Monthly Archives: June 2020

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IGN’s Summer of Gaming Award Winners

IGN's first-ever Summer of Gaming is over and it's time to choose the winners. Who had the best announcements? The best trailers? What moment stuck out the most? IGN editors have voted and chosen the best of the best from the monthlong celebration for all things gaming. Although this is normally the month for an E3, the real-life COVID-19 pandemic has created a unique situation for us and our fellow gamers. But that didn't stop the video game industry to get together and put together a month of surprise announcements, highly-anticipated reveals, and a bunch of trailers. With that in mind, this year's awards will be a little different from past years where IGN awarded the best in show from events like E3. Check below for a full list of nominee and winners from IGN's Summer of Gaming.

Best New Game Announcement

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/11/spider-man-miles-morales-announcement-trailer-ps5-event"] Winner: Spider-Man: Miles Morales Nominees: Metal: Hellsinger Spider-Man: Miles Morales Horizon Forbidden West Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart Skate Pragmata Returnal Bloodstained: Curse of the Moon 2 [poilib element="accentDivider"]

Best Trailer

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/11/deathloop-gameplay-trailer-ps5-reveal-event"] Winner: Deathloop Nominees: Deathloop Horizon Forbidden West Bugsnax Stray Demon's Souls Pragmata Mortal Shell Cyberpunk 2077 Star Wars: Squadrons Little Devil Inside [poilib element="accentDivider"]

Biggest Comeback

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/17/new-pokemon-snap-official-switch-trailer"] Winner: New Pokemon Snap Nominees: Pokemon Snap Demon's Souls Skate Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart XIII Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning [poilib element="accentDivider"]

Best Gameplay Demo

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/25/cyberpunk-2077-braindance-gameplay-trailer"] Winner: Cyberpunk 2077 Nominees: Star Wars: Squadrons Mortal Shell Baldur's Gate 3 Rustler Hardspace Shipbreaker System Shock Marvel's Avengers Cyberpunk 2077 BioMutant Deathloop [poilib element="accentDivider"]

Best Overall Moment

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/11/playstation-5-official-console-reveal-ps5-reveal-event"] Winner: PlayStation 5 Console Reveal Nominees: Pokemon Snap Reveal PlayStation 5 Console Reveal Skate Announcement Demon's Souls Reveal The Bugsnax Song

Kena: Bridge of Spirits Developers Share New Gameplay Details

Kena: Bridge of Spirits is an upcoming, next-gen action-adventure game that premiered at the PlayStation 5 reveal event. Developer Ember Labs appeared on IGN’s Summer of Gaming to offer a more in-depth, developer’s commentary for the debut trailer with additional gameplay and lore details. Kena (pronounced kay-na) is a spirit guide who lives in a dense world filled with mystical creatures. Her primary tools in her journey to guide spirits are her staff, which she uses for combat, spells, and shields, and the Rot. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/30/kena-bridge-of-spirits-developer-commentary"] The Rot are little spirits who can help Kena by moving heavy objects or help her purify certain sections of the land. Kena begins her adventure with zero but can collect more Rot along the way. Ember Lab says they designed the world of Kena to be dense and explorable so that players can discover more of the world’s story, as well as any Rot that might be hiding. Once an area has been cleared of its corruption, players can go back and experience the area with new elements of it unlocked. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=kena-bridge-of-spirits-playstation-5-screenshots&captions=true"] Kena: Bridge of Spirits will be released sometime later on the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, as well as PC via the Epic Games Store. Check out IGN for more from Summer of Gaming. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN.

The Mandalorian: Lucasfilm Announces New Books and Comics

The world of The Mandalorian is about to get much bigger. Not only is the Star Wars series returning for a second season on Disney+ this fall, Lucasfilm Press has revealed a new publishing initiative aimed at further fleshing out the characters and worlds of The Mandalorian. This new Mandalorian-centric publishing initiative was announced on StarWars.com, with the site revealing a number of new fiction and nonfiction books. Among these is The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season 1), written by Phil Szostak and featuring a wealth of concept art and behind-the-scenes details from the series. You can check out the cover to The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season 1) below: [caption id="attachment_2374249" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]Art by Doug Chiang. (Image Credit: Lucasfilm Press) Art by Doug Chiang. (Image Credit: Lucasfilm Press)[/caption] This publishing initiative will include several new stories tied to the events of The Mandalorian. Among these is an untitled novel from The Burning Dark writer Adam Christopher and new comic book series from both Marvel Comics and IDW Publishing. Lucasfilm will also release several YA and junior reader books, along with The Mandalorian: The Ultimate Visual Guide by Lucasfilm Story Group member Pablo Hidalgo. Currently, no plot details have been revealed for these new fiction projects, and it's unclear when these stories will take place and whether they'll explore the show's main protagonist, bounty hunter Din Djarin, or other characters like ex-Rebel trooper Cara Dune or Imperial warlord Moff Gideon. No doubt more announcements will be coming later in 2020, particularly as we get closer to the release of The Mandalorian: Season 2. This news comes as Lucasfilm Press is also gearing up for an ambitious publishing initiative called Star Wars: High Republic. Set 200 years before the Star Wars movies, The High Republic will showcase the Jedi at the height of their power and explore the impact of an instigating event known as The Great Disaster. You can read an exclusive excerpt of Charles Soule's novel Star Wars: The High Republic - Light of the Jedi. No doubt The Mandalorian: Season 2 will pave the way for even more companion books. Season 2 will reportedly include Clone wars favorites like Rosario Dawson's Ahsoka Tano and Katee Sackhoff's Bo-Katan Kryze. If you need a recap, here's Ahsoka's story leading up to the era of The Mandalorian. Will you be picking up any of these new Star Wars books? Let us know in the comments below. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jesse is a mild-mannered staff writer for IGN. Allow him to lend a machete to your intellectual thicket by following @jschedeen on Twitter.

Dreams Will be Playable in VR Next Month

Dreams is getting a free update to make it compatible with PlayStation VR. The update will arrive on July 22 and will include tutorials on how to start making new creations in PS VR. Media Molecule’s latest project, Dreams, is less of a game and more of a creation tool where players can make their own games, movies, images, music, and much more. In July, the range of tools available to players in Dreams will be expanded with a new VR update that lets players create and enjoy VR content. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/30/dreams-ps-vr-update"] Dreams VR will let players use the PlayStation Move Controllers and begin sculpting VR creations. The update will come with a variety of how-to’s so players can learn new skills and some of the more next-level techniques in VR. Media Molecule has also created its own set of VR experiences for Dreams players as a showcase of what the update can do. One of those experiences is Box Blaster which is a VR shooting experience inside Dreams. Players won’t need VR to create PS VR experiences. Non-PS VR users can access the same update as VR owners. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/02/20/spyro-in-dreams"] Alongside VR updates, there will also be a new slate of accessibility features like comfort mode, vignette strength, static sky, and more. Dreams VR will arrive on July 22. Check out IGN’s Dreams review for more coverage. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Seth Rogen Producing Animated TMNT Movie Reboot

Seth Rogen is among the producers bringing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles back to the big screen. A CG-animated feature film reboot, titled simply Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, was announced Tuesday by Nickelodeon. Point Grey Pictures -- the production company run by Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver -- will produce along with Nickelodeon Animation Studio in the latter's first-ever CG theatrical production. Paramount Pictures will distribute the film. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/07/9-facts-one-lie-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles"] Rogen is no stranger to producing adaptations of comic book properties, as he has also brought Preacher and The Boys to life on the small screen. This animated TMNT movie reboot will be directed by Jeff Rowe (Gravity Falls, Connected, Disenchantment) and written by Brendan O’Brian (Neighbors, Sorority Rising, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates). Created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles began as an indie comic book series before becoming a beloved animated TV series. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=tmnt-the-last-ronin&captions=true"] The comics beget a live-action TV series and, on the big screen, a slew of feature films since the 1990s. The last CG-animated TMNT feature film was released in 2007, with a pair of Michael Bay-produced live-action movies released in 2014 and 2016. No word yet on a release date for this Rogen-produced TMNT movie.

Seth Rogen Producing Animated TMNT Movie Reboot

Seth Rogen is among the producers bringing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles back to the big screen. A CG-animated feature film reboot, titled simply Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, was announced Tuesday by Nickelodeon. Point Grey Pictures -- the production company run by Rogen, Evan Goldberg and James Weaver -- will produce along with Nickelodeon Animation Studio in the latter's first-ever CG theatrical production. Paramount Pictures will distribute the film. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2019/11/07/9-facts-one-lie-teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles"] Rogen is no stranger to producing adaptations of comic book properties, as he has also brought Preacher and The Boys to life on the small screen. This animated TMNT movie reboot will be directed by Jeff Rowe (Gravity Falls, Connected, Disenchantment) and written by Brendan O’Brian (Neighbors, Sorority Rising, Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates). Created in 1984 by Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles began as an indie comic book series before becoming a beloved animated TV series. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=tmnt-the-last-ronin&captions=true"] The comics beget a live-action TV series and, on the big screen, a slew of feature films since the 1990s. The last CG-animated TMNT feature film was released in 2007, with a pair of Michael Bay-produced live-action movies released in 2014 and 2016. No word yet on a release date for this Rogen-produced TMNT movie.

Crash Bandicoot 4 Has No Microtransactions, Devs Say

After a notice on the Microsoft Store indicated Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time would feature "in-app purchases," discussion began about whether that meant Crash 4 would include microtransactions at launch. According to developer Toys for Bob, there won't be, and it seems the culprit behind the "in-app purchase" moniker may be the free cosmetic skins that will be available as a preorder bonus. Toys for Bob has confirmed Crash 4 will have "no microtransactions" in a new statement, saying:
"We're seeing confusion about #MTX in Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time and want to be [gem emoji] clear. There are NO MICROTRANSACTIONS in the game. As a bonus, the Totally Tubular skins are included in all digital versions of the game."
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/29/crash-bandicoot-4-new-gameplay-shows-new-tricks-returning-moves"] The "in-app purchases" moniker led many to assume there would be DLC, either cosmetic or gameplay-wise, that Activision could charge players for from day 1. According to the developers, however, there are no microtransactions at this time. While, of course, DLC could be added down the line or more cosmetics made available via in-game purchases — Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled did add microtransactions with the ability to buy Wumpa Coins with real-world money after its launch — the developers appear to want to assuage fans' concerns that Crash 4's launch will be held back by additional content that has to be purchased on top of the base game. For more on Crash Bandicoot 4, check out our latest deep dive on exclusive Crash 4 gameplay, all of the first Crash 4 gameplay and story details, and a look at every Crash Bandicoot IGN review below. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-crash-bandicoot-game-review&captions=true"] Crash Bandicoot 4 hits PS4 and Xbox One on October 2.

Crash Bandicoot 4 Has No Microtransactions, Devs Say

After a notice on the Microsoft Store indicated Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time would feature "in-app purchases," discussion began about whether that meant Crash 4 would include microtransactions at launch. According to developer Toys for Bob, there won't be, and it seems the culprit behind the "in-app purchase" moniker may be the free cosmetic skins that will be available as a preorder bonus. Toys for Bob has confirmed Crash 4 will have "no microtransactions" in a new statement, saying:
"We're seeing confusion about #MTX in Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time and want to be [gem emoji] clear. There are NO MICROTRANSACTIONS in the game. As a bonus, the Totally Tubular skins are included in all digital versions of the game."
[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/29/crash-bandicoot-4-new-gameplay-shows-new-tricks-returning-moves"] The "in-app purchases" moniker led many to assume there would be DLC, either cosmetic or gameplay-wise, that Activision could charge players for from day 1. According to the developers, however, there are no microtransactions at this time. While, of course, DLC could be added down the line or more cosmetics made available via in-game purchases — Crash Team Racing: Nitro-Fueled did add microtransactions with the ability to buy Wumpa Coins with real-world money after its launch — the developers appear to want to assuage fans' concerns that Crash 4's launch will be held back by additional content that has to be purchased on top of the base game. For more on Crash Bandicoot 4, check out our latest deep dive on exclusive Crash 4 gameplay, all of the first Crash 4 gameplay and story details, and a look at every Crash Bandicoot IGN review below. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-crash-bandicoot-game-review&captions=true"] Crash Bandicoot 4 hits PS4 and Xbox One on October 2.

Retro Digital Timex x Pac-Man Watches Now Available

UPDATE 7/7/2020: The Timex T80 x PAC-MAN watches are now available to order from Timex' website. In the age of smartphones and Apple Watch, a classic digital watch is retro without even trying. Timex has combined two great retro flavors together in a limited-edition run of its classic T80 line by combining it with the 1980s gaming goodness that is Pac-Man. The Timex T80 x PACMAN line comes in three different styles, each with stainless steel watchbands and water resistance up to 50m. Originally introduced at ComplexCon in Long Beach, CA last November, the watches go back on sale July 7 in the US, with global distribution coming sometime in August. Check out the gallery below to see this doubly-retro watch. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=timex-t80-x-pacman-limited-edition-watch&captions=true"] The watch comes in three different colors: black, silver, and gold, and the face is decorated to celebrate 40 years of Pac-Man. There's a pixelated Pac-Man chasing a ghost monster embossed in the clasp of the stainless steel band. In addition to all the normal features you find in the Timex T80 watch, like stopwatch, Indiglo lighting, and an alarm, this special-edition watch plays the "iconic PAC-MAN melody" too. You'll be able to order your own from Timex on July 7 for $79 in the US. If you're curious: yes, I am setting a reminder on my phone so I can order one for myself. I just can't decide which color. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Seth Macy is Executive Editor, IGN Commerce, and just wants to be your friend. Find him on Twitter @sethmacy.

Retro Digital Timex x Pac-Man Watches Now Available

UPDATE 7/7/2020: The Timex T80 x PAC-MAN watches are now available to order from Timex' website. In the age of smartphones and Apple Watch, a classic digital watch is retro without even trying. Timex has combined two great retro flavors together in a limited-edition run of its classic T80 line by combining it with the 1980s gaming goodness that is Pac-Man. The Timex T80 x PACMAN line comes in three different styles, each with stainless steel watchbands and water resistance up to 50m. Originally introduced at ComplexCon in Long Beach, CA last November, the watches go back on sale July 7 in the US, with global distribution coming sometime in August. Check out the gallery below to see this doubly-retro watch. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=timex-t80-x-pacman-limited-edition-watch&captions=true"] The watch comes in three different colors: black, silver, and gold, and the face is decorated to celebrate 40 years of Pac-Man. There's a pixelated Pac-Man chasing a ghost monster embossed in the clasp of the stainless steel band. In addition to all the normal features you find in the Timex T80 watch, like stopwatch, Indiglo lighting, and an alarm, this special-edition watch plays the "iconic PAC-MAN melody" too. You'll be able to order your own from Timex on July 7 for $79 in the US. If you're curious: yes, I am setting a reminder on my phone so I can order one for myself. I just can't decide which color. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Seth Macy is Executive Editor, IGN Commerce, and just wants to be your friend. Find him on Twitter @sethmacy.
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