It’s been a little while since we last heard about the untitled open-world driving game from Maverick Games, the studio opened a couple of years back by ex-Playground Games veterans including former Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown. We still don’t know what the team’s new game is called or when it might hit the road, but we have been given a few more snippets of what to expect and news on who’ll be helping pump up its tires and fill it with fuel as publisher.
Cyberpunk 2077 will get the long promised FidelityFX Super Resolution 3 (FSR3) support at some point, developer CD Projekt Red has confirmed.
Speaking to IGN, the developer confirmed FSR3 — the latest iteration of AMD’s supersampling technology which increases the frame rate of a game — would still be released despite announcing it no longer had a dedicated Cyberpunk 2077 team.
“We are still working on the FSR3 support for Cyberpunk 2077, but I do not have an update on its availability just yet,” a CD Projekt Red spokesperson told IGN.
Fans were left questioning whether the promised update would ever arrive after the developer told investors its Cyberpunk 2077 team had been migrated elsewhere following the release of what was assumed to be the final update in version 2.12.
“AMD’s FSR3 was supposed to be coming to Cyberpunk 2077, but it seems like that was cancelled given that no developers are working on Cyberpunk 2077,” one Reddit user commented in a post discussing the development shift.
Some internet sleuths spotted a change to the game’s backend on PC platform Steam, however, which indicates that another update might be on the way. “Not sure if they decided to scrap the FSR3 update or not but I feel like there will be one (small) final patch, considering the internal QA branch was updated six hours ago for the first time since the last update released,” wrote Apoqsi on X/Twitter.
This certainly seems to be the case, even if the update only arrives for the PC version of Cyberpunk 2077. FSR3 was similarly added to the likes of Immortals of Aveum and Starfield, letting PC players get the most of their high-end rigs.
CD Projekt Red wound down the development of Cyberpunk 2077 after the release of its first and only expansion, Phantom Liberty, in September 2023. It came after the game-changing Update 2.0, which completely revamped Cyberpunk 2077 with features such as a new perk system and improved AI, and was followed by another big update in 2.1 but only minor changes afterwards.
Patch 2.11 addressed myriad bugs and balance issues in the open-world role-playing game, while 2.12 applied what was thought to be a final layer of polish. CD Projekt Red is now looking firmly forward towards Cyberpunk 2077’s sequel, codenamed Orion, and its myriad incoming Witcher games, though not without releasing this FSR 3 update eventually.
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.
Many moons ago, premiere wordsman Nate Crowley reviewed shark ‘em up Maneater, decrying its incurious perpetuation of anti-shark propaganda, and calling it “an ecstatically violent simulation of being a fool’s idea of a shark.” My own frothing penchant for the plan-schemes of Warhammer’s Skaven ratboys has been documented in these pages to the point of rabidity, but I do feel broadly similarly about media that sullies rats – clean, smart and good folk that they are. Lively tactics Trash Of The Titans does not aim to emancipate its villainous vermin. But, like Warhammer, it gets a pass for its evident affection towards its antagonistic dumpster diving scuttlers. Also, it’s just plain fun.
Sony has deleted a controversial interview with Naughty Dog chief Neil Druckmann after The Last of Us director called it out in a social media post.
The interview included quotes attributed to Druckmann that discussed views on everything from AI to Naughty Dog’s next game, which was said could “redefine mainstream perceptions of gaming”.
Druckmann then tweeted to say some of what made it into his interview with Sony was “not quite” what he said. “In editing my rambling answers in my recent interview with Sony, some of my words, context, and intent were unfortunately lost,” Druckmann added, before posting the “full long rambling answer for the final question about our future game”.
While Druckmann said this new project is “maybe the most excited” he’s been for one yet and “something really fresh for us”, he didn’t quite say, “it could redefine mainstream perceptions of gaming.” What he did additionally say was that he is “very excited to see what the reaction for this thing will be, and i’ve already said too much about it.”
In editing my rambling answers in my recent interview with SONY, some of my words, context, and intent were unfortunately lost. Well, here’s the full long rambling answer for the final question about our future game… pic.twitter.com/tVuxX3LYJF
— Neil Druckmann (@Neil_Druckmann) May 25, 2024
Druckmann’s tweet surprised many given Sony owns Naughty Dog, and we don’t often see developers call out their own corporate overlords. But given just how misrepresented Druckmann was in this case, it was perhaps an appropriate move. Now, following that exchange, Sony has issued a statement of its own, addressing the controversy while removing the original interview.
“In re-reviewing our recent interview with Naughty Dog’s Neil Druckmann, we have found several significant errors and inaccuracies that don’t represent his perspective and values (including topics such as animation, writing, technology, AI, and future projects),” Sony said.
“We apologize to Neil for misrepresenting his words and for any negative impact this interview might have caused him and his team. In coordination with Naughty Dog and SIE, we have removed the interview.”
Naughty Dog confirmed it was working on a new project in March 2023, and this will be the first new game from the studio since 2020’s The Last of Us: Part 2. Naughty Dog also confirmed in 2023 that it had cancelled its The Last of Us multiplayer game and would focus on single-player games going forward.
Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images.
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.
No other lifeforms, no trading, no help.
Hello Games is preparing to launch the third large No Man’s Sky update of the year, ‘Adrift’. While previous patches have all been about adding more, this one strips things back.
In ‘Adrift,’ the universe has been abandoned. There are no other lifeforms — say goodbye to shopping, trading and shortcuts — and only echoes of a long-gone civilisation remain. Oh, and we should also mention that Sandworm numbers have increased, so be careful when taking a stroll across desert planets.
Read the full article on nintendolife.com
Xbox and Game Pass Travellers in No Man’s Sky have already feasted well in 2024 with the release of the Orbital update, which invited all Xbox players to try the game for free, and Omega, which introduced the ability to customize starships and overhauled space stations for the first time since launch. As we close in on our 8th anniversary in the summer, we are pleased to launch our 13th community expedition, Adrift. It’ll be available for Xbox players to jump in later this week.
No Man’s Sky’s expeditions are a chance for the entire community to come together in a specific place in the universe, which is consequently always alive with Travellers completing the expedition’s unique set of limited-time challenges.
But uniquely, in the Adrift expedition, the galaxy has been abandoned. There is no life to be seen anywhere – no aliens, no space stations, none of the usual network of shops and buildings.
Although everyone awakes on the same planet (the desolate, worm-infested Lapezuk), you will not be together in the usual sense. Communication is consumed by static and the boundaries between each of your individual realities have thickened.
Even the usually-bustling Space Anomaly is eerily silent and devoid of the usual support from merchants and traders. In this forsaken universe you will have to use all your wits and adapt your approach simply to survive. Self-reliance is more critical than ever.
The Adrift expedition is a whole new way to experience No Man’s Sky and a chance to meditate on the darkness of deep space. When the world around us is a constant stream of noise and hubbub, it offers up a silent haven. Will you find it a soothing respite, or an eerie and disturbing void?
No matter how you choose to embrace the Adrift expedition personally, there are, as ever, exclusive and collectable rewards for the willing adventurers including the gnawing scuttler companion, a supply of starship stealth paint, a ghostly frigate, and the unique Iron Vulture starship.
Adrift begins later this week, and will run for approximately seven weeks. We have lots more planned throughout the summer so Xbox players should keep their eyes peeled for further updates.
The post An Abandoned Galaxy Awaits in Adrift, The Latest No Man’s Sky Expedition appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Gran Turismo players! This month’s update brings back a few of the classic GT legends including the Honda NSX GT500 and the Nissan Skyline GTS-R ‘87.
Update 1.48* for Gran Turismo 7 will be available as of Wednesday, May 29 at 11:00pm PST / May 30 at 7:00am BST / 3:00pm JST.
Honda Civic SiR･II (EG) ’93
(Can be purchased from Used Cars)
The top-grade 5th generation Civic balances speed with comfort.
The Civic, now equipped with a VTEC engine and much faster, passed the baton to the 5th generation model in September of 1991. The body was available in a 3-door hatchback, the newly christened “Ferio” 4-door saloon, and the 5-door shuttle. The car’s tagline called it the “Sports Civic”. Engine variety increased due to the further development of the VTEC system. The base models were equipped with the carbureted 1.3 L and 1.5 L, on top of these were the easy to drive 1.5 L SOHC VTEC and the more fuel efficient 1.5 L VTEC-E.
The top of the line was crowned with SiR model, which featured the high performance 1.6 L DOHC VTEC. All cars used Honda’s new standard double wishbone suspension. The SiR model, which served as the face of the “Sports Civic” boasted 9.9 BHP more power than the previous generation, achieving 167.7 BHP. Also for the suspension, the spring rate, amount of suspension stroke, etc. were revised, and were set to be more sports oriented. As with previous models, the SiR aimed for lower weight through simplified equipment, while the SiR･II featured a full suite of comfort amenities such as automatic air conditioning, power windows, and a genuine leather wrapped steering wheel.
Honda NSX GT500 ’00
(Can be purchased from Legend Cars)
A new design with a lower centre of gravity was the key to victory for this JGTC champion.
During the 2000 All-Japan Grand Touring Car Championship (JGTC), the three big automakers Honda, Toyota and Nissan engaged in an unprecedented war for the GT500-class title. The NSX development team decided on major changes to the 2000 model even going so far as repositioning the transverse mounted engine. Mounting a V-type engine in a transverse layout helps to shorten the length of the vehicle, but the layout creates problems in routing the exhaust pipes coming from the two-cylinder banks. Previously, the NSX’s exhaust pipes had ran under the engine, but the development team decided to re-route them to the sides and lower the engine itself. However, in this configuration the gearbox, which was mounted on the side of the engine, would be in the way. To make space for the exhaust pipes, the team set about redesigning a smaller gearbox. The result was a completely bespoke transmission that employed formula car gears, which are thinner and more compact than regular gears.
Five NSX teams were entered for the 2000 season. Among them, the Castrol Mugen NSX team, along with Takata Dome NSX, took on the role of advanced-development “works cars” inside the NSX camp. The Takata Dome NSX showed overwhelming performance, taking win. However, the unique weight handicaps in the JGTC rules resulted in the team missing out on the championship title. In its shadow emerged the Castrol Mugen NSX, putting in one solid run after another. It was driven by Ryo Michigami and Osamu Nakako, with Nakako being replaced by Hidetoshi Mitsusada halfway through the season. The Castrol Mugen NSX team were able to deftly handle the weight handicaps incurred from its 1st place finishes and went on to glory as the series champion.
Nissan Skyline GTS-R (R31) ’87
(Can be purchased from Used Cars)
An unlikely monster machine born from the elegant lines of the 7th gen. Skyline.
Though it still retained the same sporty appeal of the previous generation R30 model, the 7th generation R31 Skyline marked a change of direction for the line when it was released in August 1985. In the Japanese car scene of the time, there was a growing trend in both the sales and general popularity of luxury outfitted ‘high-society cars’, typically either 4 or 2-door models. In response to this cultural boom, the Skyline was repositioned as a luxury saloon. At its debut, the new model featured a somewhat understated line-up, featuring a 4-door hardtop, a sedan and an estate. Fans would have to wait until May 1986 for the anticipated 2-door coupé.
The real attraction of the 7th generation would show up much later still though. This was the GTS-R, released in August 1987 in a limited run of only 800 cars. The GTS-R was developed to reclaim the Group A racing title and was a very sporty model. The powerplant was based on the turbocharged RB20DET DOHC inline-6 featured in the GTS, which generated 177.5 BHP and 23.0 kgfm of torque. The GTS-R version added a stainless-steel exhaust manifold and a T04E turbocharger, achieving 207.1 BHP and 25.0 kgfm torque. This was a very special engine, earning itself the designation RB20DET-R.
The suspension and exterior were also modified. While the normal GTS-X had an automatic front spoiler that deployed according to vehicle speed, the GTS-R instead used a fixed spoiler, with the rear spoiler also being upgraded to a larger unit. In addition, the car was offered in an exclusive ‘Blue Black’ body colour.
Volvo 240 SE Estate ’93
(Can be purchased from Used Cars)
A historic model which taught the world to love the station wagon.
When people think of Volvo, they think estate cars. And when they think estate cars, they think Volvo. Such was the automobile scene for quite some time until the worldwide SUV boom began gaining momentum in the late 1980’s. One car that cemented this maxim was the 240 Estate.
The 240 series itself had debuted in 1974, made up of the ‘244’ 4-door sedan, ‘242’ 2-door, and ‘245’ 5-door wagon. The 3rd digit of the model number denoted the number of doors. It wasn’t until 1983 that all these models were consolidated into a single ‘240’ model. Additionally, when the car originally debuted it featured round headlights, the iconic square lamps were introduced later in 1979. The 240 retained most of its original styling throughout its production until 1993, though its safety features were kept constantly up to date with additions like airbags and ABS as standard equipment. Even in an era where sedans ruled sales figures, over one third of total production was made up of wagon models, proving just how popular the Estate was in the 240 line-up.One of the most notable features of the 240 Estate was its styling, which appeared square no matter what angle the car was observed from. It features a long front overhang to incorporate crumble zones, and on the rear as well a long overhang facilitates both impact absorption and extra luggage space. This resulted in the car’s characteristically long thin silhouette.
Volvo V40 T5 R-Design ’13
*Can be purchased from Brand Central
The globally successful Volvo that serves as a saloon, estate, and coupe.
The V40 was revealed at the 2012 Geneva show as a C-segment 5-door hatchback. Though it was positioned as Volvo’s entry-level model, the V40 would actually play a huge role in the Volvo catalogue as it served as the combined replacement for 3 different models: the conventional S40 saloon, the V50 family estate, and the sporty C30 3-door hatchback. To create a car that could provide the comfort of a saloon, the utility of an estate and the youthful, sporty styling of a coupe, the car was developed completely from scratch. While the base structure utilized a platform in common with Ford cars, the styling is innovative and has no trace of Volvo’s conservative image of the past. Incorporating design cues from the classic P1800 of the 60’s and its later 1800ES variant, the car has flowing lines and a soulful silhouette that can be interpreted as a coupe or an estate. The car was an immediate hit from its debut, attracting worldwide attention for both its aesthetics and utility, able to comfortably seat 4 adults along with all their luggage. The T5 R-Design is the sportiest model of the series. Its 210.1 BHP 2L inline-5 turbocharged engine provides quick acceleration performance, and its sports suspension and 18-inch wheels provide both sharp handling and a smooth ride. The special front bumper and rear diffuser provide additional aerodynamic performance, as well as giving it a bold look.
The following Menu has been added:
The following new events have been added to World Circuits:
‘Move the camera up and down II’ has been added as a featured curation in Scapes.
*Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update.
Forza Horizon may soon have some competition. Amazon Games announced today that it has struck a deal with Maverick Games for a “narrative-led open-world driving game,” which is set to release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Maverick Games, a studio spearheaded by numerous Playground Games veterans, is leading development on the new project. The studio’s leadership includes Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown.
“We founded Maverick Games with a clear vision: to build a developer-first studio that would foster an environment of creativity and risk-taking,” Brown said in a statement. “This approach empowers our team to produce the most exceptional work of their careers. And ultimately, that means we are creating a game that our players are going to fall in love with.
“As we got to know the team at Amazon Games it quickly became clear that we had a shared ethos – a commitment to giving developers the space to really innovate in service of crafting experiences that players will find truly special. Without giving too much away, I will share that the team here is buzzing with excitement about our game and we can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Billed as a AAA project, the untitled game may be more story-driven than the Forza Horizon games. Its lead writer is Jamie Brittain, whose work includes the British teen drama Skins. In a 2023 interview with RPS, Brittain talked about bringing a TV writing process to the studio.
“Narrative and storytelling is fundamental to being a human being, and people who are good writers are just a little bit better at expressing that,” he said. “If you talk to anyone for long enough, they’ve got a story. And if you tell someone a story, people have got opinions on it. For me, that’s always been the magic of a writers’ room. Ninety percent of all the best TV shows you’ve ever seen are made that way. And it’s a gloriously fun way of doing things.”
Amazon Games has not announced a release date or a title for the new game. Its other upcoming projects include Tomb Raider, a new Lord of the Rings MMO, and NCSoft’s Throne and Liberty. Expect more news from Amazon Games when Summer Game Fest and IGN Live kick off next week.
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.
In the aftermath of the release of Call of Duty Black Ops 6’s live-action reveal trailer, fans have unearthed a number of secrets, Easter eggs, and hidden details — and perhaps even a pointer to the game’s first Zombies map.
Activision’s marketing so far has revolved around teasing fans with cryptic nods to the Gulf War of the early ‘90s, and the trailer, below, continues the conspiracy theories with a few words of wisdom from world leaders central to the military action that took place in Iraq during the decade. Former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush, as well as ex-UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Iraq leader Saddam Hussein, combine to utter words from the shadows that allude to some grand conspiracy the player will presumably unravel over the course of Black Ops 6’s campaign.
To accompany the release of the trailer, Activision released a single piece of key art for Black Ops 6. On the face of it, this image, below, rekindles memories of Black Ops 1’s iconic box art, with a soldier in a familiar pose while holding handguns. But fans have spotted various clues and Easter eggs in the image that have certainly set the cat among the pigeons within the community.
First off, at the 35-second mark the trailer shows a set of numbers that are the real-life coordinates to Saddam Hussein’s palace. This makes sense in the context of the trailer itself, which features Hussein, but fans are also wondering if Black Ops 6 features a mission that takes players inside the palace itself, or perhaps there’s a multiplayer map set within it.
#blackops6 Co-Ordinates found in the new teaser trailer are co-ordinates to Saddam Husseins Palace. Further confirming his appearance and his involvement in the campaign 🔥🔥 @MrDalekJD @MrRoflWaffles pic.twitter.com/cwqVExnFc1
— KullenJames (@kjwleader11) May 28, 2024
Dig deeper and there are even more hidden details, and this is where Call of Duty YouTuber MrRoflWaffles comes in. The video summarizing his findings less than 24 hours after the publication of the reveal trailer is a quite incredible journey to what ends up being a well-argued suggestion that Tranzit from Black Ops 2 has inspired the first Zombies map for Black Ops 6.
MrRoflWaffles demonstrates some remarkable detective skills as he analyzes the various clues in the trailer, including hard-to-read lines of text, seemingly innocuous images, as well as etchings on weapons, then cross-references them with real-world places and events to work ouit potential locations in which Black Ops 6 takes place. There are power plant accidents, old Black Ops lore, images of churches and bridges, and it all leads to a theory that a Tranzit-inspired map called Liberty Falls is the first Black Ops 6 Zombies map.
MrRoflWaffles is in full Pepe Silvia meme mode here as he either veers off in a completely wrong direction or solves a Zombies Easter egg months before Black Ops 6 comes out. “Am I crazy, or am I cooking?” MrRoflWaffles asks viewers. Either way, if you have even a vague interest in Call of Duty, the video is worth a watch.
More glaringly obvious is Activision’s clear tease relating to ‘Sally.’ Activision has released handgun variants into Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone with ‘Sally VI’ etched into one of them. At the 39-second mark in the teaser trailer, we see a one-frame visual for ‘Sally VIII.’ Sally VIII is etched into one of the handguns on the Black Ops 1 key art. And, completing the set, the Black Ops 6 key art includes the text: ‘Codename Sally VII.’ Whatever it means, Sally looks set to play a key role in Black Ops 6.
Activision has expertly laid these breadcrumbs for fans to follow, and they’re having a lot of fun doing just that. Expect a Black Ops 6 gameplay reveal, and plenty more breadcrumbs to follow, during the Xbox showcase and subsequent Call of Duty Direct in June.
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.
A producer on Kerbal Space Program 2 has confirmed that those working on the space flight sim are being laid off en masse. We already knew that the developers at Intercept Games would be losing their jobs thanks to a closure announcement from Washington State. Until remarks from Strauss Zelnick, the CEO of Take-Two Interactive, muddied the waters. Zelnick refused to acknowledge that the studio was being closed when asked by a reporter, even going so far as to claim the opposite. “We didn’t shutter those studios,” he told IGN. But it seems clear from one producer’s testimony that Zelnick’s remarks are inaccurate.
