Tic Tactic turns the world’s most boring game into a promising roguelike deckbuilder

Tic-tac-toe, known to British people as noughts and crosses, is a famously boring game that is nonetheless often played by anybody with a sweet wrapper, a pencil and five minutes to burn while waiting for any form of public transport. It’s boring because it’s a “solved game” whose outcomes can be safely predicted regardless of where you place your first nought or cross, allowing the “perfect” player to at least draw their opponent. It gets played regardless because a lot of people don’t know it’s a solved game – specifically, young children you may wish to humiliate using your superior grown-up brain, because when you were a child somebody did the same to you.

How many twisted adults were born from the experience of being bullied via the medium of tic-tac-toe? We’d be better off without this game. But look! Here comes Tic Tactic to shake things up with a touch of Balatro.

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Nintendo Switch Online’s Next Game Trial Is A Superb Strategy Sequel (Europe)

Groovy.

This week, a brand new Nintendo Switch Online Game Trial drops in Europe, and if you’ve been on the fence about checking out Wargroove 2, now is the time to pick it up.

From 5th to 11th December, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers will be able to check out Chucklefish’s strategy sequel — which it co-developed with Robotality. We were big fans of it when it launched last year, and it’s a no-brainer if you’ve played the original Wargroove.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Designed for Xbox: Your Holiday Gift Guide for Xbox Accessories

Holiday Designed for Xbox Hero Image

Designed for Xbox: Your Holiday Gift Guide for Xbox Accessories

The holiday season is upon us once more. It’s a time for giving, merriment, joy, and maybe a little gaming! Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself,  our Designed for Xbox partners’ products are the perfect choice.  

Need a new controller like the latest Razer Wolverine V3 Pro to enhance your gameplay over the winter break? Maybe an audio upgrade with the Arctic Gamebuds or the Corsair Virtuoso Max? Perhaps it’s the right moment to set up that simulation rig you’ve been dreaming of! Whatever your gaming needs, our Designed for Xbox Holiday Gift Guide has got you covered. You’ll find a variety of options in form factor, price range, and categories to take your gaming to the next level. 

As always, the Designed for Xbox team wishes you good health and a fantastic holiday season.

Ultimate Control

D4X Controller Image

PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless Controller 

PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless Controller 

The PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless Controller for Xbox Series X|S with Lumectra is a game-changer you need to see to believe! With Lumectra Ghost RGB LED lighting, Quick-Twist Thumbsticks (patent pending) adjustable to three heights, and Hall Effect Modules for precision and reliability, this controller is packed with features. Enjoy low latency wireless, four mappable buttons, and up to 30 hours of battery life. Plus, it includes a magnetic charger, 10-foot USB-C cable, display stand, and protective case.  

The PowerA FUSION Pro Wireless Controller is available for purchase for $149.99 USD ERP. Visit PowerA for more information.  


PDP REALMz Minecraft – Diamond Print Wireless Controller 

PDP REALMz Minecraft – Diamond Print Wireless Controller 

Experience gaming like never before with the Minecraft Diamond Print REALMz™ Wireless Controller! Perfect for Minecraft fans, this one-of-a-kind controller features a collectible Steve figurine inside the grip and a cool diamond design. With a 30-foot wireless range, and up to 40 hours of play time, it’s built for marathon mining sessions. Take your gameplay to the next level with dual rumble motors, programmable buttons, customizable LED lighting and built-in volume controls. Plus, it includes an exclusive in-game digital code for the Minecraft Time Flies tee! 

The PDP REALMz Minecraft Wireless Controller is available today for $79.99 USD ERP. Visit PDP for more information.  


Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Esports Controller for Xbox & PC 

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Esports Controller for Xbox & PC 

Elevate your gaming experience this holiday season with the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Controller. Featuring Razer™ Mecha-Tactile Action Buttons and D-Pad for responsive, accurate control, this controller ensures you stay ahead of the competition. Customize your gameplay with six remappable multi-function buttons and trigger stops for rapid-fire accuracy. Enjoy seamless connectivity with both wired and wireless modes, and up to 30 hours of battery life. Complete with Chroma™ RGB lighting for a personalized touch. 

The Razer Wolverine V3 Pro Wireless Esports Controller is available for $199.99 USD ERP. Visit Razer for more information.  


MSI Force Pro Wireless S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Edition 

MSI Force Pro Wireless S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Edition 

MSI and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl have joined forces to release the exclusive Force Pro Wireless S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Edition, a co-branded gaming controller that embodies the unique color scheme of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 universe. This controller, Designed for Xbox, supports Tri-mode connection, enabling 2.4GHz wireless connectivity to PC, 5.2 Bluetooth connection to Android devices, and a wired connection to Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One. It features 3-level precise Hall effect triggers, 4 remappable rear buttons, and 4 vibration motors for immersive haptic feedback. Players can personalize their experience using the included accessories and MSI Center software, allowing for easy customization of the controller’s appearance and performance. Elevate your gaming setup and dive deeper into the world of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 with this exceptional collaboration! 

The MSI Force Pro Wireless Controller S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Edition is available for $139.99 USD ERP. Visit MSI for more information. 



GameSir T7 Wired Controller for Xbox

GameSir T7 Wired Controller for Xbox 

The GameSir T7 stands out with its blend of affordability, durability, functionality, and striking design. It features anti-drift Hall Effect sticks and precision-tuned Hall Effect triggers, ensuring smooth and reliable gameplay for up to 5 million cycles. With four rumble motors, the T7 delivers immersive, lifelike feedback that brings every game to life. Its ergonomic design, matte-textured surface, and laser-textured grips guarantee comfort and control during extended sessions. With a unique color palette and subtle translucency, it offers a high-tech, premium look crafted for modern players. Quickly switch profiles on the fly to seamlessly transition between different games and gaming styles, making it the ideal companion for any player.

The GameSir T7 Wired Controller for Xbox is available in three eye-catching colors – Creamsicle White, Ruby Red, and Sapphire Blue – for $34.99 USD ERP. Visit GameSir for more information.  



Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Smart Controller for PC & Xbox  

Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot Smart Controller for PC & Xbox  

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot controller introduces unique rotating button/stick modules so players can easily switch from a traditional FPS layout to other configurations suited to fighting, racing, and other game types. It connects to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One as an advanced wired controller, and also works with PCs in wireless or wired mode, and with compatible Android 8.0+ smart TVs via Bluetooth. The Connected Command Display lets players easily check social notifications and customize the controller’s settings. With AntiDrift™ thumbsticks, adjustable triggers, four mappable buttons, and Pro-Aim™ Focus Mode, the Stealth Pivot’s got it all. Plus, the Turtle Beach Control Center 2 app lets players fine-tune everything from EQ presets to vibration feedback.  

The Turtle Beach Stealth Pivot is available for $129.99 USD ERP. Visit Turtle Beach for more information. 


Hyperkin DuchesS 

Hyperkin DuchesS 

The Hyperkin DuchesS wired controller is a nostalgic replica of the original Xbox Controller S. It features hall effect sticks for high precision controls, impulse triggers for immersive feedback, a share button to showcase your epic moments, immersive vibration, 3.5mm headphone jack, and a 10 ft. detachable USB-C cable for low latency and fast responsive gaming. It’s compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10|11. The DuchesS offers a classic design, for modern gaming! 

The Hyperkin DuchesS controller is available in both Black and White for $49.99 USD ERP. Visit Hyperkin for more information.  

Audio Upgrades

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SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for Xbox 

SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for Xbox 

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds are designed to give you an amazing gaming experience across multiple devices with crystal-clear sound and ultra-low latency 2.4GHz wireless, plus Bluetooth 5.3 for mobile. They feature Active Noise Cancellation to block out background noise, letting you focus entirely on your game. With over 100 audio presets, you can customize your sound to fit any game or mood. Stay gaming for up to 10 hours per use, with 3 full extra charges in the case. You can even charge them wirelessly for added convenience. With different sized ear tips to ensure the perfect fit for everyone, they’re super comfy for long gaming sessions and come with a built-in microphone for chatting with your squad.  

The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for Xbox are available for $159.99 USD ERP. Visit SteelSeries for more information. 


Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless Multiplatform Gaming Headset 

Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Wireless Multiplatform Gaming Headset  

The Designed for Xbox Turtle Beach Stealth 500 redefines what an “entry-level” wireless headset is capable of. With the Stealth 500, players can connect to Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One over a lossless 2.4GHz wireless connection, then simply hit the QuickSwitch button to toggle and connect to Windows PCs, other consoles, and mobile gaming devices via Bluetooth 5.2. Precision-tuned, amplified 40mm drivers and extensive audio tuning via Turtle Beach’s Swarm II app deliver ultra-clear, customizable audio optimized for spatial sound, while a floating headband and memory foam cushions provide ultra-lightweight comfort. The Stealth 500 also lets players chat with ultra-clear voice accuracy through its omni-directional flip-to-mute microphone and has a whopping 40-hour battery life. 

Grab the Turtle Beach Stealth 500 Multiplatform Gaming Headset for $79.99 USD ERP. Visit Turtle Beach for more information.  


Corsair VIRTUOSO MAX for Xbox 

Corsair VIRTUOSO MAX for Xbox 

The VIRTUOSO MAX Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox is designed to provide an exceptional audio experience. Equipped with 50mm Graphene drivers that deliver super clear and precise sound, this headset ensures you hear every detail in your games. Additionally, it includes a Dolby Atmos® for headphones license, which creates an immersive audio environment, making the game audio feel as if the action is happening all around you. The headset also features active noise cancellation, eliminating distractions and allowing for uninterrupted gameplay. With support for dual-wireless connectivity with your smartphone and up to 60 hours of battery life (with RGB off), the VIRTUOSO MAX ensures extended gaming sessions while maintaining connectivity to the outside world.  

The Corsair VIRTUOSO MAX Wireless Gaming Headset for Xbox is available for $329.99 USD ERP. Visit Corsair for more information.  


Logitech G ASTRO A50 (Gen 5) LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset + Base Station 

Logitech G ASTRO A50 (Gen 5) LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset + Base Station 

A50 (Gen 5) LIGHTSPEED Wireless + Base Station is made to play. With PLAYSYNC AUDIO, you can connect and quickly switch between multiple  gaming systems including Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch, PC and more, all from a single button on the headset. PRO-G GRAPHENE audio drivers achieve unprecedented clarity and precision, critical for full immersion and in-game decision making. 24-bit LIGHTSPEED delivers the highest levels of wireless performance, and the 48 kHz high-res microphone provides broadcast quality sound for your voice. A50 LIGHTSPEED Wireless + Base Station is a breakthrough in design and engineering for the ultimate multi-platform console gaming experience. 

The Logitech G ASTRO A50 (Gen 5) LIGHTSPEED Wireless Gaming Headset + Base Station is available for $299.99 USD ERP. Visit Logitech G  for more information.  

Adaptive Setups

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ByoWave Proteus Controller 

ByoWave Proteus Controller 

The ByoWave Proteus Controller officially launched this year at gamescom 2024, and it is an absolute game changer. This modular controller lets you customize your gaming experience like never before. With a jaw-dropping 100 million different combinations, you can adjust the controller to fit your play style perfectly. Whether you like playing with one hand or two, prefer a vertical or horizontal layout, or want a wide or compact design, the Proteus Controller has got you covered. Plus, it’s super easy to snap together the pieces and save your favorite setups for different games. Compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows 10|11, it’s a perfect gift for players who want flexibility and fun. 

The ByoWave Proteus Controller is available for $299 USD ERP. Visit ByoWave for more information.  


8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller for Xbox 

8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller for Xbox 

The 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller for Xbox is specifically designed for gamers with limited mobility playing on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows platforms. It features highly sensitive buttons and joysticks, ensuring ease of use and an enjoyable gaming experience. Additionally, it includes large, programmable Super Buttons that can be customized on-the-fly without any additional software. It also incorporates a 3.5mm audio jack and a non-slip mat to ensure stability during gameplay. With its lightweight design, compact form factor, and impressive battery life, this controller is ideal for gaming in various settings. 

The 8BitDo Lite SE 2.4G Wireless Controller for Xbox is available for $59.99 USD ERP. Visit 8BitDo for more information.  

Specialized Controls

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Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick 

Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick 

Knock out the competition with the fully customizable Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Ensure precise hits with reliable and hot-swappable Cherry MX Speed Silver RGB switches, ideal for clutch moments. Designed to fit your play style, the Victrix Pro KO includes customizable lighting, 16 moveable and mappable buttons, button organizers for easy transportation, plus a control bar for swift adjustments. For those who love to mod, you’ll appreciate the removable aluminum top plate allowing you to adjust button positions or change to your preferred switches. Elevate your gaming and compete at a professional level today. 

Pre-order the Victrix Pro KO Leverless Fight Stick now for $249.99 USD ERP and receive it in time for the holidays. Visit Turtle Beach for more information. 


Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition 

Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition 

If you’re ready to awaken your inner pilot, the T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is your ticket to the skies! Perfect for both Xbox Series X|S and PC, this joystick makes flying in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and other flight simulation games super easy. With its official Microsoft Flight Simulator license, it brings realistic flying sensations right into your living room. Adjust the resistance of your joystick and enjoy the detachable throttle just how you like for extra comfort. Plus, it’s plug-and-play, so you can start your flight adventure fun without any setup hassle. 

The Thrustmaster T.Flight Hotas One Microsoft Flight Simulator Edition is available for $99.99 USD ERP. Visit Thrustmaster for more information.  


MOZA R3 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Xbox 

MOZA R3 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Xbox 

The MOZA R3 Racing Wheel and Pedal Bundle for Xbox includes everything you need for an amazing racing experience—the R3 base with powerful 3.9 Nm direct drive power, ES steering wheel made for Xbox, and SR-P Lite pedals. It’s super easy to set up with plug-and-play functionality, so you can start racing right away on your Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or PC. The R3 base is sturdy, made from aluminum alloy, and has a smart cooling system to keep things running smoothly. The ES wheel is built to last with its sturdy grips and metal frame, and you can quickly swap wheels thanks to its clever design. The SR-P Lite pedals are super responsive, giving you precise control over your driving. Plus, with colorful lights and 22 programmable buttons, customizing your race has never been this fun.  

The MOZA R3 Racing Wheel and Pedals for Xbox are available for $399.99 USD ERP. Visit MOZA for more information.  

Level Up Your Setup

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8BitDo Retro 87 Keyboard and Retro R8 Mouse 

8BitDo Retro 87 Keyboard and Retro R8 Mouse 

The 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard and Retro R8 Mouse – Xbox Edition are officially licensed Xbox peripherals that bring the nostalgia of the original Xbox console to modern PC setups. Inspired by the iconic Transparent Green Edition of the OG Xbox, these devices blend retro aesthetics with advanced functionality. The keyboard features an independent control panel, finely tuned crystal-green keycaps, programmable Super Buttons, and customizable RGB lighting. The mouse boasts a seamlessly integrated charging dock, programmable buttons, and ambidextrous support for left- and right-handed use. Together, they deliver a cohesive and stylish experience for PC gaming and productivity. 

Pre-order the 8BitDo Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard for $119.99 USD ERP and the Retro R8 Mouse – Xbox Edition for $59.99 USD ERP. Visit 8BitDo for more information. 


WD_BLACK C50 2TB Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 

WD_BLACK C50 2TB Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S 

With all the incredible game launches this year, your Xbox Series X|S game library is expanding rapidly!  The WD_BLACK C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox now offers up to 2TB* of additional space! Designed specifically for Xbox, this card has a superspeed NVMe™ SSD core, making your gaming experience smoother and faster. Thanks to the Xbox Velocity Architecture, the WD_BLACK C50 Storage Expansion Card for Xbox delivers blazing-fast performance similar to your console’s internal SSD. Plus, with Quick Resume support, you can jump between multiple games in no time. 

The WD_BLACK C50 2TB* Expansion Card for Xbox is available for $249.99 USD ERP. Visit Western Digital for more information.  

* 1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = 1 trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less depending on operating environment. 


Hisense C2 Ultra TriChroma Laser Mini Projector Designed for Xbox 

Hisense C2 Ultra TriChroma Laser Mini Projector Designed for Xbox 

The Hisense C2 Ultra projector is packed with premium gaming features like Auto Low Latency Mode and MEMC technology to give you super smooth gameplay. Play your favorite games with crystal-clear 4K UHD resolution and a 240-frame refresh rate on basically any flat surface around your house. It has a huge projection size range from 65 to 300 inches and can adjust to fit perfectly in any space. The integrated JBL speakers deliver booming audio that makes you feel like you’re gaming in a movie theater. Whether you’re a player or just love watching movies, the C2 Ultra is the ultimate gift for top-notch picture and sound quality. 

The Hisense C2 Ultra TriChroma Mini Projector for Xbox is now available for $2,499.99 USD ERP. Visit Hisense for more information.  


Just like this year, 2025 is shaping up to be another incredible for hardware with new and exciting products to help taking your gaming to the next level, stay tuned! From all of us at Designed for Xbox, have a great holiday and a happy New Year!  

The post Designed for Xbox: Your Holiday Gift Guide for Xbox Accessories appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Pokémon TCG Pocket Estimated to Have Crossed $200 Million Mark, Already Outperforming Pokémon Sleep and Unite

Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket is estimated to have generated more than $200 million in revenue in its first month, already overtaking Pokémon Sleep and Pokémon Unite.

PocketGamer.biz cited figures from AppMagic that estimated the digital card game hit $208 million November 29th, just a month after it launched on October 30. Pokémon TCG Pocket is free to play but allows players to buy extra booster packs, cosmetics, and a monthly pass that awards one extra pack a day.

The app launched to immediate success, with AppMagic estimating it was making $3 million a day after hitting $12 million after four. That number has only grown, however, as daily spend is now estimated to average $6.5 million.

Its best day so far coincided with the release of the Mass Outbreak event, when spending rose to $8.4 million. This comes despite, ironically, many players in the community finding this event to be underwhelming.

Pokémon TCG Pocket follows the standard mobile and free to play game model, flooding players with rewards in the opening few days before soon drying up, with spending real world money the only real way to re-experience that early thrill.

It tasks players with opening booster packs to complete a collection of cards and build decks to battle, though the latter of these is fairly barebones at the moment with only the collecting aspect fully realised. Pokémon TCG Pocket offers players just two packs a day without spending money, however.

Completing Genetic Apex, the first set of cards which totals 226 officially but also contains 60 rare alternate art, will take players not spending money around two years according to one estimate, while those looking to make it rain can wrap up the collection after dropping around $1,500.

Getting every card in the game is already impossible without spending money, however, as an additional set of promo cards is also available and so far includes two which can only be obtained through the $9.99 a month Premium Pass.

Developer Creatures Inc. is looking to release another smaller card set in December, while its next big drop of the official set two is expected in January.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.

The robotic overlords of strategy-RPG Heart Of The Machine have graced us with a release date

We don’t know yet if the AI revolution of our reality will go full Skynet or simply end with the robots unceremoniously dumping us like a sad Joaquin Phoenix. But at least video games can help us speculate. Heart Of The Machine is a cyberpunk 4X strategy game that will let players choose how a newly awakened AI sentience might behave once set loose upon a big future city. Developers Arcen Games call it a “turn-based sci-fi 4X RPG”, which is a lot of genres fighting for supremacy in one small phrase. It was announced last year, but today it gets a release date and an updated demo.

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Elden Ring 2 Not Being Considered at FromSoftware, Hidetaka Miyazaki Says

Elden Ring director and FromSoftware president Hidetaka Miyazaki has said the developer is not currently considering making Elden Ring 2 but won’t shut down the possibility in the future.

Miyazaki said at the PlayStation Partner Awards 2024 Japan Asia, attended by IGN Japan and translated by Automaton, that FromSoftware has several projects in the works but none are continuations of Elden Ring, its most successful game to date.

“We’re not really considering developments such as an Elden Ring 2,” Miyazaki said, though made clear FromSoftware is open to returning to the Elden Ring franchise “in some form in the future.” The projects in development are works in progress at the moment but diverse in genre, with some directed by Miyazaki himself, he said.

FromSoftware has a varied history in game development but has become known for defining the Souls genre over the last 15 years. These games have varied in theme somewhat though are all role-playing games with a similar format of, at their most simple, progressing through an area before taking on a challenging boss.

The giant mech battling Armored Core series is also developed by FromSoftware though, and outliers to the traditional dark fantasy themes of its Souls games include the gothic horror entry Bloodborne and Japanese mythology-set Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

None of the incoming projects have been revealed by FromSoftware as of yet, though one of them is almost certainly the next signature Souls game akin to Elden Ring. Many fans are hoping for a return to the Dark Souls franchise, which has been dormant for close to a decade, while others are desperate for a Bloodborne sequel (and think an announcement is imminent).

Elden Ring would have been the most obvious choice for a continuation, not just because its FromSoftware’s best received game so far but, perhaps more significantly, it sold a staggering 25 million units.

In our 10/10 review, IGN said: “Elden Ring is a massive iteration on what FromSoftware began with the Souls series, bringing its relentlessly challenging combat to an incredible open world that gives us the freedom to choose our own path.”

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.

Infinity Nikki Preload and Global Release Times on PlayStation 5, PC, iOS, and Android

Developer Infold Games has revealed the preload and global release times for Infinity Nikki, the open-world dress up role-playing game from former The Legend of Zelda director Kentaro Tominaga coming to PlayStation 5, PC via the Epic Games Store, iOS, and Android.

The highly anticipated sequel, which logged more than 35 million pre-registrations in its lead up to launch, is now available to preload, meaning players can download it ahead of time to begin playing the moment becomes available on December 5, or even December 4 in some locations.

Infold Games released a story trailer to celebrate this preload availability, which can be watched below, and also announced some bonuses players who pick up Infinity Nikki at launch can enjoy in the game.

Infinity Nikki Global Release Times

  • Los Angeles – 6pm on December 4
  • New York – 9pm on December 4
  • Rio De Janeiro – 10pm on December 4
  • London – 2am on December 5
  • Amsterdam – 3am on December 5
  • Cape Town – 4am on December 5
  • Kuala Lumpur – 10am on December 5
  • Tokyo – 11am on December 5
  • Sydney – 12noon on December 5

“With over 35 million pre-registrations, and even more players signing up today, Infinity Nikki and the development team are incredibly excited to welcome players with open arms to the breathtaking world of Miraland,” Infold Games said of the imminent release.

Bonus items include a special stylist background, a camera pose, two 4-star outfits, and enough crystals to fuel up to 126 total pulls across the limited and permanent banners. These come alongside a handful of rewards made available for hitting so many pre-registrations, including 50,000 Blings, 300 Threads of Purity, 20 Resonite Crystals, and a 4-star outfit.

IGN’s preview of Infinity Nikki certainly had positive things to say. “We never knew dressing up could be so much fun,” we said. “Our time with Infinity Nikki left us eager to try on the finished game when it eventually arrives.”

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.

The RPS Advent Calendar 2024, December 3rd

Are there any sights more quintessentially Christmassy than a street lit up by warm and glowing decorations, as seen through a snow-graced windowpane? Why, I could gaze through this wonderful window all day. Let’s just hope no-one decides to smash through it, eh? Why, I’d get bits of glass in my lovely warm milk, which would massively downgrade my biscuit-dunking experience. Wait. What’s that? Oh no!

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Sea Of Stars Dev Points To Nintendo As Its Biggest Source Of Inspiration

You go, Garl.

Sea of Stars launched on Nintendo Switch last year and, after a beefy free update and with an even beefier free DLC on the horizon, it’s safe to say that it’s a banger. But what inspired the developer, Sabotage, to make such a gem? What studios sit on its mood board? Who is the go-to touchstone for all things game-making? According to Sea of Stars director Thierry Boulanger, it’s Nintendo.

Now, we challenge any dev to look us in the eye and say that they haven’t, in some way, been inspired by the House of Mario over the years. But, as Boulanger told GamesRadar, the Big N is “just the motherlode of everything you can learn”, with the studio’s work in the 1980s and ’90s being particular points of inspiration for the Sabotage team.

Read the full article on nintendolife.com

30th Anniversary PlayStation Partner Awards 2024 Japan Asia winners announced

Today, December 3, marks PlayStation’s 30th anniversary. To celebrate, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) hosted the 2024 PlayStation Partner Awards in Japan Asia (hereafter PlayStation Partner Awards), honoring all the incredible games and talented developers who released their games on PlayStation within the Japan/Asia region.

In addition to celebrating the success of the 2024 PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 titles (October 2023 through September 2024), this year’s awards also recognized exceptional games created by Japanese and other Asian developers released on legacy PlayStation platforms over the past 30 years – the original PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation Portable, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation 4. Read on for a rundown of all the games that received awards at this event.

Games are listed in alphabetical order.

Excellence Award

Awarded to the title developed in the Japan/Asia region that have had a consistent and significant impact along with commercial success over the past three years*.

Genshin Impact (HoYoverse)

Grand Award

Awarded to the top three titles developed in the Japan and Asia regions with the highest worldwide sales between October 2023 and September 2024*.

Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science Interactive Technology)
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree (FromSoftware, Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.)
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix Co. Ltd)

Partner Award

Awarded to titles developed in the Japan/Asia region with top-ranked worldwide sales between October 2023 and September 2024*, with particularly noteworthy accomplishments.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 (Capcom Co., Ltd.)
Honkai: Star Rail (HoYoverse)
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Sega)
Persona 3 Reload (Atlus Co., Ltd)
Tekken 8 (Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.)
The First Descendant(Nexon)
Zenless Zone Zero(HoYoverse)

Special Award

Awarded to PS5 titles developed in collaboration with SIE outside the Japan/Asia region that achieved outstanding success within Japan/Asia between October 2023 and September 2024*.

Rise of the Ronin (SIE, developed by Koei Tecmo)
Stellar Blade (SIE, developed by Shift Up)

Users’ Choice Award

Awarded to the top five titles released in the Japan/Asia region between October 2023 and September 2024, selected by user votes in the Japan/Asia region, out of the top 30 titles with the longest total gameplay time.

Black Myth: Wukong (Game Science Interactive Technology)
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (Square Enix Co. Ltd)
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth (Sega)
Rise of the Ronin (SIE, developed by Koei Tecmo)
Stellar Blade (SIE, developed by Shift Up)

PlayStation Generations Awards

Awarded to titles chosen by users in the Japan and Asia regions from each PlayStation generation – the original PlayStation, PS2, PSP, PS3, PS Vita, and PS4. All games are previous “PlayStation Partner Award” winners.

PlayStation Generations (1994 and beyond)
Final Fantasy VII (Square Enix Co. Ltd.)

PlayStation 2 Generations (2000 and beyond)
Final Fantasy X (Square Enix Co. Ltd.)

PlayStation Portable Generations (2004 and beyond)
Monster Hunter Portable 3rd (Capcom Co., Ltd.)

PlayStation 3 Generations (2006 and beyond)
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.)

PlayStation Vita Generations (2011 and beyond)
Persona 4 Golden (Atlus Co., Ltd)

PlayStation 4 Generations (2013 and beyond)
Elden Ring (FromSoftware, Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.)

* SIE’s indicators, such as player numbers, are also factored into the selection of nominees. Listed publishers are those of the Japanese PlayStation Store.

Here are messages from the recipients of the “Excellence Award” and “Grand Award” to all the players.

Genshin Impact

(Hoyoverse)

* Photo of the HoYoverse team’s resident cat.


“I would like to express our sincere gratitude to our players and PlayStation! This new award marks a significant milestone in our journey over the past four years, reflecting the precious memories and moments of companionship shared with our players, as well as the long-lasting, stable, and trusting partnership we’ve built with PlayStation.

The world of Genshin Impact is filled with endless possibilities, and our adventure is far from over. This year, we’ve arrived at Teyvat’s sixth nation — Natlan. Here, Travelers can join forces with Natlan’s warriors and Saurian companions, soaring through the skies and delving into the earth, exploring the vast world to their hearts’ content. And moving forward, we will continue to create exciting and fresh content to show our appreciation for your continued attention and support.”

– Dai Wei
Game Designer
HoYoverse


Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

(FromSoftware, Inc / Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.)


“Thank you to all the gamers who have spent their time playing Elden Ring.

We will continue to strive to deliver exciting and meaningful games to our fans.”

– FromSoftware, Inc
Elden Ring development team



“Thank you so much for this very prestigious award. Although there was a longer wait for the Shadow of the Erdtree compared to our previous DLCs, we’re delighted that so many players picked up the expansion to explore the all-new story in the Realm of Shadow. We’re only able to continue receiving such awards nearly three years after the main game’s release, thanks to our loyal players continuing their journey in the Lands Between and keeping the game and community thriving. We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has played the main game and DLC. Thank you very much.”

– Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.
Elden Ring development team


Black Myth: Wukong

(Game Science Interactive Technology)


“It is an incredible honor to receive the Grand Award. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of everyone at Game Science Interactive Technology and the support of our valued partners, as well as the enthusiastic response from all Black Myth: Wukong players.

The inspiration for Black Myth: Wukong comes from Journey to the West, one of China’s ‘Four Great Classical Novels.’ Thanks to this masterpiece written over 400 years ago, and the fusion of China’s rich cultural heritage with the latest advancements in game development technology, we were able to create an action
RPG that brings the grandeur and beauty of Chinese mythology to life. Moving forward, we will continue listening to player feedback, exploring cutting-edge technology, and creating more exciting gameplay and thought-provoking stories.

Thanks to our distribution platforms and to every Destined One who has joined us on this westward journey!”

– Feng Ji
Founder & CEO, Game Director
Game Science


Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

(Square Enix Co. Ltd)


“I am thrilled that Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was chosen for the Grand Award – which is only awarded to the top three Japanese/Asian titles with the highest worldwide sales – especially since Final Fantasy VII Remake received the same honor. I am truly grateful to the many fans who have supported this game and made it possible for us to receive this esteemed award.

The Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy will finally conclude with the next installment. The team is working incredibly hard to make it a rewarding finale, so we hope that you will continue to support us.”

– Naoki Hamaguchi
Director
Square Enix Co. Ltd