PS5 Might Be In Short Supply For Launch, But It Won’t Be Due To Coronavirus

The question of when exactly PS5 and Xbox Series X will launch continues to persist, although both Sony and Microsoft have announced a target of late 2020. Sony has reiterated that PS5’s release date is set for Holiday 2020, noting that the coronavirus is not expected to impact the launch supply in any significant way.

Speaking with GameSpot sister site CNET, PlayStation boss Jim Ryan confirmed that there has been no interruption to Sony’s plan to launch PS5 worldwide later this year. “We remain absolutely on track,” he said. “We’re going to launch this holiday, we will have a global launch. And we’re greatly looking forward to it. And we very much want the gaming world to look forward to it, too.”

The launch of any major new game system is typically accompanied by sellouts, as demand often far outpaces the available supply. That’s certainly been the case with Sony’s past consoles, as anyone who attempted to get a PS4 on launch day can attest. And it’s expected to again occur whenever PS5 hits, but the console selling out won’t be due to any major impact of the coronavirus.

“Right now, we’re not seeing anything saying to us there’s going to be problems with quantities or we won’t be able to launch the way we want,” Ryan told CNET, matching up with what the company had indicated earlier this year.

In an interview with the BBC, Ryan also noted that the ongoing pandemic has not impacted a decision regarding PS5’s price.

Manufacturing of PS5 is expected to start soon in order for the console to make its launch date. That could potentially lead to a leak regarding the look of the system, which remains a complete mystery (although we have gotten a look at the PS5’s controller, DualSense). As such, Sony may intend to publicly reveal the look of the system in the near future.

We do now know for sure that the company intends to host a PS5 games-focused event on June 4. At this point, however, that is only confirmed to showcase games and gameplay, not the hardware itself or any of the major topics like release date, price, or launch lineup. You can keep track of how and when you can buy the console in our PS5 pre-order guide.

Starting June 1, GameSpot will be hosting Play For All–a celebration of all things gaming. Join us as we bring you the summer’s hottest news, previews, interviews, features, and videos, as well as raise money for COVID-19 relief efforts with the help of our friends from around the gaming world. Check out the Play For All schedule for more.

Now Playing: Full Unreal Engine 5 On PS5 Reveal

After Kojima Has A “Major Project” Canceled, Planning Is Underway For Next Game

Hideo Kojima and his studio, Kojima Productions, are currently in the early stages of planning their next big project after plans for a recent one got cancelled.

Kojima, who was interview by Japanese publication Livedoor (translated by Video Games Chronicle), expressed his frustration at having a major project cancelled. He also explained that the studio’s next game is in its planning stages, and as such he can’t reveal any details about it just yet.

“It’s still in the early planning stages so I can’t say much, but on the down-low I’m actively working on it,” Kojima said. “Recently a major project of mine got cancelled so I’m pretty pissed, but that’s the games industry for you.”

Kojima also revealed that Death Stranding, Kojima Productions’ first title, has recouped its development costs and secured enough for the studio to comfortably pursue their next big game. Death Stranding is still coming to PC this year, but was recently slightly delayed due to logistical issues brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kojima has expressed the desire to work on smaller games in tandem with the studio’s larger projects, with the creator even hinting at a return to horror after the messy cancellation of Silent Hills prior to his departure from Konami. He did, however, refute rumors suggesting that he had revived the project, saying “that’s completely false.”

Death Stranding told the story of Sam Bridges and his journey to reconnecting a fractured America in the wake of a cataclysmic event. It was thought-provoking adventure, which earned a 9/10 in our Death Stranding review, with critic Kallie Plagge writing, “It’s positive without ignoring pain; in fact, it argues in both its story and its gameplay that adversity itself is what makes things worth doing and life worth living. It’s a game that requires patience, compassion, and love, and it’s also one we really need right now.”

Now Playing: Death Stranding Video Review

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.

Video Game Release Dates For June 2020: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

June is nearly here, and it’s another exciting month for games. Despite the cancellation of E3 2020, the month is sure to be packed with big news and game reveals from various channels within the industry–GameSpot even has its own special festivities booked for the occasion called Play For All. But alongside the numerous announcements that are bound to start coming this month, including a confirmed PS5 reveal event, is a slate of new releases, which includes a handful of engrossing experiences, some revisits to the past, and one of the year’s most hotly anticipated PS4 games.

To give you a look at what’s ahead for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Switch, we’ve rounded up all the biggest games of June 2020 below. For a wider look at the titles still to come this year, be sure to check out our list of game release dates in 2020. Otherwise, be sure to check this article often for the latest during this month, as we’ll be sure to update it with more new release dates that get announced.

Disintegration (PS4, Xbox One, PC) — June 16

Disintegration is an upcoming first-person shooter that incorporates elements of real-time strategy games. directed by the co-creator of Halo, Marcus Lehto, the game is shaping up to have similarly intriguing sci-fi elements, where you play as a group of humans-turned-robotic outlaws striving to reclaim control over society from a militant superpower bent on converting humanity into robots.

Further Reading:

The Last Of Us Part II (PS4) — June 19

Set five years after the events of its universally loved predecessor, Naughty Dog’s The Last Of Us Part II follows an older Ellie and Joel, who have finally found a life of peace among a thriving community of survivors. That is until a violent event forces Ellie to embark on a new journey in search for vengeance, justice, and closure. On June 19, you can experience this beautiful, but dangerous, world for yourself. And thanks to the newest iteration of the Naughty Dog engine, the characters and world are more realistic and meticulously detailed than ever before.

Further Reading:

Spongebob Squarepants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated (PS4, Xbox One, PC) — June 23

Spongebob: Battle for Bikini Bottom Rehydrated is a remaster of the 2003 licensed platformer of the same name. Much like Activision’s work on the Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon remakes, Battle for Bikini Bottom will have completely redone visuals, textures, and character models. Also, it will feature a new multiplayer mode and new content cut from the original.

Further Reading:

Full June 2020 Release Schedule

Release Date Game Platforms Pre-Order
June 2 Valorant PC N/A
June 5 Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics Switch Amazon
Command & Conquer Remastered Collection PC Steam
The Outer Worlds Switch Amazon
June 9 Grounded Xbox One, PC N/A
June 16 Desperados III PS4, Xbox One, PC Amazon
Disintegration PS4, Xbox One, PC Steam
June 19 Burnout Paradise Remastered Switch Amazon
The Last of Us Part II PS4 Amazon
June 23 Little Town Hero PS4 N/A
SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC Amazon
Ninjala Switch Eshop
June 26 Fairy Tail PS4, Switch, PC Amazon
June 30 The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel III Switch Amazon
June TBA Pokemon Sword / Shield: The Isle of Armor Expansion Switch Eshop

Goosebumps: Dead of Night Announced

R.L. Stine’s popular children’s horror book series Goosebumps is coming to consoles in video game form. Cosmic Forces is partnering with Sony Pictures and Scholastic to create Goosebumps: Dead of Night, which will be released this Summer for PS4, Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

As you can see in the official announcement trailer above, Goosebumps: Dead of Night is a first-person survival horror game, and its premise involves known Goosebumps villain Slappy the Dummy stealing classic pages from the book series, resulting in a horde of monsters setting out to look for you. Expect puzzle solving and the occasional jump-scare, and actor Jack Black, who is no stranger to video games (Brutal Legend), voices RL Stine.

[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=goosebumps-dead-of-night-screenshots&captions=true”]

Cosmic Forces calls Dead of Night a “reimagining” of their mobile VR game, Goosebumps: Night of Scares. This console version adds improved graphics, additional gameplay chapters, new monsters, and expanded Stine House, improved AI, and more. Check out IGN’s reviews of Goosebumps’ “scary-good” 2015 film adaptation, along with the “slapdash” 2018 sequel, Goosebumps 2: Haunted Halloween.

[poilib element=”accentDivider”]

Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s Executive Editor of Previews. Follow him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan, catch him on Unlocked, and drop-ship him Taylor Ham sandwiches from New Jersey whenever possible.

IGN UK Podcast #541: Your Snyder Cut Feedback

Turns out a lot of you are VERY passionate about The Snyder Cut. Joe, Dale and Matt read out a bunch of your feedback and carry on the debate. Normal service then resumes with Matt sharing his thoughts on the new People Can Fly game, Outriders, and Joe and Dale explain their disappointment with Maneater.

We’re also back with the Endless Search, MORE of your near death stories and mad food combos.

Remember, if you want to get in touch with the podcast, please do: [email protected]

IGN UK Podcast #541: Your Snyder Cut Feedback

[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=ign-uk-podcast-episode-500-photos&captions=true”]

[poilib element=”accentDivider”]

Dishonored: Original Story ‘Complete,’ But Series Is Not On Hold

Arkane has revealed that the original story of the Dishonored series is “complete”, but the franchise has not been put on hold, as per previous reports.

In an interview with IGN Middle East, Arkane Studio’s Co-Creative Director Dinga Bakaba set the record straight about a previous quote from Arkane’s Ricardo Bare, who said in 2018 that Dishonored was “resting for now.” This led fans to believe that the future of the series was uncertain, with outlets reporting that the series had been put on hold.

”It’s weird because for us as a studio, we never did a sequel to a game we made before,” Bakaba told IGN Middle East. “It was interesting to make and everything, but the rumors of putting the IP on hold was highly exaggerated and was misquoted”

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/06/10/deathloop-cinematic-reveal-trailer-e3-2019″]

Bakaba believes that Bare’s quote was ”over-interpreted.” “I don’t think there was a decision to put [the] Dishonored series on hold,“ he explained. While Arkane has wrapped up the storyline concerning Emily Kaldwin and Corvo Attano and believes the narrative to be complete, this doesn’t mean that there can’t be any more games in the Dishonored universe in the future. “It’s something where we had a story to tell about the Kaldwins and the Outsider, and that story is over,” he said

“So, whatever happens, that Dishonored is complete. This is the best, and most honest answer we can give but, in any case, I don’t think we will be revisiting that [the Kaldwin storyline]. Bakaba goes on to explain that the decision not to revisit “that part” of the Dishonored world was a creative choice and speaks to Arkane’s intentions as a studio.

Bakaba goes on to explain that Arkane is “not a studio of one game, and I don’t think we ever will be.” In the years since Dishonored, we’ve seen Arkane turn to new projects like Prey, and supporting Machinegames in making Wolfenstein: Youngblood.

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2016/11/14/dishonored-2-review”]

It’s unclear what’s next for Arkane as far as Dishonored is concerned, but this leaves the door open should they wish to return to the game’s atmospheric world in some respect. We also have Deathloop to look forward to, an action-adventure game directed by Bakaba himself. The game is yet to receive a release date, but we’ll be sure to update you if we hear anything more about it.

In other Arkane news, footage of their cancelled Half-Life project ‘Ravenholm’ was recently revealed thanks to a Noclip documentary. 

[poilib element=”accentDivider”]

Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN absolutely desperate for another immersive sim from the masters at Arkane. Follow him on Twitter. 

Report: New PS4 Games Must Be Compatible With PS5 in Future

Sony has reportedly told developers that PS4 games submitted for certification from July 13 onwards must be forwards compatible with PS5. PS4 versions of The Last of Us 2 and Ghost of Tsushima will also apparently be compatible with PS5.

Per a report from Eurogamer, developer documentation on Sony’s internal Partner website now includes a step that must be checked, saying that the game has been tested for compatibility with PS5. That compatibility apparently means that the PS4 game’s code must run without issues on a PS5, and the game must include all the same features.

[widget path=”global/article/imagegallery” parameters=”albumSlug=confirmed-playstation-5-games&captions=true”]

Sony is also seemingly “strongly” recommending that any patch or remaster for a game submitted before July 13 would allow for PS5 compatibility. Any patch for a game submitted after that cut-off must ensure the game remains compatible with PS5.

There’s a difference between submission and release – games are submitted for certification well before release, so some games arriving after that cut-off date could still be non-compatible with PS5.

However, Eurogamer also reports that it has heard that The Last of Us 2 and Ghost of Tsushima – Sony’s final major PS4 exclusives, and neither of which will have hit that cut-off point – will be supported on PS5.

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/ps5-conference-coming-soon-ign-daily-fix”]

We may learn more about this very soon, with an unannounced PS5 conference reportedly schedule for as early as next week. As for PS5 games, Sony has said we’ll hear about a line-up “soon”.

It would appear Sony’s pushing hard for cross-generation compatibility with this generation, with the majority of the 4,000+ PS4 titles apparently slated to run on PS5. Microsoft is making the same kinds of promises – only yesterday, it said Xbox Series X would launch with “thousands” of games due to compatibility support with previous Xbox generations.

[poilib element=”accentDivider”]

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

BioShock, Borderlands, And XCOM Are All Available On Switch Now–Here’s All The Details

2K has released seven different games from three franchises on the Nintendo Switch today, all of them beloved titles. BioShock: The Collection, Borderlands Legendary Collection and XCOM 2 Collection are now available, and the individual titles within the first two collections can also be bought separately. Each game comes with all previously released DLC.

If you’re buying these games digitally, you’ll want to hope that you have plenty of space on your SD card–the smallest game in the bunch weighs in at 10.4GB. In total, the seven games weigh in at 103.1 GB.

BioShock 2, which originally launched with a multiplayer mode, features just the campaign, along with the Minerva’s Den and Protector Trials DLC packs.

Here’s the complete list, including Switch Eshop prices and file sizes.

  • BioShock Remastered: $20 (12.5GB)
  • BioShock 2 Remastered: $20 (10.4GB)
  • BioShock Infinite: The Complete Collection: $20 (20.7GB)
  • BioShock: The Collection: $50 (features the three games above)
  • Borderlands: Game of the Year Edition: $30 (13.7GB)
  • Borderlands: The Handsome Collection: $40 (21.5GB)
  • Borderlands: Legendary Collection: $60 (features both games above)
  • XCOM 2 Collection: $50 (24.3GB)

XCOM 2 and BioShock port studio Virtuos has said that they believe just about any PS4 and Xbox One game is possible on Switch, with the right studio on the case.

We quickly loaded up XCOM 2–theoretically the most complicated port, as the only game in this list not released on PS3 and Xbox 360–and first impressions suggest a strong port of the 2016 game, with the most notable cutbacks coming in the barracks menus. The screenshots below are taken from an undocked personal Switch unit.

Gallery image 1Gallery image 2Gallery image 3Gallery image 4

A quick test of BioShock Infinite suggests that it has similarly received a good port, one that performs well and looks fantastic on the Switch’s portable screen. Some shots, again taken from a personal undocked Switch, are below.

Gallery image 1Gallery image 2Gallery image 3Gallery image 4Gallery image 5Gallery image 6

There’s a new BioShock in the works right now, although platforms for it have not been announced. If you’re a PC user, you can also nab Borderlands: The Handsome Collection for free on the Epic Store right now.

Now Playing: Let’s Revisit BioShock Infinite On Its 7th Birthday

GameSpot may get a commission from retail offers.