Antstream announced on Friday that its subscription service will be available on iPhones and iPads next week.
As spotted byMacRumors, Antstream Arcade will be available on Apple’s smartphones and tablets on June 27. MacRumors also pointed out that when the app releases, it will include a promotional discount: $3.99 per month or $29.99 per year before it reverts to its usual pricing of $4.99 per month or $39.99 annually.
Antstream Arcade is a cloud-based gaming subscription service that provides subscribers access to over 1300 retro video games, such as Space Invaders, Asteroids, Sam & Max Hit the Road, Pac-Man, and Metal Slug 2. Antstream previously launched its subscription service on other platforms, including Android, Windows PCs, and even Xbox.
The announcement comes months after Apple announced it wasloosening its policies, making it easier for game streaming apps and even retro game emulators to be added to the App Store. Antstream was the first gaming subscription service to launch a dedicated app on the App Store following the revision changes.
While some of the more notable ones includeXbox Cloud Gaming andNvidia GeForce Now, neither Microsoft nor Nvidia has made an official announcement on when it would release a proper app for either service, requiring users of both to use a web browser still to stream games when playing on an iPhone or iPad.
The announcement of Antstream Arcade for the App Store also comes as an option for those looking to play retro games but may not want to download one of the many gaming emulators likeDelta, RetroArch, or PPSSPP. All of these emulators rely on ROMs to play classic video games.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
Soapbox features enable our individual writers and contributors to voice their opinions on hot topics and random stuff they’ve been chewing over. Today, Jim shines a light on an already dazzling Direct drop…
It took me a few hours to come down after the June Nintendo Direct. The showcase was stacked. In the moment, it felt like Nintendo was wheeling out its biggest guns, hitting us fanboys square in the face with just about every announcement we could have wished for.
Mika’s beloved tale comes to Xbox for the first time, with updated graphics and a new photo mode. Explore Kaltenbach, bond with Windstorm, and uncover hidden secrets.
Embark on a journey like no other as Windstorm: Start of a Great Friendship – Remastered gallops onto Xbox for the first time! Dive into the captivating world of Windstorm and experience the heartwarming tale of Mika, a young girl with a remarkable gift for understanding horses. As Mika forms an unbreakable bond with the magnificent black stallion, Windstorm, players are invited to join them on an unforgettable adventure.
Based on the beloved “Windstorm” movies and bestselling books, this Xbox release promises an immersive experience like never before. With fully updated graphics and a brand-new photo mode, players can explore the breathtaking landscapes of the Kaltenbach estate in stunning detail.
Engage in exhilarating riding tasks alongside Windstorm, as you navigate the picturesque Alpine area and uncover hidden treasures scattered throughout the terrain. Feel the thrill of horseback riding as you interact naturally with Windstorm, learning to communicate and understand each other’s movements with ease.
But the journey doesn’t end there. Care for Windstorm like a true friend, tending to his needs with love and dedication. From grooming to training, ensure Windstorm is in peak condition as you forge an unbreakable bond that will withstand any challenge.
Experience the world of Windstorm like never before with this Unreal Engine 5-powered remaster that boasts updated graphics, enhanced character details, and new animations for all creatures, including Windstorm himself. Explore every corner of the game world to discover new collectibles and hidden surprises, all while capturing stunning moments with the new photo mode.
Windstorm: Start of Great Friendship – Remastered on Xbox promises to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience. So, saddle up, embrace the adventure, and write with every gallop legends of your own.
Windstorm: Start of a Great Friendship – Remastered
Discover the breathtaking world of Windstorm and experience the fascinating story of Mika, a young girl known as a horse whisperer, as she befriends the majestic black stallion called Windstorm.
Based on the successful Windstorm movies and best-selling books, experience exciting riding tasks together with Windstorm and freely explore the breathtaking surroundings of the Kaltenbach estate. Ride alongside other horses, look for hidden objects and try to become the racing champion. Numerous secrets and hidden locations are waiting to be discovered!
After a long day of adventuring across the beautiful hills of Kaltenbach, take care of your animal friend with all of your love! Grooming, scraping out hooves and much more is necessary to keep your newly made friend in good shape. Windstorm is happy when you clean his stable or play around with him in the paddock. In return, he will always be by your side during your adventures and you will push each other to become the best you can be!
Become an unbeatable team and form an unforgettable bond with Windstorm.
• Ride Windstorm and freely explore the gorgeous Alpine area
• Learn to interact naturally with Windstorm and enjoy the freedom of horseback riding
• Carefully groom Windstorm and keep an eye on his health, training and happiness
Explore the world of Windstorm – completely Remastered!
• Updated graphics, more details to the characters you know and love
• All animals, including Windstorm, have been updated with new animations
• Updated nature scenes with new trees and plants, lighting and weather effects
• Explore every corner of the game world to find new collectibles
• A new photo mode to take beautiful pictures. Edit and add filters to make your photos unique!
“We’re excited for the launch of Black Myth Wukong on Xbox Series X|S and are working with Game Science to bring the game to our platforms,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement, first reported by Windows Central and also obtained by IGN. “We can’t comment on the deals made by our partners with other platform holders, but we remain focused on making Xbox the best platform for gamers, and great games are at the center of that.”
Back at The Game Awards 2023, developer Game Science announced an August 20, 2024 release date for Black Myth: Wukong for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Earlier this month, however, its Summer Game Fest trailer omitted mention of an Xbox Series X/S version.
In an FAQ, Game Science confirmed that Black Myth: Wukong’s release on Xbox Series X/S would indeed come after its August 20 launch on PlayStation 5 and PC. At the time, Game Science pointed to optimization on the Xbox as the reason for the delay.
“We are currently optimizing the Xbox Series X|S version to meet our quality standards, so it won’t release simultaneously with the other platforms,” the developer wrote. “We apologize for the delay and aim to minimize the wait for Xbox users. We will announce the release date as soon as it meets our quality standards.”
Regardless, rumors swirled that Game Science might’ve had an exclusivity deal with Sony, which Microsoft’s statement seems to vaguely address. IGN has reached out to Sony for comment.
“We can’t comment on the deals made by our partners with other platform holders, but we remain focused on making Xbox the best platform for gamers.
We’re still waiting on an Xbox Series X/S release date, but in the meantime, IGN got to spend a couple of hours with the soulslike, which impressed IGN’s Mitchell Saltzman. “It’s stunningly gorgeous, the animations are incredibly fluid, it’s steeped in rich Chinese culture, and there’s just something immensely satisfying about playing as a Monkey King and beating up all sorts of mythical creatures with a giant extendable staff,” he wrote in our preview.
Game Science has still, though, not responded to our previous report compiling numerous sexist comments made by the studio’s founders and other developers spanning the last decade.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.
PowerWash Simulator’s next paid crossover after Warhammer 40,000, Back to the Future and Spongebob Squarepants will sprinkle a little something in its tank of water. That something, of course, is 19th-century literature, as developers FuturLab let us wash our way through their take on the surreal world of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.
A Cyberpunk 2077 fan has perfectly recreated armor worn by the game’s trauma team, the dystopian, gun-wielding paramedics, down to a working face mask.
Cosplay and prop maker Props It Yourself shared a video of the outfit on their Instagram, below, showing someone dressed in the full cosplay of a Trauma Team worker. The futuristic mask begins open before it folds in, seals, and activates its lights as the cosplayer walks forward.
Those who’ve played just a few hours of Cyberpunk 2077 will recognize the Trauma Team outfit as one of the game’s opening missions, The Rescue, has them appear. Protagonist V is tasked with saving a kidnapping victim who proves unresponsive, and the Trauma Team, ready to kill any threat to the victim themselves, show up to save her at the end.
Those who remember the part iconic, part infamous E3 2018 Cyberpunk 2077 presentation will also recognize the outfit as this mission debuted there. The Trauma Team cosplay proved particularly popular on the Cyberpunk 2077 Reddit, where it currently has 28,000 upvotes and hundreds of comments. “This is so f**king cool,” said one user. “The way I actually gasped when I saw the helmet click together,” said another.
In our 9/10 review, IGN said: “Cyberpunk 2077 throws you into a beautiful, dense cityscape and offers a staggering amount of flexibility in how you choose to take it from there.”
Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.
We didn’t expect to see Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics during the latest Nintendo Direct. Seeing the Marvel vs Capcom fighters on modern consoles felt like a pipe dream, and with Marvel vs. Capcom 2 — one of the greatest fighting games of all time — being part of the bundle, it’s a dream collection.
With the announcement earlier this week, and the launch of a site dedicated to all seven games in the collection, Capcom has uploaded some stunning high-definition character art for five of the seven games. Huge thanks to SeventhForce for highlighting this on Twitter.
After years of anticipation, Elden Ring’s first – and only – expansion Shadow of the Erdtree is finally out as of today. While there are plenty of intriguing secrets hiding in the new corner (it’s a big corner) of the Lands Between, Steam Deck players might stumble upon a not-so-welcome new discovery too, courtesy of a bug that can make your game unresponsive.
As an indie game developer with a passion for filmmaking, I’ve always sought to blend the cinematic with the interactive. My latest project, NightGhast, is a testament to this fusion. NightGhast is a first-person horror game that delves into the eerie world of wicked witches and sinister widows. Developed using Unreal Engine 5, this game stands out not just for its chilling narrative but also for the innovative techniques we employed during its creation. A significant part of this process involved working with real-life theatre actors, filming them on green screen, and integrating their performances into the game. This approach not only enhanced the game’s realism but also opened new doors for future projects.
The Vision Behind NightGhast
My background in filmmaking has always driven me to create visually compelling and narratively rich experiences. Even though I have self-developed and self-published many indie games, NightGhast is special because it allowed me to merge my two passions: filmmaking and game development. The game’s story required a level of emotional depth and authenticity that could only be achieved through the nuanced performances of real actors. This led us to explore the use of real-time theatre actor shooting on green screen as a core part of our development process.
The Role of ID@Xbox
The journey of NightGhast was significantly supported by the ID@Xbox program, which assists indie developers in bringing their games to Xbox platforms. The ID@Xbox team was instrumental during the certification process, providing invaluable support and resources. Their assistance ensured that NightGhast met all technical and quality standards, allowing us to focus on the creative aspects of the game.
Integrating Real Actors into the Game
The use of Unreal Engine 5’s virtual production and cinematic tools allowed us to push the boundaries of traditional game development. We collaborated with talented theatre actors, filming their performances against a green screen. This process involved capturing a wide range of emotions and actions that were essential to the game’s narrative. The actors’ performances as image sequences were then imported into Unreal Engine 5, where we utilized advanced virtual production techniques to seamlessly integrate them into the game world. Although our budget was limited, for an indie game, I’m happy how their performance enhanced the narrative. Naturally, for future reference, if we ever have a chance to shoot real-time actors over a sophisticated virtual set, the results would be much more compelling.
Technical and Creative Highlights
Realism and Authenticity
The inclusion of real actors brought a level of realism to NightGhast that would have been difficult to achieve with purely digital characters. The subtle nuances of human performance added depth to the characters, making the horror elements more impactful and the story more engaging.
Enhanced Player Immersion
Using real actors helped create more believable interactions and heightened the emotional connection between the player and the game. The actors’ performances were not just visual; they conveyed the underlying tension and fear essential to a horror game, drawing players deeper into the experience. For example, one of the main adversaries in the game is inspired from Alpen folklore, a mystical character named “Schnabelperchten”. We experimented with great detail for her costume and make up, which would be nearly impossible if we wanted to develop that character as a 3D model, within our very limited budget.
Innovation in Game Development
This project demonstrated the potential of combining traditional filmmaking techniques with modern game development tools. By using green screen and virtual production, we were able to create complex scenes and character interactions more efficiently and with greater creative freedom.
Obstacles We Crushed
While the process was incredibly rewarding, it was not without its challenges. Filming on a green screen requires precise lighting and camera work to ensure that the actors’ performances are captured accurately. Additionally, integrating these performances into a real-time engine like Unreal Engine 5 involved overcoming some problems like “video codes”. Initially, we had certain problems with video and audio codecs on different platforms, and in the end, we had to develop new workflows and pipelines to manage the data and ensure that the final product was seamless.
What’s Next?
The success of NightGhast has opened up new possibilities for future projects. The technique of using real actors filmed on green screen can be applied to various genres and game types, offering a way to bring more lifelike characters and performances into the gaming world. This approach not only enhances the storytelling potential of games but also provides opportunities for actors to explore new forms of performance art.NightGhast is a pioneering blend of traditional filmmaking and cutting-edge game development, creating a unique and immersive horror experience. This innovative approach sets NightGhast apart and paves the way for future projects that will continue to push the boundaries of interactive storytelling. As an indie developer, this journey has been incredibly fulfilling, and I hope you, too, will soon be immersed in a strange and eerie world as you jump in to NightGhast, out now on Xbox.
NIGHTGHAST is a first-person horror game about wicked witches and sinister widows…
“I have received an invitation from a widow named Mildred Bartgis, who resides in the countryside. She claims that her house became haunted after her divorce. She insists that an entity by the name of ‘Schnabelperchten’ is angry with her because her house is never clean enough. Perhaps, due to her depression after the divorce, she has become obsessive-compulsive.
However, I’m not a psychologist, so I’m not concerned about her mental state. This case is perfect for me as it holds many paranormal clues. I must search her house to determine whether it is genuinely haunted or not.”
Ubisoft revealed a remastered Beyond Good & Evil 20th anniversary edition this week, out on 25th June, but that’s not the Beyond Good & Evil many are hungering for. Beyond Good & Evil 2 was announced back in 2008, around 16 years ago. I remember writing about that trailer of Pey’j the porcine mechanic eating a fly for a blog somewhere. “Fly-eating mechanics confirmed?” I probably scribbled, in the blessed innocence of youth.
