Cyberpunk 2077 Dev Is Opening A Merchandise Store

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CD Projekt Red has announced that it is opening a merchandise store in the coming weeks. However, CD Projekt Red has not yet revealed the exact details about what the store will sell, only promising the information is “coming soon.”

The studio is best known as the developer behind the games in The Witcher series–The Witcher, The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings, and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt–as well as spin-off titles The Witcher Battle Arena, Gwent: The Witcher Card Game, and Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales. The studio’s next game takes a break from the magical lands of fantasy for a more technological one of science fiction in Cyberpunk 2077.

Already playable from start to finish, Cyberpunk 2077 has no scheduled release date, but is expected to launch on Xbox One, PS4, and PC. A first-person shooter taking place in a futuristic city that’s divided into six districts, Cyberpunk 2077 allows you to customize your character, from their appearance to their wardrobe, weapon loadouts, and various cybernetic abilities. CD Projekt Red aims to have Cyberpunk 2077 be as “refined” as Red Dead Redemption 2.

Not many details about Cyberpunk 2077 have been revealed, but CD Projekt Red did release a 48-minute gameplay trailer for the game that teases out many of the mechanics and the features that players can expect to see. The full video can be watched above. In it, you see a healthy dose of both exploration and combat–the latter of which is partially inspired by The Witcher 3. Near the end of the trailer, Cyberpunk 2077’s more intensive combat was shown, as well as several high-level abilities and a boss fight.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/cyberpunk-2077-dev-is-opening-a-merchandise-store/1100-6465999/

Next-Gen Consoles Might Be Revealed Relatively Soon, GameStop Predicts

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New consoles from Microsoft and Sony might be coming soon. Retailer GameStop today said on an earnings call that it expects new hardware sales to slow down in 2019 on account of people hearing about new consoles and waiting for them to arrive.

“With respect to new hardware, as we get closer to the end of the current console cycle for Xbox and PlayStation, we expect demand to decline as some customers choose to wait on the sidelines in anticipation of acquiring the next generation of innovative consoles,” CFO Rob Lloyd said.

Lloyd was specifically talking about business elements that GameStop shared with analysts to “help provide context” for 2019. This suggests that new consoles from Microsoft and Sony may be announced and/or released this year.

Microsoft is rumoured to announce one or multiple new consoles at E3 in June, while Sony is known to be working on a new PlayStation console. Sony is not coming to E3 this year but that doesn’t mean the company won’t have news to share at other venues at some point. Nintendo, meanwhile, could announce multiple new Switch models at E3 and release them not long after.

Llyod specifically mentioned Xbox and PlayStation in his comments, but not Nintendo.

There have been numerous rumours and reports about Microsoft’s new consoles, a lot more than the new systems from PlayStation and Nintendo. You can check out GameSpot’s rundown of all the big rumours about Xbox hardware here.

In other news about GameStop, the retailer announced a $673 million full-year loss. Despite the downturn, the retailer is optimistic about its future, thanks in part to new cost-saving and profit-improving efforts to be implemented by incoming CEO George Sherman.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/next-gen-consoles-might-be-revealed-relatively-soo/1100-6465997/

Borderlands Game Of The Year Edition Releases Tomorrow

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Fans of the Borderlands series can rest easy, as developer Gearbox announced Borderlands 3 during its PAX East panel last week. Also during the panel, Gearbox confirmed the remaster of Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition. The release date for the remastered Borderlands: GotY is nearly here–here’s exactly when it unlocks and how to get it for free on PC.

The official Twitter account confirmed that Borderlands: GotY drops tomorrow, April 3. It’ll be available for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET. Steam customers who own the existing Game of the Year Edition can download an update for free at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET. It’s possible to obtain physical copies of the game on consoles, but they’re limited to US and Canada stores only.

When the Borderlands: GotY launched in October 2010, it gathered the original Borderlands with all four of its DLC packs–The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned, Mad Moxxi’s Underdome Riot, The Secret Armory of General Knoxx, and Claptrap’s New Robot Revolution–into one package. This remastered version will do the exact same, but will also bring about some new additions like gameplay tweaks (such as a new minimap, for example), a series of new guns, new character customization options, and more. Gearbox is also altering the campaign’s final boss, making it “more engaging, challenging, and rewarding.”

Further, an Ultra HD texture pack for Borderlands: The Handsome Collection will be available the same day as the Borderlands: GotY drops. According to the official Borderlands website, the UHD texture pack will affect “characters, vehicles, weapons and environments.” Gearbox didn’t specify how the UHD texture pack will affect the game, so it’s unclear if it’s receiving more frames per second, higher graphical fidelity, or both.

Borderlands: GotY is currently not live on neither the PlayStation 4 nor Xbox Store. However, it’s currently available for pre-order through GameStop for $30 on both platforms.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/borderlands-game-of-the-year-edition-releases-tomo/1100-6465990/

GameStop Lost $673 Million Last Year, But Believes Its Future Is Bright

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Video game retailer GameStop today reported earnings for its fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal full year, and the results were not all that rosy. Before getting into the numbers, it’s important to note that GameStop’s fiscal Q4 and fiscal full year were one week shorter (13 weeks in the quarter compared to 14 and 52 weeks in the year compared to 53) than the previous year due to the way in which GameStop collected its numbers and data last year. As a result, GameStop’s sales numbers were likely to take at least a small hit in part to having one fewer week of sales.

With that out of the way, GameStop announced fourth quarter sales of $3.1 billion, which is a decrease of 7.6 percent. The key contributors to the downturn in sales were a tough comparison to an extra week last year and the timing of the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. While there was an overall decrease in sales for the quarter, US store sales rose 3.4 percent while international stores saw revenue decrease by 2.9 percent.

New hardware sales dropped 9.8 percent in the quarter. The Nintendo Switch was a bright spot, helping offset the decline in Xbox One X sales. That was always going to be a tough comparison for Xbox One X given it launched during the previous fiscal year, and consoles typically have huge opening numbers and then taper off. New software sales for GameStop in the quarter dropped by 7.8 percent, while pre-owned sales fell further, by 21.3 percent. In terms of growing businesses, GameStop’s accessories sales rose 18.8 percent (thanks to controllers and headsets), digital sales rose 4.7 percent (thanks to digital currency), and collectibles sales jumped 3.1 percent.

Overall, GameStop posted a loss of $187.7 million for the quarter, which is worse than the $105.9 million loss that GameStop recorded during the same quarter a year earlier.

Moving to the full year, GameStop’s total global sales reached $8.3 billion, which is a decrease of 3.1 percent. US store sales increased 1.8 percent while international sales dropped 4.8 percent.

Looking at GameStop’s various business units, it was a mixed bag for the full year. New hardware sales fell 1.3 percent, while new software sales dropped 5.1 percent. Pre-owned sales fell 13.2 percent. On the better side, accessories sales jumped 22 percent, collectibles sales rose 11.2 percent, and digital sales increased 16.5 percent.

GameStop overall posted a net loss of $673 million for the full year.

Despite the difficult fourth quarter and full fiscal year, GameStop executive chairman Dan DeMatteo said in a statement that the company expects to grow in the future under the leadership of its new CEO, George Sherman.

“We are excited to move forward under George’s leadership as we refine our strategic direction and implement several initiatives under development to strengthen the company for the future and drive sustainable growth and profitability,” DeMatteo said.

GameStop CFO Rob Lloyd said in his own statement that the company recognises “the challenges facing our pre-owned video game business.”

GameStop says it will address these issues in several ways as part of its overall ambition to save costs and improve profit. Some of the ways GameStop plans to save money in the new fiscal year is to focus on “supply chain efficiencies, operational improvements, expense savings, and pricing and promotion optimization.”

“GameStop is a leader in the video game industry, and we remain committed to capitalizing on our leadership position to discover new and unique ways to meet our loyal customers’ entertainment needs and attract new customers,” he said.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamestop-lost-673-million-last-year-but-believes-i/1100-6465995/

The Best Xbox One Game Deals On Xbox Live This Week

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Another week means a brand new batch of Xbox One game deals, and this week’s Xbox Live discounts definitely don’t disappoint.

We may be seven months away from October, but things are already getting spooky with the Indie Horror Games Sale, which has markdowns up to 80% on some of the best horror games out there. The Amnesia collection is just $18 (40% off) and comes with the classic title, The Dark Descent, its expansion, Justine, and the sequel, A Machine For Pigs. Another excellent game from the creators of Amnesia is on sale: Soma, a sci-fi horror game set deep in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s selling for $12 (60% off) this week. Outlast, a survival horror classic set in a psychiatric hospital, is marked down to $4 (80% off); you can also get it as a bundle with the Whistleblower DLC for only $6.24. The supernatural mystery Oxenfree is also on sale for just $5 (75% off).

The Elder Scrolls 25th Anniversary Sale also continues a while longer. While The Elder Scrolls Online is still selling for $10 (50% off) for the next week, The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim – Special Edition is $24 (40% off) until tomorrow morning, so take advantage of that deal ASAP if you’re interested. Various upgrades for The Elder Scrolls Online are discounted, along with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion and two DLC on Xbox 360–but those deals will also disappear tomorrow.

Other notable Xbox One deals this week include Far: Lone Sails, a vehicle-adventure game set in a dried-out ocean bed, which is selling for $13.49; Flipping Death, a puzzle-platformer where you play as Death himself, which is on sale for $8 (60% off); and Jotun: Valhalla Edition, a hand-drawn exploration game inspired by Norse mythology, which is discounted at $8 (60% off).

Shop this week’s Xbox One game deals »

See more of our picks below!

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-best-xbox-one-game-deals-on-xbox-live-this-wee/1100-6465989/

Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice Comes To Switch Next Week

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Ninja Theory has announced that the Switch port of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is releasing next week, on April 11. The game is already available on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

Hellblade’s Switch port was first teased during Nintendo’s February 2019 Direct. The acclaimed action game explores mental illness through the lens of Norse mythology. Hellblade first released in 2017 as a PS4 console exclusive, before getting an Xbox One port in 2018. We love Hellblade, calling it one of GameSpot’s top 10 games of 2017.

On Xbox One, Hellblade is a part of Game Pass, so you can download the title if you’re subscribed to the subscription service. Game Pass costs $10 USD a month, allowing you to download games from a vast library of titles for a fraction of their total retail price. Hellblade is an Xbox One X enhanced title as well. On a One X console, Hellblade plays at 4K HDR with 60fps, and there’s additional fog, foliage density, and shadow quality.

In our Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice review, Alessandro Fillari gave the game an 8/10, writing, “Hellblade’s most notable achievement is the handling of an incredibly sensitive subject matter within an engaging and well-crafted action/adventure game. At its heart, the story is about Senua’s struggle to come to terms with her illness. In the process, she learns to find the strength within herself to endure, and to make peace with her past. And in a profound and physical way, we go through those same struggles with her, and come away with a better understanding of a piece of something that many people in the world struggle with.”

Several other Switch ports were announced during that February 2019 Direct. Deltarune, Toby Fox’s follow-up to Undertale, released on Switch on February 28. A Switch port for Final Fantasy VII followed on March 26. Assassin’s Creed III: Remastered for Switch is scheduled for release later this year on May 21.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/hellblade-senuas-sacrifice-comes-to-switch-next-we/1100-6465994/

Black Ops 4’s Blackout Mode Is Free This Month, Including New Alcatraz Map

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 4‘s new Blackout Alcatraz map has launched on PS4. Alcatraz is expected to release on Xbox One and PC at a later date this month. For the entire month of April, you can play on either of Blackout’s multiplayer maps for free. Alcatraz is only live on PS4 right now, though. However free access to Blackout is live on Xbox One, PC, and PS4.

Although Blackout–the name of Blackout’s original map–is a more traditional battle royale, Alcatraz makes slight changes to the formula. Instead of deploying from a drop ship that travels in a straight line at the start of a match, in Alcatraz, your team deploys from portals that appear at random points above the island. There’s no collapsing zone wall either, and zombies seem to be more plentiful as well.

Like Apex Legends, Alcatraz also features respawns. After falling in battle, you’re allowed to redeploy after 30 seconds have passed. You can respawn up to five times. Also like Respawn’s battle royale, Alcatraz supports a smaller collection of players, all of whom are grouped into teams. All in all, there are 40 players on the map, each in a four-person squad for a total of 10 teams.

Alcatraz also features predetermined locations where you can buy firearms to use. New weapons are made available at these locations every 30 seconds, making them ideal for setting up ambushes. Alcatraz is also more vertical-focused in comparison to Blackout. The entire island is basically one large hill, with the Cell Block landmark dominating the topmost point. Numerous paths are available for teams to reach different elevations, ranging from climbable cliffs to a slow-moving tram.

“Alcatraz is a small island, and that means super fast-paced, frenetically fun fighting,” Treyarch studio design director David Vonderhaar said in a video describing the new map. Treyarch producer Miles Leslie added, “And our Zombies players might recognize this, but we’ve handcrafted Alcatraz for the Blackout experience.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/black-ops-4s-blackout-mode-is-free-this-month-incl/1100-6465991/

Pokemon Go: Giratina Origin Forme Now Available For The First Time

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Less than a week after returning to Pokemon Go, the Gen 4 Legendary Giratina has changed forms. From now until April 29, the Renegade Pokemon will appear in its Origin Forme, making this your first opportunity to catch this version of the monster in the mobile game.

Like Dialga and Palkia, Giratina debuted in Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, but its Origin Forme was first introduced in Pokemon Platinum. In contrast to its Altered Forme, this variant features a more serpentine appearance and is the form the monster takes in the Distortion World–a parallel universe it was banished to in Pokemon lore.

Regardless of what form it assumes, Giratina remains a dual Ghost/Dragon Pokemon, so the same strategies you used to battle it when it first appeared during last year’s Halloween event will still apply. What’s unique about this combination is that both Ghost and Dragon are susceptible to their own types, so you’ll want to bring along Pokemon like Salamence, Rayquaza, and Gengar to battle it. Dark-types such as Tyranitar and Houndoom will also be effective. You can find more tips on how to catch Giratina here.

In addition to Giratina Origin Forme’s debut, Niantic has kicked off a new event in Pokemon Go. The Bug Out event runs until 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET on April 9. During that time, Bug-type Pokemon like Scyther will appear in the wild more frequently, and Incenses will last twice as long as usual. You’ll also receive special Field Research tasks revolving around Bug Pokemon from Poke Stops.

Pokemon Go’s next Community Day is set for Saturday, April 13. This month, the featured Pokemon will be Bagon, the first form of Salamence. Throughout the event, Bagon will be much easier to find in the wild, and you’ll receive triple the normal amount of XP for capturing Pokemon. Niantic has also announced its second annual Earth Day campaign, and if enough players around the world participate, the developer will introduce Shiny Diglett to Pokemon Go as one of the rewards.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-go-giratina-origin-forme-now-available-for/1100-6465975/

QuakeCon Registration Date Announced, Promises “The Year Of Doom”

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This year marks the 25th anniversary of the original Doom, as well as the impending release of Doom Eternal. To mark the occasion, Bethesda has announced that the theme of this year’s QuakeCon will be the “Year of Doom.”

The company wasn’t specific regarding what the festivities would include, other than to say the event will feature “hellish activities and events that look back at a quarter century of demon-stomping and a look forward at what’s to come.” Naturally the event will include the usual slate of panels, hands-on demos, and Bring-Your-Own-Computer (BYOC) tournaments.

Registration for QuakeCon will open on April 11 at 10 AM PT, through the official site. The event will take place July 25-28 in Grapevine, TX. General admission is free, while a BYOC entry will be $75 and admission to all the panels and events will cost $125. You can also have a combo ticket for $200, or VIP entry for $400. BYOC purchasers should be advised that this year you won’t be selecting a seat as soon as you register, as seat selection will take place separately at a later date.

Last year’s QuakeCon brought news about Fallout 76, Doom Eternal, and Quake Champions. This year Doom is taking center stage, though it isn’t clear if the company will keep that the singular focus or if it will venture into the wider network of Bethesda franchises. Most recently, Doom Eternal was one of a handful of playable demos available at Google’s Stadia unveiling. We know already that Elder Scrolls 6 and Starfield won’t be at E3 this year.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/quakecon-registration-date-announced-promises-the-/1100-6465992/

New Mortal Kombat 11 Character, Cetrion, Revealed

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Mortal Kombat 11 is only a few weeks away, and developer NetherRealm continues to reveal new characters in the lead up to the game’s launch. Last week, the company gave fans their first look at three returning fighters–Liu Kang, Kung Lao, and Jax–during Sony’s inaugural State of Play presentation, and now it’s unveiled a brand-new character named Cetrion.

As we see in her reveal trailer (via Game Informer), Cetrion is an Elder God connected to the Earth, and she’s able to utilize her elemental powers in battle; the trailer showcases her summoning vines from the ground to restrain opponents and conjuring up rocks to pummel foes with. The video ends with a look at one of Cetrion’s Fatalities, which sees her growing to god size and raining down a beam of energy onto a hapless Jade.

Source: Game Informer

Cetrion is the second entirely new playable character announced for Mortal Kombat 11 thus far, following Geras, the loyal servant of MK 11 boss Kronika. Much like Cetrion, Geras also has some elemental powers; he’s able to conjure up objects made of sand–such as a bed of spikes that he can slam his foes onto–and even manipulate time. You can see the full list of all the confirmed fighters so far here.

In addition to the base roster, NetherRealm will release an assortment of DLC characters for MK 11. The developer hasn’t yet announced how many there will be, but we did get our look at the first one during C2E2 last month: Shang Tsung. This time, Tsung’s likeness is based on Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, the actor who portrayed the character in the 1995 Mortal Kombat movie. Players who pre-order the game will also receive Shao Kahn as a bonus character.

Mortal Kombat 11 launches for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch on April 23. We recently had an opportunity to go hands-on with the Switch version at PAX East 2019, and while it was a noticeable visual downgrade, we found the game ran and played perfectly fine on Nintendo’s console. You can read more about the title in our Mortal Kombat 11 pre-order guide.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-mortal-kombat-11-character-cetrion-revealed/1100-6465985/