Category: Video Games

Sony’s Helldivers 2 Gets Off to a Strong Start on Steam

Helldivers 2 is off to a strong start on Steam after the PC version launched alongside the PlayStation 5 game.

Arrowhead Game Studios’ cooperative action game is published by Sony Interactive Entertainment across PS5 and PC via Steam (on Steam the publisher is down as PlayStation PC LLC). Helldivers 2 is currently the 15th most-played game on Steam with 53,189 concurrent players, a number that will no doubt grow over the course of the day, week, and into its first weekend.

Helldivers 2 is also the second 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. It’s much harder to get an idea of its popularity on PS5, given Sony does not divulge player numbers on its platform.

Helldivers 2’s launch is somewhat unusual in that Sony much prefers to release its games on console ahead of PC, but it is not unprecedented for an externally-developed game it’s published. Sony published IllFonic’s Predator: Hunting Grounds, for example, across PS4 and PC on the same day in April 2020.

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 however due to launch on PS5 and PC.

Sony’s policy is in stark contrast to that of Microsoft, which releases all its games on Xbox and Windows PC at the same time. Microsoft is expected to discuss the future of Xbox in a business update next week, following reports that indicate it is ready to launch some of its first-party games on PS5 and Nintendo Switch.

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.

Strategy game from hell Solium Infernum gets a week delay to February 22nd

League Of Geeks’s remake of cult strategy game Solium Infernum is having its release date pushed back by a week, the studio have announced. It will now launch on February 22nd, instead of its original date of February 14th – which is a damn shame, if you ask me, as nothing screams “romantic Valentine’s night-in” like trying to backstab your other half in a bid to rule hell in Satan’s absence. Alas, we’ll just have to make do with the altogether more pedestrian date of a regular Thursday in February, as the team need just a bit of extra time to ensure it’s “as polished as possible” before release.

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Microsoft’s Xbox Layoffs Hit Crash Bandicoot And Spyro Developer ‘Toys For Bob’

It reportedly includes an office closure.

Just weeks ago, Xbox’s owner Microsoft announced mass layoffs, and now in an update, it seems the Crash Bandicoot, Spyro and Skylanders developer Toys for Bob has been hit.

According to the San Francisco Chronicle, 86 workers will be affected at the developer’s office in Novato, California. A state filing has also revealed the facility is closing.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

EVO Would Happily Welcome Back Smash Bros. Tournaments

“Always happy to host Smash”.

The fighting game championship series EVO this week revealed its roster for 2024 and it features the usual mix of Tekken, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and various other notable fighting series. Unfortunately, one popular all-star series that’s been missing for a few years now is Smash Bros. by Nintendo.

Nintendo withdrew from EVO in 2022 after Sony jointly acquired the event in 2021, and while EVO issued its statement at the time about how “saddened” it was by Nintendo’s decision, it’s apparently still happy to welcome it back with open arms.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2402.240206-2000)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta 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_2402ZN25398.3487.240206-2000
  • Available: 5 p.m. PT – February 7, 2024
  • Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – February 8, 2024

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

  • 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 are reporting 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 – Beta (2402.240206-2000) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Toys for Bob Future Unclear Amid Studio Closure and Layoffs

The future of Toys for Bob is uncertain after the closure of its studio in Novato, California, part of the fallout from Xbox’s recent Activision Blizzard acquisition that has resulted in roughly 1900 layoffs.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that 86 workers have been laid off from the studio best-known for Crash Bandicoot, Spyro, and Skylanders. Call of Duty developer Sledgehammer Games was similarly impacted, laying off some 76 employees. The closures were discovered via official state filings.

The Activision Blizzard layoffs were announced at the end of January as Xbox has sought to restructure the company following its $69 billion acquisition. The cuts included the departure of former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra as well as the cancellation of a survival game in development at Blizzard.

It’s unclear whether what impact these changes will have on the long-term future of Toys for Bob. Numerous publishers across the games industry have been laying off employees and shuttering facilities as they focus on remote work. IGN has reached out to Activision for comment.

Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.

Get To Know Our Team: Tim – Operations Manager (Game/App Flighting)

Get To Know Our Team
Tim
Operations Manager (Game/App Flighting)

Hi, everyone! Wynn here. Back again with another Xbox Insider Team interview. Today we’re sitting down with Tim—an Operations Manager, man of few words, and… wait, are you a cat?

You said we could choose whatever we want for our pictures! So, I’m my cat.

Not exactly what I was going for, but technically correct.

That’s the best kind.

You know you’ve started something here, right?

Mission Accomplished.

Okay, then I have one more question before we hop in.

Hmm?

Pspspspspspspspspsps?

I’m not responding to that.

Excellent! Just like my cat.

I’m fully committed to this bit.

Well, let’s tell the Community about Tim, the human. How long have you been with Microsoft and the Xbox Insider Team?

Sure! I started back in 2010 as a Tester for Xbox Cert. I did that for a few years, before moving to Japan with my wife for a couple years to teach English as a second language.

I thought about embarrassing myself and hitting you with my, “I spent too much time on IRC in college” level Japanese, but I’ll just say I think that’s really sick instead.

Haha. It was a really rewarding experience and we still go back and visit as often as we can. We moved back to the States in… probably mid-2014, and I was able to land back with Xbox on the ID Team. I worked as a Release Manager for them until 2021 when I transitioned to this team.

That’s quite the journey. I’m always surprised by how many people we have here that have such a deep history on Xbox.

Yeah, our team is pretty stacked.

You’re right about that.

Speaking of: anything you’re working on right now for the 10th Anniversary you can tell us about?

Hmm. I feel like you’re doing most of the big stuff. I’m mostly focused on keeping our game and app flighting on track every day.

Oh, stop. You’re making me blush. But we do have a few upcoming flights that I think people are going to enjoy.

Absolutely! There’s a couple I know you’re like very amped about.

What can I say? I’m always first onboard the hype train. Okay, shifting gears. Let’s get to know a little more about your interests. What game has impacted your life the most?

It’s maybe an over-used answer, but Final Fantasy VI really just blew me away the first time I played it. It was my first RPG I played as a kid, and it solidified a love for the genre that I’ve had ever since.

That opening crawl is seared into my mind. When they dropped the 35th Anniversary shirts I knew VI was an instant purchase.

It’s an iconic moment in gaming for sure.

What kind of music are you into? Any albums you keep on repeat?

I should go get my wife for this one. She’s way more into music than I am. I generally listen to a lot of different video game OSTs.

OSTs are definitely music! I have dozens in my collection. What’s your favorite?

Chrono Cross is the GOAT for me.

Dude, yes! Yasunori Mitsuda is tied for my favorite composer along with Motoi Sakuraba. Scars of Time is one of the most moving pieces ever put in a game.

I love all of Mitsuda’s work. He contributed a few tracks to another OST I’ve been enjoying recently, Sea of Stars.

Oh, I adore Sea of Stars. There’s a bunch of heaters on that OST. The main composer, Eric Brown, is also the drummer in a few metal bands I listen to. Okay, I could talk music literally all day. Do you have any favorite binge shows?

I don’t watch much TV. I tend to lean more toward anime.

A man of culture. What’re some of your favorite series?

I really like comedy or “slice-of-life” stuff. So, Ranma ½, K-On, KonoSuba, etc. I also watch the heavy-hitters too like SAO or One-Punch Man.

What’s your most “unique” pick?

There’s one I really enjoyed called Kono Oto Tomare!, which is about a group of high-school students learning to play the koto.

I wish everyone could hear how perfectly you’re pronouncing these words. But you heard it here folks. Everyone go to MAL and add Kono Oto Tomare! to your watch list.

Moving on. Do you have any hobbies or interests outside the realm of popular media?

I’m really into Go.

Oh, no. I have to ask—

Yes, it’s because I read Hikaru no Go.

Haha. That’s so perfect. That manga rips though. It’s so good.

I haven’t played as much as I would like recently, but I’ve been really fascinated with how after AlphaGo beat Sedol back in 2017, how much differently people have been approaching the game and how moves that used to be considered “traditional” are changing.

Oh, you’re like deep into this. I was gonna say we should play, but I’m not looking to get ruined.

It wouldn’t be that bad. You’d probably score a couple stones.

Haha. Okay, I’ll wrap this one up before I keep getting dunked on by a cat. Any final words you’d like to share with the Community?

Just that I’m genuinely excited that I get to work in an industry that I care about so much, and that, as a gamer myself, it’s awesome to bring cool games to our Xbox Insiders.

Well, thank you so much for your time, Tim! It’s been a pleasure.

Xbox Insiders, be sure to be on the lookout for more content all throughout February including more interviews from the team, a trip down memory lane, and so much more. All of our 10th Anniversary content can be found on our Hub Page (Coming Soon).

Until next time! Wynn/

The post Get To Know Our Team: Tim – Operations Manager (Game/App Flighting) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Homeworld 3 Delayed One More Time Before Release

Homeworld 3 is being delayed to May in order to make the “final tweaks” to the overall experience, Gearbox and Blackbird Interactive announced in a joint statement today. It will be pushed from its original March release date to May 13, with early access set to begin on May 10.

The full statement posted to X/Twitter can be found below.

We hope you all have been enjoying your first-time going hands-on with Homeworld 3 during our public demo of War Games. Watching you share your experiences, exchange and debate strategies, and give us constant feedback has been incredible. This was our first time seeing the game played at scale, which is always an equally thrilling and nerve-wracking moment. We also recently gathered a dedicated group of players from outside our organizations to play through the full game. This resulted in additional insights and perspective that will be incorporated to make Homeworld 3 the best experience possible.

After careful analysis of feedback, we made the decision to delay the global launch of Homeworld 3 until May 13, with advanced access set for May 10, to ensure that we’re making the final tweaks needed to deliver at the level of quality that we strive for and you deserve. To say that you as a community of players have been waiting patiently for this next installment would be an understatement, and we are deeply appreciative of that. We will continue to keep you updated on our progress. 

As always, you’re welcome to send your feedback via social channels, the Homeworld Universe Discord, and through our support page.  

Homeworld 3 is the long-awaited sequel to the beloved real-time strategy game first released in 1999. It will retain the fleet-based combat of the original while adding new features like a roguelite-style co-op mode. It is being developed by Blackbird Interactive, which like other studios across the industry recently experienced layoffs and project cancellations, and has been repeatedly delayed.

Stay tuned for more coverage on IGN when Homeworld 3 launches in May.

Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.

LEGO 2K Drive & NBA 2K Dev Visual Concepts Austin Hit By Layoffs

2K & Take-Two make cuts.

The video game industry continues to suffer from layoffs, with Visual Concepts Austin becoming the latest studio hit with cuts, Game Developer reports (via Eurogamer).

The 2K Games and Take-Two division based in Austin, Texas already reportedly laid off a number of staff back in September 2023, and Game Developer spotted this latest round via a LinkedIn post from art manager Brad Bowling, who started his post with “Well…the games industry bloodletting continues.”

Read the full article on nintendolife.com