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Magic Soup Games: New Studio From Ex-Blizzard Execs Cooking Up Unique AAA Games

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
March 16, 2023 6:30 pm in News

Former Blizzard Entertainment executives Jen Oneal, J. Allen Brack and John Donham have announced Magic Soup Games, a fully-remote game development studio co-founded by the three that seeks to create AAA games “that are genuinely uplifting and inclusive for players around the world.” Currently, it is working on an unannounced game that it touts as not fitting “into any existing genre today.”

Oneal, Brack, and Donham all left Blizzard Entertainment over the course of the last few years amidst the company’s significant legal troubles with well-documented allegations of fostering sexual harassment and a “frat boy” workplace culture. The trio’s shared values have kept them together past their Blizzard tenures, and Magic Soup Games embodies their people-first mindset with a collaborative kitchen theme.

The studio currently only has five people and refers to its employees as “chefs,” all working together to create “awesome games from a kind of creative soup.” Its aim is to “to build original AAA games that are genuinely uplifting and inclusive for players around the world.” Oneal said of the studio’s first upcoming project:

It’s too early to discuss the details. But the spirit is that we will lean on our experience building triple-A games and triple-A teams to create something that brings out the best in people, that celebrates the positive power of what this medium can express. We’re working on something that doesn’t fit neatly into any existing genre today.

More details about the studio’s culture and career opportunities can be found over at its official website. Once Magic Soup Games reveals more details about its projects, we’ll be sure to let our readers know.

(Oneal’s comments were provided by VentureBeat.)

Tags: Blizzard Entertainment Magic Soup Games
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Chrono Cross Radical Dreamers Update 1.02 Brings Balance Changes and More This March 16

  by   Alex Co  
6:27 pm in News

Square Enix has released Chrono Cross: Radical Dreamers update 1.02, and this brings better performance, game balance adjustments. Read on for the full patch notes for March 16 below.

Chrono Cross Radical Dreamers Update 1.02 Patch Notes | Chrono Cross Radical Dreamers March 16 Patch Notes:

Update Details

● Improved performance and optimised the game

  • The frame rate during battles is now set to a maximum of 60 fps* on all platforms.
    • *The final battle on the Switch version will have a maximum frame rate of 30 fps. Please note that the speed of some Element animations may vary by platform, but this has no significant impact on the gameplay.
    • When using the hardware stated in the recommended specs for the Steam version, you can expect the game to run at an average of 60FPS (30FPS maximum outside of battle scenes). However, due to the rendering system used in the game, it is possible that when using certain graphics cards, some scenes with particularly high load may not run at 60FPS. The cards we have observed this occurring with are in the AMD Radeon RX 6000 series.

● Adjusted Pip’s stats/Element Grid settings

  • If Pip obtains a level-growth star after evolving into one of his Devil, Angel, Demonic Beast, Holy Beast, or Divine Beast forms, his stats will grow* in accordance with his form.
    • *This applies from the second level-growth star obtained post-evolution. Pip’s pre-evolution growth rate will still apply on obtaining the first star post-evolution.
  • When starting a Continue+ file, if Pip’s stats in your completed-game save data are better than the selected save data for Continue+, they will be carried over as they are.
  • When starting a Continue+ file, if Pip’s form in your completed-game save data has unlocked more of his Element Grid than it has in the selected save data for Continue+, his Element Grid will be carried over as it is.
  • If a new Element Grid is unlocked later after Pip evolves into a new form, all its levels will be unlocked.
    • Example: If Pip is in his Demonic Beast form in your completed-game save data, he will carry over his Element Grid as it was even if he starts out in Normal form.
    • Example: If you start a Continue+ game with completed-game save data with Pip in Demonic Beast form, evolve him into his Divine Beast form, and obtain level-growth stars, you will unlock the Element Grids for both his Demonic Beast and Divine Beast forms.
  • If Pip is evolved while possessing 99 level-growth stars, the stats for his new form will be applied and his new Element Grid will be unlocked post-battle.
  • If Pip already has 99 level-growth stars and has evolved before you apply the update, the stats for his current form will be applied and his Element Grid will be unlocked when you load your save data post-update.

Stats for All Forms with 99 Level-Growth Stars

Stats for All Forms with 99 Level-Growth Stars

Element Grid Unlocks for All Forms

Element Grid Unlocks for All Forms

(These show how many level-growth stars you need to earn to unlock each Element Grid level.)

Normal Form, Angel Form, and Devil Form (Shared)

Normal Form, Angel Form, and Devil Form (Shared)

Demonic Beast Form

Yellow colour: Element Grid levels not available in the shared grids.

Demonic Beast Form

Holy Beast Form

Green colour: Element Grid levels not available in the shared grids.

Holy Beast Form

Divine Beast Form

Pink colour: Element Grid levels not available in the shared grids.

Divine Beast Form

Example of a Merged Grid (Demonic Beast → Normal followed by a Divine Beast evolution)

Blue colour: Shared by Demonic Beast and Divine Beast forms.
Pink colour: Added after evolving into Divine Beast form.
Yellow colour: Added after evolving into Demonic Beast form.

Example of a Merged Grid (Demonic Beast to Normal followed by a Divine Beast evolution)

● Fixed minor bugs

That’s about it. If there’s a new patch released, we’ll let our readers know.

Source: Square Enix

Tags: Chrono Cross chrono cross: radical dreamers
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Dying Light 2 to Be Steam Deck Verified Title Starting March 17, Egg-splosive Hunt Event Delayed

  by   Carlos Perez  
5:59 pm in News

Dying Light 2 is set to become Steam Deck Verified on March 17, with an event set to run on the same day. The game was initially set to be Steam Deck Verified on March 16 but has since been delayed to the 17th. As such, the Egg-splosive Hunt event was also shifted to March 17, now running until March 24, giving players a week to enjoy the limited-time event.

Techland is also releasing a new cosmetic bundle themed around the Egg-splosive Hunt event. The “Chicken Bundle” includes a rooster suit and a chicken claw melee weapon alongside a few other goodies. The entire bundle will cost $2.99.

Dying Light 2 sets itself apart from other zombie co-op games with a focus on melee weapons and a refreshing parkour system. We reviewed Dying Light 2 and gave it an 8.5/10 score. Here’s a snippet:

While Dying Light 2 improves on its predecessor in nearly every way, occasional bugs hamper the experience and a few of the gameplay changes are ones I could have done without. Still, if you’re someone who’s been looking forward to the game, nothing that I experienced in my nearly 30 hours with the game was a complete deal breaker, and in fact I enjoyed my time quite a bit. If you’re someone that’s been on the fence, or perhaps mildly interested in Dying Light 2, I definitely think it’s an experience that’s worth your time, and one that stands out amongst the crowded zombie genre.

Dying Light 2 is one of the many games currently available at a discount thanks to the Steam Spring Sale. You can find the Steam store page link here.

Update: The Eggs-splosive Hunt event schedule has shifted from March 21 up to March 28. You can read more details about it here.

Tags: Dying Light Dying Light 2 steam deck Techland

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Persona Series Accolades Trailer Flies Out; Persona Games Sale Happening Now Across PS, Xbox, PC

  by   Carlos Perez  
5:06 pm in News

While we haven’t gotten a new Persona game in years, Atlus has just published an accolades trailer featuring three of the series’ latest titles, including Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal. The trailer was released following the launch of the aforementioned games across various platforms, a move announced last year.

You can check out the trailer below. Note that the trailer does contain some cutscenes and dialogue from the three Persona games, so be warned of any possible spoilers.

Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal are all on sale right now, too, and you can pick them up at a discount on various platforms. Here are all the current Persona games on sale, where you can get them, and how much you can save:

PlayStation Essential Picks Sale – March 15 to March 29

  • Persona 3 Portable – 20% off
  • Persona 4 Golden – 20% off
  • Persona 5 Royal – 30% off

Xbox Publisher Spotlight Series – March 14 to March 27

  • Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden bundle – 25% off
  • Persona 5 Royal – 30% off

Steam Spring Sale – March 16 to March 23

  • Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden bundle – Extra 5% off individual sale prices
  • Persona 3 Portable – 20% off
  • Persona 4 Golden – 20% off
  • Persona 5 Royal – 35% off

While we haven’t had a peep from Atlus as to what they’re planning with the Persona series, we do know that the Japanese-based company is currently working on “several new unannounced titles” based on a statement from earlier this year. Atlus hasn’t outright stated when it’ll make the teased announcements, but seeing as it’s been almost seven years since Persona 5 first launched, one can only hope that the company will at least give fans a peek at what’s in store for the Persona series.

Tags: ATLUS persona persona 3 portable persona 4 golden persona 5 persona 5 royal Persona 5 Strikers

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New Tchia Gameplay Video Showcases Items and Customization Options

  by   Carlos Perez  
4:21 pm in News

Awaceb has released the final video of the developer’s gameplay series for the upcoming open-world adventure, Tchia. This new Tchia gameplay video highlights the items and customization options that the player will be able to mess around with in-game.

Here’s some gameplay footage highlighting the cosmetics and items of Tchia:

Cosmetics and outfits are a central part of many games, and you can wear all sorts of clothing in Tchia, ranging from modern streetwear to more traditional attires. There are also customization options for your boat, and you can mix and match these different cosmetics to suit your style. Cosmetics can be unlocked through various means, with some “secret” outfits that may have to go out of your way to look for.

Aside from the ukelele, players will also have access to a few other tools to aid in exploration, with one of the more interesting ones being the camera. It’s designed after an analog model, and you can select various filters based on the film roll you use. You can also set the camera on a tripod and timer to take photos of yourself around the island.

Tchia launches this March 21 on PS4, PS5, and PC, with the game also being available via the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on the same day.

Tags: Awaceb Tchia

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Disco Elysium Update 1.21 Rolled Out for Collage Mode This March 16

  by   Alex Co  
4:17 pm in News

Studio ZA/UM has released Disco Elysium update 1.21 (PS5 version 1.021) today, and this is to roll in the Collage mode! Read on for what it is in the Disco Elysium March 16 patch notes.

Disco Elysium Update 1.21 Patch Notes | Disco Elysium Update 1.021 Patch Notes | Disco Elysium March 16 Patch Notes:

Today, we’ve rolled out Collage Mode: a new functionality that gives players the creative freedom to stage just about anything in-game.

Collage Mode grants you full access to characters, environments and props from the game, along with filters and frames to complete your Disco masterpiece.

Take over the narrative reins with the custom dialogue option in Collage Mode, which allows you to weave whatever story your heart desires.

Fabricate completely new dramas from unforgivable punch-ups to fruity yet forbidden kisses. Corroborate your fan fiction with screenshots directly from the game.

The possibilities of Collage Mode are vast and the silliness knows no bounds.

DRAG AND DROP
Place, rotate, and resize your favourite characters across the game’s painterly environments and then pick from a range of silly and sensible poses to strike.

WRITE DIALOGUE
Create a whole story with a single image by entering custom text that can be placed anywhere and even make it look authentic by using the FELD dialogue reel.
BE AESTHETIC
Bring out your inner Art Cop by applying weird and wonderful filters; choosing from rain, fog, and snow; as well as changing the time of day to capture the exact mood you’re after.

STICK ‘EM UP
Put gloves and guns in unsuspecting hands with a huge collection of items and clothing stickers or add extra style with new and extraordinary art from our talented collaborators.
GET FRAMED
Finish up by choosing a frame to wrap up your fantasy with audacious themes such as Kim Catsuragi, F**k The World, Visual Calculus, and Building Communism.

BONUS! SECRETS TO FIND
Hunt for never-before-seen scenes from across Martinaise history if you’ve got a keen enough eye for it and enjoy a velvety new voiceover from the game’s narrator.
 
That’s about it. If there are more changes, we’ll update the article.
 

Source Steam

Tags: Disco Elysium Studio ZA/UM ZA/UM
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Alex Co

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Steam Spring Sale 2023 Featured Deals Day 1 for March 16

  by   Carlos Perez  
3:56 pm in News

Steam Spring Sale 2023 has just arrived, and we’ve got quite a few major titles at a discount on Day 1! Here are the Steam Spring Sale featured deals for Day 1 this March 16!

Steam Spring Sale 2023 – Featured Deals for Day 1 (March 16):

Note that the games listed below are just some of the titles on sale. They’ll also be available at a discount throughout the sale period, so visit the Steam store page to check for other games that you’re interested in! 

The Steam Spring Sale will run from March 16 to 23. We’ll be posting more featured deals in the days to come, so be sure to keep an eye on them!

Tags: Steam Steam Spring Sale Valve

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CMA Publishes Pro-Microsoft Responses From 6 Studios; Opposing Arguments Called “Exaggerated & Out of Proportion”

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
3:13 pm in News

In the latest development in its Phase 2 review of the Microsoft–Activision deal, the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published six different game studios’ responses to its provisional findings released in February. While five of the companies have chosen to remain anonymous, all parties have expressed their support for the proposed acquisition with one claiming that the deal will help create “a more level playing field between Xbox and PlayStation.”

The CMA published Sony, Microsoft, and Activision’s full responses to its provisional findings today, with Sony notably accusing Microsoft of wanting to foreclose the former out of the Call of Duty business and referencing the latter’s past behavior with Bethesda’s previously-multi-platform IPs. Since it invited all market participants to comment on the acquisition when the provisional findings were released, the CMA has also published such responses from six different game companies.

Though five of the studios have provided their comments anonymously, all of them including Perfect Dark and console Minecraft developer 4J Studios have expressed their support for the acquisition:

  • 4J Studios has stated that Microsoft never forced it to favor the latter’s formats over the course of a working relationship spanning over fifteen years and which saw the former develop Perfect Dark and ports of Banjo-Kazooie and Banjo-Tooie for the Xbox 360. 4J Studios further revealed that Microsoft facilitated its relationship with Mojang through which the studio took over console development duties for Minecraft, and that Microsoft encouraged it to develop the “Mario Mash Up” pack for Nintendo after the Mojang acquisition.
  • Market Participant B does not believe that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard will “negatively impact consumers,” owing to both the diversity in consumers’ tastes (which ensures that no game is a “must-have” for any studio) as well as Microsoft’s commitments to make Activision Blizzard’s games available on all platforms.
  • Market Participant C is an independent game studio that has worked with Sony, Activision, and Microsoft. The studio claims that Microsoft has honored all contracts and agreements with it over the last 25 years, and that the latter’s Call of Duty access commitments with Sony and Nintendo can be safely believed. It also states that consolidation in favor of cloud-based platforms is inevitable and does not necessarily warrant antitrust concerns. Furthermore, it makes the argument that a potential Tencent takeover of Activision Blizzard (the former is an investor in the latter) – in the event that the Microsoft-Activision deal is blocked – would pose an actual anticompetitive risk and solidify China’s unreciprocated access to Western markets.
  • Market Participant D claims that while the deal’s “exact effects” are difficult to predict, it does not expect that its own AAA titles and distribution business on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo, and mobile platforms will be jeopardized or significantly impacted.
  • Market Participant E says that its game sales on PlayStation platforms are stagnating due to the latter’s prioritization of larger titles and financially-powerful market players. In contrast, the studio has garnered greater sales and more revenue on Xbox, where its titles have been able to reach larger audiences through dedicated sections on the Xbox store as well as through Xbox Game Pass. As such, the studio has argued that the acquisition is beneficial for smaller game developers, claiming that the deal will help create “a more level playing field between Xbox and PlayStation.”
  • Market Participant F has called the arguments against the deal “slightly exaggerated and out of proportion,” and has expressed fears that blocking the deal could harm both competition and consumer-friendly initiatives. It also believes that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard will create a positive “change in scenery” for the latter’s employees and their work environment.

The full responses from these six studios as well as Sony, Microsoft, and Activision can be viewed here. Stay tuned here at MP1st for all upcoming developments in the situation.

Tags: Activision Activision Blizzard Call of Duty CMA Microsoft Microsoft Gaming PlayStation Sony Xbox
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Redfall Story Trailer Details Experiment-Gone-Wrong Plot & Terrifying Mutant Bosses

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
2:32 pm in News

Ahead of the game’s May 2 release date, Arkane Studios Austin and Bethesda Softworks have finally debuted the Redfall story trailer, taking fans through the game’s eponymous vampire-overrun island setting and showcasing some of its bloodthirsty cult-worshipped mutant villains. The game blends key elements from science fiction cinema with both supernatural horror and body horror media to create a recognizable yet unique horror-FPS story.

Watch the Redfall story trailer below:

The game takes place in the titular island of Redfall, Massachusetts. Redfall is a quaint, peaceful town until researchers from the immortality-obsessed Aevum Therapeutics seemingly kill a mysterious test subject in a sinister experiment. The researchers’ usage of the deceased subject’s blood has disastrous consequences as those affected turn into mutant vampires one by one and invade Redfall. A faction of the survivors forms a cult and begins worshipping these vampires, some of whom (The Hollow Man, Bloody Tom, Miss Whisper, and The Black Sun) are encountered as bosses throughout the game’s story. Players must combat the vampire infestation in solo or co-op energetic FPS gameplay to rescue Redfall from the clutches of these terrifying monsters.

Redfall creeps out on PC and Xbox Series X|S on May 2, 2023. For more burning questions you may have about the gameplay and other functionality, check out Arkane’s new player-aggregated FAQ post that sheds more light on different aspects of the game as it nears release.

Tags: Arkane Studios Arkane Studios Austin Bethesda Softworks Redfall
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Killing Floor 2 Update 1.70 Fires Out for Fixes This March 16

  by   Alex Co  
2:19 pm in News

Tripwire has deployed Killing Floor 2 update 1.70, and this introduces a host of fixes to the action game ranging from weapon fixes, map adjustments and more! Read on for the complete Killing Floor 2 March 16 patch notes straight from the studio.

Killing Floor 2 Update 1.70 Patch Notes | Killing Floor 2 March 16 Patch Notes:

March 2023 Quality of Life and Bug Fix Changelog ​

Crash Map improvements

  • Fixed a collision spot in the SW Street Area that would cause Zeds to walk in air.
  • Fixed a doorway where players could obstruct Zeds from entering an area with dynamic elements.
  • Fixed part of geometry that was missing in the SW Street area
  • Fixed issue in which fire FX disappears when the player approaches

Community Fixes

  • Reduced FPS drops associated with Field Medic buffs after the player has been in a long-term session on the same server.
  • Having too many weapons marked as a Favorite in the trader could result in crashes. We have now limited this to 12 weapons.
  • Coliseum Weekly : Blood Sickle: Fixed issue in which this weapon was not displayed in Trader Pod
  • Blood Sickle: Fixed issue where the first of the two heavy attack hits deals zero damage
  • Fixed issue in which HRG Locust can cause self damage if player doesn’t continue to hold the weapon after firing it
  • G36C Assault Rifle: Fixed weapon jiggling after the shot in iron sights by auto fire mode

Weapon fixes

  • ZED MKIII: 3P: Fixed Player twitches when turning left while crouching
  • ZED MKIII: 3P: Fixed Player twitches when turning left while standing
  • ZED MKIII: Fixed when fingers of the left hand appear for a second on the other side of the weapon at the end of the 1P clip check animation
  • HV Storm Cannon: 3P: Fixed when Left hand fingers were clipping to weapon while crouching
  • G36C Assault Rifle: 3P: Fixed issue with the Silencer and Tac Laser have one-sided texture on drop model
  • HRG Ballistic Bouncer: Gravity Imploder: Blunderbuss: Fixed issue with these weapons were showing in pistol type tab in trader podCrash Map improvements

Individual fixes

  • Addressed issue in which Gunslinger: Quick Draw skill was increasing switching speed to all perks weapons
  • Fixed issue in which outfits’ helmets and suits aren’t sorting by sorting rules
  • Perk Roulette: Online: UI: Fixed syringe indicator not filling in after respawning

Balance Tunes

  • Increased HRG Ballistic Bouncer max damage damage to 300 from 200

Source: Tripwire forums

Tags: Killing Floor Killing Floor 2 update Tripwire Interactive
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Valve Open to Steam Deck OLED Version, But Says It Would Be “A Bigger Amount of Work” Than Assumed

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
1:58 pm in News

Since its release early last year, the Steam Deck has enjoyed massive success among gamers as a full-feature handheld gaming experience, letting players hop into AAA titles on the go unlike the respectable, but much less powerful Nintendo Switch. However, the console’s lack of an OLED screen significantly hampers its games’ visual fidelity, made more notable by the fact that Nintendo released a Switch variant with an OLED screen only four months ahead of the Deck’s launch. Valve “understands the limitations” of the popular handheld’s screen and has expressed a desire to improve it, but says that creating an OLED version of the Steam Deck is complicated, involving much more work than a simple screen replacement.

While the Steam Deck easily defeats 2017’s Nintendo Switch handheld console in terms of hardware power as well as raw and docked screen resolutions, the former does not feature an OLED screen, instead opting for a 400-nit IPS display while the later Switch variant features a ~350-nit OLED display with superior contrast and vibrant colours. When asked about Valve’s plans for a potential Steam Deck OLED version, Valve’s Pierre-Loup Griffais revealed that while his company is indeed exploring ways to improve the handheld’s screen, developing an OLED Steam Deck would be “a bigger amount of work” than fans believe it to be:

Valve understands the limitations of the current tech that’s in the Deck, in terms of the screen. We also want it to be better. We’re looking at all avenues.

I think people are looking at things like an incremental version and assume that it’s an easy drop-in. But in reality, the screen’s at the core of the device. Everything is anchored to it. Basically everything is architected around everything when you’re talking about a device that small. I think it would be a bigger amount of work than people are assuming it would be. […] I don’t think we’re discounting anything. But the idea that you could just swap in a new screen and be done—it would need more than that to be doable.

Griffais did admit that the Deck’s enhanced backlight dimming and variable refresh rate capabilities are quite possible to implement in an OLED screen:

It’s just something you have to plan ahead. When we were working on this [IPS LCD] screen, we made sure these could be supported, even if the refresh rate switching wasn’t ready at release. It was really important to us that all that would be supported. So it’s something that you need to keep in mind when you’re evaluating and selecting possible options. But there’s nothing about LCD vs OLED, different screen technologies that makes that a dealbreaker. It’s about how you’re designing the whole system, and what’s in between the screen and the SOC (system-on-a-chip).

As such, while the developer did not explicitly confirm any plans for an OLED version of the Steam Deck, the door is still open for a Steam Deck refresh or successor to replace the IPS LCD tech with an OLED screen. If any such plans are revealed in the future, we’ll be sure to let our readers know. Meanwhile, those who are still on the fence about purchasing a Steam Deck might find that the console’s roster of 1000+ verified-compatible games makes that decision significantly easier.

(Pierre-Loup Griffais’ comments were provided by PCGamer.)

Tags: Nintendo Switch steam deck Valve
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Destiny 2 Update 1.077 Flies Out for Patch Version 7.0.0.5 This March 16 (Update)

  by   Alex Co  
1:32 pm in News

Destiny 2 update 1.077 is now out on all platforms, and this is for hotfix patch version 7.0.0.5! Players can expect another round of fixes to be rolled out, with the full Destiny 2 March 16 patch notes available below.

Destiny 2 Update 1.077 Patch Notes | Destiny 2 March 16 Patch Notes:

Update: The complete patch notes have been released by Bungie!

ACTIVITIES

SEASONAL EXOTIC ACTIVITY

  • Animation changes made to the Data Collection boss encounter in The Variable Exotic mission that had the potential to cause issues with photosensitive players.

PLAYER JOURNEY

  • Increased drop rate for Exotic armor in Legend and Master Lost Sectors when playing solo.
  • Fixed an issue that prevented the “Vex Incursion Countermeasures” weekly bounty from resetting at rest.
  • Fixed an issue where players on their alternate characters could not progress the Hall of Heroes intro quest after interacting with the statues early.
    • Any players who ran into this issue may now progress normally.

UI/UX

  • Made an adjustment to how the Return to Orbit option is triggered after completing a specific Battleground.
    • Previous implementation enabled mistakenly skipping end-of-mission cinematics when returning to orbit from the Commendations screen.

GAMEPLAY AND INVESTMENT

ARMOR

  • Fixed an issue where some Artifact mods were not properly proccing Anti-Barrier capabilities.
  • Hunters: Fixed an issue where Volatile Rounds were not granted by equipping the Gyrfalcon’s Hauberk Exotic chest armor, blocking Void weapons from Anti-Barrier capabilities.
  • Armor Scavenger Mod: Fixed an issue where Jötunn would get an unintentional boost in ammo, particularly in PvP, with the Solar Scavenger mod equipped on a player’s chest armor.
    • Put. The toaster. Down.

WEAPONS

  • Fixed an issue where the Winterbite Exotic Glaive was doing more damage than intended to targets.
  • Titans: The bonus to Glaive melee damage granted by Exotic Synthoceps gauntlets has been reduced against both combatants and enemy Guardians.
  • Fixed an issue where the Lightfall versions of The Inquisitor and Mindbender’s Ambition Shotguns had the incorrect magazine perks.
  • Fixed an issue where Grand Overture’s blinding effect applied to other sources of splash damage.

ABILITIES

  • Strand: Increased the internal cooldown of the Thread of Ascent Fragment from two seconds to four seconds.
  • Strand: Fixed an issue where after a player grappled to a thrown Tangle, the Berserker’s Into the Fray Aspect would fail to activate on further Tangle detonations.
  • Strand: Fixed an issue where the suspending detonation from the Broodweaver’s Mindspun Invocation Aspect was not properly stunning Unstoppable Champions.
  • Solar: Fixed an issue where the radiant effect was not increasing the damage of Strand weapons.
  • Strand: Fixed an issue where the Thread of Generation Fragment would stop functioning after a Silkstrike Super deactivation when either the Shackle or Threadling Grenade is equipped.

POWER AND PROGRESSION

  • Guardian Ranks: To more closely match the goals of Guardian Ranks, we have reduced the required Commendations score to complete objectives across all Guardian Ranks.
  • Guardian Ranks: Rank-8 objectives require tier-3 difficulty or higher.
    • Fixed an issue where only tier-4 or higher applied towards Rank progression.
  • Commendations: Players can no longer offer Commendations to others following a failed mission activity.

GENERAL

  • Fixed an issue where Guardians and their weapons were not rendering properly, effectively making them appear as “invisible” when in-game.
  • Twitch Gift Sub Bounty reward now correctly appears in the Cryptarch.

While Bungie has released the download file, the patch notes aren’t out yet. Players seeing the “This version of Destiny 2 is no longer available, stay tuned to Bungie.net for your next adventure…” shoudn’t be worried, as the servers aren’t set to go live yet until 12 pm PDT/3pm EDT/3am HKT. You can check the maintenance schedule here.

Once the patch notes are out, we’ll update the article ASAP, so refresh it from time to time.

Update: The full patch notes have been added to the article.

Source: Bungie

Tags: Bungie Destiny Destiny 2 destiny 2 update
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Destiny 2 Update 2.82 Deployed for Hotfix 7.0.0.5 This March 16 (Update)

  by   Alex Co  
1:30 pm in News

Bungie has released Destiny 2 update 2.82, and this is for hotfix 7.0.0.5! This brings another round of fixes and tweaks to the looter shooter. Read on for what’s new in the Destiny 2 update 7.0.0.5 patch notes.

Destiny 2 Update 2.82 Patch Notes | Destiny 2 Update 7.0.0.5 Patch Notes:

Update: The complete patch notes have been released by Bungie!

ACTIVITIES

SEASONAL EXOTIC ACTIVITY

  • Animation changes made to the Data Collection boss encounter in The Variable Exotic mission that had the potential to cause issues with photosensitive players.

PLAYER JOURNEY

  • Increased drop rate for Exotic armor in Legend and Master Lost Sectors when playing solo.
  • Fixed an issue that prevented the “Vex Incursion Countermeasures” weekly bounty from resetting at rest.
  • Fixed an issue where players on their alternate characters could not progress the Hall of Heroes intro quest after interacting with the statues early.
    • Any players who ran into this issue may now progress normally.

UI/UX

  • Made an adjustment to how the Return to Orbit option is triggered after completing a specific Battleground.
    • Previous implementation enabled mistakenly skipping end-of-mission cinematics when returning to orbit from the Commendations screen.

GAMEPLAY AND INVESTMENT

ARMOR

  • Fixed an issue where some Artifact mods were not properly proccing Anti-Barrier capabilities.
  • Hunters: Fixed an issue where Volatile Rounds were not granted by equipping the Gyrfalcon’s Hauberk Exotic chest armor, blocking Void weapons from Anti-Barrier capabilities.
  • Armor Scavenger Mod: Fixed an issue where Jötunn would get an unintentional boost in ammo, particularly in PvP, with the Solar Scavenger mod equipped on a player’s chest armor.
    • Put. The toaster. Down.

WEAPONS

  • Fixed an issue where the Winterbite Exotic Glaive was doing more damage than intended to targets.
  • Titans: The bonus to Glaive melee damage granted by Exotic Synthoceps gauntlets has been reduced against both combatants and enemy Guardians.
  • Fixed an issue where the Lightfall versions of The Inquisitor and Mindbender’s Ambition Shotguns had the incorrect magazine perks.
  • Fixed an issue where Grand Overture’s blinding effect applied to other sources of splash damage.

ABILITIES

  • Strand: Increased the internal cooldown of the Thread of Ascent Fragment from two seconds to four seconds.
  • Strand: Fixed an issue where after a player grappled to a thrown Tangle, the Berserker’s Into the Fray Aspect would fail to activate on further Tangle detonations.
  • Strand: Fixed an issue where the suspending detonation from the Broodweaver’s Mindspun Invocation Aspect was not properly stunning Unstoppable Champions.
  • Solar: Fixed an issue where the radiant effect was not increasing the damage of Strand weapons.
  • Strand: Fixed an issue where the Thread of Generation Fragment would stop functioning after a Silkstrike Super deactivation when either the Shackle or Threadling Grenade is equipped.

POWER AND PROGRESSION

  • Guardian Ranks: To more closely match the goals of Guardian Ranks, we have reduced the required Commendations score to complete objectives across all Guardian Ranks.
  • Guardian Ranks: Rank-8 objectives require tier-3 difficulty or higher.
    • Fixed an issue where only tier-4 or higher applied towards Rank progression.
  • Commendations: Players can no longer offer Commendations to others following a failed mission activity.

GENERAL

  • Fixed an issue where Guardians and their weapons were not rendering properly, effectively making them appear as “invisible” when in-game.
  • Twitch Gift Sub Bounty reward now correctly appears in the Cryptarch.

While Bungie has released the download file, the patch notes aren’t out yet. Players seeing the “This version of Destiny 2 is no longer available, stay tuned to Bungie.net for your next adventure…” shoudn’t be worried, as the servers aren’t set to go live yet until 12 pm PDT/3pm EDT/3am HKT. You can check the maintenance schedule here.

Once the patch notes are out, we’ll update the article ASAP, so refresh it from time to time.

Update: The full patch notes have been added to the article.

Source: Bungie

Tags: Bungie Destiny Destiny 2 destiny 2 update
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Alex Co

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Far Cry 5 Update 1.18 Adds Native 60fps Support This March 16

  by   Alex Co  
1:16 pm in News

As promised with yesterday’s tease, Ubisoft has released Far Cry 5 update 1.18, and this adds native 60 frames-per-second support for the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions! Read on for the trailer and Far Cry 5 March 16 patch notes.

Far Cry 5 Update 1.18 Patch Notes | Far Cry 5 March 16 Patch Notes:

 

According to the press release sent out by Ubisoft, native 60fps for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S applies to solo campaign, co-op, arcade and all downloadable content (DLC).

Under siege and cut off from the rest of the world in rural Hope County, Montana, by a fanatical doomsday cult, players will need to join forces with residents to create a resistance and liberate the community and themself. Players will have to take to the skies in dogfights against cultists across Big Sky Country; destroy cult supplies with vehicles, explosives, and more; and recruit Guns for Hire from a large cast of characters, or even Fangs for Hire, specialized animals like bears and cougars to complement players’ playstyles whether they’re going in stealthily or forcefully. How players approach each situation and the chaos they create in Far Cry 5 is up to them.

In addition to that, there is a free weekend for Far Cry 5 kicking off from March 23 to March 27 on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PS4, PS5 and PC (Epic Game Store, and Ubisoft Store). 

If there are any gameplay-related changes included, we’ll update the article, but we’re not expecting any outside of the framerate boost.

Tags: Far Cry Far Cry 5 far cry 5 update
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Alex Co

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The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Release Date Set for Aug. 18, Technical Test Begins May 25

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
12:25 pm in News

Sumo Digital and Gun Interactive have finally announced The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’s release date as August 18, 2023, with the game additionally joining Xbox Game Pass as a day one release. A free “technical test” for the game through Steam will begin on May 25 with limited seats.

Watch The Texas Chain Saw Massacre release date reveal trailer below:

Sumo Digital and Gun Interactive have come together to create The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, bringing the classic 1974 film’s Leatherface and his iconic chainsaw to the video game format. The game lets players assume the role of the Sawyer (a.k.a. Slaughter) family’s bloodthirsty members or their terrified victims in a particularly high-stakes game of hide-and-seek. From the game’s Steam page:

Take on the role of one of the notorious Slaughter family, or their victims, in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, a third-person asymmetrical horror experience based on the groundbreaking and iconic 1974 horror film.

As a victim you must use your wits and stealth to stay out of the Family’s reach and find the tools you need to lead to your eventual freedom. Slaughter Family players must seek out, track down, and stop their guests from escaping. Players of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre can finally find out if they have what it takes to survive.

Experience the mad and macabre for yourself in The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre can be experienced in a technical test on PC through Steam starting May 25. The technical test is free-to-play and does not involve NDAs in any capacity, but has only a limited number of slots available. The developers will reveal further details and the test registration procedure as the May 25 date approaches.

Everyone else can enjoy The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on August 18, 2023, when it launches on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, as well as both the PC and console tiers of Xbox Game Pass. Check out the developer diary video from last month, which featured the painstaking process of emulating the sound of Leatherface’s chainsaw for the game.

Tags: Gun Interactive Sumo Digital The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
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Salman Haider Zaidi

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For Honor Update 2.42 Slashes Out for Y7S1 Heresy This March 16 (Update)

  by   Alex Co  
12:18 pm in News

Ubisoft has released For Honor update 2.42 and this is for the big Y7S1 title update called “Heresy.” Players can expect a new Battle Pass, new cosmetics, a new PvPvE mode and more! Read on for the For Honor March 16 patch notes!

For Honor Update 2.42 Patch Notes | For Honor Y7S1 Patch Notes | For Honor Heresy Patch Notes | For Honor March 16 Patch Notes:

Update: The complete patch notes are now available!

Size: PS4: 1.5 Gb, Xbox One: 1.9 Gb, PC: 1.9 Gb

BALANCING

FIGHTERS

Afeera bugfixes

  • Gravity Pull no longer guarantees Speeding Comet
  • Increased chain link timing after Oracle’s Rush to no longer guarantee Khassaki Kick on Hit or Block
  • Increased chain link timings after most attacks to Khassaki Kick to let opponents input a Guard Swap and still dodge the attack

BALANCING

FIGHTERS

Jormungandr rework

We’re reworking Jormungandr following the Testing Grounds we held in the previous season. The rework focuses on replacing the hero’s game plan from draining your opponent’s Stamina to displacing your opponents to get the upper hand. To do so, we’ve added a few new moves to the hero’s arsenal, moved some attacks around to give the hero better openers as well as better flow while in chains. These changes should help the hero reach their full potential and perform better in today’s metagame.

Stamina-based gameplay removal

  • Moves no longer unbalance opponents in Out of Stamina state
  • Moves no longer deal Stamina damage
  • Moves no longer pause Stamina regeneration

Displacement-based gameplay

  • NEW MOVE: Venomous Sting
  • Input: After landing a Guardbreak, press Heavy in any stance
  • 800ms, deals 12 damage, costs 12 Stamina
  • Pushes opponents backwards on hit and can wall splat

Heavy Finishers

  • Top Heavy Finisher now pushes opponents backwards
  • Heavy Finishers now push opponents further away
  • Top Heavy Finisher now deals 24 damage, down from 30
  • Side Heavy Finishers now deal 22 damage, down from 29

Heavy Openers

  • Top Heavy Opener now deals 22 damage, down from 27
  • Side Heavy Openers now deal 20 damage, down from 24
  • Top Heavy Opener is now 800ms, down from 900ms

Flow improvements

  • NEW MOVE: Ouroboros Might
  • Input: Light + Heavy Attack during chains
  • 800ms, deals 24 damage, costs 12 Stamina
  • Can be feinted
  • Can be performed after any attack except itself, Venomous Sting and Hamarr Slam
  • Initiates Chains
  • Gains Uninterruptible Stance at 100ms

Jotunn Gift

  • Now deals 10 Health damage

Jotunn Farewell

  • New animation
  • Now always unbalances opponents on hit
  • Now 800ms, up from 500ms
  • Can now be feinted

Hamarr Slam

  • No longer has Uninterruptible Stance
  • Now deals 30 damage, down from 38
  • Now has 1400ms of recovery on hit, down from 1500ms

Quality of Life improvements

Jotunn Surge

  • Reworked animation
  • Input changed to Front Dodge + Guardbreak
  • Attack speed is now 500ms, down from 600ms
  • No longer chains on Miss

Light Openers

  • Reworked animations
  • Improved trajectories
  • Increased forward movement

Light Finishers

  • No longer Undodgeable

Serpent Smite

  • Attack Speed is now 800ms, down from 1000ms
  • Damage is now 22, down from 26
  • Gains Uninterruptible Stance at 400ms during the attack, down from 600ms

Improved Chain Link Timings

  • Chain Link timings are improved for the following attacks:
    • Light Openers
    • Heavy Openers
    • Serpent Smite
    • Serpent Coil Strike
    • Jotunn Gift

GLOBAL

Dodge Changes

As we have tested in a previous Testing Grounds, we’re adjusting Dodges and Dodge Attacks to be more in-line with how we are pushing gameplay forward. We want defensive Dodge Attacks to be higher risk moves so that players are not overly incentivized to use them to defend themselves; while they are still good defensive options, they should now be riskier to use, and require a read on the defender’s part, especially when used against feintable attacks.

We’ve also heard your feedback that some of the changes felt bad on slow, feintable dodge attacks, and as such for the three heroes that have these types of Side Dodge attacks (Jiang Jun, Tiandi and Warmonger) they will not grant the same punish as for the faster ones.

Side Dodge Heavy attacks

  • Non-feintable Side Dodge Heavy attacks now act as Light attacks when parried
    • Jiang Jun, Tiandi and Warmonger’s Side Dodge Heavy attacks still act as Heavy attacks when parried

Delayable Side Dodge Attacks

  • Most side Dodge attacks are now able to be performed from 200ms to 400ms during Side Dodges
  • The following heroes have different timings for their Side Dodge attacks
    • Jiang Jun: Mighty Backlash is 300ms to 500ms
    • Tiandi: Tiger Dodge is 100ms to 300ms, Dragon Dodge is 200ms to 300ms
    • Warden: Shoulder Bash is 300ms to 500ms
    • Warmonger: Both Beast of Prey and Preying Claw are 300ms to 500ms

Side Dodge Bashes vulnerability

  • The following Side Dodge Bashes were changed:
    • Conqueror’s Shield Bash (used as a Side Dodge Attack)
      • Now 600ms, up from 533ms
      • Miss recovery is now 800ms, up from 700ms
    • Gladiator’s Sucker Punch (used as a Side Dodge attack)
      • No longer chains on miss
    • Lawbringer’s Shove (used as a Side Dodge attack)
      • Miss recovery is now 700ms
    • Shinobi: Reaper’s Dance
      • Miss recovery is now 700ms, up from 600ms
    • Shugoki’s Headbutt (used as a Side Dodge attack)
      • Now 600ms, up from 533ms
      • Miss recovery is now 700ms, up from 600ms
      • No longer chains on miss

Defense while dodging

  • Non-Reflex Guard heroes no longer have regular Block while dodging in any direction, regardless of if the stance is forced or not, for most of the duration of the dodge
  • Heroes regain their defense 100ms after being able to change their Stance during a Dodge
  • Conqueror Superior Block window is now 100ms to 300ms, down from 100ms to 600ms in both Front and Side Dodges
  • Kensei Superior Block window is now 100ms to 300ms, down from 100ms to 600ms on Side Dodges and 100ms to 700ms in Front Dodge

Invulnerability while Dodging

  • Heroes no longer lose Invulnerability while dodging when colliding with walls, heroes, etc.

BUG FIXES

FIGHTERS

Lawbringer

  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Lawbringer to be missing a transitional animation when changing the guard after hitting a wall

Conqueror

  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Conqueror to play an up and down movement when holding the Full Block stance loop animation (FH-4130)

Valkyrie

  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Valkyrie Shield Tackle followed-up attacks to have animation issues (FH-5006)

Jiang Jung

  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Jiang Jung’s Left Dodge attack & Right Dodge attack into Light soft feint to be missing visual effects (FH-4327)

UI

  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that allowed Heroes and their customization contents to be swapped in barracks
  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused Random Select to not work properly on single pick game modes (FH-3999)

CUSTOMIZATION

  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Tiandi’s Lin Chong Chest to not apply patterns on cape and waist flaps (FH-4894)
  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Berserker’s Gleip, Glamr, Haugbui and Grettis Helm to not take material colors (FH-4475)
  • [Bug Fix] ] Fixed an issue that caused the Kyoshin’s Might of the Wind’s Execution to be missing blood splatter as he cleanses his weapon (FH-4398)
  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Raider’s Bolthorn Skin to presents visible seams on his arms (FH-4370)
  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Nuxia’s Chengshu Chest cape paint patterns to be misaligned (FH-3886)
  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Raider’s Hundingsbane Helm to not apply Material color (FH-3829)
  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Zhanhu alternate body type barrack camera to be centered on character (FH-3758)
  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Gryphon’s Art of War elite outfit ornament to be  the same Sensei Fokoku elite outfit (FH-2970)

PC

  • [Bug Fix] Fixed an issue that caused the Game to keep running in the background after closing it (FH-4866)

For some reason, Ubisoft’s patch notes page for the site is still showing a 404 error, even if maintenance has concluded. 

While waiting for the patch notes to be released, here’s a rundown of the new content confirmed for For Honor Y7S1!

  • Pirates can step into her shoes with the new Inquisitor Yinchen Hero Skin, available with the launch of Y7S1 for 25,000 Steel or in a bundle with 7-Day Champion Status and three scavenger crates for $11.99.
  • From March 16 to April 16, players will be able to participate in Y7S1’s launch event “Heresy of the Relics,” a unique PvPvE game mode where the objective is to conquer zones (which results in a buff for each team member) while fending off both the enemy team and Inquisitor Yinchen.
  • The Heresy Battle Pass will be available at launch for $9.99, featuring 100 tiers of themed rewards for players. Players looking to quickly advance through the tiers this season can instead purchase the Battle Bundle for $24.99, which includes the Battle Pass and instantly unlocks 25 tier

Once the patch notes are out, we’ll be sure to update the article.

Update: Ubisoft has released the official patch notes.

Source: Ubisoft

Tags: For Honor for honor update Ubisoft
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New Techland Game to Be AAA Open-World “Narrative-Driven Fantasy Epic;” Devs Share Concept Art

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
12:03 pm in News

Techland Games has revealed that its newest upcoming game will be an AAA “narrative-driven fantasy epic with an exotic open world,” and has shared concept art from the project that shows off a breathtaking vaguely-medieval setting with what appears to be a broken planet visible in the sky.

Techland Games is famously responsible for the Call of Juarez and Dying Light IPs, and most recently released Dying Light 2 Stay Human in February last year. Having remained a private company throughout the 32 years of its existence, the Polish studio developed the successful Dying Light sequel in its in-house C-Engine and self-published the title, but has had to indefinitely delay development on numerous projects including Chrome 2 and Warhound.

With Dying Light 2 enjoying sales upwards of five million units sold only a month into release, the studio now feels comfortable debuting its next project. Its newest game has been revealed as an AAA “narrative-driven fantasy epic with an exotic open world,” with Techland aiming to “combine and refine the best aspects of gameplay” it is known for in the development of the project.

The studio has revealed no further details about the project including its choice of engine or publisher for the title, but has chosen to share a singular piece of concept art. The image features a vast vertical landscape with Orient-meets-Occident medieval architecture, as well as a fractured astral body visible in the distance. Techland’s description of the game as a “fantasy epic” lends credence to theories of possible sci-fi or magic-space themes, but such ideas will remain unconfirmed until the studio reveals more about the project.

Meanwhile, Techland’s Dying Light 2 Stay Human is available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, with a Nintendo Switch release as well as a new story DLC both coming out later in 2023.

Tags: Dying Light 2 Dying Light 2 Stay Human Techland
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Sony Argues Microsoft Made Starfield and Future Elder Scrolls Games Xbox-Exclusive After ZeniMax Acquisition

  by   Salman Haider Zaidi  
11:18 am in News

In its full response (published today) to the UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)’s provisional findings from the Microsoft–Activision deal review, Sony has reiterated its desire for the acquisition to be blocked on account of Microsoft’s past behavior with acquisitions and the likelihood of the significant lessening of competition (SLC) scenarios outlined by the CMA. The Japanese gaming giant argues that Microsoft’s claims of maintaining existing properties’ multi-platform presence post-acquisition are not relevant to the current situation. Instead, Sony points towards Bethesda’s upcoming Starfield and Elder Scrolls titles, and states that Microsoft making these properties Xbox-exclusive post-acquisition is the better indicator of what it plans to do with Activision Blizzard’s IPs.

The CMA’s provisional findings from its Phase 2 review of the Microsoft-Activision deal remain a major bone of contention between Microsoft and Sony a month into their release. To address the regulator’s concerns of anti-competitive behavior on its part, Microsoft has signed multiple access agreements with the likes of Nintendo, Nvidia, Boosteroid, and Ubitus to provide Activision Blizzard’s video game offerings (including Call of Duty) to these companies’ hardware and services. The Redmond corporation also made public the details of a similar offer to Sony itself, which the latter has not accepted.

In its own response to the CMA’s provisional findings, Sony has expressed support for the UK antitrust watchdog’s stance and has pointed to Microsoft’s behavior with Bethesda’s previously-multi-platform IPs after the ZeniMax acquisition as a direct indicator of its plans for Activision Blizzard’s games:

First, Microsoft argues that “its past business practices are consistent with its stated position” that it does not intend to remove Call of Duty from PlayStation (or degrade access to it). This is difficult to square with what has actually happened. The CMA “reviewed Microsoft’s strategy following its previous acquisitions” and found that Microsoft “typically makes games exclusive to Xbox”. Microsoft has never disputed this.

Microsoft is fond of arguing that, with its prior acquisitions, it did not make the existing, already released games it acquired exclusive to Xbox. But the foreclosure concern in this case is not about past releases of Call of Duty. It is about the impact of Microsoft making new Call of Duty releases (which are launched every year) exclusive, as it has done for the new releases of Starfield and Elder Scrolls following the acquisition of ZeniMax in 2021. As the PFs explain, these releases were announced in 2018 and were not expected at that time to be Xbox exclusives. It was only after acquiring ZeniMax that Microsoft’s Phil Spencer revealed that, all along, the deal had been about “delivering great exclusive games” for Xbox.

Second, Microsoft points to Minecraft as an example of an acquisition where it did not pursue exclusivity. But this example is not relevant to an exclusivity strategy regarding future releases of Call of Duty. Minecraft is a single release game that is already in users’ hands: unlike Call of Duty, there are no future releases of Minecraft. The CMA correctly points out that Minecraft’s “legacy monetisation model of a one-time fee for lifetime access and updates…differs significantly from Call of Duty, where users buy the new premium iteration of the game every year for a higher fee”. SIE therefore agrees with the PFs that the more relevant indicator of Microsoft’s intentions on exclusivity for Call of Duty is the ZeniMax deal.

Sony further argues that besides direct foreclosure strategies such as raising the price of Call of Duty titles on PlayStation or offering them on cloud gaming services for a “commercially unviable price” (claims Microsoft has shot down), it could also indirectly engage in foreclosing behavior such as by dedicating its best teams to the Call of Duty experience on Xbox hardware and services. In conclusion, it agrees with the CMA’s prediction of the deal’s consequent SLCs, and reiterates its belief that the deal should be blocked altogether.

Source: CMA (spotted by CharlieINTEL)

Tags: Activision Activision Blizzard Call of Duty CMA Microsoft Microsoft Gaming starfield The Elder Scrolls Xbox
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GTA Online Update for March 16 Brings The Last Dose Content, Rewards and More Listed

  by   Alex Co  
10:08 am in News

Those playing GTA Online, Rockstar Games has just released the GTA Online update for March 16, and this brings The Last Dose content! Players can expect five new story missions all for free. Read on for the GTA Online The Last Dose rewards list and everything new.

GTA Online Update for March 16 Patch Notes | GTA Online The Last Dose Patch Notes:

The saga of GTA Online: Los Santos Drug Wars reaches its eye-popping conclusion with an explosion of hallucinations, kidnapping, and revenge in The Last Dose.

Reach the bottom of the rabbit hole in five new story missions, free for all GTA Online players, that reveal the mysterious connection between Los Santos’ illicit drug trade and the pharmaceutical industry, as Dr. Isiah Friedlander returns to the fray to wreak havoc in this mind-bending and twisted finale arriving March 16.

Full highlights from The Last Dose include:

  • The Last Dose: Five new story missions leading players to the bottom of a psychedelic conspiracy involving Dr. Friedlander
  • New Vehicle: The Imani Tech-eligible Ocelot Virtue, which players can earn with the FriedMind livery free of charge after completing all five The Last Dose missions. GTA+ Members can also pick up the Ocelot Virtue for free at Legendary Motorsport.
  • New Vehicle: The Willard Eudora, available only through March 29 from Southern San Andreas Super Autos and Simeon’s Premium Deluxe Motorsport showroom
  • The Last Dose rewards available through March 29:
  • Complete The Last Dose Mission This is an Intervention to get the Floral Güffy Pool Sliders
  • Resupply your Acid Lab and complete a Sell Mission to get the Black Enema Flourish Ski mask
  • Complete a daily Stash House to receive the Teal Enema Flourish Ski mask
  • Finish all The Last Dose missions to get the Lime Leopard Slab cap and Canvas Shoes
  • New Clothing: Branded Cardigans and Wide Pants, available in retail establishments citywide
  • 1.5X GTA$ and RP on Fooligan Jobs
  • 1.5X the usual Acid Production Speed
  • Double Supplies on Acid Lab Resupply Missions
  • Double GTA$ and RP on The First Dose and The Last Dose, and Sumo (Remix)
  • Triple GTA$ and RP on Overtime Rumble
  • Gun Van Additional Discounts: 25% off the Heavy Rifle, plus 45% off the Marksman Rifle for GTA+ members
  • On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
    • Premium Test Ride: The Principe Deveste Eight (Super)
    • This week’s HSW Time Trial takes place between Textile City and Stab City
  • This week in Simeon’s Premium Deluxe Motorsport Showroom: The Willard Eudora (Muscle), Invetero Coquette D10 (Sports), Pegassi Toros (SUVs), Vapid Bullet (Super), and Hijak Ruston (Sports, 50% off)
  • On Display at the Luxury Autos Showroom: The Överflöd Tyrant (Super, 25% off) and Grotti X80 Proto (Super)
  • Lucky Wheel Top Prize: The Pegassi Infernus Classic
  • LS Car Meet Test Rides: The Maibatsu Penumbra FF (Sports), Imponte Beater Dukes (Muscle, 50% off), and Cheval Taipan (Super, 25% off)
  • LS Car Meet Prize Ride: The Coil Brawler (Off-Road) for finishing in the Top 3 in the Pursuit Series for three days
  • 30% off the MTL Brickade 6×6 (Service), complete with complimentary Acid Lab installation, plus Body Armor and Ammo (including Mk II rounds)
  • Vehicle Discounts: 25% off the Declasse Weaponized Tampa (Muscle), Cheval Taipan (Super), Överflöd Tyrant (Super), Buckingham Miljet (Plane), plus 50% off the Hijak Ruston (Sports), Imponte Beater Dukes (Muscle), and Sea Sparrow (Helicopter)
  • GTA+ Benefits: A free Ocelot Virtue (Super) with Jackal and Ocelot Racing liveries, the Agency Vehicle Workshop, free Clothing, extra rewards in Fooligan Jobs and Hotring Races, and more
  • Prime Gaming Bonuses: GTA Online players who connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account with Prime Gaming will receive a lump sum of GTA$125K for playing anytime this week

You can read more details regarding The Last Dose right here and the backstory behind it all right here.

That’s about it. If there’s a proper patch notes released that includes changes, we’ll update the article.

Tags: GTA Online Rockstar Games
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Alex Co

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Destiny 2 Servers Down for Maintenance and Patch 7.0.0.5 Roll Out This March 16

  by   Alex Co  
10:00 am in News

Bungie has taken the Destiny 2 servers down this March 16, and this is for planned maintenance! During this time, players will see patch 7.0.0.5 be released for bug fixes.

Destiny 2 Servers Down for Maintenance Schedule and Info for March 16:

Update 2: Bungie has announced that maintenance has been extended though there is no added downtime: 

Update: If you’re seeing the “This version of Destiny 2 is no longer available, stay tuned to Bungie.net for your next adventure…” message, don’t fret, as the servers aren’t set to go live yet. The patch download has been released, which you can read about here.

Thursday, March 16, 2023
7:00 AM PDT -7 UTC
    • Destiny 1 and 2 will undergo maintenance.
    • Sign-on and game integration features will be unavailable on web, mobile, 3rd-party apps, and the Bungie Store.
    • Players who observe issues should report to the #Help forum.
7:45 AM PDT -7 UTC
    • Destiny 1 and 2 will be brought offline for expected maintenance.
    • Players will be removed from activities and won’t be able to log back in until 12 PM PDT.
    • Ongoing Destiny maintenance is expected to conclude at 1 PM PDT.
12:00 PM PDT -7 UTC
    • Hotfix 7.0.0.5 will be available across all platforms and regions.
    • Players will be able to log back into Destiny 1 and 2.
    • Players logging into the game may be placed in a queue and may experience sign-on issues as background maintenance is still ongoing.
1:00 PM PDT -7 UTC
    • Destiny 1 and 2 maintenance is expected to conclude.
    • Console players who encounter issues updating to 7.0.0.5 should restart their console and try downloading the Hotfix.
    • Players who observe issues should report to the #Help forum.

Once the patch is out, we’ll update the article with a link out to it. Same as always, if there are any changes made to the maintenance schedule, we’ll update the article to reflect it.

Source: Bungie

Tags: Bungie Destiny Destiny 2 destiny 2 down
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Alex Co

Father, gamer, games media vet, writer of words, killer of noobs.

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