Tiger King Follow-Up Documentary Series In The Works At ID Network

The Tiger King, which has been binged by millions since it debuted on Netflix, and with some questions left unanswered at the series’ conclusion, a follow-up series is being planned.

The AV Club is reporting that the ID network has announced Investigating The Strange World Of Joe Exotic, which it is calling a “sequel” to the Netflix series.

ID Network’s show will reportedly dig deeper into the investigations around Joe Exotic, as well as the other characters who appear on the show. The press release sent out by the network promises to dig into Jeff Lowe and Doc Antle too: “What skeletons is Joe still hiding within his untold past? Is his conviction truly justified? Who is Jeff Lowe and what does the FBI really know? What secrets lie hidden with Doc Antle’s walls?”

Netflix is reportedly planning a follow-up episode of their own, and it’s unclear whether the filmmakers involved have any ties to this new series. The Tiger King has also provoked a deeper investigation into the disappearance of Carole Baskin’s ex-husband.

Viewership figures on Netflix are way up during the current COVID-19 pandemic, which goes some way to explaining The Tiger King’s popularity.

Now Playing: Best Shows And Movies To Stream For April 2020 – Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video

How To Get A Lot Of Free Money In Battlefield 5 Right Now

Developer DICE is extending its free currency offering for Battlefield V, now allowing you to collect a full 6,000 Company Coin for simply logging into the game over the next week.

Everyone who logs in on April 6-7, 8-9, and 10, as well as April 13-14, will get an allotment of 1,500 Company Coin. You can claim 1,500 for each day/period, for a total of 6,000.

DICE is giving away the microtransaction currency as part of the global “Stay and Play” campaign that is calling on people to stay home and play video games to help flatten the COVID-19 curve.

DICE previously gave away free Battlefield V currency earlier in April, and the company is now extending that offer significantly.

Company Coin is the main in-game currency for Battlefield V that players can spend on various cosmetics, so this is a nice perk that everyone can enjoy.

Battlefield V is not the only game that is encouraging people to stay inside. Games like Dirt Rally 2.0, Sniper Elite 4, Strange Brigade, Candy Crush Saga, and Farm Heroes Saga have all been updated to include in-game messaging encouraging people to stay home.

Now Playing: Battlefield V Video Review

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Quibi Show Reviews: What to Watch and What to Skip

New streaming platform Quibi has officially launched, rolling out dozens of scripted shows (or, in Quibi terms, “movies in chapters”), unscripted series, and documentaries that are designed to be consumed in “quick bites” of 10 minutes or less. Each show has launched with three episodes so you can get a taste of the series, with new installments rolling out every weekday – but are any of them worth your time?

Here are our reactions to the 24 scripted, unscripted, and documentary series you can watch on Quibi right now, from Sophie Turner’s thriller Survive to Chrissy Teigen’s courtroom comedy Chrissy’s Court. Critics were shown the first three or four episodes of each series in advance, and we’ve given each series a traditional verdict and score out of 10, along with our recommendation whether it’s worth watching or skipping – with the acknowledgment that some shows around the 6-7 range could go either way, depending on your tastes.

Quibi is currently available for a free 90-day trial if you sign up before the end of April (it’s available via Apple’s App Store and the Google Play Store); after the trial, Quibi will cost $4.99 with ads and $7.99 without ads. Other series, including Sam Raimi’s 50 States of Fright and Idris Elba’s reality series Elba v. Block, will roll out in the coming weeks, so we’ll be updating this review roundup as they premiere.

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Quibi’s Scripted Shows:

Most Dangerous Game

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Official Synopsis: Desperate to take care of his pregnant wife before a terminal illness can take his life, Dodge Tynes (Liam Hemsworth) accepts an offer to participate in a deadly game where he’s the prey. This dystopian action-thriller explores the limits of how far someone would go to fight for their life and their family. Let the games begin.

Verdict: The first four episodes are decidedly action-free and trope-heavy while also barely advancing the plot beyond what one or two episodes could have established. So far this formulaic spin on the classic humans-hunting-humans story plays like a standard direct-to-video genre flick – Jim Vejvoda

Score: 5

Watch or Skip: Skip

When the Streetlights Go On

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Official Synopsis: After the murder of a beautiful young girl rocks a suburban community, the victim’s sister and her high school peers must struggle to find a sense of normalcy while coming of age in the midst of the murder investigation.

Verdict: This atmospheric murder-mystery has shades of Twin Peaks and Veronica Mars, as we follow a high school newspaper reporter (Chosen Jacobs) dealing with a double murder that’s rocked his small hometown. The slow-burn unfolding mystery is intriguing but the voiceover from the protagonist’s older self has yet to prove why it’s necessary beyond exposition. – Jim Vejvoda

Score: 7

Watch or Skip: Watch

Survive

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Official Synopsis: Jane (Sophie Turner) wants to end it all. Then a plane crash almost ends it for her. Now she’s crawling from the wreckage with the only other survivor (Corey Hawkins) and a new drive to stay alive. Together they embark on a harrowing journey out of the wilderness, battling brutal conditions and personal traumas in this thrilling drama based on the critically acclaimed novel, Survive, by Alex Morel.

Verdict: The most depressing of the Quibi shows, Survive takes a sharp left turn after its first two morose episodes when the two main protagonists survive a mountaintop plane crash. While the premise is definitely intriguing — a suicidal person forced to stay alive because someone else’s life depends on it — Survive showcases some very melodramatic moments of acting that often feels like a drama class exercise. Still, having only seen the first four chapters, it’s possible Survive improves in future chapters now that all the emotional set-up is out of the way. – Jim Vejvoda

Score: 6

Watch or Skip: Watch (with reservations)

Flipped

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Official Synopsis:  Cricket (Kaitlin Olson) and Jann (Will Forte) think they have what it takes to become TV’s newest house-flipping couple. Unfortunately, a Mexican drug cartel thinks so too. Now the delusional duo has to survive their newest project — renovating the cartel’s mansions.

Verdict: Will Forte and Kaitlin Olson are hilarious in this absurd depiction of two people oblivious to their own mediocrity who nevertheless luck their way into a more successful position. Flipped transcends a premise that could have easily been just an SNL skit thanks to the charm of its two leads and the show’s sharp, witty writing. – Jim Vejvoda

Score: 8

Watch or Skip: Watch

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Quibi’s Unscripted Shows and Documentaries

Thanks a Million

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Official Synopsis: Executive produced by Jennifer Lopez, this emotional and inspiring series features grateful public figures who kickstart a chain of kindness by gifting $100,000 to an unsuspecting individual who must pay it forward.

Verdict: Watching celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Kevin Hart give tens of thousands of dollars to individuals who have inspired them is heartwarming. And what makes Thanks a Million even more endearing is that the recipients of the money must split their respective earnings in half and share it with someone else. The series is effectively able to show people from all walks of life being generous and the transformative effect it can have on them.  – David Griffin

Score: 8

Watch or Skip: Watch

Punk’d

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Official Synopsis: Hosted and Executive Produced by Chance the Rapper, Punk’d dares to go where no show has gone before. Now that technology can really augment reality, we’re back to pull the boldest pranks on the biggest stars in Hollywood. No one is safe.

Verdict: Chance the Rapper attempts to breathe new life into the series that Ashton Kutcher helped create back in 2003 with a new batch of pranks involving celebrities. While some of the hijinks are awkwardly funny at times, Punk’d ultimately feels uninspired and doesn’t bring anything new to the genre. – David Griffin

Score: 5

Watch or Skip: Skip

You Ain’t Got These

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Official Synopsis: This is not a show about sneakers. It’s a show about sneaker culture. Fitting in. And belonging to something bigger than yourself. Best of all? Lena Waithe is in it.

Verdict: Executive producer and host Lena Waithe takes an engaging dive into the history of sneakers in America and how it has impacted the culture. Waithe, being a “sneakerhead” herself, is an excellent choice to guide newcomers and sneaker aficionados alike with her informative interviews with NBA stars, comedians, musicians, and historians. If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about what makes brands like Jordan and Yeezy so desirable, give You Ain’t Got These a try. – David Griffin

Score: 9

Watch or Skip: Watch

Run This City

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Official Synopsis: Run This City is a series that follows Jasiel Correia II as he navigates his role as the youngest mayor of Fall River, MA ever elected to office. When the FBI indicts him for his former company, Correia vows to fight the charges and be vindicated.

Verdict: While not quite as outlandish and “meme worthy” as Netflix’s Tiger King docuseries, Run This City has enough provocative moments to keep you engaged. The story of Fall River’s youngest mayor isn’t just about day-to-day politics, but also sex, drugs, and the criminal underground. Jasiel Correia II’s ambitious quest to become the king of a small American city makes for a compelling character study. – David Griffin

Score: 8

Watch or Skip: Watch

Chrissy’s Court

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Official Synopsis: Real people. Real cases. And real, legally binding decisions. If you thought Chrissy Teigen couldn’t become an actual courtroom judge, you’ve been overruled. In each episode of Chrissy’s Court, Chrissy Teigen reigns supreme as the “judge” over one small claims case. Chrissy’s mom turned “bailiff,” Pepper Thai, maintains order in the courtroom.

Verdict: Chrissy Teigen channels her inner Judge Judy for this lighthearted reality series which sees the model and host presiding over a variety of absurd (but apparently real) small claims cases – one per each six-minute episode. Teigen keeps things lively with celebrity guests and banter with her “bailiff” mom, but your mileage for this show may vary based on your appreciation of the host – the cases are decidedly frivolous, and some are more interesting than others. – Laura Prudom

Score: 7

Watch or Skip: Watch (but you’ll know after one episode whether this is for you).

The Shape of Pasta

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Official Synopsis: Chef Evan Funke. Italy. And the pursuit of pasta perfection. He’s uncovering the craft and culture behind some rare and forgotten pasta shapes. We dare you not to drool. Follow Chef Evan Funke’s passion-filled quest to find the last remaining masters of the world’s most beloved food… pasta. Join his whirlwind tour of Italy to keep these traditions alive.

Verdict: Chef Evan Funke’s exploration of rare pasta shapes is an enlightening experience for any foodie. Echoing the late Anthony Bourdain, the LA-based chef’s travels uncover fascinating details about not only the food found in these remote Italian villages, but also the culture and history that shapes them (pun intended). However, unlike Bourdain’s Parts Unknown or No Reservations, which gave viewers close to an hour of content, The Shape of Pasta’s “10-minute or less” runtime feels insufficient. – David Griffin

Score: 7

Watch or Skip: Watch

The Sauce

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Official Synopsis: The Sauce follows dance sensations Ayo & Teo as they explore the unique dance cultures in cities across the U.S., finding the freshest online talent to compete head-to-head for a cash prize… Usher will serve as judge for this fresh dance competition series.

Verdict: Ayo & Teo’s quest to find the best dancers throughout America is an entertaining glimpse into the world of dance. The Sauce does a solid job of breaking down each dance move that’s used during a particular routine, however, there is very little time spent on the cultural impact and importance of dance as a whole. For someone who knows very little about dance, The Sauce doesn’t provide enough context for the uninitiated. – David Griffin

Number Score: 6

Watch or Skip: Skip

Memory Hole

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Official Synopsis: Memory Hole is a smart, biting, and hilarious ride exploring the archives of the most cringe-worthy events in pop culture. The first season aims its laser-focused comedy on Canada. Hosted by one of Canada’s esteemed exports, Will Arnett takes viewers on a comedic journey skewering a myriad of topics most of us forgot or never even knew existed. Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Memory Hole is here to help.

Verdict: With a talented funnyman like Will Arnett as a host, you’d think Memory Hole would use his comedic savvy to its full potential. Sadly, this historical pop culture series relegates Arnett to simply reading off of a teleprompter as he recounts cringe-worthy moments from Canada’s past, like the opening ceremony for Toronto’s Skydome and the Calgary Hockey team’s atrocious theme song. And while it can be amusing to watch some of these embarrassing moments in Canada’s history, it feels like Arnett’s talents are wasted here. – David Griffin

Score: 5

Watch Or Skip: Skip

Singled Out

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Official Synopsis: Hosted by Keke Palmer and Joel Kim Booster, Singled Out will hook up a new generation of singles, of all genders and sexual preferences, seeking love in 20 bite-sized episodes. Reflective of today’s dating landscape, where everyone is connected, the series will bring online dating to life with a twist — the main dater is linked to the pool of diverse singles through social media.

Verdict: Singled Out doesn’t give viewers an ample amount of time to get to know each contestant like ABC’s The Bachelor or Netflix’s Love Is Blind, but that’s kind of the point. The frenetic pace of the speed-dating rounds, which uses clever games and playful questions to narrow the dating pool, make Singled Out an enjoyable watch from start to finish, even if many of the guests are pretty forgettable. – David Griffin

Score: 7

Watch or Skip: Watch

Skrrt with Offset

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Official Synopsis: Offset is a big fan of cars. His garage has over 30 sports and luxury cars. This series follows him as he joins his celebrity and rapper friends — like Quavo, Lil Yachty and T-Pain — exploring all things cars.

Verdict: With no shortage of car enthusiast programs on traditional cable channels and digital streaming platforms like YouTube, Skrrt with Offset enters a crowded marketplace. Thankfully, Offset is a compelling host, mixing his passion for cars with a bit of his personal life that really draws the viewer in. In one episode, Offset treats a group of young children battling cancer with a high-end electric car race. It’s a heartwarming episode elevated by Offset’s personal story about his grandmother’s battle with cancer. – David Griffin

Score: 8

Watch or Skip: Watch

Gone Mental with Lior

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Official Synopsis: Lior Suchard is the world’s best mentalist — he literally can read your mind. He teams with a featured celebrity and runs him or her through a string of mindblowing mental stunts.

Verdict: Renowned mentalist Lior Suchard takes celebrities on a mind-bending journey that defies belief. Like any good magician, each episode of Gone Mental with Lior will (probably) leave you asking, “How did he do it?” Suchard is definitely the draw here with his charm and quick thinking – so while it’s nice to see Ben Stiller and Ludacris with baffled looks on their faces, the participants could have easily been any random person off the street. It’s Suchard’s mind games that are the most memorable part of the show. – David Griffin

Score: 7

Watch or Skip: Watch

I Promise

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Official Synopsis: Executive produced by LeBron James, I Promise is an original documentary series featuring an in-depth look at the first academic year inside the groundbreaking I Promise School that opened its doors in 2018. I Promise tells the story of LeBron James’ efforts to close the achievement gap in his hometown of Akron, Ohio through the eyes of the inspiring students who are resetting expectations of their futures. The series will explore the day-to-day trials, triumphs, and life-changing impact of the school staff, students and families working together in a unique, family-first educational environment that embraces the trauma and challenges many face in Akron.

Verdict: I Promise is a heartfelt look at NBA star LeBron James’ ambitious dream of helping at-risk youths in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. The docuseries does an admirable job of not solely focusing on James’ star power, but also taking into account the powerful stories of the kids attending the school and the hardships they face both at school and at home. This emotionally stirring journey into the public school system, and how it might be changed for the better, should not be missed. – David Griffin

Score: 9

Watch or Skip: Watch

Dishmantled

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Official Synopsis: From the Creator and Executive Producer of Chopped comes Dishmantled, a high-octane cooking competition that will literally blow your socks off. Hosted by Tituss Burgess, each episode starts with the cannon-blasting of a mystery food dish into the faces of two blindfolded chefs. They’ll use their culinary prowess to identify the exploded dish and then race against the clock to recreate it. Whichever chef comes closest to the original dish wins a cash prize.

Verdict: This is, by far, the stupidest concept for a show I’ve ever heard, but there’s just something so delightfully insane about shooting contestants in the face with a cannon full of mashed up ingredients and expecting them to detective their way into a fully-formed meal, I can’t get enough of it. I’m not proud of it, but just trying to explain Dishmantled to someone made me cry with laughter, so sometimes you’ve just got to trust your gut. – Laura Prudom

Score: 8

Watch or Skip: Watch

Murder House Flip

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Official Synopsis: From the Executive Producer of CSI, Murder House Flip is an unconventional new home renovation show that takes on the country’s most infamous homes: the ones known for mysterious murders committed behind their walls. Homeowners turn to high-end renovation experts, Mikel Welch and Joelle Uzyel, to remove the stains of the past and take these homes from morbid to marvelous.

Verdict: An ingenious combination of two addictive genres – true crime and home renovation – Murder House Flip is one of those ideas that seems so obviously interesting, it’s surprising it took someone this long to invent it. Judging by the screeners sent to critics, each renovation will take place over the span of three six-minute episodes, but by combining the grisly history of the home with the makeover, the actual renovation gets short shrift. This is one format that seems like it would benefit from a traditional hourlong presentation; it leaves you with the sense that a lot was probably left on the cutting room floor. – Laura Prudom

Score: 8

Watch or Skip: Watch

Fierce Queens

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Official Synopsis: Presented by Reese Witherspoon, this nature series explores the fabulous females of the animal kingdom. From ant queens to speedy cheetahs, they call the shots in their world and sit at the top of the social hierarchy earning them the title “fierce queens”. From the multi-award-winning BBC Studios Natural History Unit, this documentary series will bring you the most dramatic natural history stories from a fresh female perspective.

Verdict: Bookended by unnecessary exposition from Reese Witherspoon, who also narrates, these beautifully-shot mini nature docs dig into some fascinating stories of female animal behavior – from cheetahs to hyenas to ants – but the impact is somewhat blunted by an awkward insistence on framing these stories with clunky feminist jargon, which ends up feeling more distracting than empowering.  – Laura Prudom

Score: 6

Watch or Skip: Skip

Prodigy

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Official Synopsis: Hosted by Megan Rapinoe, each episode highlights one Prodigy’s unprecedented athletic accomplishments, while also diving deep into their origin stories to introduce the Prodigies to the world in a powerful, unique way. Each episode will inspire not only sports fans, but fans of the human experience, all while honoring the villages that helped them earn the numerous National, World and Olympic Championships they have obtained early in their young careers.

Verdict: Prodigy is an engaging bite-sized sports docuseries that highlights some of the best athletes in the world. Each episode is able to not only shine a light on what makes each athlete so dynamic in their respective sport, but also gives the viewer a glimpse into the everyday lives of these prodigies with compelling interviews with family and friends. If you like ESPN’s award-winning 30 for 30 series, then Prodigy will definitely scratch that sports documentary itch. – David Griffin

Score: 8

Watch or Skip: Watch

Gayme Show!

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Official Synopsis: Hosted by comedians Matt Rogers and Dave Mizzoni, Gayme Show! is a comedic competition show that uplifts and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. In each episode, two straight contestants are paired with a celebrity “life partner” as they battle head to head in physical, mental and even emotional challenges for the title of “Queen of the Straights.” Some of the celebrity “life partners” include: Ilana Glazer, D’Arcy Carden, Trixie Mattel, Jon Lovett, Nicole Byer, Rachel Bloom, Guy Branum and more.

Verdict: There’s something delightfully chintzy about this unabashedly ridiculous game show, in which straight guys participate in a number of random challenges to determine who is honorarily “gay as f–k.” It’s silly and digestible and ultimately disposable, and doesn’t really require much deeper examination than that. – Laura Prudom

Score: 7

Watch or Skip: Watch

&Music

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Official Synopsis: &Music shines the spotlight on the unsung artists and surprising elements behind the world’s biggest music stars. Each episode will reveal an unprecedented look at a vital behind-the-scenes collaborator that transforms the performance of an iconic musical artist into a cultural phenomenon.

Verdict: &Music feels like an Apple show, in that it’s very slick, somewhat overproduced, and a little clinical. It’s ostensibly designed to showcase under-appreciated roles in the music industry, but the finished product doesn’t make much of a case for the show’s existence, making a vibrant industry feel kind of dull. – Laura Prudom

Score: 5

Watch or Skip: Skip

NightGowns

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Official Synopsis: Full of heart, humor, and a hell of a lot of glitter, NightGowns follows Sasha over the course of eight episodes as she adapts her critically-acclaimed Brooklyn drag revue into a full-on stage production—and the biggest drag showcase of her life. Part performance documentary, part portrait of the artist, we’ll watch Velour work with each member of her uniquely inclusive ensemble to craft the lip-sync performances of their wildest dreams. Each installment draws us to one performer in particular and pulls back the curtain on their life out of drag, their process, and their story, culminating in a made-for-mobile visual expression of their live number, directed by legendary music video director Sophie Muller. The result will be something totally new: live drag, designed for the screen. Eight iconic, shareable, must-watch performances that redefine what drag can be.

Verdict: Fans of RuPaul’s Drag Race will find plenty to love in this colorful dive into the making of Sasha Velour’s iconic drag revue, offering welcome insight into the hard work and creativity that goes into each performance, and spotlighting the drag queens and kings behind the show. But those hoping for deeper insight into Velour as a person and not just a mentor to other queens may be left wanting more. – Laura Prudom

Score: 8

Watch or Skip: Watch

Nikki Fre$h

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Official Synopsis: Starring and executive produced by Nicole Richie, ‘Nikki Fre$h’ unites her passions for Mother Earth and hip hop into her eponymous alter ego, Nikki Fre$h. Nikki brings a new voice to wellness with a totally fresh style of music – dropping socially conscious and educational rhymes on the world. Nikki Fre$h will interact with real life seekers and consciousness experts to learn ways to better serve our bodies and our planet — while comedically exaggerating those solutions to the edge of sanity.

Verdict: Perhaps unexpectedly the most fully-formed of Quibi’s launch titles, this semi-scripted comedy utilizes Nicole Ritchie’s self-aware comedic timing to poke fun at her public persona, recasting herself as a wannabe trap music and wellness star. She’s happy to accost unsuspecting members of the public (and celebrities) to hawk her “healthy” products, and take advantage of her husband Joel Madden’s record label to create some infuriatingly catchy and well-produced songs about saving the bees and appreciating ugly vegetables, resulting in an oddly charming and easily bingeable show that knows it’s 100 percent ridiculous and embraces it. – Laura Prudom

Score: 9

Watch or Skip: Watch

Have you tried Quibi yet? Share your reactions to the first wave of shows in the comments below.

Dirt Rally 2.0 And Others Combat COVID-19 With In-Game Messages About Staying Home

The COVID-19 pandemic is currently being battled across multiple fronts, and one of the most effective ways of stopping the flow of new cases is self-isolating, avoiding gatherings of any size, and staying home so that the disease cannot spread among the population. Now, an initiative started by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in the UK is making sure that this message is being spread through games, too.

According to Eurogamer, Dirt Rally 2.0 has been updated with banners that encourage players to “stay home, save lives.” The game, which is free on PlayStation Plus this month and is also available on Xbox Game Pass, is using these banners, which usually carry ads, to spread the message.

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Other games receiving updates to in-game messages include Sniper Elite 4 and, according to BBC, Strange Brigade, Candy Crush Saga and Farm Heroes Saga. Sniper Elite and Strange Brigade will display a message for gamers when they first load the game up, while the free-to-play Saga games will get the message in front of a lot of eyes.

Eurogamer has a quote from UK culture secretary Oliver Dowden, who is “delighted to see the UK’s brilliant video games industry stepping up to strongly reinforce this message to gamers across the UK.” It’s a good idea, with video game use on platforms like Xbox Live and Game Pass going way up right now.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an enormous impact everywhere, including in games–not only was E3 2020 cancelled, but several games have been delayed. More important, of course, is the cost of human lives–infection and death tolls are also increasing, so remember to practice self-isolation, wash your hands, and be safe.

Now Playing: DiRT Rally 2.0 – Official Launch Trailer

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Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare And Warzone Double XP Extended For Another Day

Infinity Ward is extending the double XP period for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Warzone to make up for some issues that popped up over the weekend.

Writing on Twitter, the studio said it’s keeping the double XP promotion available until Tuesday, April 7 at 11 PM PT. This double XP applies to standard progression, weapon progression, and battle pass tiers.

Modern Warfare and Warzone struggled with XP and progression issues this weekend that prevented some accounts from seeing their stats and rank grow as they should have. According to Infinity Ward, these problems have now been fixed, and the extension of the double XP period is a “thank you for your patience.”

his double XP period comes at a useful time: Modern Warfare’s Season 2 ends on April 7, so the double rewards should help you level up faster and unlock new cosmetic item. Season 3 begins on April 8, and it will include the character Alex and apparently a new map called Village.

Now Playing: Call Of Duty: Warzone Video Review

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Why Westworld’s Music Is Its Greatest Weapon

While the fourth episode of Westworld: Season 3 features some of the biggest reveals yet, that’s not the only reason fans are abuzz over the series’ latest installment. This episode also features composer Ramin Djawadi doing what he does best, sneaking in a new instrumental arrangement of a hit pop song. In this case, fans of The Weeknd will be pleased to hear a string quartet version of “Wicked Games” playing during the masquerade ball.

This is hardly the first iconic tune that’s been reinterpreted for the futuristic Westworld setting. The Season 3 trailer features an instrumental arrangement of Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” and past seasons have included arrangements of everything from Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” to The Rolling Stones’ “Paint it Black.” This latest musical mash-up is another reminder of something we’ve known for years – Djawadi is the true secret weapon of Westworld.

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Westworld is nothing if not a challenging watch, with dense, multi-layered plots carefully constructed to show us only exactly what we need to know and disguise major twists until the last possible moment. And while that often means the series is rewarding for devoted fans, it can also result in a lot of unnecessary frustration, especially given how long the gaps between new seasons have been. And that’s to say nothing of the show’s other flaws, including an overly self-serious tone and some very heavy-handed visual symbolism.

But where Westworld’s storytelling reach sometimes exceeds its grasp, the music has always been dependably great. Djawadi is a master of composing motifs that wring the maximum possible emotion out of a scene without becoming melodramatic or maudlin in the process. The score never fails to set the mood in Westworld. Rather than filling the theme park with a Spielbergian sense of wonder and awe, Djawadi’s music shows us the park as it truly is – a somber place full of death, suffering and enslavement. The music does more than any other aspect of the series to highlight the existential despair of being an android trapped in a playground for bored rich people.

And nowhere does the music succeed more than when Djawadi relies on these arrangements of famous tunes to accompany key dramatic moments. As critically divisive as Season 2 was, most fans would agree “Kiksuya” is one of the true highlights of the entire series. Perhaps no moment in the entirety of Westworld hits with a bigger gut-punch than the scene where Akecheta roams the Delos lab looking for his lost love Kohana. His tragic search is accompanied by the haunting notes of “Heart-Shaped Box,” culminating in a heartbreaking shot where Akecheta finally finds the deactivated Kohana standing amid a sea of discarded Hosts.

This moment is all the more poignant because it brings to mind the life and lyrics of the late, great Kurt Cobain. It’s hard not to be reminded of Cobain and his art when Akecheta muses:

That was the moment I saw beyond myself. My pain was selfish. Because it was never only mine. For everybody in this place there was someone who mourned their loss. Even if they didn’t know why. We were all bound together. The living and the damned.

Season 3, Episode 4 doesn’t tug quite so painfully on the heartstrings with its use of “Wicked Games,” but it is still a fitting choice of needle drop considering the complex war of deception being waged between Dolores, Serac and the other major players in Season 3. “The Mother of Exiles” again shows how well Djawadi succeeds in combining inspired musical homages with just the right subject matter. It’s a reminder that Westworld is often at its best when it gets out of its own way and focuses on combining haunting images and music.

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Even looking back at Djawadi’s other big HBO series, it’s obvious how essential his music is to creating the perfect tone. Djawadi was among the most critical storytellers involved in making Game of Thrones what it was. He helped define the desolate yet engrossing land of Westeros and bring order and meaning to the countless parallel storylines over the show’s decade-long run. Just like Westworld, so many of the most iconic moments in Game of Thrones hinge on Djawani’s powerful compositions. Even in the critically divisive final season, Djawani was always a source of stability and emotional weight. There’s a reason he won an Emmy for the climactic “The Long Night,” and by all rights he’ll be able to add a few more to his collection with Westworld.

Either way, whether you prefer your HBO dramas full of swords and dragons or psychologically tortured androids, Djawadi has the right music for any occasion.

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Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

Overwatch Pros Fined $1000 Over Inappropriate Chat Behavior

The Overwatch League, the face of pro gaming in Overwatch, has issued fines to two players for writing inappropriate messages during a match, unaware that the team chat was visible to match viewers. Los Angeles Valiant member Jung-won “Lastro” Mun and San Francisco Shock’s Dong-jun “Rascal” Kim have been the recipients of $1000 fines, as reported by The Loadout.

Both fines are listed on the Overwatch League Player Discipline Tracker as cases of “inappropriate chat” during a match over several immature messages. Lastro typed “sex” and “big dick”, which Rascal followed with “big dick” and characters that (very loosely) approximate the shape of a penis.

You can see their chat, including the moment where their teammates let them know that the chat is visible on stream, in the tweet below.

Lastro has since apologized for the incident on Twitter, explaining that he did not realize that the chat could be seen by viewers.

For what its worth, it seems that LA Valiant teammate McGravy is taking it in his stride.

Overwatch recently added a new hero called Echo. They will be the last new character added before the upcoming Overwatch 2, which does not have a set release date yet.

Now Playing: New Overwatch Hero Echo Gameplay

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Westworld Season 3, Episode 4-8 Titles & Descriptions Reveal Small Details

Are you on the edge of your seat trying to figure out where Season 3 of Westworld is going after the latest episode? While the chances of something major being spoiled ahead if time are slim at best, HBO has revealed a few teases about what to expect from the second half of the season.

The network has released episode titles and descriptions for Episodes 4-8 of the season. However, in traditional Westworld style, the little bits of information are as confusing as possible. Take a look at the titles and descriptions below.

Season 3, Episode 5: “Genre”

  • Episode description: Just say no.
  • Airs Sunday, April 12
  • Written by Karrie Crouse & Jonathan Nolan; directed by Anna Foerster

Season 3, Episode 6: “Decoherence”

  • Episode description: Do a lot of people tell you that you need therapy?
  • Airs Sunday, April 19
  • Written by Suzanne Wrubel & Lisa Joy; directed by Jennifer Getzinger

Season 3, Episode 7: “Passed Pawn”

  • Episode description: A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.
  • Airs Sunday, April 26
  • Written by Gina Atwater; directed by Helen Shaver

Season 3, Episode 8: “Crisis Theory”

  • Episode description: Time to face the music.
  • Airs Sunday, April 3
  • Written by Denise Thé & Jonathan Nolan; directed by Jennifer Getzinger

Naturally, you can theorize about what any of this means, but series creators Jonathan and Lisa Nolan are working hard to keep the mystery as alive as possible. It was noted, however, that Episode 8–the Season 3 finale–will be longer. It’s set to run 75 minutes, compared to the hour-long episodes making up the rest of the season.

If you’re all caught up on Westworld Season 3, take a look at the references and clues you might have missed in Episode 4, “The Mother of Exiles.” Westworld airs Sundays on HBO.

Now Playing: Westworld Season 3 Episode 3 “The Absence of Field” Breakdown, Theories And Easter Eggs

The Best Switch GameCube-Style Controllers Are On Sale Right Now

Being stuck at home can suck, but the Switch has a lot of great games that can keep you busy. Some of these games work particularly well with a GameCube-style pad–like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Animal Crossing: New Horizons–and if you’re a fan of the classic controller then Amazon has a great deal on the Fight Pad Pro for $20 or less.

PDP’s wired Fight Pad Pro controllers feature the designs of different Smash Bros. Ultimate characters, and four of them are on sale right now. This includes versions for Princess Peach, Luigi, and Link for $20 as well as a Mario design for $18.79. Each controller is functionally identical apart from the colours and emblem.

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The Fight Pad Pro mimics the GameCube’s controller, while also featuring all of the buttons and functions of a Switch Pro Controller (except NFC/Amiibo support, rumble, and motion controls). It boasts longer hand grips, clickable analog sticks, and all four digital shoulder buttons–unlike the original GameCube controller, its L and R buttons are not analog. One of the Fight Pad Pro’s key features is the ability to swap out the C-stick for a proper analog nub, making for a more traditional feel to the controller that works wonders with games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.

The Fight Pad Pro is one of the best Switch controllers we’ve tested, alongside a wireless GameCube-style pad, several Pro Controller alternatives, and a couple of fight sticks. And if you’re looking for some games to play with your new controller, then Nintendo is currently holding a great Switch Eshop sale, with discounts on games like Diablo III: Eternal Collection, Mortal Kombat 11, and Spyro Reignited Trilogy.