In a twist of fate I’ve mentioned in some recent Destiny 2 news posts, I am fully back into Destiny. Former vidbud Liam and I used it, initially, as something we could do while catching up on life. But now? Now we’re all in. Liam has created a spreadsheet of things we’re ticking off to prepare for the upcoming expansion, and I think it’s the perfect summation of what the game is to us: something that makes no sense at all and yet something that makes our brains hum with happiness.
And what we’ve found with Destiny, in all of its bloat, is that we haven’t explored for a single second since our return. Everything is accomplished through menus, making it quite Starfield-esque, which is terrible… but also good. We can’t make sense of it and we don’t think we ever will.
Helldivers 2 is a smash hit for developer Arrowhead and publisher Sony, but its huge success has caused a problem for the studio: there’s more community toxicity that it’s ever had to deal with before.
The co-op PlayStation 5 and PC shooter has sold an incredible 12 million copies in just 12 weeks, becoming PlayStation’s fastest-selling game of all time ahead of previous record-holder God of War Ragnarok.
Prior to the release of Helldivers 2, Arrowhead had enjoyed big hits with the first Helldivers game and Magicka, but the success of its latest game is on another level. Now, according to former Arrowhead CEO and now Arrowhead Chief Creative Officer Johan Pilestedt, bigger success means bigger toxicity.
“The big difference now, which is horrifying, is the amount of threats and rude behavior that people in the studio are getting from some really shitty individuals within the community,” Pilestedt told GamesIndustry.biz. “That’s something new we have to deal with.”
When Helldivers 2 launched it faced significant server issues that made the game unplayable for many, sparking an initial backlash. But since that issue was largely resolved, Arrowhead has faced complaints about everything from weapon balance to low impact Premium Warbonds. But by far the biggest backlash was sparked by Sony’s controversial decision to force PC gamers to link to a PlayStation Network account to play. Sony eventually reversed its decision, but not before a review-bombing campaign savaged Helldivers 2 on Steam. Arrowhead community managers have said the PSN backlash caused staff to lose a week simply having to deal with the fallout.
“The big difference now, which is horrifying, is the amount of threats and rude behavior that people in the studio are getting from some really shitty individuals within the community.
That’s plenty to contend with in just a few months post-launch. But Pilestedt suggested the way Helldivers 2 was designed, with frustration deliberately in place to craft the co-op experience hardcore players fully understand and appreciate, may also fuel toxicity from the wider playerbase. “If you don’t have those lows, you can’t get those highs,” Pilestedt said.
New Arrowhead CEO Shams Jorjani added: “Arrowhead’s philosophy has always been ‘a game for everyone is a game for no-one.’ That is the company slogan. It’s how our games are designed. You can feel it in every feature. I think it’s one of the big reasons that Helldivers 2 has been so successful. It feels fresh because it does a lot of unpopular stuff.
“When you hit this big, much bigger than anyone thought – Sony, us, everyone – what happens is the game finds an audience outside of that niche fan group. So you get this amplification of different voices. Almost all games have a bit of toxicity in the community, but with these big numbers you just get so many, so we need to work with the community to get them to self-moderate, give people the tools to speak with each other in a positive fashion, so we can keep talking to the players openly. The more voices being added to the choir does add complexity.”
“The more voices being added to the choir does add complexity.
Jorjani said that Arrowhead is currently “learning painfully” how to create systems to deal with this level of toxicity, but the work will benefit the studio’s “next thing, whatever that may be.”
Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
It feels like Donkey Kong is everywhere at the moment. With the lovable ape’s significant appearance in The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the upcoming DK-themed expansion at Japan’sSuper Nintendo World, and the safe, but enjoyable Mario vs. Donkey Kong Switch remake, you could say we’re in the midst of a Kong-aissancereawa-Kong-ingrevitalisat-Kong… a return for DK. But something’s missing, right?
Yes, despite Nintendo’s renewed focus on Mario’s former nemesis, we’ve still yet to see the very thing that fans have been clamouring for since the 2014 release of Tropical Freeze: a brand-new Donkey Kong game. Of course, recent details surrounding the cancelled ‘Freedom’ project at Vicarious Visions have exacerbated an already-agonising wait, but it nevertheless feels like something might well be cooking within Nintendo’s iron-clad fortress.
How the Developers of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Introduced Future Saga
Summary
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 Producer Jun Song shares new details on how they’re bringing the villainous Future Saga into the game.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 – Future Saga Chapter 1 launches May 24, 2024, for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
The Xbox Series X|S version will support Smart Delivery, allowing all progress and DLC to carry over from the Xbox One version.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2celebrated its 7th anniversary back in October 2023 with a big update featuring new modes and in-game events. Keeping to the development team’s determination and wish to keep Xenoverse 2’s content fresh and new for the players, Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 takes a step towards the future by introducing an entirely new four-part saga for both Xenoverse 2 and Dragon Ball fans to enjoy with Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 – Future Saga Chapter 1 coming on May 24, 2024, alongside the release of the Xbox Series X|S version of the game — fans who own the game digitally on Xbox One can enjoy a free upgrade thanks to Smart Delivery tech.
Producer Jun Song joined us recently to share new details on what players can look forward to when Future Saga arrives in Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 later this week.
Bandai Namco Entertainment America: When did you start planning new chapter Future Saga?
Producer Jun Song: It was considered in conjunction with the plan for the major update that was implemented last October. To ensure that Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 will continue to be enjoyed for a long time, we added new content and made various modifications in the October major update so that all users can enjoy it equally.
For similar reasons, we thought it was necessary to provide a fresh and exciting story for users equally by entering a new Saga. The message “Take a Step Towards the Future” expresses the meaning that with the October update and the upcoming new saga — Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 will break from the past and move on to the next “future.”
Bandai: What is the concept of the “Future Saga”?
Song: There are two major points: To settle the battle against “Fu” and to depict the struggle for the “future” of the world. This concept is also expressed in the name of DLC.
Until now, Fu has often conducted experiments out of curiosity, causing trouble for the protagonists and other Time Patrollers. However, since Fu himself was not doing it out of malice, the protagonists ended up getting flabbergasted every time.
In Future Saga, however, Fu acts with a clear purpose. And as a result, the battle will develop into a battle for the “future” of not only the “Time Rift” but also that of the protagonists and the entire world.
Note for Readers: The Time Rift is a crack in history that has been created by repeated altered history. The inside is an alien space, but the events that take place there, for better or worse, do not affect the “history” of the world itself.
The Future Saga will be comprised of 4 chapters, each of them has its own story but would be most enjoyable to know the story of Fu if you play all the chapters.
What will happen to you and Fu as you throw yourself into the battle for the future? We hope you check out Chapter 1 of the “Fu”ture Saga to find out!
Bandai: Who is “Fu” anyway?
Song: Fu made its first appearance in the extra mission of the paid DLC Extra DLC Pack 2. He’s an experimental mutant created by Dabura, who utilized the cells of his sister Demon Queen, Towa, and Demon King, Mira, to revive the Demon Realm.
However, Fu only has interest in experimentation and research, and not in the revival of the Demon Realm. Due to this, he rebelled against Dabura, and since then, he has repeatedly conducted experiments (incidents) and research on “energy produced by altered history.” The protagonists have found themselves caught in the trenches in the process.
Bandai: What is the new form of “Ultra Supervillain” that has been newly introduced?
Song: Throughout the Xenoverse series, the “Villainous Mode” and “Supervillain” sorceries have been a source of trouble for the protagonists and Time Patrollers, but in Future Saga, the “Ultra Supervillain” sorceries are introduced.
While it can provide tremendous energy, it is also very dangerous because its impact on history is so great, but it seems that Fu intends to harness this power. This “Ultra Supervillain” will be an important key throughout the Saga, so we hope you will pay attention to it.
Also, the relationship between Fu and the protagonists is also of great interest. Fu and the protagonists have formed a strange friendship through past incidents, and this Saga will focus on the relationship between the two.
Bandai: Any additional comments you’d like to share?
Song: Future Saga will tell a story that Dragon Ball fans will be excited about, but the DLC is also designed to be enjoyable for those who have stopped playing after clearing the game.
We are also preparing a lot of additional content for the free update that will be delivered at the same time, so we hope that you will take this opportunity to play Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2.
The concept of the Xenoverse series, “enter the Dragon Ball world yourself,” is an important pillar of the Dragon Ball game franchise, so we will continue to work hard on with proper plans for future development.
Xenoverse will continue to run and there’s more to come!
Take a step into the future of Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2with Chapter 1 of the Future Saga on May 24, 2024, on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S! Stay tuned for more updates from the Xenoverse 2 team with a 2nd Festival of Universes coming soon and the three additional Chapters of Future Saga coming next.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is the ultimate Dragon Ball gaming experience, packed with thrilling action, epic battles, and endless customization options. Create your own character, explore Conton City and team up with iconic characters from the series as a teacher to train and be ready to battle against formidable enemies to rescue the flow of History!
As you progress through the game, you can customize your character’s appearance, abilities, and moveset, allowing you to create a truly unique and powerful fighter.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 also features online multiplayer modes, where you can battle against other players from around the world in epic showdowns or participate in Raid Battles to face gigantic foes with other players.
With 7 years worth of DLC packs, there’s always something new to discover and experience in Conton City!
THE FIGHTER YOU ALWAYS WANTED TO BE.
With a vast array of customization options, you can create a character that truly fits your style and personality. From race and appearance to abilities and moveset, you have complete control over your fighter.
AN INFINITE ONLINE EXPERIENCE.
With several online multiplayer modes and in-game events, battles never stop! Face against other players from around the world in epic showdowns or team up with them against gigantic threats in Raid Battles.
LET YOUR FIGHTING SPIRIT BURN!
Dive into the intense and action-packed battles typical of Dragon Ball. Whether it’s during one-on-one fights or massive battles against multiple enemies, let yourself go in the thrill of the fight!
THE WHOLE DRAGON BALL UNIVERSE AWAITS.
Jump into different locations and timelines of Dragon Ball! Battle in iconic locations from the Dragon Ball universe and interact with famous characters to protect history.
EVERYTHING DRAGON BALL, ALL HERE.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is packed with fan service, featuring all iconic characters, locations, and moments from the series that fans will love to see and experience in-game.
7 YEARS OF EXPANSIONS!
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 is bigger than ever! After 7 years of regular releases of new DLC content, discover more than 40 new characters, storylines, and much more from Dragon Ball Z, Dragon Ball Super and even Dragon Ball movies. Stay tuned and enjoy the free updates as well!
There are plenty of games with huge worlds that take dozens or even hundreds of hours to complete. Sometimes, you don’t have time for all that. There’s something to be said for games that are short and to the point. It’s easier to find time in your busy schedule for a game you can knock out quickly, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting what you were doing the last time you played. If that sounds like your kind of fun, here’s a selection of five games you can play from start to finish in a long weekend.
For a family-friendly adventure: Princess Peach: Showtime!
Playable on: Nintendo Switch
Princess Peach gets her first starring role in almost 20 years in Princess Peace: Showtime! It takes place entirely within a grand theatre, a setting it uses to cast Peach in just about any role you can imagine. She can be a superhero, figure skater, martial artist, detective, and more, each with a different gameplay focus to keep things fresh.
The game is bright, colourful, and cheerful from start to finish. It has simple controls and is not particularly challenging, which makes it a great option if you’re a parent who wants to find a game you can play with your kids. Each of Peach’s roles function a bit like a beginner-level introduction to different game genres, so Showtime! is also a fun way for video game newcomers to learn what other games they might like. With an average play time of only about seven and half hours to complete the story, you can easily complete it in a long weekend. Get your physical copy of Princess Peach: Showtime! from EE for just £39.99.
For a gorgeous work of art: Gris
Playable on: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, iOS, Android
Simply put, Gris is beautiful — both its art style and its approach to storytelling. You play as a young woman dealing with an emotional crisis. With no dialogue in the whole game, her story is told using music, body language, and colour. The game starts largely colourless and bleak, with just the ability to run and jump between platforms. But as the game progresses, dealing with emotions unlocks new abilities and adds colour both to the story and gameplay experience. You’ll feel like you’re playing a moving watercolour painting.
We’re being as vague as possible here to avoid spoiling things, which you need to experience firsthand to really appreciate. But it’s truly a beautiful journey and a work of art, one that only takes a few hours to complete. Gris is available on just about any platform you play games on, and is currently available through Xbox Game Pass. If you don’t have an Xbox yet, pop over to the EE Game Store for a bundle that includes an Xbox Series S and two years of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
For a fluid, poignant platformer: Celeste
Playable on: PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac
Celeste is a deceptively simple platformer. You can jump, dash, and climb walls. That’s it. But the game introduces mechanics and increasingly elaborate level design to keep you on your toes and expand the ways you use those three basic moves. It can get pretty tough and requires problem solving and meticulous timing to get from one side of a level to the other. But when you die, you instantly reload in the same section and can try again within seconds. Plus, if things get too tough, you can turn on assist mode to slow things down, give yourself invincibility or infinite stamina, or even skip whole chapters.
Celeste also tells a surprisingly relatable story. Just like the gameplay, things start simple. You play as Madeline, a young girl attempting to climb Celeste Mountain. The characters’ you meet on the journey all have synthesised voices that add to the charm of the old-school pixel graphics and soundtrack. But hidden under that adorable exterior is an examination of depression and anxiety. It uses the challenge and fear of climbing the mountain to teach the main character about facing things about yourself that scare you and learning to confront and understand them instead of avoiding them. So if you’re looking for an impactful story and challenging but rewarding gameplay Celeste has both!
While there are lots of additional challenges, including collectibles and more difficult B-sides of each level that will extend your play time, the main story takes about eight and a half hours, perfect for a bank holiday weekend. Celeste is available on both PlayStation Plus Extra and Xbox Game Pass, so users of either service can enjoy it for no extra cost. EE customers can add PS Plus or Game Pass to their mobile bill, so you can take care of your preferred service in one simple payment.
For atmospheric tension: Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice
Playable on: PS4/5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, PC
Fair warning, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice is dark, tense, and heavy — uncomfortably so, at times. It puts you in the shoes of Senua, a norse warrior experiencing psychosis, hallucinations, and delusions. Throughout her quest to rescue the soul of her lover from Helheim the audio and visuals will routinely become distorted. Light will get blindingly bright, you’ll see things that aren’t really there, and hear the voices in her head whispering all around you.
When in combat, there won’t be a UI telling you how much health you have or where enemies are coming from, you have to listen to the voices in Senua’s head. They’ll warn you if someone is trying to attack you from behind, and they’ll become increasingly panicked as you get closer to death. It’s a lot to take in and creates an immersive experience that is unlike any other game. To take that immersion to the next level it is recommended you play Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice with headphones, and you can get a Razer Kaira for Xbox headset from the EE Game Store to do just that. Clocking in around seven hours, you can complete Senua’s Sacrifice in a weekend and then move onto the anticipated sequel Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
For horror fans: Until Dawn
Playable on: PS4/5
Until Dawn is the video game equivalent of a classic slasher film. A group of eight young men and women drive up a mountain to stay at a creepy lodge together for a weekend. Like a typical teen-focused horror flick there’s sexual tension, cars that won’t start and people getting separated from the group. Given periodic control of each of the young adults, you choose their dialogue and actions as they attempt to make it through the night.
Depending on the decisions you make, relationships will deepen or disintegrate. Each little thing you do will cause butterfly effects that can ultimately determine who lives, who dies, and if you’re able to solve the mountain’s mysteries. There are hundreds of possible endings thanks to the branching pathways of all the decisions you can make. With a talented cast that includes Hayden Panettiere and Rami Malek, it feels like you’re directing a great horror film. Until Dawn is part of the PlayStation Plus Extra catalogue, so if you’re already subscribed, you can play right now at no added cost. If you’re looking to get a new console, a bundle is available from EE that includes a PS5 and two years of PS Plus Extra.
The Pokémon Company International has announced that its line of soda pop plushies, once exclusive to Japan, are now launching in the West for the first time.
Designed via a collaboration with Japanese illustrator and graphic designer F*Kaori, the first three plushies are based on the original starter Pokémon: Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle. Available to order now for £16.99 / $19.99 a pop, each plush measues in at just over 6 inches in height (well, about 5.5 inches for Bulbasaur).
