Neil Druckmann–the writer and creative director behind The Last of Us series and Uncharted 4–has a new title to go along with his work: Naughty Dog co-president.
The promotion was announced in a December 4 blog post on Naughty Dog’s website, with now-co-president Evan Wells mentioning that Druckmann had previously been serving as VP of the studio for about three years.
“We have such an incredible team at Naughty Dog and being able to work alongside each and every one of them is especially meaningful these days,” Wells added. “I feel proud of the team when I’m able to recognize their accomplishments and contributions to the studio.”
Prior to his work on The Last of Us and Uncharted, Druckmann worked as a gameplay programmer on Jak 3 and Jak X: Combat Racing. He’s also involved in the HBO The Last of Us series currently in the works.
The Last of Us Part 2 is one of the highest-rated games of 2020, with particular praise going toward its storytelling and performances. Naughty Dog hasn’t given much indication about what its next project will be, whether that be The Last of Us, Uncharted, or something else. The studio has not released a game in a new franchise in more than seven years.
Whatever the next game happens to be, we probably won’t hear about it for a few years. There was a four-year gap between Uncharted 4 and The Last of Us Part 2, with the smaller-scale Uncharted: The Lost Legacy launching in between.
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If you weren’t lucky enough to secure a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X/S at launch, you may be going through the frustrating experience of watching for restocks and hoping you’re quick enough to bag a console. What makes this process so aggravating, however, is the presence of bots–and groups that use them–that snap up all the stock in seconds and then sell them for a premium price.
We are, of course, talking about scalpers. For those familiar with the wild world of sneaker/trainer resale, you’ll be intimately familiar with the difficulties of snagging a limited edition or exclusive pair before an algorithm powered bot eats up the stock. This year, however, these bots, and clandestine groups that utilize them, began to target a wider variety of highly sought after items. Most notably, Nvidia’s 30 series of graphics cards have been close to impossible for the average person to buy. Naturally, Sony and Microsoft’s new consoles have also become targets, with some groups snatching thousands of consoles for themselves.
On this episode of Generation Next, Lucy, Jordan, and Tamoor break down what’s going on with scalpers and the retail bots, as well as look at whether any of it is actually illegal, what can be done, and also their own experiences with scalping or selling hot ticket items at a premium.
Unlike the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S launched without any console exclusives, and it won’t have any by the time 2020 ends. But all of that changes starting in 2021, as Xbox is scheduled to see a few console exclusives release on its next-gen hardware.
Below, we detail all of the console exclusives currently scheduled to release for Xbox Series X/S. That does mean that you’ll find these games on PC as well, but you won’t on other consoles (or at least, not at their launch). As such, we’ve left off certain high-tier names like Halo: Infinite, which is only launching on Xbox in terms of consoles, but it’s releasing for both Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One. No cross-generation titles here folks, we’re only looking at games that are exclusively releasing for the new console generation.
Avowed
From developer Obsidian Entertainment, Avowed is a single-player RPG set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity. Obsidian has described Avowed as an “epic, first-person” experience, but we don’t know much beyond that. The game doesn’t even have a release date yet.
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Bright Memory is a sci-fi shooter that mixes firearms, swords, and supernatural powers in an almost first-person take on the combo-heavy combat seen in games like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta. This new game, Bright Memory: Infinite is a soft remake that expands upon the campaign and implements additional mechanics. Bright Memory: Infinite is set to release sometime in 2021.
Everwild
From developer Rare, Everwild is “a magical and untamed natural world for you to explore and to just truly lose yourself in.” Granted, that doesn’t really explain what you do in the game or what the protagonist’s goals are (we still don’t know any of that yet) but Everwild at least looks visually impressive with a distinct graphical style. Technically, Everwild is still listed as a 2020 game, but given that, ya know, 2020 is almost over without one mention of an actual release date, we’re fairly confident that it’s been delayed to 2021.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
From developer Ninja Theory, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is a continuation of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, a third-person action game with superb sound design, which is used in the game’s exploration of dissociative identity disorder. In Hellblade II, protagonist Senua’s journey takes her to Iceland. Like a few of the other games on this list, we still don’t yet have a release date for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
Fable
Developer Playground Games–the folks behind Forza Horizon–is working on a new Fable game currently only referred to as “Fable.” A soft reboot for the Fable franchise, this new game doesn’t have a release date yet, and we also know very little about it.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is set to take place in one of the biggest in-game worlds ever made, putting you into the role of a bounty hunter who hunts down targets and treasure in the radiated wasteland of Chernobyl. The game will have a non-linear story. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is set to release sometime in 2021.
Scorn
From developer Ebb Software, Scorn is a grotesque horror-adventure game, pushing you through nightmarish environments designed to invoke body horror and fearful discomfort. Scorn will launch sometime in 2021.
The Medium
Likely the first of the games on this list that will be released in 2021, The Medium is a psychological horror game where you play as Marianne, a medium. Because of her gift, Marianne can see the world both as it is as well as how it appears in the realm of spirits, giving her hidden insight into how to escape supernatural threats or solve puzzles. The Medium will launch on January 28.
In The Mandalorian Season 2 Episode 6, Din Djarin and Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) head to the planet Tython where they run into some trouble while trying to connect with the Jedi. This episode had tons of fan service and action, and of course, a new batch of Star Wars references. Let’s break it all down.
As instructed by Ahsoka Tano, Mando sits Grogu on the seeing stone to connect to the Force and hopefully make contact with a Jedi who can train him. However, they have been tracked to the planet by the mysterious character played by Temuera Morrison at the end of Chapter 9, who we now know is Boba Fett! It turns out he survived the Sarlacc pit on Tatooine in Return of the Jedi. Fett wants his armor back, and also has help from Fennec Shand (Ming-Na Wen), who we last saw in Chapter 5.
But they’re not the only ones looking for Mando – Moff Gideon and the Empire also appear above Tython and attack, in their pursuit to capture Grogu. Also, he’s got his Dark Troopers with him. Chapter 14 is a short, action-packed episode directed by filmmaker Robert Rodriguez (Sin City, The Faculty).
2020 is (finally) coming to an end, which means we’ve got a whole new year’s worth of games to look forward to. Though both the Xbox Series X/S and PS5 are now out, the past console generation hasn’t been abandoned just yet. So as we look ahead to games coming to Xbox in 2021 and beyond, we need to consider both the Xbox One and the Xbox Series X/S.
It’s worth noting that some of these games are third-party titles that are scheduled to release for PlayStation and/or Nintendo consoles as well. If you’re looking for something a bit more next-gen console-specific, we’ve also compiled a list of all the games currently scheduled to only release for Xbox Series X/S in 2021 and beyond.
Avowed
Set in the world of Eora from the Pillars Of Eternity series, Avowed is an upcoming RPG from developer Obsidian Entertainment. We know pretty much nothing else about the game–Obsidian has only revealed that it will be an “epic, first-person RPG” and that it will release for Xbox Series X/S and PC. Given the current lack of details, we imagine that Avowed is probably scheduled more so for “beyond” than 2021, but we’ll see.
Bright Memory: Infinite
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Bright Memory: Infinite is a soft remake of 2019’s Bright Memory, a sci-fi first-person shooter with a heavy emphasis on fast-paced combat that makes use of guns, swords, and supernatural powers in a combo-focused gameplay loop. Infinite is set to expand upon the original title’s mechanics and campaign, releasing for both Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2021.
Dying Light 2
Dying Light 2 is a first-person zombie survival game where you fight the living undead with melee weapons and hardcore parkour skills. The game features RPG-inspired adaptive storytelling and co-op multiplayer. Last we heard, developer Techland delayed Dying Light 2 indefinitely so we don’t know when it’s coming out, but it’s scheduled to release for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC.
Elden Ring
Ooooooh Elden Ring, why does developer From Software refuse to talk about you? At this point, we’ve heard more about Elden Ring from Xbox head Phil Spencer (we’re only exaggerating… kinda). Elden Ring’s story is being co-created by fantasy author George R.R. Martin, and the game features an open world–a significant change in structure from From Software’s more recent action games, which use interconnected but largely linear designed environments. Elden Ring is currently scheduled to release for Xbox One, PS4, and PC.
Far Cry 6
In Far Cry 6, you play as Dani Rojas, a native of a fictional country in the midst of revolution against the regime of Presidente Anton Castillo–who’s portrayed by actor Giancarlo Esposito. The sixth mainline entry in the Far Cry series will see the return of a voiced protagonist, something missing from 2018’s Far Cry 5. Far Cry 6 will release for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Amazon Luna, and Google Stadia in 2021, with a leak suggesting May 25 specifically.
Everwild
In developer Rare’s next game, Everwild, you’re given “a magical and untamed natural world for you to explore and to just truly lose yourself in.” In trailers, we’ve seen that Everwild has a lush visual style and intriguing character designs, but we still know very little about what you actually do in the game. As of this writing, Everwild is still scheduled to release for Xbox Series X/S in 2020…but since 2020 is almost over, we imagine the game has been delayed to 2021 and Rare just hasn’t announced it yet.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
The sequel to Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II continues the titular protagonist’s journey, this time taking place in Iceland. However, other than that it will release for Xbox Series X/S and PC, we haven’t heard anything else about the game.
Fable
It’s wild to think that we’re getting another Fable game–from developer Playground Games no less, aka the studio behind the Forza Horizon series. This fourth Fable game, currently only referred to as “Fable,” is a soft reboot for the franchise, similar to Arkane Studios’ Prey. It’s scheduled to release for Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Gotham Knights
Honestly, Gotham Knights is probably the closest we’re ever getting to a Red Hood video game. And if you want, you can play as a few of Batman’s other partners too in this co-op, loot-based, open world superhero game. Despite seemingly taking place after Batman: Arkham Knight, Gotham Knights is a brand-new universe with a storyline featuring the Court of Owls–Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is the actual sequel to the Arkham series. Weird right? Gotham Knights is scheduled to launch for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC in 2021.
Halo Infinite
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Halo Infinite Gameplay Demo | Xbox Games Showcase 2020
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Microsoft’s flagship franchise returns with its sixth mainline entry in Halo Infinite, which once again puts you into the boots of Master Chief. This time around, Chief is going up against the Banished, the baddies of Halo Wars 2. Originally slated to release in November 2020 before being delayed, Halo Infinite will now launch for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC in 2021.
Hitman 3
Hitman 3 will build on the formula of its predecessors, presenting more self-contained areas with perfectly run systems for you to exploit in your quest to be the best assassin. The fan-favorite elusive targets will also return, though competitive multiplayer is being cut. Hitman 3 will launch for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, and Google Stadia on January 20.
Little Nightmares II
In Little Nightmares II, you’ll once again journey through a perilous, nightmarish world, but this time you won’t have to do it alone–you’re joined by Six, the protagonist of the first game. This nerve-wracking sequel is full of jump scares, tense chase sequences, and terrifying enemies. Little Nightmares II will launch for Xbox One, PS4, and PC on February 11, with Xbox Series X/S and PS5 versions scheduled for release later in 2021.
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga isn’t a simple collection of the previous Lego Star Wars games. It’s an entirely new game that allows you to travel throughout the galaxy during the time periods of the three movie trilogies, participating in space battles and other open world side quests with nearly 500 playable characters. Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is scheduled to launch for Xbox One, PS4, PC, and Switch in 2021.
Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139…
Yeah, I’m surprised this is an actual game title too–I for sure thought that Tamoor and Matt were pulling my leg when they handed me this list. But, Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139… is a real title of a real game–it’s a remake of the original Nier Replicant, an action-based RPG, with updated graphics and animations that more closely resemble the more recent Nier Automata. Nier Replicant ver.1.22474487139… will release for Xbox One, PS4, and PC on April 23.
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time
Prince of Persia: Sands of Time is a remake of the 2003 game of the same name, presenting the original action game with both visual and gameplay enhancements, most noticeably in regards to camera movement and combat mechanics. Prince of Persia: Sands of Time will launch for Xbox One, PS4, and PC on January 21.
Psychonauts 2
Psychonauts 2, developer Double Fine’s sequel to its much-beloved platformer, presents more human psyches for protagonist Raz to puzzle and jump their way through. The game was originally planned for 2019 before being delayed to 2020 and then delayed again to 2021. Barring any more delays, Psychonauts 2 will release for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, and PC sometime in 2021.
Resident Evil Village
The Resident Evil franchise is taking a break from remakes after 2019’s Resident Evil 2 and 2020’s Resident Evil 3 in order to push the story forward with the next mainline game in the franchise: Resident Evil Village. No concrete release date for Village yet, though leaks suggest it will launch for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC in April 2021.
Ruined King: A League of Legends Story
As a means to both expand upon the lore of Runeterra and welcome in new faces to League of Legends, Ruined King: A League of Legends Story is a single-player RPG with turn-based combat. The game will launch for Xbox One, PS4, PC, and Switch sometime in 2021, with Xbox Series X/S and PS5 versions releasing sometime later in the year.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2
In S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, you play as a bounty hunter who’s specially trained to survive in radiated zones, where you’ll have to fight off horrific monsters and dangerous factions seeking the same prizes as you. The story will be told in a non-linear manner, taking place in one of the biggest in-game worlds ever made. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will release for Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2021.
Scorn
Developer Ebb Software’s Scorn is a horror-adventure game with a narrative focus that heavily leans into body-horror and grotesque imagery. Definitely not one for the squeamish, that’s for sure. Scorn will launch for Xbox Series X/S and PC in 2021, but in the meantime, check out some extended gameplay showing off the horrifying environments and monsters within.
In The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, you’ll play as the titular Gollum in an original story that takes place in the immediate years following his acquisition of Sauron’s ring, and his subsequent descent into madness. . As Gollum dissociates and slips in and out of his different personas, you’ll be able to choose which voices he listens to, influencing both the overall narrative and how Gollum perceives the world around him. The Lord of the Rings: Gollum will release for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC in 2021.
The Medium
The Medium is about, well, a medium–in this psychological horror game, you play as Marianne, who’s able to seamlessly transfer between the physical world and the spiritual realm. This allows you to look at and interact with the in-game world in two different ways to fight enemies, escape monsters, and solve puzzles. The Medium will launch for Xbox Series X/S and PC on January 28.
Unknown 9: Awakening
Unknown 9: Awakening is game set in a multimedia expanded universe that also includes podcasts, novels, and comic books–you have to experience all of them to get the full story. In Awakening, you play as Haroona, a young girl with supernatural powers. Unknown 9: Awakening will release for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC in 2021.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2
Following a second delay, it looks like Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is finally coming out. In this first-person RPG, you play as a vampire in Seattle who has only recently turned and now needs to find a way to fit into vampiric society and satiate their bloodlust without raising the suspicion of humans. Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 will launch for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, and PC in 2021.
Two of this year’s biggest surprises might not be directly trying to take each other out, but in this Star Wars Battlefront II mod, it’s all about the intergalactic struggle between Fall Guys and Among Us.
The mod transforms the Rebel Alliance fighters with the colorful bean bodies of the contestants from Fall Guys, while the Imperial forces are all replaced with stretched out and frankly uncomfortable models from Among Us. You can see the forces waging war in the gameplay below, which somehow works despite the clashing art styles.
The mod was seemingly commissioned by YouTuber ToastedShoes (and developed by NoTengoTortuga) who showcased the gameplay above nearly a month ago. The mod wasn’t public then, but you can grab it from Nexus Mods now. It’s two separate downloads for each of the teams, and you will need an additional Fall Guys Hero Overhaul mod to get those characters working.
If you’re not interested in playing with the mod you can still enjoy some of art. Many character transformations are available on the mod page, including this treat showing General Grievous if he had no arms and just one long Among Us space man body. It’s something.
Imperial Among Us troops
Among Us and Fall Guys are still going strong, with high player numbers and new content being regularly added to both titles. Fall Guys has added a bunch of new skins recently, along with a tease that Doomguy will be heading to the game soon.
In Star Trek Discovery Season 3 Episode 8, Book’s home planet, Kwejian, is being threatened by Osyraa and the Emerald Chain. The Discovery jumps to Kwejian to assist the citizens as observers. We learn about Book’s history and falling out with his family, including his brother, Kyheem. Kyheem contacted Book because Osyraa wants Ryn, the Andorian.
Meanwhile, Georgiou’s health is declining and her condition is serious. Culber says she’s in the early stages of brain dysfunction, so he and Dr. Pollard perform a scan on Georgiou’s entire body, system by system. Unfortunately, Georgiou has another episode with traumatic visions during the scan. We have a theory on what might be going on with Georgiou, based on something that had happened to Tuvok in Star Trek: Voyager.
Adira and Stamets combined the SB-19 data from Ni’Var with the date from the recovered black boxes to find where The Burn started. But with this information comes another mystery involving the song we’ve heard in previous episodes from the seed ship recordings and Grey’s cello playing. Stamets also learns that Adira (Blu del Barrio) is non-binary. Chastity and Greg recap the story and Star Trek references from Episode 8 and discuss Star Trek: Discovery Season 3’s villain issue.
On this week’s episode of GameSpot After Dark Jake and Kallie are away, which means the Yakuza fans are out to play. Specifically, Lucy, Michael, Jean-Luc, and Tamoor sit down to have a nice long chat about Yakuza: Like A Dragon, an exciting new entry for the beloved franchise that does a few new things.
Of course, longtime listeners might point out that we talk about Yakuza a whole bunch regardless of whether Jake and Kallie are on and, to those people we say, yes, but this time we’re talking for an extra long time about Yakuza, because it’s one of the major releases for Xbox Series X and S, and because it’s just a fantastic game.
But, alongside that, we’ve also got a bit of chat on Final Fantasy XIV (we can’t have Michael Higham on and not talk about that game–it’s basically the GameSpot law at this point.) We also cover the recent mumblings about a battle royale mode for Halo Infinite and the rather bombastic end to the latest Fortnite event.
