Cross-play between the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One has been a hot topic, as of late. With the Ark: Survivor Evolved team stating that they’ve got cross-play between the two consoles to work, but can’t enable it for public access because Sony won’t allow it, things have been a little heated within the gaming community.
While it’s understandable that Sony is a business who doesn’t want to work with their competition, it’s still a damn shame that this functionality and evolution of the platform is being hindered in this way.
During gamescom 2017, GameReactor asked Xbox’s head of marketing Aaron Greenberg about the future of cross-play, and whether Microsoft had been discussing things further with Sony.
Absolutely, yeah. We’re talking to Sony [about crossplay], we do partner with them on Minecraft and of course we would like to enable them to be part of that; one community, to unite gamers. So we’re talking to them and we’re hopeful that they’ll be supportive of it.
I guess Sony’s response will prove whether they truly are “for the players,” or whether their priority lies elsewhere.
What game would you like to see benefit from cross-play?
Sony has once again partnered with Nacon to bring a new PS4 controller to the market. It’s called the “Revolution Pro Controller 2”, and as the name suggests, it’s a follow-up to the original Revolution Pro.
With the first iteration of the pad selling over 250,000 units since December 2016, there’s clearly a demand for what Nacon is making, and a newly improved controller should go down well.
As for what features this pad boasts over the standard DualShock 4, here’s all the details:
The Revolution Pro Controller 2 will include, among other new features, manual configuration of the four shortcut buttons – for instant adjustments, customisation of the left stick in addition to the right, plus the ability to set the directional pad with 4 or 8 directions.
Other features, requested by the gaming community, will give the Revolution Pro controller 2 even more possibilities:
New improved customisation software UI
Customisation software compatibility with Mac OS X 10.11 (El Capitan)/10.12 (Sierra) systems
Fully customisable left stick and right sticks (dead zone and response curve)
Possibility to set the directional pad with 4 or 8 directions
Manual configuration of M1/M2/M3/M4 shortcuts on PS4™ Pro Control mode
In addition to the above features, the Revolution Pro Controller 2 is fully PC compatible* and equipped with a new USB Type-Cwired connection for a simpler and safer use of the controller.
The Nacon Revolution Pro Controller 2 will be releasing “in the course of summer 2017,” throughout Europe, Africa, Middle East, Russia, India, and Oceania. More information on pricing and availability in other regions will be “unveiled soon.”
Everyone’s favorite fake sport, Rocket League, is heading to the Nintendo Switch! While it’s set to hit Nintendo’s console-handheld hybrid later this year, it’ll do so with some Nintendo-centric stuff, which will be released for free.
Ever wanted to see a Mario-themed car kick a gigantic ball? Check out the trailer to see the various Nintendo cars (Mario NSR, Luigi NSR, Samus Gunship) in action. This special inclusion isn’t stopping there; the color of your car also depends on what side/team you’re on, too. Each car also has exclusive accessories with the Mario and Luigi cars getting Super Star Rocket Boosts, and the Samus Gunship car getting a Wave Beam Rocket Boost.
If you’re already playing Rocket League and want to take it on the go, then the Nintendo Switch version might just right be your alley when it releases later this year.
In just two days, the Call of Duty: WWII beta will start for those with private beta access on the PlayStation 4! While we’ve already covered the beta in detail. here’s everything you need to know all in one place.
Thanks to the PlayStation Blog, a ton of details has been shared, and we now know that beta participants will even get some in-game goodies for participating, too!
HOW TO GET INTO THE PRIVATE MULTIPLAYER BETA
To gain access to the Call of Duty: WWII Private Multiplayer Beta, you need to pre-order the game at a participating retailer. Head over to www.callofduty.com/beta for more details. If you pre-order from the PlayStation Store, you can pre-load now to jump right into the action once the Beta starts on Aug 25 @ 10AM PT.
PRIVATE MULTIPLAYER BETA DATES
The Private Multiplayer Beta will be split into two weekends for PlayStation 4 players:
Weekend 1 starts at 10am Pacific / 5pm GMT on August 25 and will last until August 28 at 10am Pacific / 5pm GMT.
Weekend 2 starts on 10am Pacific / 5pm GMT on September 1, and will last until September 4 at 10am Pacific / 5pm GMT.
Now here’s the good stuff. Beta players will receive the “Private Multiplayer Beta Combat Pack” when the game launches on November 3! The pack includes an in-game helmet, Calling Card and an Emblem. Here’s what they look like.
Here’s the other multiplayer details that you need to know like the maps available, modes and more.
Ardennes Forest: Battle through the frigid snow-covered forest of the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge, the brutal final major offensive effort by the German army to punch through the Allied front lines. Engagements are fast and deadly in the dangerous, frozen woodland ruins. Stay alert in this medium size map fortified with emplaced MG42 machine guns waiting to annihilate enemy combatants.
Gibraltar: Battle through the fortified bastion and steep cliffs of Gibraltar, built as a strategic defense of the Mediterranean Sea and a major refueling and supply station for the Allied forces during WWII. Prepare for multilevel combat engagements and treacherous terrain in one of the most densely guarded and fought over places in Europe. Don’t neglect the lower lane, and use the defense batteries there to pick off flankers.
Pointe du Hoc: Fight through a fortified network of German bunker complexes atop the cliffs at Pointe du Hoc, an important strategic target overlooking the beaches of Normandy. Engage in fast-paced, close-quarters combat in the trenches, or flank the enemy in a brutal fight to lock down the nearby farmhouse and bunkers for control of key access routes to the bluff.
There’s even an all-new mode just for Call of Duty: WWII and that’s “War Mode.”
WAR MODE
Additionally, players will be able to take part in Call of Duty: WWII’s War Mode. This is an all-new game mode where players must work as a team to defeat the enemy. Allied and Axis forces clash in team-driven assault and defend missions for key strategic objectives.
Fight for control of a war-torn French village west of St. Lo, an important operation in the Allied push onward and out of the beachhead at Normandy. Allied and Axis forces battle for control of a strategic manor to secure a forward operating position. Bridge construction, ammo depot demolition and tank escorts are key strategic tasks in this do-or-die mission to dominate the enemy. Choose your equipment wisely – every decision can mean the difference between victory and defeat in this narrative-driven, objective-based multiplayer experience – a first for Call of Duty.
That’s a lot for a beta, no? If you want to gain access, make sure to check back tomorrow as we’ll be giving away Call of Duty: WWII private beta access codes!
Gaming hardware manufacturer Turtle Beach has a new headset for those who need extreme audio performance in their gaming sessions, and it’s called the Turtle Beach Recon Camo.
In the press release sent out, the Recon Camo brings back the camouflage style that’s seeing a resurgence with throwback games like Battlefield 1 and the upcoming Call of Duty: WWII. Check out the full features list below.
Rugged, Comfortable Design – The Recon Camo has a thick, rugged and robust frame with a breathable fabric-wrapped headband and matching ear cushions that allow you to play for hours in complete comfort.
Surround Sound Ready for Xbox One – The Recon Camo is surround sound ready for Windows Sonic for Headphones on Xbox One so you can experience your games, movies and music with deeper immersion.
Large 50mm Speakers – Hear every crisp high and thundering low with these large, high-quality 50mm over-ear speakers. With 56% more surface area than 40mm drivers, you get deeper, more immersive sound that is clearer and louder.
Crystal Clear Chat – Turtle Beach’s renowned high-sensitivity mic picks up your voice loud and clear, and can be removed when watching movies or listening to music.
Convenient In-line Controls – Convenient in-line controls place Master Volume and Mic Mute right at your fingertips.
Versatile Compatibility – Will work great with Xbox One and PS4™ controllers with a 3.5mm jack, as well as with PC, Mac® and mobile/tablet devices with a 3.5mm connection. Other Xbox One controllers require the Headset Audio Adaptor (sold separately).
The Turtle Beach Recon Camo will retail for $69.95 and be available this fall. You can pre-order and get more details about it on the official site.
For those putting in work for last year’s Call of Duty — Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare — prepare to restart your game, as a new Infinite Warfare update has rolled out. There’s a few weapon tweaks, new taunts, calling cards and even new guns!
Check out the complete Infinite Warfare patch notes now:
General Fixes and What’s New
• New weapons:
Atlas (LMG)
Raijin-EMX (SMG)
• New taunts, camos, emblems, calling cards
• Various map fixes
• Enabled Bugle audio gesture to be heard by teammates
• Weapons adjustments:
G-Rail (base) and Vortex (common) – Extended damage ranges, making the base fire mode and charge shot more effective at long range G-Rail: Helix – Adjusted damage ranges to make the weapon more competitive at close range (if you are accurate)
G-Rail: Fusillade – Fixed an issue with camos not appearing properly
Stallion .44 – Slightly lowered akimbo rate of fire
Stallion .44: Peacekeeper – Adjusted the aim assist range to help with longer distance shooting
Fix for the Desert camouflage challenge not tracking progress properly with the Stallion .44
Proteus: Ice – The Glacial passive now has a slightly stronger effect
Zombies
• Shaolin Shuffle – Fix for an extreme graphical error that would occur when fighting the Rat King
• Miscellaneous performance and bug fixes
If you’re in the mood for something new, don’t forget that the Call of Duty: WWII closed PlayStation 4 beta will start this week! Don’t have a code? MP1st has you covered! We’ll be giving codes out very, very soon!
Fortniteplayers be aware that there’s some bug squashing going down. And it’s a very good kind of bug squashing, especially for Xbox One users, as Fortnite patch 1.4.8 includes a fix for those pesky sign-in errors which take place during anXbox Live service outage.
It isn’t the longest list of improvements, but more crash fixes are definitely appreciated!
BUG FIXING
Fixed an end of match score bug that led to display of 0 XP gained. We’ve seen another issue causing 0 XP and are still investigating.
Fixed an issue where Xbox players were not shown a notice in the in-game client stating a new game patch was available
Fixed an AI-related server crash
Fixed an audio-related client crash
Corrected an issue caused by placing multiple defenders in a mission
Smoothed out hitching caused by placing a Level 30 BASE in a zone
Reduced the likelihood that players will experience sign-in errors during a Xbox Live service outage
Still playing Fortnite? Happy with the support Epic Games is giving the game?
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is a huge success, welcoming over eight million players into its deadly battle royale arms. That’s eight million people, all experiencing the exact same map.
Erangel is the only available map currently available in the game, and sure it’s massive, but a change of scenery would be nice after spending hundreds and hundreds of hours playing.
Other players seem to feel the same way, pushing for more information about any upcoming map additions. Happily, during their gamescom 2017 keynote, developer Bluehole released a new work-in-progress image of their upcoming desert map. It was then tweeted out and is viewable below.
This is a shot of the city area, and wow it looks absolutely crammed full of buildings. I can see a lot of hiding spots and opportunities for sneaky plays, but also room for intense gunfights as players move from cover to cover.
Heavily built-up areas are notorious within the PUBG community, as they can cause the game’s frame-rate to chug. I imagine anyone with a mid- or low-range PC is feeling a little anxious about parachuting into that area…
Of course, the map is still being worked on, as is PUBG‘s level of optimization. Here’s hoping it plays great!
What do you think of how the new desert map is looking? Happy about this environment, or want to see something different? I’m hoping a snow map is next!
If you’re playing Rainbow Six Siege multiplayer and got kicked out, don’t fret, it’s not your connection. Ubisoft has announced some Rainbow Six Siege down time due to “emergency maintenance” that will last for an hour.
Emergency Maintenance incoming to take care of some back end tasks.
While the private PlayStation 4 Call of Duty: WWII beta is set to kick off this Friday, fans can watch an exhibition match played right now live from the gamescom showfloor!
Just what will we see? Your guess is as good as mine, but let’s hope it showcases the new War game mode, and maybe a closer look at the weapons. You can watch the live Call of Duty: WWII match in the Twitch stream below.
Want in on the Call of Duty: WWII private beta on PS4? Make sure to check back on the site later today and on Pixel Enemy since we’ll be giving some away!
In case you missed it yesterday, Bandai Namco has opened sign ups for the Dragon Ball FighterZ closed beta. If you can’t sign up, or wish that you could join without jumping through hoops, well, you’re in luck!
Bandai Namco has issued a statement to MP1st that confirms that there will be a Dragon Ball FighterZ open beta!
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. would like to thank all of our fans for their continued excitement and support for DRAGON BALL FighterZ. We will have more details to share regarding access to the DRAGON BALL FighterZ Open Beta soon. Thank you for your patience.
Note, that “soon” might be next month, or sometime in December, but at least it’s confirmed, right? The closed Dragon Ball FighterZ beta is set to hit this September 16-17 for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Have you signed up for the Dragon Ball FighterZ beta? Let us know if you manage to get in.
In the latest episode of 10-Minute Trial, I check out Offensive Combat: Redux! It’s a first-person shooter that isn’t afraid of causing anger. Prepare to be teabagged by Donald Trump lookalikes, and other weird humiliating “pwn” taunts.
Give it a watch and let me know what you think!
Wondering what else there is to do in the game? Here’s a rundown of the features:
Offensive Combat: Redux! is a fast-paced, irreverent online FPS game based in the Offensive Combat universe. OC:R lets you show your skill and play as a number of different characters including Commandos, Aliens, Geckos, Chickens, Orcs, Pirates and meme-inspired skins, as you match-up against up to 15 other players on each map. With 6 maps at launch and multiple modes including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture The Flag, Exploration and Bot Mode, with more content in the works.
Dozens of Skins – show your unique character from lizards to military and everything in-between
Weapons, Weapons, Weapons – Assault Rifles, SMGs, Shotguns, Handguns, and a wide variety of melee weapons like Rubber Chickens and other crazy things that go smack and whack
Pwns – Yes, you can teabag your enemies after you kill them for extra XP and random drops
Multiplayer Game Modes – Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, Capture the Flag
Single Player Modes – Map Exploration, Weapon Range and Bot Mode
For more video content, be sure to subscribe to the Pixel Enemy YouTube channel. And, of course, stay tuned to MP1st for all of your multiplayer gaming news, features, reviews, previews, and more!
If you missed the previous episode of 10-Minute Trial, in which I looked at Nidhogg 2, you can catch it here.
The HyperX Cloud Alpha PC, PS4, and Xbox One compatible headset has been revealed. It’s set to launch on September 25, and will bring a new “groundbreaking dual chamber drivers design” to the table. with HyperX’s Cloud range being one of the most popular choices of gaming headsets, this news should cause excitement amongst players, and a shudder down the spines of the competition.
The listing price (as of 7/17/17) is $99.99, putting it in direct competition with the Logitech G433 and SteelSeries Artctis 5.
Here’s a description of what the HyperX Cloud Alpha can do, and as well a trailer showing it off in style:
HyperX™ Cloud Alpha’s groundbreaking Dual Chamber Drivers design will give your audio more distinction and clarity by reducing the distortion. The dual chambers separate the bass from the mids and highs, allowing optimal tuning for cleaner, smoother sound. The Cloud Alpha headset builds upon HyperX’s foundation of signature award-winning comfort with premium red memory foam, expanded headband and softer, more pliable leatherette. The durable aluminum frame can take the rigors of daily play, and per player request, Cloud Alpha also features a tough, detachable braided cable. The detachable noise-cancellation microphone is certified by Discord and TeamSpeak™, ensuring you’ll have great team communication. It’s also multi-platform compatible with in-line audio controls, so serious gamers on PC, PS4™, Xbox One™ and other platforms with a 3.5mm port will benefit from the bold sound of the Cloud Alpha evolution.
Features
HyperX Dual Chamber Drivers for more distinction and less distortion
Signature Award-Winning HyperX comfort
Durable aluminum frame with expanded headband
Detachable braided cable with convenient in-line audio control
Detachable noise cancellation microphone
Discord and TeamSpeakTM Certified
Multi-platform compatibility — dominate on PC or console.
So that’s the new HyperX Cloud Alpha headset. What do you think of it?
Before its reveal, many were hoping that Destiny 2would target 60fps, at least on the new mid-gen upgraded PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X. However, even after leaving behind the PS3 and Xbox 360, it was announced that the hotly-anticipated sequel would be running at 30fps, instead using the new consoles’ power to boost resolution and additional visual enhancements. According to Bungie, the consoles’ CPUs were causing a bottleneck.
Many players weren’t happy with this, and took to forums to complain. In an interview with EDGE, Destiny 2‘s Excutive Producer Mark Noseworthy provided an expanded explanation on why Destiny 2 runs at 30fps on consoles, and what it would take to make a Destiny console game run at 60fps:
“It’s about the simulation of the Destiny world. Thirty AI at once, large open spaces, six players, sometimes with vehicles, and dropships coming in; that’s where we’re using the CPU.
Could we make a Destiny game that ran at 60 fps? Yes, but the space would be smaller, it would be less cooperative, and there’d be fewer monsters to shoot. That’s not the game we want to make.
First and foremost, we’re trying to make an incredible action game. We don’t feel we’ve been held back by the choices we’ve made about world simulation versus frame rate; in fact, we think we’re offering a player experience you can’t have elsewhere because of the choices we’re making.”
He went on to explain that, if you really want a Destiny 2 60fps experience, you can invest in a PC:
“But if frame rate is something that’s really important to you, there is a platform now where you can spend as much money as you want, to go as fast as you want.”
With most first-person shooters targeting 60fps as a priority, I can see how Bungie is coming under fire here. However, Destiny 2 is trying to push boundaries where other shooters aren’t. I guess, ultimately, it’s the console players who will decide if forgoing a smooth frame-rate is worth it!
Are you happy playing Destiny 2 on consoles at 30fps? Or would you sacrifice visual flair for a smoother experience?
The three characters featured in the Injustice 2 Fighter Pack 2 have now been revealed. Black Manta, Raiden, and Hellboy will be joining the battle once the content pack drops. This is clearly the “big surprise” that NetherRealm was hinting at during the build up to gamescom 2017.
Check out the trailer below to get a new look at the heroes and villains that you’ll soon have access to (providing you have the Ultimate Edition or are buying separately!):
The second three DLC characters for Injustice 2 revealed! Super-villain Black Manta, Mortal Kombat’s Raiden, and the half-demon Hellboy join the fight.
Get these three characters included in Fighter Pack 2 and 6 more DLC fighters with the Ultimate Edition.
There’s no word on a release date just yet, so Injustice 2 players craving new fighters to learn and deal out hurt with, will have to wait a little longer.
Stay tuned to MP1st, as we’ll be posting updates as they happen!
It seems no secrets can be kept regarding the Operation Blood Orchid expansion, with yet another Rainbow Six SiegeDLC leak happening. This time we’re getting a look at actual gameplay showing Ela, Lesion and Ying in action.
Check out the video below, in which YouTube user Aquarius showcases the gameplay and gives his thoughts:
Here’s a reminder on what these new operators can do:
ELA – DEF – GRZMOT MINE – Concussion proximity mines that can be anchored on surfaces, impairing hearing and causing a dizzying effect.
YING – ATK – CANDELA – Cluster of flash charges that can either be anchored on surfaces or rolled out as a grenade.
LESION – DEF – GU – Cloaked toxic mines injecting a compound which injures opponents and limits their speed.
What do you think of the new operators, now that you’ve seen them in action? Think they’ll make great additions to the game? I think Ela is my favorite, and the first I’ll try out!
Sledgehammer Games has confirmed that the player level cap for the Call of Duty: WWII beta will be 20. Do note that it’s possible for this rank to be increased as the beta progresses, as we’ve seen with previous Call of Duty tests.
Division rank can go up to a maximum of 4, and this will not increased during the beta.
If you’re still a bit foggy on what exactly Divisions are, and why they rank up separately, here’s the official description:
Divisions fundamentally redefines how players invest in their Multiplayer career. Reimagining the create-a-class system, players choose from five iconic World War II divisions each with specific basic combat training, division training and weapon skills. This streamlined approach to Multiplayer gives players the ability to reinforce their individual play styles while dominating the enemy in the world’s greatest conflict.
Those on PS4 who are hoping to partake in the beta, but who don’t have PS Plus, have no need to worry, as it isn’t required. Xbox One players, on the other hand, will need an Xbox Live Gold membership in order to play.
Got all that? Are you ready for the beta, and a return to a CoD where your boots stay firmly on the ground?
If you can’t log on to Xbox Live with your Xbox One, don’t worry, you’re not alone. If you check the Xbox Live status page you’ll see that XBL Core Services are “limited,” and that it affects Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Xbox on other devices (such as Windows 10).
Xbox Live down time isn’t scheduled, and is affecting online gaming, downloading or purchasing games and more.
Affected services: Signing into Xbox Live,Browsing the Xbox Games Store,Buying downloadable items,Downloading items that you have already purchased
Affected services: Signing into Xbox Live,Browsing the Xbox Games Store,Buying downloadable items,Downloading items that you have already purchased
Latest update: We are aware that some members may be having problems purchasing content. We are working to resolve the issue as quickly as possible, and we will be sure to provide you with frequent updates.
The official Xbox Support Twitter account has tweeted that the team is aware of the situation and working on it.
Our teams are investigating issues with Xbox Live, including launching games. Details & SMS updates at https://t.co/PzAdjUFMJj
It’s no secret that Activision has a Call of Duty marketing deal with Sony that gives the PlayStation 4 dibs when it comes to betas, expansions and whatever the marketing people think up. One of these perks is getting a Call of Duty: WWII beta early than the Xbox One gamers. While Xbox One owners might feel miffed at this, at least you’ll be getting the beta, right?
Well, now, it seems the COD: WWII beta will hit PC as well! Over on the Call of Duty: WWIIsubreddit, Sledgehammer Games boss Michael Condrey confirmed that a PC beta is coming!
That’s definitely good news, right? No date has been revealed yet, but we’ll be sure to report it once we know more.
Speaking of the beta, MP1st will be giving away Call of Duty: WWII PS4 beta codes this week! Don’t forget to check back soon on how to snag one, soldier.
Earlier today, we posted the Call of Duty: WWIIHeadquarters trailer which seems to be the game’s own social hub. You can also check out what the CoD: WWII lobby and menus look like, too.
As part of the Xbox Live membership that players pay, platform holders like Microsoft has been kind enough to dole out discounts for existing games as long as you’re a member.
For this week, there’s a few multiplayer-friendly games on the list, and Microsoft’s Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb posted the entire list over on his blog. If you spot something you like, best to get a move on as the deals expire on August 28 6 a.m. ET/3 a.m. PT.
Some of the easy need-to-buy picks would be Titanfall 2, Injustice 2 if you like fighting games, maybe The Divisionfor those who want some co-op action.
Are you picking any games up? If you spot any good Steam or PSN sales, hit us up!
