30 update.  Spread around the battle island in Fortnite, you'll find Ahsoka holograms. Interact with them to speak to her and accept her offer to train you. After entering and exiting her rift, you'll gain a white Jedi Training Lightsaber weapon and knowledge of some Force abilities. You can only use these abilities while wielding the Lightsaber weapon after completing Ahsoka's training. As far as Force abilities go, you'll be able to use the Force to sprint faster and double jump as well as push...

CD Prokekt Red added a reference to the late rally driving and racing game legend Ken Block in Cyberpunk 2077's Update 2.0 after he passed away in January 2023....

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Update, 9/25/23: During Capcom's Tokyo Game Show presentation, the publisher announced that Resident Evil Village and its Winters' Expansion are coming to iOS on October 30. The game will be playable on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and iPad Air and iPad Pro with the M1 chip or later. The Winters' Expansion includes the Shadows of Rose story campaign. Check out the original story below to learn how other triple-A titles such as Resident Evil 4 Remake, Assassin's Creed Mirage, and Death Stranding will also jump to the new generation of iOS devices.  Original Story: Apple held a special keynote event today to reveal the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, new Apple Watches, and more. While new iPhones aren’t exactly surprising given the company's annual cadence, what is surprising is that Apple has also...