Lil Nas X’s Concert Inside Roblox Was A Huge Success

“Old Town Road” singer Lil Nas X recently performed multiple in-game concerts inside the massively popular MMO Roblox, and now we have some numbers that speak to how much of a success the event was.

The developer told The Wall Street Journal that the concert series picked up 33 million views over the course of the rapper’s four, 10-minute sets where he debuted a new single, “Holiday.” The official page on Roblox’s website for the event now states that the viewership numbers have climbed to 34 million.

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Rolling Stone reported that the Lil Nas X event in Roblox was a long time in the making. The site reported that Roblox Corp, Lil Nas X, and his label, Columbia Records, spent nearly eight months working on nailing down the specifics of the in-game concert. Columbia CEO Ron Perry and marketing boss Ryan Ruden are said to have personally pitched the idea to Lil Nas X with the aim of targeting the game’s younger audience. Before this, Ruden met with Roblox developers in October 2019 to discuss the possibility of such an event.

For comparison, Travis Scott’s concert in Fortnite back in April drew more than 27 million viewers.

Whatever the case, Ruden said the aim with the Lil Nas X concert in Roblox was to find “new and innovative ways to reach and find and to create communities around the new music of the artist.”

Roblox boasts more than 150 million monthly active users.

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New Overwatch Symmetra Skin Revealed In Short Story

Blizzard has revealed new details about Overwatch‘s Symmetra with the release of a new short story titled “Stone by Stone.” In Christie Golden’s tale, Symmetra is sent by Vishkar Corp. to fix a PR fiasco caused by the accidental destruction of a sacred Omnic statue. While in the village, she encounters Zenyatta, the Omnic monk, and learns what she must do to correct Vishkar’s mistake.

A new Symmetra skin was revealed at the end of the comic, featuring a yellow design that contrasts with Symmetra’s typical blue-colored abilities. The skin’s new design is also tied to the short story and the bridge she establishes with the Omnic village and faith. Blizzard will likely reveal more details on how to obtain Symmetra’s new skin soon.

Symmetra previously received a short comic introducing her, as well as her employment with the mega-corporation Vishkar. In “A Better World,” the hard-light architech faces her own doubts around the dubious tactics Vishkar undertakes to achieve its goals. She joined Vishkar to improve the circumstances of the world, but soon realizes that the ends do not justify the means. In one mission, Vishkar blows up a building and injures a little girl in a favela. As a result, Symmetra appears to be doubtful of who Vishkar actually benefits and what her work with them means.

In other Overwatch news, Overwatch 2 is on the way with an unknown release date. Echo is supposedly the last hero before the sequel is released. The character is another damage dealer in a long lineup of damage heroes, but Blizzard has promised that more tanks and support characters are on the way. BlizzCon takes place on February 21, so we’ll likely hear more news about Overwatch 2 then.

Now Playing: New Overwatch Hero Echo Gameplay

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PS5 Rest Mode Reportedly Causing Technical Issues

The PS5’s Rest mode is supposed to make it easier for players to pick up where they left off, just like its PS4 incarnation. Unfortunately, several PS5 owners–including multiple GameSpot staffers–have reported the console’s Rest mode appears to be causing a variety of technical issues, from persistent crashes to outright wiping saves.

Most users who have experienced these issues have been forced to rebuild their PS5’s database, similar to what happens when you accidentally unplug the system or experience a power outage. However, there appears to be no solution to the save-wiping issue. Some users have even reported that Rest mode can brick your PS5, though it’s not clear if that’s actually the case. It seems the vast majority of these complaints involve Spider-Man: Miles Morales, which led Insomniac’s James Stevenson to say that they’re investigating the issue.

We’ve reached out to Sony for comment. It’s also worth noting that several GameSpot staffers have reported no issues with Rest mode. However, until Sony can acknowledge and look into these issues, it’s probably best to turn off Rest Mode altogether. To do that, go to Settings, Power Saving, and then select the Set Time Until PS5 Enters Rest Mode option. From there, select Don’t Put In Rest Mode.

Now Playing: 9 Hidden PS5 Features

PS5 Doesn’t Have Quick Resume, But Activity Cards May Offer a Workaround

When discussing what the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X do better at launch compared to one another, there’s one feature Microsoft’s next-gen consoles have that’s absent on Sony’s: the Quick Resume ability to hop between games without fully exiting them. But the PS5’s Activities Cards may be the next best thing for getting you into games faster than ever before on a PlayStation console.

We’ve known since their introduction that these new Cards would allow you to jump into parts of a game nearly instantly, but as noted in a now-viral tweet by @TheAP99, specifically using the Cards from the PS5’s main UI offers a lot more flexibility in jumping to specific points in various games.

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In TheAP99’s video, you can see the use of the Cards in a way that’s always been an option but one not made as apparent by PlayStation. In the original showcase of the PS5’s new UI, the focus on Cards was primarily around their use while in-game, such as with Sackboy: A Big Adventure, as players could hop around to different levels via the Cards in the PS5’s new Control Center.

However, as the video points out, each game will also have Activities Cards living on their respective PS5 dashboard pages, you just need to navigate below the play and Trophies buttons (a region that many may not dare enter given how slowly everything below the fold could run on PS4). By pressing “Resume” on any of these cards, you can bypass main menus, intro screens, and more and get directly to the action. That’s certainly been an advertised feature of the Cards – to get you to different parts of your games quicker than ever before. But for players looking to make that jump from one game to the next, that functionality is there, it’s just not the most immediately obvious option, as most of your interactions with Cards are likely to be via the Control Center.

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Again, it’s worth noting that this is not an exact function compared to Quick Resume – you’re still exiting a game, and loading into another, but if you’re open to jumping into the PS5’s UI, you can get directly to the moment in a game you’re looking for more quickly than just starting up the game by pressing “play” on its page. But, for example, I right now on my PS5 am playing Demon’s Souls, and can navigate to the PS5 dashboard to pick Cards for Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered on its page, or to different levels via Cards on Sackboy: A Big Adventure’s page.

Of course, you can continue to access games as you do traditionally, and even use the PS5’s Game Switcher feature on the Control Center to shift from one game to the next. But if you want to know more about the PS5’s hidden features and other functionality, be sure to check out our comprehensive PS5 wiki guide.

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Jonathon Dornbush is IGN’s Senior News Editor, host of Podcast Beyond!, and PlayStation lead. Talk to him on Twitter @jmdornbush.

Here’s How Much It Will Cost You to Max Out Your PS5

PlayStation 5 is now available in select regions, with a global launch following shortly on November 19. Those lucky enough to secure a preorder finally have their hands on the excellent DualSense controller and are getting their first taste of the next generation with Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, or one of several other launch games.

Many others, unfortunately, are stuck waiting for a restock. Rather than sit around refreshing retail websites, we’re entertaining ourselves by building our dream PS5 setup and calculating how much it’d cost to “max out” our next-gen experience.

To do this, we’ve compiled a list of all Sony’s official PS5-compatible hardware and accessories (no software or subscriptions) and noted the cost for the U.S., U.K., and Australian markets.

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PlayStation 5 – $500 USD / £450 / AU$750

PlayStation 5 is available in two versions, one with a disc drive and one without. The PlayStation 5 Digital Edition costs $100 USD less, but for the sake of “maxing out” our console, we’re choosing the more expensive, disc-based option.

See it on Amazon

DualSense Controller (x3) – $210 USD / £180 / AU$330 

One DualSense controller is included with the PS5. For the ultimate local co-op experience, we’ll need to tack on three more.

See it on Amazon

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DualSense Charging Station (x2) – $60 USD / £50 / AU$100 

The DualSense Charging Station holds two controllers at a time, so we’re adding two to ensure all four of our controllers stay charged and ready to go.

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Pulse 3D Wireless Headset – $100 USD / £90 / AU$160

Sony’s official PS5 headset is designed to take advantage of the console’s new Tempest 3D positional audio. IGN’s Pulse 3D Wireless Headset review says it gives games “a sense of space and place that most other systems do not have, even with surround sound,” making it a must-have for our setup.

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PS5 Media Remote – $30 USD / £25 / AU$50 

Of course we’ll need a way to conveniently navigate PS5’s entertainment apps, such as Disney+, Netflix, and Twitch.

See it on Amazon

PS5 HD Camera – $60 USD / £50 / AU$100 

If we’re going to hypothetically spend this much on our setup, we might as well hypothetically record ourselves enjoying it.

See it on Amazon

PSVR Bundle – $350 USD* / £260** / AU$420**

For the full PlayStation experience, we’re going to need a PSVR headset. While availability and bundle contents vary based on region, these appear to be the lowest introductory prices as of November 2020.

*Includes PSVR, PlayStation Camera, a camera adapter, two PlayStation Move controllers, and Marvel’s Iron Man VR.

**Includes PSVR, PlayStation Camera, and PlayStation VR Worlds. (These bundles don’t include a camera adapter, which is required for PSVR on PS5; they’re available for free through Sony.)

See it on Amazon

Grand Total: $1,310 / £1,105 / AU$1,910

Our “maxed out” PS5 — a console, three extra controllers, two charging stations, a Pulse 3D headset, one media remote, the HD Camera, and PSVR — comes in at $1,310 USD / £1,105 / AU$1,910, which is only slightly more than you’d pay for just a PS5 on the resale market.

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Were you able to secure a PS5 on launch day? If so, which accessories did you opt for? Let us know in the comments!

Those who’ve yet to find a console can keep an eye on our PS5 buying guide, where we’ll continue to update you on availability. In the meantime, check out IGN’s PS5 review for our in-depth thoughts on Sony’s new console.

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Jordan is a freelance writer for IGN.

How Long Is Demon’s Souls?

Bluepoint’s Demon’s Souls remake debuted on the PS5 November 12 and players are now able to discover Boletaria on the newest console generation, whether it’s again or for the very first time. But there’s one question that still needs to be answered as players head into their respective journeys: how long is it?

The answer to this question depends on several factors, including how much you’re focusing on mainline story content vs side missions, your experience with the series, and your overall ability to get a feel for it. Of course, everyone’s play style is also different, so your mileage will vary, but after playing in a variety of styles, here’s what we found.

How Long Is Demon’s Souls?

  • Critical path: 30 hours
  • Completionist: 40 hours
  • Lore Hunter: 50 hours

Folks who focus mostly on story content will probably wrap up their runs at around the 30 hour mark. Those looking to thoroughly explore both the main story and side content will likely finish at closer to 40 hours. Players who are more intimately familiar with the Souls series can expect an easier go of it, clocking in at around 20 hours. And, if you, like me, suck at Souls games, your clear time is looking to be somewhere around 50 hours. Don’t worry, slow and steady wins the race.

No matter your skill level or how long it takes you to get through Demon’s Souls, we’ve got your back as you battle your way through Boletaria, a journey our review called “a gripping gameplay experience that oscillates between exhilarating, nerve-wracking, and downright heartbreaking; and a faithful recreation of the seminal title that birthed the Souls-like subgenre.” Check out our beginner’s guide to help you through the start of the game, and get the skinny on the best spots to farm souls so you can save up for your dream gear.

Now Playing: Demon’s Souls PS5 Remake Vs PS3 Original

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Halo Infinite Won’t Be At The Game Awards, But Update Coming “Soon”

Halo Infinite was one of the most anticipated games of 2020, until a controversial Xbox Series X showcase caused fans to question the game’s visual fidelity and creative direction, which led Microsoft to delay the game to 2021. However, fans hoping for an update on the series reboot will have to wait beyond The Game Awards, as a representative has stated that the game will not appear there.

“Right now we’re still going through the huge cascade of implications and ramifications to the release shift and the team is heads down working through nearly every facet of the game,” 343 community director Brian Jarrard wrote on Reddit. “Full disclosure: we don’t have anything planned for the VGAs, but are hoping to offer at least a high level update within the next few weeks so we can kind of restart this journey together after the holidays. Pulling together something like a demo or big beat for the VGAs is an enormous amount of work and would cause challenges with current milestones of the holidays.”

Recently, game director Chris Lee left the Halo Infinite project, prompting concern among fans. He is the second director to leave the project in the last two years. However, Xbox boss Phil Spencer said that the turnover is nothing to worry about in our interview. Back in October, a Halo community manager responded to a fan who accused Microsoft of “turtling up” on Halo Infinite, saying that he disagrees. However, if you’re curious to see how 343 recorded weapon sounds for the new game, check out their video.

Now Playing: Halo Infinite – Everything You Need To Know

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Pokemon Go Magmar Community Day (November 2020): Shiny Magmar, Event Move, Bonuses, And More

Pokemon Go‘s Electabuzz Community Day has ended, but there’s still one more event planned for this month. Niantic is holding a second November Community Day this Saturday, November 21, giving players everywhere another chance to catch a rare Pokemon, learn an event-exclusive move, and take advantage of other bonuses. To get you up to speed ahead of the event, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about Pokemon Go’s second November 2020 Community Day below.

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While Electabuzz was featured during November’s first Community Day, this weekend’s event will revolve around Magmar. The Fire-type Pokemon will appear in the wild more frequently than normal throughout the Community Day, and you’ll be able to catch Shiny Magmar with enough persistence (and a little luck). On top of that, Magmar’s baby form, Magby, will be hatching from 2 km eggs throughout the event.

If you evolve a Magmar into Magmortar up to two hours after this weekend’s Community Day ends, the Fire Pokemon will know the Electric-type Charged attack Thunderbolt. This marks the only way that Magmortar can learn this attack in Pokemon Go, so you don’t want to miss your opportunity to get it. Any Magmar that evolves during the designated time frame will learn the move, even if you caught it prior to the Community Day.

As was the case with this month’s first Community Day, the Magmar Community Day will run for six hours instead of the traditional three, from 11 AM to 5 PM local time. This means you’ll have until 7 PM local time to evolve Magmar into a Magmortar that knows Thunderbolt.

As part of this weekend’s Community Day, Niantic will offer a event-exclusive Special Research story called No Match for Magmar. Tickets to access the story can be purchased through Pokemon Go’s in-game shop for $1 USD. There will also be event-exclusive Timed Research and Field Research tasks to complete during the Community Day. These will net you various rewards including Sinnoh Stones, which are required to evolve Magmar into Magmortar.

Other Bonuses

Beyond the new Research tasks and increased Magmar spawns, Niantic will offer a few other bonuses during this weekend’s Magmar Community Day. First, any eggs that you place in an incubator during the event will hatch at a quarter of the distance they typically require. Additionally, any Incense you use will remain active for three hours. Last but not least, Niantic will be selling another special Community Day bundle in Pokemon Go’s in-game shop. The box costs 1,280 Poke Coins and contains the following items:

  • 30 Ultra Balls
  • 1 Elite Charged TM
  • 3 Super Incubators
  • 3 Lucky Eggs

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Disney’s Guardians Of The Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Roller Coaster Footage Revealed

While the Disneyland Resort remains closed and Disney’s other theme parks are operations under reduced capacity, work continues on upcoming attractions–including one tied directly to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind roller coaster at Walt Disney World’s Epcot is in the works to potentially open in 2021 and the first footage of the ride vehicle–a first of its kind–has been revealed.

As part of the virtual International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo, Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products chairman Josh D’Amaro shared a video that features an image of the ride’s track, which you can see below. However, Disney also released test footage of the attraction’s “Omnicoaster” vehicles. Essentially, they are roller coaster cars that can spin 360 degrees and launch in reverse. That’ll come in handy for the “reverse launch into space” that was promised at the D23 Expo in 2019. The vehicle spinning will allow for storytelling elements to be shown on what the company is calling a “family-friendly” attraction.

What can’t be seen in the video above, unfortunately, is what the inside of the attraction will look like. What we know is that last year it was revealed that the coaster would essentially start visitors on Earth and take guests on a Guardians of the Galaxy-sized mission to the planet Xandar on a ship owned by the Nova Corps.

Given that it’s a Guardians of the Galaxy attraction, it’s likely that the ride will include a lot of humor, Groot being adorable, Rocket being sarcastic, and lots of ’70s rock and roll music.

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Of course, that’s not the only Marvel attraction in the works for Disney’s parks. There are also Avengers Campus lands in the works at Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Paris. Originally, the California campus was set to open in July. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that’s been postponed.

GameSpot attended a tour of the land under construction and learned everything from how it’s Spider-Man ride will work to every character guests will be able to meet there–it’s far more than you might expect.

At this point, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind does not have an official opening date. Previously, it was revealed the attraction would debut in 2021, though that could still change. Avengers Campus does not currently have a scheduled opening date. However, during the IAAPA presentation, it was revealed that Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure at Epcot is expected to open in 2021x.