Sega Europe Will Use Fully Recyclable Packaging For All PC Games From Now On

Sega Europe has announced a new initiative that will see all of its PC physical releases going forward being packaged in 100% recyclable cardboard. This new packaging model was quietly rolled out with the November 2019 release of Football Manager 2020, and will continue with the upcoming release of Total War Rome II – Enemy at the Gates Edition.

This package contains the Hannibal at the Gates, Imperator Augustus and Empire Divided DLCs, and will be spread across three discs. The cardboard used to house them will be both recycled and recyclable.

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Sega Europe is doing this to reduce the company’s carbon footprint–plastic packaging in landfill is not as environmentally friendly as recyclable cardboard. The packaging for these first two releases was market-tested thoroughly beforehand, as people who purchase physical copies of PC games often want a premium product.

All printing on the boxes and manuals is done with water and vegetable inks, and the shrink-wrap used is a recyclable low-density polyethylene. This costs more to print, ultimately, but because the boxes are lighter, it also makes them cheaper to ship.

For more information, Miles Jacobson, studio director of Football Manager developer Sports Interactive, has published an open letter on the subject. In it, he challenges other publishers to embrace recyclable materials: “I’m throwing down the gauntlet here to ALL entertainment companies who use plastic for their Blu Ray, DVD and CD packaging. Imagine how much plastic we could save, how much landfill we could avoid and how much less plastic would make it into the oceans if we were all do this?”

Players who pick up this physical edition of Total War: Rome II can rest assured that it’s environmentally conscious–and it’s also a great game.

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Footage Reportedly from George Lucas’ Cancelled Star Wars TV Show Surfaces

Footage that is reportedly from a cancelled George Lucas Star Wars TV series – Star Wars: Underworld – has recently resurfaced and gives fans a glimpse of what could have been.

As reported by Polygon, the clip, which you can watch here, is test footage and a behind-the-scenes look of this show that would have taken place on Coruscant.

The footage shows a mysterious figure attempting to secure plans for an Imperial Star Destroyer. After she secures said plans, she arrives at a small weapons store and tries to purchase a ship and escape.

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Unfortunately, Stormtroopers catch up to her and a battle ensues with some pretty horrendous shooting. Also, the footage resembles the style of the prequel films with a smaller budget.

Star Wars: Underworld was announced by George Lucas in 2005’s Star Wars Celebration and apparently ended up being just too expensive to make.

“Right now, it looks like the Star Wars features,” Lucas said on G4’s Attack of the Show in 2011. “But we have to figure out a way to make it at about a tenth of the cost of the features, because it’s television.”

Lucas also confirmed there were 50 completed scripts for the series, which had some strong similarities to the canceled Star Wars 1717.

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This footage from Star Wars: Underworld, which was set to take place between Revenge of the Sith and A New Hope, was originally from the Vimeo Page of visual effects studio Stargate Studios. The test footage had been there for 9 years, while the behind-the-scenes footage had been there for 7 years.

While this series may have never seen the light of day, Disney and Lucasfilm are hard at work on the second season of The Mandalorian, the Obi-Wan Kenobi series, the Cassian Andor series, and much more.

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Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

5 Ways Xbox One’s UI Is Improving

2020 is the year of Xbox Series X, but Microsoft isn’t forgetting the regular Xbox One just yet.

The latest dashboard update for the console has arrived–for testers at least–and it’s a big one. The Xbox One UI is notorious for being difficult to use, but this update improves things.

Update #2002–which makes me wonder if there have been 2001 updates before this–is now available for people in the Xbox Insider Alpha-Ring, and in this video we’re covering five new features that make the console look and perform even better. You can check out the full blog post on Microsoft’s website to see a rundown of everything new in the update, as it also includes improvements for Mixer and data-storage.

Overall, this new Xbox One dashboard is a welcome improvement on what has historically been a difficult-to-use platform. It still takes more than a few button presses to get where you want to go and see what you want to see, but I like the strides Microsoft has made here. Not only does the update give the Xbox One a facelift, it feels like the dashboard is snappier and more responsive, which means that while you still need a bunch of button presses to get where you’re going, it moves along faster.

This update is expected to roll out for everyone in February, so be on the lookout for these features soon.

Nintendo Has ‘No Plans’ to Launch a New Nintendo Switch Model in 2020

Nintendo’s president Shuntaro Furukawa has stated that Nintendo has “no plans to launch a new Nintendo Switch model during 2020.”

These comments are from Nintendo’s Nine Months Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ending March 2020, in which Nintendo also said “we believe it is important to continue to communicate the appeal of both Nintendo Switch systems and expand the installed base.”

While we may not get new models, Nintendo will still be releasing special editions, including the recently announced Nintendo Switch with an Animal Crossing: New Horizons design, dock, and Joy-Con that will launch on March 13, 2020, for $299.99 USD.

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There have been many reports and rumors of Nintendo working on a Nintendo Switch Pro, with many assuming it could launch alongside the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The original BOTW was a launch title for the Switch back on March 3, 2017.

Nintendo doesn’t appear to be in a hurry to rush out a more powerful Nintendo Switch, as sales for its newest console have recently passed 52 million units worldwide. Nintendo also released a Nintendo Switch Lite last year that accounted for 5.19 million units of the 52 million.

Nintendo’s 2020 is very much unknown at this point, with only such titles as Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Xenoblade Chronicles Definitive Edition, and Bravely Default II, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, No More Heroes 3, and Sports Story confirmed to be arriving in 2020.

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Fans around the world are still waiting and hoping for more news on Breath of the Wild 2, Metroid Prime 4, and Bayonetta 3, which Nintendo currently has TBA as a release date for all three.

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Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN who was very sad writing this as all he wants in his life is a Switch Pro and Breath of the Wild 2. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Super Bowl 54 Winner Predicted By Madden NFL 20

As it does every year, EA Sports has now released the results of its Super Bowl simulation that uses the latest Madden game to predict the winner of the big game.

According to the simulation, the Kansas Chief Chiefs will defeat the San Francisco 49ers in a very close game, by a score of 35-31. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes will earn the Super Bowl MVP award for his performance, according to the simulation. You can watch the announcement video below, which follows a teaser featuring Peyton and Eli Manning.

In previous years, EA posts a detailed breakdown of its Super Bowl simulation–featuring player statistics and other key details–but it’s not clear if that’s happening this year.

Whatever the case, the Madden Super Bowl simulation is often wrong, as it has been for the past few years. So 49ers fans shouldn’t get too upset over this. It would be great for Mahomes, who is also on the cover of Madden NFL 20. Then again, if the Chiefs lose, fans will no doubt blame the Madden Curse.

GameSpot also ran a Super Bowl 54 simulation using Madden 20–and we got some very interesting results. Check out the video embedded above to learn more.

Super Bowl 54 takes place on Sunday, February 2 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Florida. For lots more, check out GameSpot’s breakdown of how to watch the game, what movie trailers to expect, who’s performing at halftime, and more.

Now Playing: Who Wins Super Bowl 54? (Madden 20 Simulation Breakdown)

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Nintendo Has “No Intention” Of Releasing New Hardware In 2020

For over a year, rumors have swirled that Nintendo is planning to release an upgraded “Pro” model of the Nintendo Switch, but in a presentation live-tweeted by Tokyo-based David Gibson, Nintendo Japan president Shuntaro Furukawa shot down reports suggesting that Nintendo will release a new hardware revision in 2020.

According to Gibson, Furukawa said clearly that the company has “no intention” of releasing new hardware in 2020, meaning that a Pro model of Switch is not being planned for release this year.

The Switch Lite released in 2019, and Furukawa suggested that the benefits of the system were not communicated as clearly as they could be. For now, it sounds like Nintendo is planning on sticking with the two available models.

Furukawa also suggested that the system is entering the middle of its life cycle, and while the impending launches of new consoles will change the landscape somewhat, Nintendo has different “lifestyle and customer” targets. They will be looking to extend the Switch’s life cycle beyond what they have previously achieved. Nintendo previously indicated it intends the Switch’s lifecycle to extend beyond the traditional five to six-year window.

With the Switch aiming for a long life cycle, it’s possible that we will see further revisions down the track. There is a precedent for this as the Nintendo DSi iterated on the success of the Nintendo DS and made the system slightly more powerful, back in 2009.

The Nintendo Switch is gearing up for a huge 2020– here are our most anticipated games for the year.

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Scott Pilgrim 2: Mary Elizabeth Winstead Wants a Sequel Set 10 Years Later

Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who played Ramona Flowers in 2010’s Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, would love to see a sequel to the film that took place 10 years after the events of the original.

Speaking to ComicBook.com at a press junket for Birds of Prey, Winstead, who plays Huntress alongside Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn, shared her thoughts on what a potential sequel should look like.

“You know what, I think that would be so cool. I would be so curious to know what happened to these characters when they’re in their mid 30s as opposed to the sort of 20 slacker thing,” Winstead explained. “So I think it would be really interesting. We always talked about a sequel when we were doing it, but we always imagined it would be like, still like a year later. Where are they? But I think it’s way more fascinating to know where they’d be 10 years later. I’m down for it.”

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Even though we called Scott Pilgrim vs. the World one of the best superhero movies of all time, it did not perform well at the global box office.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World had an estimate budget of $60 million, and only brought back $47.7 million worldwide.

A sequel with the original cast would also not be the easiest, as it featured such stars as Michael Cera, Anna Kendrick, Chris Evans, Brie Larson, Brandon Routh, Aubrey Plaza, Alison Pill, Jason Schwartzman, Johnny Simmons, and more.

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Even though it didn’t make a ton of money, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World has since become a cult classic. We also included it on our lists of the 15 Best Sci-Fi Movie Soundtracks and 7 Video Game Movies Worth Watching.

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Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

How To Watch Super Bowl 54 On TV Or Streaming

Super Bowl 54 is upon us. The big game takes place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida this Sunday, February 2. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are set to do battle in a game that is projected to be an action-packed affair with a lot of excitement.

The game kicks off at at 3:30 PM PT / 6:30 PM ET on Sunday, February 2. You can watch the game on traditional linear TV on Fox or through the streaming site fuboTV, which offers a free trial. The service streams to PC, mobile phones, Google Chromecast, and more.

Outside of the football we’re expecting trailers for the biggest upcoming movies and advertisements for all kinds of products. It’s rumored that Marvel will air a new Black Widow trailer during the big game, while a trailer for Fast 9 is also expected.

Super Bowl 54 will have numerous trailers for products. We’ve already seen a lot of ads, including a recreation of The Shining featuring Bryan Cranston, who gives his wife Mountain Dew instead of trying to murder her. Mr. Peanut is also expected to have some kind of showing during the big game. Check out GameSpot’s roundup of all the big trailers released so far.

Demi Lovato is singing the national anthem at Super Bowl 54, while Shakira and Jennifer Lopez will perform the halftime show.

Here at GameSpot we ran multiple simulations of Super Bowl 54 with Madden 20, and you can check out the results in the video above. EA’s own simulation predicted that the Chiefs will beat the 49ers 35-31, with Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes winning the MVP award.

For lots more on Super Bowl 54, check out GameSpot sister site CBSSports.com.

Now Playing: Who Wins Super Bowl 54? (Madden 20 Simulation Breakdown)

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Star Trek: Picard Episode 2 “Maps and Legends” Breakdown & Easter Eggs

In Episode 2 of Star Trek: Picard, we learn about the Tal Shiar from Picard’s friends Laris and Zhaban, who were formerly members of the Romulan intelligence agency. They suspect that a subset of the Tal Shiar, the Zhat Vash, may be behind the attack on Dahj (Isa Briones). Picard turns to Starfleet for help, but they turn him away. Without their support, Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) must lean on others, including Dr. Agnes Jurati (Alison Pill) and Raffi Musiker. Meanwhile, we get a look at Soji’s work on the Borg Cube called The Artifact, which has been separated from the Borg collective.

For more on Star Trek: Picard, read about what’s wrong with Picard’s brain, and what the Romulans are doing on the Borg cube.

Disclosure: ViacomCBS is GameSpot’s parent company.

Stadia Addresses Lack Of Game Announcements, Saying It’s Up To Publishers

The Google Stadia has had a bit of a rough launch, with only one exclusive (Tequila Works’ Gylt) and middling reviews from critics. Now, as one owner has pointed out on Reddit, it’s been 40 days since a new game was announced for the service–and when questioned on this, Google has responded.

Google has provided a statement to Gamesindustry.biz about its silence on upcoming releases, and has said that much of this falls on publishers who are gearing up to make their own announcements.

Google has previously said that there are 120 games coming to Stadia in 2020, including at least 10 exclusives in the first half of the year, and in its statement they say that they won’t be announcing all of them directly. “Of course, not all 120 titles will be announced by the Stadia team,” the statement reads, “As we leave it up to the publishers to make the announcement about their IP/games, and which platforms it will appear on–just as we will do with the exclusive content coming to Stadia.”

Google says that there are many reasons why publishers might want to hold off on announcing Stadia games, and that more news is coming. “We continue to work closely with our publishing and developing partners and are here to support them in all areas. We are excited to share more about some of the exclusive games coming to Stadia soon.”

According to Android Police, only 17 games in total are known to be coming to Stadia beyond what’s already available. These include some big titles like Marvel’s Avengers, Cyberpunk 2077, Doom Eternal, Watch Dogs: Legion, Baldur’s Gate III and Destroy All Humans. Still, it’s a low number.

Earlier in January, Gylt creative director Raul Rubio praised Stadia for being very easy to develop for. Google also recently bought Typhoon Studios, the developer of Journey to the Savage Planet. That game, which was published by 505 Games, has not been announced for Stadia as of yet. Stadia also has its own first-party studio that is working on games, although none have been announced yet.

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