Author: Trafficblast

Guerrilla Collective: Huge Indie Games Showcase Announced for June

The Media Indie Exchange has announced Guerrilla Collective – a three-day event focused on indie developers and publishers – taking place from June 6-8. It will make up a part of IGN’s Summer of Gaming showcase.

Produced alongside the Kinda Funny Games Showcase and hosted by Kinda Funny co-founder / ex-IGN lovely man Greg Miller, the event will begin on June 6 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 8pm UK (that’s June 7 at 5am AEST), and promises news and announcements “for every platform”.

Some of the announced participants include Larian (Baldur’s Gate 3), Thunderful (the SteamWorld series), ZA/UM (Disco Elysium) and Rebellion (Sniper Elite).

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On June 7, there will be a second online press event, and June 8 will include a day of gameplay demos and developer interviews. You can see a list of all the currently-announced developers and publishers involved in the show at the bottom of this story (although more are promised).

The Guerrilla Collective event will also include the Paradox Insider broadcast, the digital version of the yearly PC Gaming Show, and the Future Games Show.

Guerrilla Collective: Full List of Developers and Publishers

  • 11 Bit Studios (Frostpunk, This War of Mine)
  • Another Indie (SIMULACRA 2, Yuppie Psycho)
  • Coffee Stain Studios (Satisfactory, Deep Rock Galactic)
  • Fellow Traveller (In Other Waters, Neo Cab)
  • Funcom (Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden, Conan Exiles)
  • Good Shepherd Entertainment (John Wick Hex, The Eternal Cylinder)
  • Headup (Bridge Constructor Portal, Pumpkin Jack)
  • Humble Publishing (Temtem, Forager)
  • Larian Studios (Baldur’s Gate III, Divinity: Original Sin II)
  • Modern Wolf (Necronator: Dead Wrong, Out There: Oceans of Time)
  • Paradox Interactive (Cities: Skylines, Stellaris)
  • Raw Fury (Kingdom Two Crowns, Atomicrops)
  • Rebellion (Sniper Elite 4, Zombie Army 4: Dead War)
  • Those Awesome Guys (Monster Prom, Move or Die, Floppy Knights)
  • Thunderful (SteamWorld Quest: Hand of Gilgamech, Lonely Mountains: Downhill)
  • United Label (Eldest Souls, Röki)
  • Versus Evil (The Banner Saga, Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire)
  • Whitethorn Games (Aground, StarCrossed)
  • WINGS Interactive (Later Daters, Lord Winklebottom Investigates)
  • Ysbryd Games (WORLD OF HORROR, VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action)
  • ZA/UM (Disco Elysium)

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Joe Skrebels is IGN’s Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter.

Community – The Movie: Dan Harmon Says ‘Conversations Happening’

Community series creator Dan Harmon has revealed that conversations are “happening that people would want to be happening” about a reunion movie for the NBC sitcom, which famously developed the “six seasons and a movie” mantra.

In an interview with The Wrap, Harmon, who also co-created the acclaimed Adult Swim series Rick & Morty, suggested that the long-awaited Community movie could finally be happening, as he admitted a renewed interest in the sitcom had opened up discussions.

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“I can tell people for sure that the enthusiasm for Community, both for all of this time and the resurgence of it [on Netflix], there’s always an aspect of that affects the marketplace,” he said. “And when the marketplace gets affected, conversations happen. And when conversations happen, things happen.”

“I mean, when you’re part of the Community family, you learn never to raise expectations, keep ’em nice and low and then be pleasantly surprised,” he continued. “So I can say that there are conversations happening that people would want to be happening and that I’m very, very excited about the coming months.”

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All six seasons of the quick-witted, meta-riffic comedy — including the one season without Harmon and the final season that aired on the now-defunct Yahoo Screen — became available on Netflix in April, causing many fans to shout from the virtual rooftops for an update on the follow-up movie, which has been etched on the chalkboard for years.

In the meantime, there is a virtual cast reunion scheduled for Monday, May 18, at 2 p.m. PT. The charity event will see Donald Glover, Joel McHale, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Alison Brie, Jim Rash, Ken Jeong, and creator Dan Harmon read through the Season 5 episode “Cooperative Polygraphy,” which aired in January 2014.

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Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Season Pass Will Include Beowulf Mission

The German Ubisoft store has given us an insight to the content coming in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s Season Pass, which looks to include a story mission based on “The Legend of Beowulf.”

The news was first spotted by GameNotify on Twitter, which included a link to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s store page on the German Ubisoft Store site. Sure enough, in the Overview section, you can read the following line: “Includes the story mission: The Legend of Beowulf. Discover the cruel truth behind the legend.”

Beowulf is an Old English epic poem which follows the eponymous Beowulf, a heroic warrior who saves the king of the Danes from a vicious monster called Grendel. The tale is set in Scandinavia, so it makes a lot of sense for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla to draw on the legend to flesh out its world.

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Given that you sail from Norway to England to raid Old Blighty’s coasts during Valhalla’s campaign, it’s safe to assume this story will take place in the early throes of Eivor’s journey, when they’re still trying to survive in their Norse homeland. Yet the suggestion that you will reveal a “cruel truth” makes us think that Ubisoft may be looking to warp the mythology somewhat.

Another bonus mission, the Way of the Berserker, is available to those who pre-order the game ahead of its launch later this year. Beyond the Beowulf mission, the season pass is said to “expand your experience with new content, new lands and new gear.” We’ve got a complete pre-order guide for the many versions of Valhalla you can get, if you’re interested in those extras.

We learned last week that Valhalla will be “shorter and smaller” than Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to address the common criticism that the Grecian game was bloated. Valhalla was one of 13 games shown off at last week’s Inside Xbox, but fans weren’t too happy with its promised gameplay teaser.

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Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

 

John Krasinski Unites The Office Cast For A Wedding Party

This week’s episode of John Krasinski’s new YouTube feel-good show, Some Good News with John Krasinski, features something a lot of people have been asking for–a reunion of the stars of The Office. The stars have reunited over Zoom to surprise a freshly married couple…who had, in fact, been married by a recently ordained Krasinski.

Krasinski, who played Jim for nine seasons of the US version of The Office, started the new series near the beginning of the COVID-19 quarantine, and has previously used his show to reunite the original cast of Hamilton for a fan. Now, Krasinski has worked his magic to make a quarantine wedding extra special.

At about the 7:30 minute mark of the video below, Krasinski begins chatting with the couple, and…well, just watch. No judgment if it makes you a bit misty.

There’s a performance by country singer Zac Brown, lots of references and in-jokes for fans of the show (like the happy couple), and a few celebrities with wild, unruly quarantine hair–what more could you want?

There are also special guest appearances from Emily Blunt and Emma Stone in the video, and it’s nice to see them both.

Krasinski has previously said that he would love to be a part of a reunion special, and this is certainly the next best thing. It’s been reported that NBC is planning a reunion, so we might still see something official.

Here’s How Close Microsoft Flight Simulator Looks To The Real Thing

The Microsoft Flight Simulator series has always gone for accuracy in depicting real world locations, but the upcoming next-generation edition of the aviation sim is something else. Imgur user Utherellus has compared a handful of Microsoft Flight Simulator screenshots to their real-world equivalents, as picked up by Kotaku Australia.

The gallery includes some iconic aerial views, and some closer shots of well-known monuments that hopefully weren’t taken from a cockpit.

Some of the images are barely distinguishable from their real-life counterparts, looking like a photo taken with a different camera or at a different time of day. The game’s realism goes beyond just visuals, with a live play mode showing real life flight plans and weather patterns. All of this comes at a price, however–in this case, an absolutely massive game file size.

With international travel looking like a far-off dream in the COVID-19 pandemic, Microsoft Flight Simulator may end up playing host to a new audience of virtual tourists desperate to see anything beyond their own backyard.

Microsoft Flight Simulator is currently in alpha, with alpha and beta access available exclusively to Microsoft Insiders. The release date is currently unknown.

Now Playing: Microsoft Flight Simulator Reveal Trailer | Microsoft Press Conference E3 2019

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Verizon Is Giving Out Promo Codes For Games Including Pokemon GO

While Pokemon Go isn’t necessarily the most suitable game for self-isolation, Niantic has been working hard to keep the game enjoyable even for players who are stuck at home. Now, Pokemon GO players with Verizon Wireless or Fios can also redeem an extra item pack for free with a Verizon promo code.

The promotion is part of a campaign by Verizon to help its customers alleviate boredom at home, and also includes codes for Roblox and Sago Mini World–a godsend for parents with kids stuck at home.

The Pokemon Go play-from-home bundle includes a free Premium Battle Pass, two Incense and 65 Poké Balls. Thanks to Niantic’s temporary changes to the game, Incense now lasts for an hour and is more effective, and player battles no longer require walking to unlock. You can also now raid from home, but this requires a separate Remote Raid Pass item.

You can also redeem a 500 Robux gift card for any Roblox players in the house, or access 35+ apps in Sago Mini World with Verizon’s other offers.

The offers are based on a promo code, meaning you may be able to snag one from a Verizon customer you know, if they don’t play the game themselves. Check out all the gaming offers on Verizon’s website here.

Now Playing: Pokemon GO – GO Battle League Dev Insights

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Dwarf Fortress Shows Off Its New Visual Style With A Complete Map Ahead Of Steam Release

Dwarf Fortress is getting a makeover ahead of its upcoming Steam release, ditching its ASCII style in favor of a tile system. Now, developer Bay 12 Games has posted a comparison picture to its website, showing the difference between the original ASCII version of a “medium” map and the same map rendered in the new style.

Dwarf Fortress originally released in 2006, and has been updated numerous times since. The two maps below show the most significant change to the game yet, though.

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“This is still in progress, and we have a lot of planned improvements around mountain peaks, river mouths, oceans, and just about everything else,” the post reads, “but it’s definitely come into its own as an image of the world that will work for fort mode, adventure mode, and legends mode alike.”

The map will still be a grid, but the new art is certainly more pleasing to the eye than the old ASCII style.

Dwarf Fortress still does not have a Steam release date, but it seems that work on this version of the game is progressing.

Now Playing: The 23 Biggest Upcoming Games Of 2020 (And Beyond)

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The Super Mario Animated Movie Is Still Progressing Well During Lockdowns

Among the numerous Hollywood adaptations of video games in the works is an animated film based on Nintendo’s Super Mario series. The film is slated to arrive in 2022, but some are wondering if the COVID-19 crisis may lead to a delay for the movie.

That remains to be seen, but a new report from Deadline paints an optimistic picture. The site reports that the Super Mario movie remains in “active development and production.” This is made possible because the team at Illumination was working remotely already. “They’ve always worked remotely,” Deadline reported.

A source familiar with Illumination’s plans stated that the studio has been able to remain “extremely productive, innovative, and creative” over the past two months working remotely on its various movies. In addition to the Mario movie, Illumination is producing a new Minions movie, The Rise of Gru, and Sing 2. Two other original movies are in the works at Illumination that have not been announced.

The new Mario movie is Nintendo’s second major attempt at bringing its beloved Italian plumber to the big-screen. The 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros. movie was a critical and commercial failure, with star Bob Hoskins–who played Mario–saying it was the worst movie he’s ever been a part of. Hoskins and co-star John Leguizamo reportedly drank whiskey between takes to get through filming.

For the new movie, Nintendo is more creatively involved, with Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto serving as its producer. While a producer cannot control everything, it seems like a good thing for the movie’s creative direction that Miyamoto is involved.

Illumination boss Chris Meledandri said in an earlier interview that Miyamoto is staying “front and center in the creation of this film.” This is a rarity in Hollywood.

“I’ve rarely seen that happen with any adaptation where the original creative voice is being embraced like we’re embracing Miyamoto,” Meledandri said. “There’s a history in Hollywood of people believing that they know better than the people responsible for a property. I’ve made that mistake before.”

One of the reasons that the Mario movie is happening in the first place is because Meledandri told Miyamoto about his failures.

In addition to the Mario movie, Nintendo is licensing its Mario franchise to Universal for a Mario-focused theme park that could include real-life Mario Kart.

There may be an explanation for why Nintendo is working on so many licensing efforts. In 2016, then-CEO Tatsumi Kimishima said fewer and fewer young people are finding out about Nintendo games through…games. Instead, they’re discovering Nintendo and its characters through things like officially licensed Mario toothbrushes. So you can expect these kinds of licensing deals to continue and possibly increase, the executive said at the time.

While the Mario movie may still be progressing through production, the same cannot be said for another video game movie, Uncharted, which is live-action. Due to COVID-19, production has shut down on the film that will star Tom Holland as a young Nathan Drake and Mark Wahlberg as Sully.

Virtually all Hollywood movie and TV productions are currently shut down as governments around the world enact social-distancing rules that prevent large groups of people from gathering. New Zealand, which has some of the lowest number of cases of COVID-19 in the world, is reportedly getting close to restarting its movie and TV show productions. However, it could be some time before other countries began allowing shoots to begin again.

Now Playing: Best Shows And Movies To Stream For May 2020 – Netflix, Hulu, Shudder, Amazon Prime Video

Guy Fieri Raises $20 Million For Out-Of-Work Restaurant Workers

In the midst of lockdowns and restaurant closures around the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Guy Fieri has stepped up to help provide aid to thousands of out-of-work restaurant staff, Variety reports.

In partnership with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, Fieri has helped to raise over $20 million, which will be distributed to restaurant workers experiencing hardship in grants of $500. In the last two months, over 40,000 of these grants have been awarded.

“I started thinking about my brothers and sisters in the restaurant business, and a bunch of restaurants that I was closing–we gotta do something,” Fieri said in an interview with TMZ.

The TV and one-time video game star has reached out to the CEOs of big companies like Pepsi, Coke, and Uber Eats to donate–a welcome change from donation drives that have put the onus on individuals to donate in a time when most people have been financially affected.

“I started sending personal video invitations to all the heavy-hitter CEOs that are involved in the restaurant business,” Fieri explained. “As long as the money comes in, we’re going to continue to give these grants.”

The official Mayor of Flavortown also encouraged people to keep ordering from their local “mom & pop” restaurants when takeaway and delivery is available, to help keep small businesses afloat.

Anyone needing to apply for a grant or in a position to make a donation of their own can do so here.

After Talking About New IP, Gears Of War Designer Cliff Bleszinski Is Considering Starting A Twitch Channel

Game developer Cliff Bleszinski, who designed and directed the original Gears of War trilogy, is keeping busy in his post-Epic life. His latest project is a little different, however.

Bleszinski said on Twitter that he’s seriously thinking about starting a Twitch channel. He was inspired to start streaming due to the “cabin fever” he’s feeling during the COVID-19 lockdowns. Bleszinski added that he’s starting to feel comfortable again on camera thanks to all the Zoom calls he’s been on lately.

Bleszinski potentially launching a Twitch channel of his own comes at an interesting time, given that he just recently announced he has begun work on a new IP involving dogs. An outspoken and opinionated individual known for decades of experience in games and his hot takes on various gaming industry topics, Bleszinski would certainly have a lot to offer viewers on Twitch.

When Bleszinski left Epic in 2012, he said he was stepping away from video games, but he went on to start the independent studio Boss Key Productions in 2014. That studio produced Lawbreakers and, facing financial difficulties, jumped into the battle royale market with Radical Heights just before ultimately closing in 2018.

Since then, Bleszinski co-produced the acclaimed Broadway musical Hadestown and has said he’s working on a memoir of his time in the games industry. He’s also offered to consult on the Gears franchise.

The Gears franchise is now being managed by The Coalition, a new studio Microsoft established as caretakers of the series. It most recently released Gears Tactics, a tactical spin-off in the vein of the XCOM series. For more, check out GameSpot’s Gears Tactics review.

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