Category: Games

Developer Infinity Ward confirmed that an upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Warzone update across all three platforms will give players yet another tool to report cheaters.

Now when you get killed unfairly in a Modern Warfare or Warzone match, you can use your killcam to report that player. Similarly, if you just joined a match or are fine-tuning your loadout, you can use the spectate function to report players who may be racking up seemingly impossible kills. This new anti-cheat update will arrive in both Call of Duty games on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One sometime this week.

The anti-cheat update isn’t the only way Infinity Ward has been dealing with problem players. The studio has opted to put cheaters in matches together as a way to combat the rampant issue. This is in addition to the “additional dedicated security updates” Infinity Ward promised to prevent cheaters. Not including Modern Warfare, Infinity Ward has already banned more than 70,000 cheaters from Warzone.

In other Call of Duty news, a bunch of changes are coming to both games sometime this week. This includes a new Gunsmith update, double XP and playlist adjustments, an additional Warzone contract type, and more. Infinity Ward has so far only previewed the patch notes for update, which will be split in two this time around.

Riot Games has released a new patch for Valorant. The update addresses several aspects of the competitive shooter, including map changes and the implementation of new features.

In terms of gameplay, the patch mostly makes adjustments to Omen. Phoenix and Viper don’t get any balance changes, but bug fixes have been issued to address problems with a few of their abilities. Both Omen and Breach also now have updated visuals when it comes to their respective character model and abilities.

Most exciting, however, is the mention of a competitive mode in the patch notes, though Riot says that competitive mode and ranked matchmaking isn’t live yet–it’s scheduled to be available in the “near future.” You can read the full patch notes below.

Valorant Update 0.49 Patch Notes

Gameplay And Balance

• Omen
  • Omen now immediately becomes vulnerable and no longer appears dark after he leaves his alternate shadow form
  • If you were to find enemy Omen teleporting in, it was often confusing when you should shoot him to get the kill (vs. sending him back). This change is to both account for an invulnerability bug and score some extra points of clarity
  • The attenuation radius of the arrival sound on Omen’s From the Shadows has been reduced to 2250
  • Attenuation is a big word, but the short of it is you have to be closer to Omen to echolocate where he’s teleporting to. We’re trying to give him some spook back since if you do find him, you should now have him dead to rights

Character Updates

• [Omen] Updated Omen’s visuals
• [Breach] Updated Breach’s visuals

Map Updates

• Added curtains to the top of double doors on Haven to remove the Sage Barrier Orb boost that allowed players to see through a sliver of the door at the top
• Fixed issue with Cypher camera being placed on the Haven A Main boxes
• Multiple fixes to the geometry on Haven, Bind, and Split to fix exploits and help optimize gameplay—massive thanks to all of the folks who helped to identify these! We see you
• Updated materials on Bind and Haven to make surfaces more consistent overall
• Changed color of Radianite crates in order to unify overall visuals

Competitive Updates

• Added Competitive mode and ranked matchmaking, to go live in the near future

Observer Mode

• Added “Ghost cheat” as an option to custom games with cheats enabled, allowing you to fly around the map in no-clip mode
• Ability HUD no longer displays when entering drone camera as an observer
• Exiting drone camera will now swap back to the most recently viewed player if they’re still a valid view target
• Swapping through players to view will now iterate through an entire team before going to players on the other team

HUD & UI

• In-game
  • New directional damage indicator visual
  • New low health and low ammo visuals
  • Removed character portrait from player’s minimap icon to better distinguish player icon; icon will receive additional color and polish in the future
  • Voice activity is now shown above allies’ heads
  • Added color to spike icon above ally’s head to make it easier to see
  • Fixed the ultimate ability icon above teammates’ heads showing as charged after gaining 1 ult point instead of when actually charged
  • Ping elements now fade when under player aim; previously only text faded
• Out-of-game
  • Relocated Find Match button from social panel to Play screen; renamed to Start
  • Relocated Practice button from social panel to Play screen
  • Added Play Again button to End of Game screen
  • Made the flyouts on the nav progression widget clickable
  • Made main navigation button click targets easier to click
  • Added an option to orient the fixed minimap so that player’s starting side is always at the bottom
  • Adjusted all map assets so that full fixed orientations consistently place attackers at bottom and defenders at top
  • Added hover tooltips to thumbnails in the Collections view to show item name
  • Scroll speed tweaked to make scrolling social panel smoother
  • Made crosshair preview in Settings shorter to make more room for controls

Quality of Life

• Added the ability to abandon a multiplayer Custom Game. Using the “Leave match” button in the ESC menu will allow you to permanently leave the match without penalty. Leaving the custom game in any other way (exit client, alt+f4, etc.) will still allow you to return to the match
• Updated the audio occlusion system to help players better differentiate audio distancing cues. For example, Haven B to A short, you should perceive sounds from their correct distance and not as if they were right next to you
• Players who abandon matchmade games, or dodge agent selects, will now experience penalties that prevent them from queuing for a period of time. Frequent offenders will experience higher queue time penalties. Leaving ruins the match for everyone else, and should only be a last resort
• Enabled the ability to see VALORANT players online in Riot games
• Adjusted play flow UX moving queue buttons into lobby screens
• Adjusted social panel UX to accommodate additional space
• Adjusted End of Game UX to clean up design of various widgets
• Adjusted chat disconnect error state to be less… intimidating
• Spawn practice bots option in the shooting range moved from the F3 menu to an in-world shootable switch
• For all shotguns, moved the crosshair’s center dot by 1px to center it on the screen. The devs expect shotgun lethality to increase by 4,000% as a result (this is a joke)

Bug Fixes (In-Game)

• [Phoenix] Fixed a bug where Phoenix would get teleported back to an ascender (rope ladder) after respawning, in cases where Phoenix died while Run It Back was active and he was attached to an ascender
• [Phoenix] Fixed a bug where, for a brief time after Run It Back ended, Phoenix could be damaged in the place where he fizzled
• [Viper] Updated the appearance of Viper’s Toxic Screen on the minimap to show gaps in the wall
• [Viper] Fixed Viper being able to animation-cancel Viper’s Pit
• Prevent “Spike Planted” announcement from playing after a round has ended and hiding the round end announcement, which should clearly indicate the result of after-the-buzzer plant rounds
• Fixed Bomb Carrier Killed announcement from also showing Ally Defusing
• Fixed a rare issue where players’ weapons would float in front of them; too spooky
• Fixed a rare issue where third-person player models could get desynced from the server when double tapping a defuse, causing some shots to miss
• Fixed aim issue that caused some players who were using low sensitivity to have small mouse movements dropped
• Fixed issue where canceling a plant or orb pickup could sometimes play the wrong (slower) re-equip animation, making it look as if the player could fire too quickly after canceling (timing was correct, animation wasn’t)
• Fixed map region names as they appear below the minimap from not localizing properly
• Smoothed out movement during player-to-player collisions
• Fixed a bug where item UI prompt in the game world would appear to block bullets
• Fixed a bug where the Z ping wheel could be opened alongside the map ping wheel, creating a scenario where multiple ping wheels could be open at once
• Fixed a bug where ping wheel wouldn’t show disabled when direct bound pings were used to reach usage limit
• Fixed a rare bug where either team could win a round by elimination on the same frame that the spike was defused, granting two points for that round.
• Fixed overlap in ally planting announcement
• Fixed a bug where the VO radial wheel would hit the rate limit by opening and closing it without selecting a VO option
• Minimap will no longer randomly hide for all players in a game
• Update to Bucky’s alternate fire to instead apply instantaneous, hitscan damage
• Alt. fire was previously a projectile that was able to kill enemies shortly after the user was killed. No other weapon works this way so now it performs as a hitscan.

Bug Fixes (Game Client)

• Fixed an issue that allowed players to purchase items not available in their respective store
• Fixed an issue that let players equip content they didn’t own
• Fixed issue where display settings would get re-applied when joining/leaving games, which could move the window or change display mode in rare cases
• Fixed network stability indicator sometimes appearing when setting was disabled
• Line of sight is no longer required to pick up the spike when overlapped by a player
• Fixed issue where the spike would sometimes become unretrievable
• Fixed an issue preventing some player reports from submitting
• Fixed various connection issues with voice chat
• Fixed various connection issues with text chat
• Fixed various issues with player state being incorrect in social panel
• Fixed an issue where some players could not requeue after a game without relogging
• Fixed issues with receiving party invitations
• Fixed transparent player card icons in Custom Game lobbies
• Fixed resetting controls for Voice Chat in settings
• Fixed voice defaulting to automatic transmission for Custom Games
• Fixed voice being interrupted when navigating Custom Game options
• Fixed a handful of localization issues across menu screens

Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s co-director Tetsuya Nomura has said that he would like to deliver the next part of Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s story quickly, and to do so would require focusing on a “smaller portion” of the overall plot.

The quote comes from an interview in Final Fantasy VII Remake Ultimania, a guide and lore book now available in Japan. The quotes were shared online by Twitter account aibo and translated by IGN Japan, and include this snippet from producer Yoshinori Kitase and co-director Nomura.

[ignvideo url=”https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/06/final-fantasy-7-remake-review”]

When asked about how many parts the remake will compirse of, Kitase said: “We have a rough idea on that, but it’s not been completely decided yet. It’s impossible to talk about this right now. It seems that many people think it will become a trilogy.”

“It all depends on how many parts we make,” said Nomura. “If we separate it into bigger chunks it will take more time, but if we take smaller portions it can be done on a shorter span. Personally, I would like to deliver it fast.”

By smaller portions, it seems that Nomura is suggesting that – like the first game in the series – subsequent games will focus on parts of the storyline that take just a few hours to play out. Taking into consideration Final Fantasy 7’s very varied world, with its multitude of styles from area to area, it’s easy to see how focusing on a smaller portion would help speed up production.

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To cover the remaining plot of the original game in a trilogy format- including weaving in new narrative changes and expanded areas akin to the first game – would mean for two further massive games that would arguably need to be much larger than the first. As Kitase points out, the final number of games has yet to be decided, but Nomura’s comments about preferring to take smaller chunks suggest that this project could be larger than just three games.

For more on Final Fantasy 7 Remake and where it may go next, check out our ending explained guide, and the news that the next game is already in the works.

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Matt Purslow is IGN’s UK News and Entertainment Writer. You can follow him on Twitter. 

You’ve finally bought that DSLR or mirrorless camera you’d been eyeing for months, and now it’s time to protect your new investment. After all, you wouldn’t dream of carrying your precious new camera around by its strap, right? Harry Benson didn’t get where he was with such reckless behavior. Shame on you.

You need protection. Whether it’s a shoulder or messenger bag, your new camera deserves a comfortable, safe mode of transportation. Lucky for you, there are heaps to choose from. These are the ones we think are the best right now.

TL;DR – These are the Best Camera Bags

• Peak Design Everyday Messenger V2
  
• AmazonBasics Backpack
• Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 Camera Bag
• LowePro ProTactic 450 AWII
• Domke F-5XB
• Ona Brixton Bag
• Manfrotto Advanced2 Active Backpack

1. Peak Design Everyday Messenger

Best Camera Bag

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• See it at B&H Photo

What started life as a Kickstarter campaign has become the bag of choice for many serious photographers. The bag was created in partnership with renowned American shutterbug Trey Ratcliff, so you know it’s made of the right stuff: FlexFold dividers to keep your gear organized, and a weatherproof shell to keep it all safe. Fast forward to the latest V2 version and this already great bag has gotten a new luggage pass-through on the back and some revamped pockets.

On top of carrying your camera gear, this bag can accommodate 13-inch and 15-inch laptops depending on which size you select. Best of all, its clean design and low-key aesthetic doesn’t make it stand out or look like a camera bag if you’re trying to be more discreet about your hobby.

2. AmazonBasics Backpack

Best Budget Camera Bag

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Big enough to hold two camera bodies but with a price tag small enough to keep your bank balance healthy, Amazon’s own take on the camera backpack deserves a shout out. Internally, it measures 10 x 4.2 x 14.2 in space, which is enough for 3-4 lenses plus some accessories. You should be able to squeeze in a laptop too.

For the photographer who’s just starting out, there should be enough pockets and compartments here to satisfy, but as your hobby matures, you’ll probably want to upgrade to something bigger and better looking. Still, this is great for first-timers. Amazon’s nifty SLR Camera Sling Backpack is also worth a look if you want something a tad smaller.

3. Billingham Hadley Pro 2020 Camera Bag

Best-Looking Camera Bag

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Chances are you’re familiar with Billingham’s camera bags; they’re pretty iconic. Its Hadley Pro Camera Bag is an easy top choice for us, with a perfect mixture of style and utility. The new 2020 version gets an improved top handle and an added luggage trolley strap on the back for convenience.

Beyond that, you’ve got a (removable) adjustable shoulder strap, and a weatherproof zipper on the back for holding important documents. Better yet, the padded insert can be removed, transforming it from a camera bag to something more general in a flash. It will handle a DSLR or mirrorless camera with enough space left over for two to three lenses.

4. LowePro ProTactic 450 AWII

Best Rugged Camera Bag

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• See it at B&H Photo
• See it at Walmart

LowePro makes solid camera bags, and the ProTactic 450 AW is as robust as it looks. Big enough to hold two pro-level DSLRs, including one with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens attached, it’s roomy, with a compartment that can hold a 15-inch laptop.

With four points of access, it’s also perfect for situations where speed is of the essence. The removable waistband is just the icing on the cake, but if you don’t need all the bells and whistles, the 350 AW version offers up something a little smaller for less.

5. Domke F-5XB

Best Compact Camera Bag

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• See it at B&H Photo
• See it at Walmart

With a rugged, retro look, this shoulder bag from Domke has a lot going for it – price included. The main compartment is padded nicely, with fixed divider walls; it’ll hold a DSLR and a couple of lenses, but won’t leave much room for additional accessories.

For something roomier, check out the Domke F-2 Shoulder Bag, which has become something of a classic among photographers in the know.

6. Ona Brixton Bag

Best Leather Camera Bag

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• See it on B&H Photo
• See it on Walmart

For the more style-conscious among you, the Ona offers camera protection wrapped in high-quality leather. It’s one of the more compact bags on our list, but still big enough to hold a DSLR, three lenses, plus accessories.

There’s space for a 13-inch laptop, while the rear open slip pocket will take a 10-inch tablet. It will, however, get quite heavy should you max out all that space. A bag for the photographer who wants to be photographed, but not a great choice if you plan to be out in the rain.

A little out of your price range? A bit bigger than you need. Ona’s Bowery bag still exhibits plenty of style.

7. Manfrotto Advanced2 Active Backpack

Best Camera Backpack

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• See it on B&H Photo
• See it on Walmart

The Advanced2 is another great all-rounder but in backpack form. It’s both comfortable and roomy enough to fit a DSLR and up to three lenses, with a compartment that can hold a 14-inch laptop. As a bonus, there’s also a strap for carrying a small tripod.

Many camera backpacks focus on function over fashion, but we really love the look of the Manfrotto. All of the outer fabric is water-repellant, but there’s a rain cover included just in case you find yourself caught in a torrential downpour.

Camera bags: What should you look for?

Backpacks: Camera bags come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Backpacks aren’t as good for easy access, but they often provide better protection. They’re also often more spacious than messenger and shoulder bags, and distribute weight across two shoulders, making them a better choice for bigger excursions.

Messenger/shoulder bags: These bags have just one strap, which means all the weight is put on one shoulder. The benefit here is access: it’s easier to grab your camera and accessories in a flash, making them perfect for the type of photography where time is of the essence. However, they’re not as good for big outdoor trips where you’re carrying a lot of gear.

How many compartments do you need? When browsing camera bags you’ll see details of dimensions and the number of compartments. How much space you need comes down to how much gear you have and how you plan to travel. You may only have one camera, but if you like to carry around a lot of lenses, make sure the bag can hold them all. Some bags also come with modular compartments, so you can rearrange according to your needs.