Category: Video Games

Helldivers 2 Overtakes God of War to Become Sony’s Biggest Ever Game Launch on Steam

Helldivers 2 has become Sony’s biggest ever game launch on Steam, despite a ‘mixed’ reception from players.

Arrowhead Game Studios’ cooperative action game is published by Sony Interactive Entertainment across PS5 and PC via Steam. While Sony does not publish player numbers for PlayStation games, Valve does for Steam games. Yesterday, February 8, Helldivers 2 launched big on Steam with a peak concurrent player count of 81,840. That puts it ahead of Sony Santa Monica’s God of War, which enjoyed a peak concurrent player count of 73,529 when it launched on PC two years ago, according to SteamDB.

Helldivers 2’s PC success comes despite it launching day-and-date alongside the PS5 version, which is an unusual but not unprecedented strategy for Sony. Sony published IllFonic’s Predator: Hunting Grounds, for example, across PS4 and PC on the same day in April 2020. Helldivers 2 is also the top-selling game by revenue on Steam, ahead of smash hits such as Palworld and Call of Duty. It’s worth noting Helldivers 2 is not a full-price game but cheaper at $39.99.

Whether Sony might be willing to relax its policy for its big first-party exclusives remains to be seen. The recently released Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is not available on PC and Sony has yet to announce a PC version. Shift Up’s eye-catching action game Stellar Blade is down for release on PS5 only, as is Team Ninja’s Rise of the Ronin. Concord, a brand new PvP multiplayer first-person shooter from Firewalk Studios, is due to launch on PS5 and PC.

Despite Helldivers 2’s Steam success, it has a ‘mixed’ user review rating, with some users pointing out performance problems that are causing issues on PC. Arrowhead has released a patch to Steam that appears to have eased matchmaking issues for PC as well as some crash issues.

“We know there’s more to solve, and we’re working our way through it,” Game Director Mikael Eriksson said. “Nevertheless, we hope this rapid patch goes a long way to making your experience better.

“Now go smash some bugs (and bots)!”

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.

IGN UK Podcast 735: Helldiving into Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Cardy, Matt, and Jesse have been blowing loads up aliens up in Helldivers 2 and having a bloody laugh doing it, too. There’s also a big delve into the first couple of chapters of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and whether it lives up to the high standards of Remake. Plus, there’s also plenty of time to look back at Uncharted: The Lost Legacy, chat about True Detective: Night Country, natter about The Iron Claw, and break huge chocolate biscuit news.

Get in touch at ign_ukfeedback@ign.com.

IGN UK Podcast 735: Helldiving into Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Prince Of Persia: The Lost Crown Receives A New Update On Switch

Here’s what’s included.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown has been out for almost a month now and Ubisoft is in the process of rolling out a new update for the game across all platforms.

On the Switch, this should bump the game up to Version 1.0.5 and it will require around 397MB download. Included are quest fixes, gameplay adjustments, and some user interface and map improvements. Ubisoft has also shared a list of known issues, including some Switch-specific ones.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

First 4 Figures Releasing Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Sheikah Slate Statue, Pre-Orders Open Soon

Expect a full reveal soon.

First 4 Figures has got off to a busy start this year with a bunch of new statues, and the next one getting a release is based on a well-known item from The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

It’s a life-size Sheikah Slate. You can see the statue’s silhouette in the teaser, and it’s apparently arriving “really soon”. Pre-orders will open later this month on 20th February 2024 and if you get in early and sign up for the newsletter, you’ll get $10 off.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Video: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Return To Fortnite With Radical New Cinematic Trailer

They’re back and “kicking some baddie butt!”.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have returned in a new Fortnite crossover event. Alongside this, Epic Games has released a slick new cinematic trailer titled “Turtles Kick Baddie Butt”.

As part of the event this time, the turtles are wielding their signature weapons in battle:

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Against The Storm will get two more free updates before its first DLC

Against The Storm is a peach; a fantasy citybuilder that was excellent in Early Access, a Bestest Best when it hit 1.0, and which has been tweaked and improved through post-release patches.

The patches won’t stop, either. In a 2024 roadmap, its developers have outlined two further free updates still to come, as well as confirming that paid DLC is in the works.

Read more

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2402.240207-1700)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Omega ring today.

It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

Details can be found below!

Xbox Insider Release Notes

System Update Details

  • OS Version: XB_FLT_2402ZN25398.3491.240207-1700
  • Available: 6 p.m. PT – February 8, 2024
  • Mandatory: 6 p.m. PT – February 9, 2024

Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.

Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.

Fixes Included

Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

Apps

  • Fixes to address an issue where Microsoft Edge would close unexpectedly.

Games

  • Fixes to address unexpected graphical issues with some titles.
  • Fixed an issue where changing the language in a game would not always download the new language as expected.

System

  • Fixes to address unexpected errors navigating to home or opening the guide, or the console remaining on the boot-up animation longer than expected.
  • Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

Audio

  • We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
    • Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
      • When did the issue start?
      • Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
      • Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
      • Does rebooting resolve the issue?
      • What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
      • And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Game Card

  • Some users have reported an unexpected black screen when opening the game card or selecting “Show in Microsoft Store” after it has opened, and we are investigating.

Networking

  • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.

As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

What Happens to Your Feedback

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2402.240207-1700) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Ed boxes his way into Street Fighter 6 on February 27

Entering the ring on February 27 in Street Fighter 6 is the troubled protégé, the bad boy of boxing, the Young Commander, Ed. With psycho power imbued within, Ed beats down his enemies with a flurry of fists to prove that he’s the true high-def picture of strength.


Ed boxes his way into Street Fighter 6 on February 27

First appearing in Street Fighter V, Ed was initially to be used as an alternate body for M. Bison, but rejected the idea and managed to escape. Coming into his own confidence, he formed Neo Shadaloo with a group of other experiments, intending to help others like them. In present-day Street Fighter 6, he senses movement in the shadows from the remnants of Shadaloo. Ed soon discovers they have a twisted goal and need his unique abilities to achieve it.

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“Ed is a high-speed boxer. We designed his lower half so that you can clearly see his nimble footwork and added some volume to his upper body to make his punches look impactful,” according to Game Director Takayuki Nakayama. “ We also hope you take notice of the emblem on his chest and the design on his back. His attack animations have also changed significantly from Street Fighter V. To respect his background as a traditional boxer, all his attacks are now punches (except for his Level 2 Super Art). His kick buttons have been designated to various flicker attacks.”

Find the brazen boxer in World Tour on the subway fighting the Mad Gear Gang. Like all the Year 1 Characters, you can increase your bond with Ed and learn his psycho-powered moves (hot-headed attitude not included). Bring those moves into Avatar Battles in the Battle Hub to see what new combos you can create.

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We’ve seen comments asking how Ed will work with Modern Controls since his inputs were already simplified in Street Fighter V. We decided to keep his simplified inputs and incorporated them in his Modern Controls while creating expanded inputs for his Classic Controls. Ed now has quarter-circle and dragon-punch inputs for his special moves in Classic. What an edge lord, right?

Ed is still the psycho-powered boxer you know and love, imbuing his fists with chaotic force and master boxing techniques. Scouring the lands to help other ill-fated experiments has significantly upgraded Ed’s usage of psycho power. Psycho Blitz gives Ed another 1-2-3, but in a single special move, Ed unleashes a series of punches cloaked in Psycho Power.

The new and improved Psycho Flicker is vital in Ed’s ability to control space. Performed on its own, Ed releases a quick flicker jab from a distance in one of three directions to catch the opponent off-guard. If you hold this button down, Ed will use his Psycho Snatcher from Street Fighter V to pull in opponents with psycho-powered tendrils.

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Kill Rush is a new special move that resembles Psycho Swing and Smash from Street Fighter V. Ed either advances forward or performs a bob and weave backward. From the forward version, Ed can follow up with two moves. Kill Switch Break is a short, useful uppercut for closing distance. Kill Switch Chaser sees Ed unleash a powerful uppercut that sends the opponent spiraling in the air, making it easy to follow up with a combo.

Ed’s Level 1 Super Art, Psycho Storm, sees him striking opponents with high-speed flicker jabs. His Level 2 Super, Psycho Cannon, should look familiar to Street Fighter V fans. Previously, in his V-Trigger I, Ed generated a multi-hitting ball of psycho power that moved forward.

Finally, in Ed’s Level 3 Super Art, Psycho Chamber, he turns opponents into his own personal punching bag by tying their limbs and pummeling them in the name of Neo Shadaloo.

Coming with Ed is a new stage: Ruined Lab. Step into the aftermath of Shadaloo’s fall as their laboratory lies in shambles featuring now-defunct test subjects. Year 1 Ultimate Pass owners will automatically receive this stage on February 27.

Ed will be unlocked on February 27 for owners of the Year 1 Character Pass, Year 1 Ultimate Pass, Deluxe Edition, or Ultimate Edition. When he arrives, Ed’s Outfit 2, inspired by his Story Outfit from Street Fighter V, will also be available.

With the Ed update, we will also add some quality-of-life features. The game’s PC version will now have the ability to switch button displays to PlayStation buttons.

An Extra Lighting feature will be added to Photo mode, making capturing dark places easier and illuminating characters for better shots.

Celebrate Ed’s incoming entrance with the Ed Arrives! Fighting Pass. Active right now until he releases on February 27. Until then, prepare to make way for the leader of Neo Shadaloo.

Take-Two CEO Says Competing Xbox and PlayStation Consoles Are a ‘Benefit’ but Not a ‘Necessity’

In recent weeks, a flurry of Xbox rumors about everything from platform exclusivity, the future of the company as a hardware maker, and more have prompted fans to start speculating whether or not there will even be an Xbox console for the next hardware generation. Xbox head Phil Spencer has been gearing up to explain the company’s business plan in an update next week, but in the meantime, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick is keeping a relatively cool head about how any of it will impact his company’s business.

Speaking to IGN ahead of the release of Take-Two’s Q3 earnings, Zelnick spoke about both the future of physical games media as well as whether or not having two competing consoles was a necessity. We pointed out the persistent rumors that Xbox seems to be backing away from selling physical games, and asked Zelnick if Take-Two still saw value in releasing physical games on Xbox in light of that – especially since 95% of the company’s net bookings last quarter were digital anyway.

Zelnick answered with a line he’s used before when asked about other types of business models: “We’ll be where the consumer is.”

” I think I said, I think ten years ago, I was asked what will be the market share of digital distribution in ten years and I said, most of it. [Author’s Note: We couldn’t find this precise quote, but he did predict digital would grow significantly.] But there will almost certainly be a physical market that extends for quite a long time. There still is in the recorded music business, for example. We’ll support that if it makes sense to support it. We don’t make our decisions based on opinions. We base our decisions on where the consumer is.”

It’s not costly to master something for physical distribution.

I pressed him on the situation with Xbox specifically, and Zelnick reiterated his stance. Xbox’s own moves will certainly inform their decision, he said, because they can’t publish physical games on a console if it doesn’t support them. But what it all comes down to is still consumer behavior.

Then, he added:

“It’s not costly to master something for physical distribution. As long as you don’t produce too much inventory, it’s not costly…So this isn’t a big decision for us. It was a big decision 30 years ago in the business when we had to produce cartridges, and you couldn’t do anything with them…but today we can order a disc and five days later it can be on the shelf.”

Finally, I asked Zelnick if he felt it was important to his business and the health of the video game market to have an Xbox console competing with PlayStation. He replied: “I think it’s a benefit. Do I think ultimately it’s a necessity? No. But I do think it’s a benefit.”

Take-Two reported net bookings of $1.34 billion in the last quarter, down 3% year-over-year, and 95% of which were digital. Grand Theft Auto 5 sold yet another five million copies, bringing it up to over 195 million total units, and NBA 2K24 crossed the 7 million units sold mark as well. The company lowered its fiscal outlook for the full year due to a mix of factors including the delay of No Rest for the Wicked, weakening mobile ad spend, and lower than expected performance of NBA 2K. The new outlook expects between $5.25 billion to $5.3 billion in net bookings.

We also spoke to Zelnick in the same interview about the GTA 6 trailer leak last December, and asked the CEO about the company’s plans for cost reduction, and whether or not those would include layoffs.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.