Developer Torn Banner Studios has revealed that a cross-play closed beta for its swords and shields multiplayer game Chivalry II will arrive on April 23. PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S participants can try out the 64-player combat of the game, as well as its four base classes that can be expanded into 12 subclasses in the Team Objective mode.
Team Deathmatch and Free-for-all match modes will also be available on the new map The Siege of Rudhelm, and Torn Banner has released videos detailing two of the factions that players can join. The first video is for the Mason Order that wears distinctive red and black colors on the battlefield, and the second video is for the Agatha Knights who have adopted a royal blue and gold color scheme.
The beta will start at 7.30 AM PDT / 10.30 AM EDT on Friday, April 23, and will end at 7.30 PM PT / 10.30 PM ET on Monday, April 26.
Console pre-orders for Chivalry II are now live ahead of its June 8 global launch, with the standard edition costing $40 and the special edition retailing for $50. Pre-order incentives include the Royal Zweihander weapon skin in the standard edition, additional exclusive items in the special edition, and access to the cross-play closed-beta for both versions of the game.
Free cross-generational upgrades from current-gen versions will be supported, if you decide to a PS5 or Xbox Series X|S in the future.
TokenWave is an app for both iOS and Android that allows users to purchase NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens, with a marketplace containing more than 10 million tokens for purchase. Funko’s majority stake in the company is part of a strategy to combine NFT sales with rare Funko collectibles in the future, with the first run of tokens going on sale for $10 in June. A new token will be released weekly thereafter.
According to Funko, the idea is to have rarer NFTs correspond to real-life figures that can be redeemed with the digital token. This will intrinsically tie the collectible to the token, although how that might affect the resale value of either has yet to be determined.
Funko Pops will soon have corresponding NFTs on the blockchain
“Our strategy in this space is clear – bring the value-added NFT opportunity to our licensing partners to leverage our broad range of existing pop culture content across Television, Movies, Sports, Music, Anime, Video Games and Comic Books,” explained Funko CEO Brian Mariotti. “Our amazing licensing partners are excited about our entry into this new digital space and we believe the diversity of our licensing portfolio sets us up for long-term success.”
Unlike many other NFTs, Funko will be leveraging the WAX platform for sales instead of one on the Ether blockchain. If you’d like a crash course on what NFTs are and what they could mean for the future of gaming, be sure to check out our in-depth breakdown of the new crypto craze.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors. GameSpot may get a share of the revenue if you buy anything featured on our site.
A series of Among Us plushies are now available for preorder through GameStop. The collectible plushies come in three sizes, ranging from $6 to $30.
The smallest size ($6) are blind bag plush bag hangers measuring 3 inches high. You’ll get one of five Crewmates in different colors and wearing various headwear. Red is the standout of the collection, looking like he’s just about to get away with murder. Those are releasing July 1, 2021.
The next size up, with a release date TBD, are 9-inch plushies for $17. They come in six colors: red, teal, yellow, pink, black, and white. Finally, the Mega Plushes for $30 are 15 to 16 inches, available in brown with a toilet paper hat or purple with a mohawk. Like the bag hangers, those are expected to release on July 1.
The plushes come right alongside the recent release of the Airship map, a new environment that developer Innersloth has been teasing for months. And upcoming quality-of-life updates planned for the game include a total revamp to the art style along with larger lobbies.
The big Airship update for Among Us is out now, and as can often happen with big additions, the patch also added some bugs and issues to the game. Developer Innersloth has outlined these known issues and while it’s still fixing some of them, it also provided some workarounds you can use to keep playing in the meantime.
On Android/Google, some Among Us players are reporting “GoogleAuthNoToken” and “LinkAccountFail” errors. Innersloth is aware of this and is looking into a fix. In the meantime, players are advised to use a guest account. This locks them to Quick Chat, but the studio is hopeful that a true fix will come soon.
Some Among Us users are also experiencing an infinite loading screen. To get around this, Innersloth said players can restart the game and it should fix the issue. The studio is aware that some people still get the issue after restarting, and it’s looking into a fix.
Another issue people are experiencing is an error message that says, “The Among Us servers could not authenticate you.” To overcome this, players should create an Among Us account or log in as a guest and then restart the game. This could take “a while,” the studio said, due in part to “server overload.”
For players experiencing issues signing into their accounts, Innersloth said they should double check to make sure you’re not trying to log into multiple accounts (Steam, Google Play, Epic, etc). “Right now the game only supports connecting one account to the game. This also could happen if you are logged into the same account on multiple devices,” Innersloth said.
In terms of known bugs, Innersloth is aware of issues regarding broken sprites, problems with Quick Chat, and getting stuck in place. You can see a rundown of these issues below, some of which have workarounds.
The Airship is a free addition to Among Us, with the game supporting cross-play across PC and mobile, and you also get cross-play on the Nintendo Switch version released just last year. Among Us is console to Xbox later this year, but a release date hasn’t been announced.
Among Us Known Bugs
If you get stuck in place after a meeting, open and close the Settings menu and you should be free to move again.
If you are above the minimum age of consent within your country (mostly 13+) and are still locked into Quick Chat (and are logged in, not on an Android device) make sure you change to Free + Quick Chat in the game Settings.
Certain players are seeing broken player sprites as pink rectangular shapes. This a very specific hardware issue, finding fixes now.
Your randomized name will keep changing unless you open Account window > tap ‘randomize name’. Then the name you pick sticks
The Airship cosmetic bundle availability is currently bugged – the RHM hat is not available for those who have purchased the bundle. Fixed on version 2021.3.31.3, but Steam is still on version 2021.3.31.2.
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Treyarch has released a new set of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War patch notes just a short time after it released a separate, major content update. This update adds three new features to the game, including a Calling Card Showcase and a few quality-of-life improvements for multiplayer. It also includes the operator Wolf, available in a nine-item bundle.
Calling Card Showcase allows you to select up to three of your Calling Cards in order to show them off together. If you’re having trouble deciding on just one you’ve unlocked, this is a great option. As with things like emblems, you can find it in the Barracks under the Player Identity menu.
You can also now inspect other players’ operator models while you’re still in the lobby, and you can set favorite cosmetic options from bundles in Create-a-Class to use Quick Equip automatically, applying your favorites without having to cycle through all the options you have.
The update post also included a tease of what to expect for next week, including Gunsmith Customs, which let you create and save your own custom Blueprints by mixing features from other ones. We’ll also get the ZRG 20mm sniper rifle and the return of Gunfight Blueprints. Lastly, Gunfight Tournaments will make its premiere with “exclusive rewards.”
In other Call of Duty news, a cannabis-focused DLC has apparently leaked for both Black Ops Cold War and Warzone.
The full set of patch notes are below.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Patch Notes (March 31)
GLOBAL
Features
Calling Card Showcase
Choose up to three Calling Cards to display in your Showcase, now available in the Player Identity menu at the Barracks.
Set as Favorite
Players can now use the “Set as Favorite” option in Create-a-Class to designate a target class for the Quick Equip feature. Weapons equipped through Quick Equip will automatically appear in this class.
Player Inspect in Lobby
Players can now inspect other players’ Operator models while in the Lobby.
Operators
Wolf
Wolf Operator Bundle now available in the Store.
UI
Addressed an issue where a pop-up message stating “Quitting with 3 or fewer players on your team will result in a loss and a ladder point penalty” could erroneously appear when attempting to join on a friend.
MULTIPLAYER
Maps
Miami Strike
Addressed an issue where attackers/defenders could spawn on the same spawn side in CDL Custom Games.
Daily Challenges
The “Junked” Daily Challenge now tracks progress for destroying enemy Field Upgrades by interacting with them, not just by shooting them.
Stability
Fixed a rare crash related to players joining a match in progress in Search and Destroy.
Fixed a rare crash in Multi-Team related to radiation clouds.
CODCaster
Addressed an issue where CODCaster could be selected in non-team-based modes.
ZOMBIES
Menus
Moved the Private Match Server Pause feature to an option in the Pause menu to allow the host of a match to apply a Blueprint from the Pause menu without inadvertently pausing the match.
Outbreak
Stability
Fixed crashes related to Krasny Soldat and zombie pathfinding.
Gameplay
Addressed an issue where a player’s vehicle would not take damage when running into Special or Elite enemies.
Addressed an issue that caused jetpack flames to appear on an HVT when their jetpack was not in use.
Onslaught (PS4/PS5)
Addressed a progression break that could occur when killing a zombie immediately after the Surge incremented.
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Xbox boss Phil Spencer is celebrating an anniversary with Xbox. It was seven years ago, on March 31, 2014, that Spencer was promoted to Head of Xbox. It was a big, dramatic change for Microsoft and Xbox, as the company faltered under the leadership of Don Mattrick and some of the policy moves that the company pushed in regards to DRM and used games.
In short, Xbox was in a tough position back then. The Xbox One launched at $500, a full $100 above the PS4, thanks in part to Kinect being bundled with every system. Microsoft did sell 1 million units of the Xbox One in its first 24 hours, but the surge at launch could not be sustained in the long-term, and the PS4 would handily outsell the Xbox One over time.
Spencer would go on to acknowledge and own up to Microsoft’s numerous shortcomings in the Xbox One era, and in particular the controversial policy decisions from the previous leadership team. Under Spencer’s leadership, and due to a number of other factors, Xbox is in a great position right now. The Xbox Series X|S had a record-setting launch, while initiatives that Spencer spearheaded like Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Streaming have taken off to great success.
“Crazy to think it’s been 7 years. Couldn’t be more proud of the team; what they’ve learned and accomplished over the years. Lot’s more to do, thanks for all the support and feedback from the community, I really do appreciate all the positive energy,” he said on Twitter.
Looking back at the announcement from March 31, 2014 is a fun stroll down memory lane. At the time, Spencer said he was “honored to lead the team at this incredible time for Microsoft and the games industry.” His blog post was titled “A New Day at Xbox.”
Back in 2014, Spencer laid out a vision for where he saw Xbox heading in the future, and I think many would agree he achieved that and then some.
“Our mission is to build a world-class team, work hard to meet the high expectations of a passionate fan base, create the best games and entertainment, and drive technical innovation. As we continue forward, this renewed focus and mission will be a foundational part of how I lead the Xbox program,” he said at the time.
Spencer has made dramatic moves as Head of Xbox, including spending $10 billion on acquiring Mojang/Minecraft and also ZeniMax and its subsidiary studios and franchises. Those investments could pay, or in the case of Minecraft are already paying, significant dividends for Microsoft. With ZeniMax now under the Microsoft fold, Microsoft takes ownership of franchises like Fallout, Elder Scrolls, Doom, and more, and brings on eight new first-party studios to help bolster its exclusive lineup going forward. Microsoft was criticized in the past for not doing enough in terms of first-party game development and exclusives, and that argument is likely to fall apart now with all the moves Microsoft has made.
Spencer also led the team in pushing a new approach to releasing Xbox games on more platforms to help broaden the playerbase. The company previously kept Xbox games on console and PC games on PC. But now, Xbox games are released everywhere, and even beyond console and PC thanks to cloud streaming for mobile devices and tablets. The executive also led the charge in pushing for cross-play, when, in 2016, he boldly announced a plan and a willingness to work with Sony and Nintendo on cross-play.
Spencer is known for his candor and free speaking, and he has on numerous occasions taken a hard line against the idea of console wars in the gaming industry. He says it serves no purpose and has a negative effect on gaming, and has consistently called for change.
Game Pass deserves a callout as well, as Spencer helped spearhead the launch of this Netflix-style subscription service that could be Microsoft’s secret weapon. Xbox Game Pass could have dramatic, long-lasting implications for Xbox and beyond, and it’s off to a great start with 18 million subscribers and a lot of positive buzz about how great a value it is.
Spencer is known for being humble, so he wouldn’t take credit for all of Microsoft’s success stories for Xbox in recent years, and he does have a big team around him that gets the job done. But he has personally led the way in his public-facing position and he sets the tone.
It hasn’t been completely smooth sailing, however, as Spencer was part of the team that decided to cancel Scalebound, shut down Lionhead, and close down Microsoft’s ambitious Xbox Entertainment Studios division (which, to be fair, he inherited from previous management).
The future is unwritten and uncertain, but Spencer has demonstrated again and again that he is a capable, forward-thinking leader who is committed to Xbox and growing the brand.
Cash is an abundant resource in Borderlands 3, but the rare mineral of Eridium unlocks more doors across a very hostile galaxy in Gearbox’s loot-shooter adventure. For players looking to stockpile Eridium ahead of the Director’s Cut add-on for Borderlands 3, the new time-limited Show Me the Eridium event will give you the chance to grab plenty of the purple resource from April 1-8.
Once a small update has been installed, standard enemies will drop Eridium, there’ll be increased Eridium drops in Mayhem Mode, and the cost to use Moxxi’s Vault Line slot machine that occasionally rewards players with the resource will be reduced. Crazy Earl will also offer a discount on all the gear that he usually charges a high price for.
Returning players will want to grab as much of the element as possible before the Director’s Cut goes live this month, as one of the key features of this expansion is the first raid boss fight in Borderlands 3. The gigantic Varkid known as Hemovorous the Invincible can be summoned provided that you’re willing to pay the toll, which just so happens to be 500 Eridium for this endgame challenge.
There’s a lot more to look forward to in Borderlands 3 if you decide to check out the Director’s Cut on April 8. Murder mystery story missions and behind-the-scenes content headline the new additions, and the game will have a trio of Vault Cards that feature daily and weekly challenges that will unlock themed rewards when they’re leveled up.
You’ll be able to earn Diamond Keys through the Vault Cards as well, which will unlock a new loot room on Sanctuary III full of rare loot, provided that you’re quick enough to take stock of all the inventory that will be available.
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Analogue’s Pocket, a retro console designed to play all your old games for the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance, has been delayed from its original shipping window of May into October 2021. The company has pointed to industry-wide electrical component shortages and global logistical disruption (related to a certain ship getting stuck in a certain canal) as the reason for the delay.
Unlike other delays announced today, this one is sadly not an April Fools joke. “The current global state of affairs continues to create supply chain challenges outside of our control,” the blog post on Analogue’s website reads, linking to a Bloomberg feature on chip shortages and a Forbes explainer on the impact the Ever Given’s Suez Canal blunder will continue to have on the global supply chain for the next few months.
The handheld has now been delayed for five months, and will begin shipping in October 2021. Anyone who managed to snag a preorder should have received an email from Analogue about the delay.
Adult Swim kicked off this year’s April Fools shenanigans with a preview of Rick and Morty Babies, a kid-friendly version of the network’s animated sci-fi sitcom.
Rick and Morty Babies played peek-a-boo on people’s Twitter timelines on April 1, aka April Fool’s Day, as the “Adult Swim Junior” initiative launched with a pint-sized, kid-voiced episode of Rick and Morty. Adult Swim shared the opening credits for the episode, referencing several other animated kids cartoons, in anticipation of the junior edition of Total Rickall, the fourth episode of the second season.
Adult Swim further displayed its dedication to the annual day of trickery by releasing another trailer for a preview block of programs coming to its Adult Swim Junior channel, featuring “age-appropriate shows for growing minds and for growing senses of humor,” such as The Venture Nephews (formerly The Venture Bros.) and Space Kid Crib to Crib (previously Space Ghost Coast to Coast), amongst others.
However, if you’re looking for a return to regular programming then reserve a spot on the sofa for the first episode of Rick and Morty Season 5, which is scheduled to debut on June 20, aka Rick and Morty Day, a day-long celebration of the show that will offer behind-the-scenes footage, lookaheads for the rest of the season, and “special surprises” across TV, digital, and social media platforms.
To kick things off strong this month, Outriders will be available right away on April 1 for Xbox Game Pass members on consoles. PC users are missing out this time, but there’s still a lot more to get excited about this going forward in 2021.
For example, all Game Pass Ultimate members can now access 16 Xbox and Xbox 360 games via Xbox Cloud Gaming on their Android mobile devices, including games like Oblivion, and Fallout New Vegas. While we don’t know about any other titles hitting Game Pass in April just yet, there is bound to be a slew of new and exciting games ready and waiting to be announced. We’ll update you when we hear more.
Outriders Launching on Xbox Game Pass
That’s right, the brand new looter shooter Outriders will be available to Xbox Game Pass users on April 1, and that’s not an April Fools joke. Those who own the game on consoles will be able to jump in right away, while Game Pass users will likely need to wait for the game to go live at 9 AM PT/ 12 PM ET/ 5 PM BST like most new titles on the service. You can read our current review-in-progress impressions on Outriders here.
If you are waiting for the Game Pass launch, then make sure you set up your preload right away. It’s easy to do, just go to the Xbox App on your mobile device, and search for Outriders. Once there, tap download to console and click on the console you’d like the game installed on. It will require 49.4GB of space for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S users.
If you’re looking to boost your current Game Pass subscription, then you’ve come to the right place. Current Ultimate members can get 4-months of Game Pass Ultimate for just $29.99. All you need to do is purchase 12-months of EA Play, and once you insert the code it’ll be auto-converted to 4-months of Game Pass Ultimate. Result!
Let’s quickly recap how dramatic March was when it comes to Xbox Game Pass, with the likes of Bethesda finally tying the knot and joining Microsoft, 20 Bethesda games were immediately made available for Game Pass users.
Not only that, but Xbox Game Pass for PC also saw a boost, with EA Play now a free addition for PC users. To make things clear, you don’t need an Ultimate membership to play EA Play games on PC, just Game Pass for PC which costs $7.99/month. This brought the inclusion of some awesome titles, on both console and PC, such as Star Wars Squadrons. We also saw great games like Octopath Traveler, Narita Boy, and Yakuza 6 join the service.
New Xbox Game Pass Titles to Check Out
Undertale (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Empire of Sin (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Nier: Automata (PC)
Star Wars: Squadrons (Console)
Torchlight III (PC)
Genesis Noir (Console and PC)
Octopath Traveler (Console and PC)
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire – Ultimate Edition (PC)
Supraland (PC) ID@Xbox
Yakuza 6: The Song of Life (Cloud, Console and PC)
