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Inside Xbox Stream Coming Tomorrow; Will Feature Outer Worlds, Game Pass, Project xCloud

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A new Inside Xbox presentation is coming on Tuesday, September 24. Microsoft has teased the presentation with some of what we can expect, which includes a few big games, lots of indies, and more details on its streaming service.

The announcement promises a look at the upcoming sci-fi RPG The Outer Worlds, new information about the streaming Project xCloud service, details on the X019 event, and the next round of games coming to Xbox Game Pass. It will also feature an interview with Ghost Recon Breakpoint star Jon Bernthal, and a flurry of other games: Atlas, DayZ, Hitman 2, Afterparty, Code Vein, Felix the Reaper, and Children of Morta.

It all starts at 3 PM PT on September 24, and you can check below for your local time zone to plan your viewing.

The timing is conspicuous, coming just two hours after Sony’s State of Play stream. While Inside Xbox streams happen on a fairly regular schedule, Sony’s State of Play is more sporadic. We know it will feature The Last of Us 2, but other than that Sony has been tight-lipped on what will be included in the presentation.

Inside Xbox September 24 Start Times

  • 3 PM PT
  • 6 PM ET
  • 11 PM BST
  • 8 AM AEST (September 25)

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/inside-xbox-stream-coming-tomorrow-will-feature-ou/1100-6470017/

Borderlands 3 Marks Fastest-Selling 2K Game Ever

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Borderlands 3 had the biggest launch in the publisher’s history. 2K Games announced that within its first five days of launch it sold 50% more than Borderlands 2, making it the fastest selling 2K game. It also set a record as the highest-selling 2K game on PC within a five-day window, despite being an Epic Games Store exclusive. Plus the new sales pushed the franchise as a whole over $1 billion. It’s only the second franchise for 2K to ever achieve that billion mark.

But that’s not all. 2K also said Borderlands 3 got the highest percentage of digital sales at more than 70%, the highest pre-order sales to date for any 2K game, and broke Epic Games Store pre-order records. It was also a popular spectator game, claiming the top position on Twitch for the most-watched game on launch day.

Gearbox recently detailed the first free content coming to Borderlands 3, the Halloween-themed Bloody Harvest. At the same time, game director Paul Sage said the company has no plans to add more playable characters, in part because the studio used active skills and mods to differentiate the classes more than in prior games.

Borderlands 3 is the latest in the long-running series with a nearly endless supply of guns. You can check out some of the best Borderlands 3 guns we’ve found, or claim some Shift Codes to unlock great gear for yourself.

In GameSpot’s Borderlands 3 review, Jordan Ramee wrote, “If you’ve never been a fan of the franchise, it’s unlikely Borderlands 3 does enough things differently to change your mind, as the game best excels at continuing what the series has always done: deliver a humorous tall tale of misfits looting and shooting their way to heroism.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/borderlands-3-marks-fastest-selling-2k-game-ever/1100-6470015/

Get The Nintendo Switch Lite For $170

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It’s been just a few days since the Nintendo Switch Lite released, and the smaller, handheld-only console is already available at a discount at Rakuten via seller GamerCandy. For a limited time, you can use promo code SAVE15 to slash 15% off anything in the store, and that includes the Switch Lite, which drops to $170 (plus any sales tax) with the code.

The sitewide promo code is available now through September 24 at 11:59 PT or while supplies last, and we fully expect the Switch Lite will sell out at this price. Below, you can click through to see the product listings for the turquoise, yellow, and gray versions. The special-edition Zacian and Zamazenta Switch Lite, which releases November 8, isn’t available as part of the offer.

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See Turquoise Switch Lite at Rakuten

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See Yellow Switch Lite at Rakuten

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See Gray Switch Lite at Rakuten

If you’re planning to pick up the Switch Lite or still have questions about the hardware differences, data transfer process, and specific game compatibility, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know before buying in our Switch Lite guide. Plus, check out our list of the best Nintendo Switch accessories in 2019, including some specific products you’ll need for the Switch Lite, from screen protectors to grip cases and more.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/get-the-nintendo-switch-lite-for-170/1100-6470013/

PS5 Will Be Better For The Environment

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Sony has committed to making the next PlayStation more green. In a note on the PlayStation Blog, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Jim Ryan committed to the UN’s Playing for the Planet alliance. The UN Environment Committee initiative intends to partner with the video game industry to help make it more sustainable.

Ryan promised that the “next generation PlayStation console” will be able to suspend gameplay with a lower power consumption. One million PS5 users enabling the feature would save enough electricity to power about 1,000 homes. He said the company will also be conducting a carbon footprint assessment for its gaming services and looking into energy efficient measures at data centers.

Sony will also be working on a variety of messaging initiatives, starting with making sure to inform consumers on energy-saving features in their consoles. It will be providing reference info for developers who want to make games that revolve around sustainability. Finally, it’s looking into PS VR applications that could help raise awareness about climate issues.

The company also boasts that it has already been revising its production to become more energy efficient. Revisions to the PlayStation 4 have already saved an estimated 16 million metric tons of carbon emissions. Sony estimates that the total number will rise to 29 million metric tons over the next ten years, which for comparison is equivalent to the entire nation of Denmark in 2017.

“There is an undeniable opportunity for leaders in the games industry to take a stand and support the UN Environment team by communicating the importance of preserving natural resources for generations to come,” Ryan said. “At PlayStation, we believe games have the power to ignite social change through educating people, evoking emotions, and inspiring hope. We could not be more proud to be part of the Playing for the Planet Alliance and the commitments announced. We look forward to seeing what the industry can achieve together.”

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps5-will-be-better-for-the-environment/1100-6470014/

Top 10 UK Games Chart – Zelda: Link’s Awakening Dethrones Borderlands 3

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Nintendo’s Switch exclusive The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening has debuted at the top of the UK’s physical sales chart, according to sales monitor Chart-Track. The game’s impressive launch week means last week’s No.1, Borderlands 3, slips to No.2 for the week ending September 21.

It’s a busy week for new releases, but save for Link’s Awakening, none manage to break into the top 10. Truck Driver is the most successful in No.11, while the new Switch version of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch launches at No.23. Finally, the remastered PS4 edition of the same game is just behind at No.26.

But it’s the new Zelda game that is this week’s big winner, and it was a hit with critics, too. The Link’s Awakening reviews were universally positive and included an 8/10 from GameSpot in our own verdict.

“Though the remake has a couple of blemishes, it’s still an easy game to recommend,” wrote our reviewer, Peter Brown. “People speak of Link’s Awakening as the secret best Zelda game. That’s a tough call to make, but it’s definitely one of the best. If you haven’t touched a classic Zelda game in a while, Link’s Awakening will almost instantly transport you back to the ’90s. It’s simple, in many ways, but the orchestrated journey still conveys a sense of adventure, and this new version is without question the best way to experience it. And more than anything else, it will put a smile on your face. Remakes are a dime a dozen nowadays and often easy to overlook. Don’t make that mistake with Link’s Awakening.” You can read more in our full Zelda: Link’s Awakening review.

Take a look at the full top 10 sales chart for this week below, courtesy of UKIE and GfK Chart-Track. Note this table does not include digital sales data, and so should not be considered representative of all UK game sales.

  1. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
  2. Borderlands 3
  3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  4. Gears 5
  5. PES 2020
  6. The Division 2
  7. Grand Theft Auto V
  8. Spyro Reignited Trilogy
  9. Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
  10. NBA 2K20

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-uk-games-chart-zelda-links-awakening-dethro/1100-6470012/

Top 10 UK Games Chart – Zelda: Link’s Awakening Dethrones Borderlands 3

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Nintendo’s Switch exclusive The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening has debuted at the top of the UK’s physical sales chart, according to sales monitor Chart-Track. The game’s impressive launch week means last week’s No.1, Borderlands 3, slips to No.2 for the week ending September 21.

It’s a busy week for new releases, but save for Link’s Awakening, none manage to break into the top 10. Truck Driver is the most successful in No.11, while the new Switch version of Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch launches at No.23. Finally, the remastered PS4 edition of the same game is just behind at No.26.

But it’s the new Zelda game that is this week’s big winner, and it was a hit with critics, too. The Link’s Awakening reviews were universally positive and included an 8/10 from GameSpot in our own verdict.

“Though the remake has a couple of blemishes, it’s still an easy game to recommend,” wrote our reviewer, Peter Brown. “People speak of Link’s Awakening as the secret best Zelda game. That’s a tough call to make, but it’s definitely one of the best. If you haven’t touched a classic Zelda game in a while, Link’s Awakening will almost instantly transport you back to the ’90s. It’s simple, in many ways, but the orchestrated journey still conveys a sense of adventure, and this new version is without question the best way to experience it. And more than anything else, it will put a smile on your face. Remakes are a dime a dozen nowadays and often easy to overlook. Don’t make that mistake with Link’s Awakening.” You can read more in our full Zelda: Link’s Awakening review.

Take a look at the full top 10 sales chart for this week below, courtesy of UKIE and GfK Chart-Track. Note this table does not include digital sales data, and so should not be considered representative of all UK game sales.

  1. The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening
  2. Borderlands 3
  3. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  4. Gears 5
  5. PES 2020
  6. The Division 2
  7. Grand Theft Auto V
  8. Spyro Reignited Trilogy
  9. Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled
  10. NBA 2K20

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-10-uk-games-chart-zelda-links-awakening-dethro/1100-6470012/

Disney CEO Explains Why The Company Didn’t Buy Twitter

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Disney was very close to acquiring social media giant Twitter, but the company pulled out at the 11th hour because CEO Bob Iger had a number of particular misgivings.

Writing in his new book, Iger said Disney originally wanted to buy Twitter to help “modernize its distribution,” according to The New York Times. However, Iger ended up calling Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey “at the last minute” to tell him the deal was off, which reportedly stunned Dorsey.

Iger said Twitter was experiencing “troubles” that were too much for Disney to absorb. He also personally reflected that the Twitter user experience, for him, was anything but pleasant.

“The troubles were greater than I wanted to take on, greater than I thought it was responsible for us to take on,” Iger said. “There were Disney brand issues, the whole impact of technology on society. The nastiness is extraordinary. I like looking at my Twitter newsfeed because I want to follow 15, 20 different subjects.

“Then you turn and look at your notifications and you’re immediately saying, why am I doing this? Why do I endure this pain? Like a lot of these platforms, they have the ability to do a lot of good in our world. They also have an ability to do a lot of bad. I didn’t want to take that on.”

The full New York Times interview with Iger is incredibly fascinating; go read it here.

While the Twitter buyout didn’t work out, Iger has overseen four epic-sized acquisitions during his time at Disney. These included the buyout of Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and finally Fox. When Disney bought Star Wars, Iger recalled that Fox boss Rupert Murdoch “was crazed” because Fox already had an in-road with Star Wars as the distributor of George Lucas’ Star Wars films.

“Rupert was crazed that we bought Lucas,” Iger said. “They were the distributor of all of George’s movies, and he was very disappointed in his people. ‘Why didn’t you think of this?'” Iger said.

Disney’s next big movie is Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which hits theatres in December. It wraps up decades worth of storytelling, bringing an end to the Skywalker Saga that began in 1977.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/disney-ceo-explains-why-the-company-didnt-buy-twit/1100-6470006/

Batman: Arkham Origins Dev Posts Cryptic Teaser, See All The Clues Here

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It appears Batman: Arkham Origins developer WB Games Montreal is teasing its new game. The studio tweeted today, September 22, for the first time in more than four years, with what looks to be a cryptic teaser for a new project.

The tweet celebrates the 80th anniversary of Batman’s first comic book appearance back in 1939 with a video that shows the Bat-Signal projected onto a building. But there is more to it. The video also contains flashes, at :03 and :21, of mysterious symbols that you can see below.

People are speculating that at least one of the symbols is in reference to the secret society, the Court of Owls, that exists in the Batman universe. Intriguingly, a WB Games Montreal developer tweeted in November 2018 a picture of a developer wearing a t-shirt with owl imagery on it. The tweet appears to be in reference to an upcoming, unannounced project.

More evidence for the Court of Owls connection came from Batman comics writer Scott Snyder. He tweeted, and then deleted, a post that specifically mentioned the Court of Owls. He used the hashtag #bewarethecourtofowls” in his since-deleted post. You can see a screen-cap of his tweet below.

WB Games Montreal has numerous open positions posted on its jobs website, one of which mentions the studio is working on a “AAA unannounced game.” The studio is massive, as it currently employs more than 300 people and continues to staff up.

In 2016, Kotaku reported that WB Games Montreal canceled a Suicide Squad game and shifted focus to a new Batman game starring Damian Wayne. This could be the new title that WB Games Montreal is teasing, as Damian Wayne was featured in the 2012 comic “Night of Owls” that focuses on Batman’s fight against the Court of Owls. Nothing is confirmed, however.

In 2018, WB Games Montreal senior designer Osama Dorias said on the Humans of Gaming podcast that the studio was working on a “couple projects” connected to the DC universe. One of these games is a “major console game, open world, DC universe,” Dorias said.

Meanwhile, Batman: Arkham Knight studio Rocksteady is also working on a new project, though it has not been announced.

People are speculating that a forthcoming Batman game reveal could happen at the PlayStation State of Play event this week, though nothing at all has lent any credence to this.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/batman-arkham-origins-dev-posts-cryptic-teaser-see/1100-6470005/

These Will Be The Top 10 Best-Selling Games Of 2019, According To Prediction

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The NPD Group has released its projections for the best-selling games of 2019, and the predicted top-seller should be no surprise. NPD Group analyst Mat Piscatella said he expects Activision’s Call of Duty: Modern Warfare to be the best-selling game of 2019 in the US.

If that happens, it would mark the 9th time in 11 years that a Call of Duty game was the year’s top-seller. The only two times in the past 11 years that a Call of Duty game was not No. 1 for the year in the US was 2013 when it was Grand Theft Auto V and 2018 when it was Red Dead Redemption 2.

The NPD report goes on to predict that NBA 2K20 will be No. 2 in 2019, improving the franchise’s No. 3 place from 2018. Madden NFL 20 will finish as the No. 3 best-seller for 2019, according to Piscatella. Borderlands 3 and Mortal Kombat 11 will round out the top five, according to the prediction.

The full Top 10 list of predictions for 2019 best-sellers can be seen below.

In terms of consoles, Piscatella says he thinks the Nintendo Switch will end 2019 as the year’s best-selling console. The Switch was the first half of 2019’s best-selling console. Not only that, but it’s the only system in the US that’s growing in sales year over year. With the recent launch of the Switch Lite and the forthcoming release of Pokemon Sword and Shield, the Switch is expected to reach the highest annual unit sales number in the US since the Xbox 360 in 2011.

Across games and consoles, total spending on video games in the US for 2019 is expected to reach $44.6 billion in 2019; that would be up modestly from $42.2 billion in 2018.

2019 Best-Selling Video Game Predictions (US Only)

  1. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
  2. NBA 2K20
  3. Madden NFL 20
  4. Borderlands 3
  5. Mortal Kombat 11
  6. Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order
  7. Ghost Recon: Breakpoint
  8. Kingdom Hearts III
  9. The Division 2
  10. Pokemon Sword (digital sales not included)

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/these-will-be-the-top-10-best-selling-games-of-201/1100-6470004/

Top New Game Releases On Switch, PS4, Xbox One, And PC This Week — September 22-28, 2019

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New Releases has had a few extra-long episodes in September, and this week we’ve put together another one. September has a double dose of Dark Souls-inspired games with Code Vein and The Surge 2, plus the intense run-and-gun action of Contra: Rogue Corps. Nintendo fans can also get their fill with Mario Kart Tour on mobile devices, plus Nintendo Switch ports of Dragon Quest 11 and Ori and the Blind Forest. Footballers can also take a crack at FIFA 20 this week.

The Surge 2 — September 24

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC

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One of two games inspired by From Software coming this week, The Surge 2 is set in a more vertical city than the original, giving you different spaces to explore as you hack away at enemies and bosses. “Hack” is definitely the keyword here, as the limb-targeting system is still very much a big component of combat.

More Coverage:

Contra: Rogue Corps — September 24

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch

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Rogue Corps might be set seven years after Contra III: The Alien Wars, but it’s full of the crazy run-and-gun action you’d expect from the series. You can save the Damned City as a cyborg, assassin, alien, or scientist panda as you play solo or with friends in local and online co-op. Each of those four rogues has their own special abilities too.

More Coverage:

Mario Kart Tour — September 25

Available on: iOS, Android

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Mario Kart Tour might be a mobile game, but it still sports a lot of the same courses, characters, items, and custom kart options you’d expect from the series. However, it also includes new courses based on real-world locations like the Eiffel Tower. What’s more, Mario Kart Tour is free to download.

More Coverage:

Code Vein — September 27

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC

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Code Vein is the other Souls-like game launching this week, and it’s earned the nickname “anime Dark Souls.” Code Vein sets itself apart by letting you customize your character with abilities called Gifts and switch your class on the fly via Blood Codes. You’ll be taking on tough enemies and bosses of course, but thankfully you can battle alongside AI companions and other players online.

More Coverage:

Dragon Quest 11 S: Echoes of An Elusive Age – Definitive Edition — September 27

Available on: Switch

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If you’ve been waiting to play Dragon Quest XI on the go, now’s the time. This definitive version of the game lets you switch between modern and 16-bit graphics, which also toggles the soundtrack between symphonic and synthesized. This version also includes new stories and a harder difficulty level called Draconian Quest.

More Coverage:

Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition — September 27

Available on: Switch

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Nintendo Switch is also getting a port of Ori and the Blind Forest this week. Once a Microsoft exclusive, this modern Metroidvania puts you in control of the guardian spirit of the forest. The Definitive Edition is that same game, but with new areas to explore and additional difficulty options.

More Coverage:

FIFA 20 — September 27

Available on: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Switch

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FIFA 20 sports new dribbling, tackling, aiming and shooting mechanics, but the biggest addition is Volta football. This takes the soccer match away from big stadiums in favor of smaller games on side streets, which totally changes the pace of the game. But don’t worry, Career mode and Ultimate Team are still very much a part of the action.

More Coverage:

September is coming to a close soon, but October has its own lineup of video games on the horizon. Next week, New Releases will take a top-level look at the new month, which is home to shooters like Destiny 2‘s Shadowkeep expansion, Ghost Recon Breakpoint, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare.

from GameSpot – Game News https://www.gamespot.com/articles/top-new-game-releases-on-switch-ps4-xbox-one-and-p/1100-6469986/