Monthly Archives: October 2020

Ruined King Is a League of Legends RPG Coming to Console, PC, and Switch in 2021

Riot Forge, the arm responsible for publishing spinoffs set in the League of Legends (LoL) universe, has shared more details about The Ruined King, a turn-based RPG set in Runeterra. The single-player LoL adventure is targeting an early 2021 release on both console and PC. Ruined King was first announced at the 2019 Game Aawards and is billed as Riot’s first single-player game. Developed by Airship Syndicate (Darksiders Genesis), Ruined Kingdom is a turn-based RPG where players will control a party of popular League of Legends heroes including Miss Fortune, Illaoi, Braum, Yasuo, Ahri, and Pyke. Check out the new cinematic trailer below which shows how the gang comes together to embark on this new adventure. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/31/ruined-king-a-league-of-legends-story-cinematic-trailer"] Together, the party will travel from the port town of Bilgewater into the Shadow Isles, a land cursed by the Black Mist. Presumably that is where the Ruined King hangs out to be all spooky and stuff. “Ruined King is a great way to expand the world of Runeterra for brand new players as well as our dedicated League of Legends fans,” said Riot Forge boss Leanne Loombe. “Ruined King will be the first single-player game to bring the LoL universe to both consoles and PC.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ruined-king-league-of-legends-rpg-screenshots&captions=true"] Ruined King is set to be released on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC via The Epic Games Store. A free upgrade for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S will be released afterward for PS4 and Xbox One owners. Riot Forge is a new development initiative where Riot works with third-party developers to create new games set in the League of Legends universe. Beyond Riot Forge, the company is expanding its portfolio of games including the Legends of Runeterra card game, the competitive FPS Valorant, and a fighting game. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Ruined King Is a League of Legends RPG Coming to Console, PC, and Switch in 2021

Riot Forge, the arm responsible for publishing spinoffs set in the League of Legends (LoL) universe, has shared more details about The Ruined King, a turn-based RPG set in Runeterra. The single-player LoL adventure is targeting an early 2021 release on both console and PC. Ruined King was first announced at the 2019 Game Aawards and is billed as Riot’s first single-player game. Developed by Airship Syndicate (Darksiders Genesis), Ruined Kingdom is a turn-based RPG where players will control a party of popular League of Legends heroes including Miss Fortune, Illaoi, Braum, Yasuo, Ahri, and Pyke. Check out the new cinematic trailer below which shows how the gang comes together to embark on this new adventure. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/31/ruined-king-a-league-of-legends-story-cinematic-trailer"] Together, the part will travel from the port town of Bilgewater into the Shadow Isles, a land cursed by the Black Mist. Presumably that is where the Ruined King hangs out to be all spooky and stuff. “Ruined King is a great way to expand the world of Runeterra for brand new players as well as our dedicated League of Legends fans,” said Riot Forge boss Leanne Loombe. “Ruined King will be the first single-player game to bring the LoL universe to both consoles and PC.” [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ruined-king-league-of-legends-rpg-screenshots&captions=true"] Ruined King is set to be released on the Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and PC via The Epic Games Store. A free upgrade for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S will be released afterward for PS4 and Xbox One owners. Riot Forge is a new development initiative where Riot works with third-party developers to create new games set in the League of Legends universe. Beyond Riot Forge, the company is expanding its portfolio of games including the Legends of Runeterra card game, the competitive FPS Valorant, and a fighting game. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN.

Judge Blocks TikTok Ban Set to Begin on Nov 12

TikTok scored another legal victory in the United States after a judge in Pennsylvania temporarily halted the restrictions that would have banned the popular video app starting on November 12. As reported by The Washington Post, the Pennsylvania judge granted an injunction that halted the ban of TikTok which was set to take place in November. However, the injunction was granted not because of TikTok, but rather three content creators who argued the TikTok ban would hurt their business and close access to “professional opportunities afforded by TikTok.” The Pennsylvania suit was brought forward by TikTok users Doug Marland, Cosette Rinab, and Alec Chambers, each of whom has several million followers on the social media app. Judge Wendy Beetlestone agreed that banning TikTok will mean creators will “lose the ability to engage with their millions of followers on TikTok, and the related brand sponsorships.” This is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Trump administration as it seeks to ban TikTok in the United States over alleged security concerns. A Washington D.C. District Judge already granted TikTok a temporary injunction on an order that would stop downloads for TikTok after agreeing that a ban will cause “irreparable economic and reputational harm” to the business. Judge Beetlestone’s decision can potentially be overturned, but for now, it means TikTok will remain available past November 12. TikTok parent company ByteDance may still be forced to sell the TikTok business to a U.S. company, however. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN. Photo Illustration by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Judge Blocks TikTok Ban Set to Begin on Nov 12

TikTok scored another legal victory in the United States after a judge in Pennsylvania temporarily halted the restrictions that would have banned the popular video app starting on November 12. As reported by The Washington Post, the Pennsylvania judge granted an injunction that halted the ban of TikTok which was set to take place in November. However, the injunction was granted not because of TikTok, but rather three content creators who argued the TikTok ban would hurt their business and close access to “professional opportunities afforded by TikTok.” The Pennsylvania suit was brought forward by TikTok users Doug Marland, Cosette Rinab, and Alec Chambers, each of whom has several million followers on the social media app. Judge Wendy Beetlestone agreed that banning TikTok will mean creators will “lose the ability to engage with their millions of followers on TikTok, and the related brand sponsorships.” This is the latest in a series of setbacks for the Trump administration as it seeks to ban TikTok in the United States over alleged security concerns. A Washington D.C. District Judge already granted TikTok a temporary injunction on an order that would stop downloads for TikTok after agreeing that a ban will cause “irreparable economic and reputational harm” to the business. Judge Beetlestone’s decision can potentially be overturned, but for now, it means TikTok will remain available past November 12. TikTok parent company ByteDance may still be forced to sell the TikTok business to a U.S. company, however. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is a reporter for IGN. Photo Illustration by Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Check out IGN Watch: IGN’s Newest Video App

Whether you follow us here or through your various social media channels, chances are you’ve watched our videos. Whether showcasing movie clips, catching you up on the latest news, or chatting about the most recent developments in the gaming industry, everything you need is right here on IGN. We recently created an app for those of you who love watching our videos. After numerous interviews, testing, and actually creating the app, we’re excited to announce IGN Watch, available in both the App Store and Play Store! Read below for some of the key features we’ve got for the app:
  • Tap on tags to follow your favorite subjects, shows, and personalities
  • Hide content you don’t want to watch
  • Background playback for when you just want to listen
  • Ad free watching (through 2020)
We hope you’ll check it out and leave us feedback on anything you like or dislike! If you'd like to see more, check out the clip below. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/30/ign-watch-ad"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Ginger Smith is the product manager of user research and retention at IGN. You can find her on Twitter @Gengarsmyth 

Check out IGN Watch: IGN’s Newest Video App

Whether you follow us here or through your various social media channels, chances are you’ve watched our videos. Whether showcasing movie clips, catching you up on the latest news, or chatting about the most recent developments in the gaming industry, everything you need is right here on IGN. We recently created an app for those of you who love watching our videos. After numerous interviews, testing, and actually creating the app, we’re excited to announce IGN Watch, available in both the App Store and Play Store! Read below for some of the key features we’ve got for the app:
  • Tap on tags to follow your favorite subjects, shows, and personalities
  • Hide content you don’t want to watch
  • Background playback for when you just want to listen
  • Ad free watching (through 2020)
We hope you’ll check it out and leave us feedback on anything you like or dislike! If you'd like to see more, check out the clip below. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/30/ign-watch-ad"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Ginger Smith is the product manager of user research and retention at IGN. You can find her on Twitter @Gengarsmyth 

What’s Your Favorite Horror Game of All Time?

Welcome back to Game Spook!, our yearly Halloween-themed episode. And what an episode! Not only is it Game Spook!, it's also our 600th edition of this humble little podcast. Thank you so much to everyone who watches every week! On the docket for this episode: The Co-op Mages discuss their favorite horror games from every generation, Control comes to Switch, Watch Dogs Legion, and so much more. The music this episode is from Castlevania Bloodlines. Watch the video above or hit the link below to your favorite podcast service. Listen on: Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Stitcher   Find previous episodes here!

What’s Your Favorite Horror Game of All Time?

Welcome back to Game Spook!, our yearly Halloween-themed episode. And what an episode! Not only is it Game Spook!, it's also our 600th edition of this humble little podcast. Thank you so much to everyone who watches every week! On the docket for this episode: The Co-op Mages discuss their favorite horror games from every generation, Control comes to Switch, Watch Dogs Legion, and so much more. The music this episode is from Castlevania Bloodlines. Watch the video above or hit the link below to your favorite podcast service. Listen on: Apple Podcasts YouTube Spotify Stitcher   Find previous episodes here!

Update: Ubisoft Reveals Full PS5, Xbox Series X Upgrade Plan

Update: Since the publication of this article, Ubisoft reached out to IGN to confirm that it has removed the Ubisoft Connect article specifically due to possible errors regarding PS5 backward-compatible games.

A Ubisoft spokesperson provided the following statement to IGN:

“We have pulled the Ubisoft Connect article and forum post re backwards compatibility for the time being as there may be inaccuracies involving the Ubisoft titles that will be playable on PS5.”

It is unclear at this time what the inaccuracies were, nor whether this means all or some of the titles previously listed as not working on PS5 will in fact be playable. IGN will update this story with any further announcements.

Original story follows:

[poilib element="accentDivider"]

Ubisoft has announced a slew of details regarding which of its games will receive cross-progression, next-gen upgrades, and backwards compatibility on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S.

Like most of these types of announcements, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds on what game gets what feature (especially since messaging regarding cross-gen compatibility has been a confusing mess thus far), but we lay it all out for you below.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/28/8-big-changes-in-assassins-creed-valhalla"]

Most notably, some Assassin’s Creed games aren't backwards compatible on PS5. These include Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles Trilogy Pack, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles India, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles China, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles Russia, as well as other properties like Risk, Star Trek Bridge Crew, Werewolves Within, Space Junkies. (Update: This sentence may no longer be accurate, please refer to the update at the top of this story.)

These games will be backward compatible on Xbox Series X/S.

As for next-gen upgrades of PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Xbox Series X/S, a number of Ubisoft games will receive them at no additional cost to players. But there are some restrictions for players who transition from disc drive to digital-only consoles.

You can only upgrade your game if you’re sticking with either a physical or digital version, meaning you can’t upgrade from a physical version of Watch Dogs to a digital version on a next-gen console or vice versa. You can also only upgrade within the same console family, so Xbox One to Series X or PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/28/watch-dogs-legion-review"]

Games receiving free next-gen upgrades include: Watch Dogs: Legion, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Immortals Fenyx Rising, Riders Republic, and Rainbow Six Siege (with a next-gen version of Siege to be announced at a later date, and Japanese Siege players will need to pay 100 yen). All these games also have cross-progression.

Games receiving cross-progression across console generations and console families (meaning you can go from Xbox to PlayStation or vice versa) include: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Immortals Fenyx Rising, Riders Republic, and Hyperscape. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/23/a-look-back-at-sonys-long-complicated-history-with-backward-compatibility"]

Games receiving cross-progression across console generations, but requiring you to stay within the same console family include: Watch Dogs Legion and Rainbow Six Siege.

Ubisoft says “most” of its games will receive backward compatibility (excluding the ones we mention in the second paragraph of this article), and some backward compatible games will additionally receive cross-progression between generations within the same console family, including For Honor (with free graphical upgrades), The Division 2, The Crew 2, as well as Just Dance 2021 and the upcoming Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake.

Cross-generation cross-play will be available for Rainbow Six Siege and For Honor, allowing users to play with friends as long as they’re within the same console family.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ubisoft-connect-screenshots&captions=true"]

Ubisoft closed their post by stating that more “cross-platforms benefits” are coming in the future and that cross-progression is part of their commitment to players.

"Designed for a new gaming era, one where you expect to be able to play, progress and stay in touch with friends anywhere, Ubisoft Connect lays the foundation that will enable Ubisoft’s games and services to live across platforms and make cross-platform features a standard moving forward," Ubisoft's post reads.

Clarity on cross-gen compatibility messaging has eluded the likes of PlayStation and Xbox for some time now. Here’s what you need to know about PS4 to PS5 compatibility and here’s our massive chart laying out every difference between the PS5 and the Xbox Series X. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer for IGN, and he's backwards compatible with your heart. Cross-progress with him on Twitter.

A Few Assassin’s Creed Games Aren’t Backwards Compatible on PS5

Ubisoft has announced a slew of details regarding which of its games will receive cross-progression, next-gen upgrades, and backwards compatibility on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S.

Like most of these types of announcements, it’s easy to get lost in the weeds on what game gets what feature (especially since messaging regarding cross-gen compatibility has been a confusing mess thus far), but we lay it all out for you below.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/28/8-big-changes-in-assassins-creed-valhalla"]

Most notably, some Assassin’s Creed games aren't backwards compatible on PS5. These include Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles Trilogy Pack, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles India, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles China, Assassin’s Creed Chronicles Russia, as well as other properties like Risk, Star Trek Bridge Crew, Werewolves Within, Space Junkies.

These games will be backward compatible on Xbox Series X/S.

As for next-gen upgrades of PS4/Xbox One to PS5/Xbox Series X/S, a number of Ubisoft games will receive them at no additional cost to players. But there are some restrictions for players who transition from disc drive to digital-only consoles.

You can only upgrade your game if you’re sticking with either a physical or digital version, meaning you can’t upgrade from a physical version of Watch Dogs to a digital version on a next-gen console or vice versa. You can also only upgrade within the same console family, so Xbox One to Series X or PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5.

[ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/28/watch-dogs-legion-review"]

Games receiving free next-gen upgrades include: Watch Dogs: Legion, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Immortals Fenyx Rising, Riders Republic, and Rainbow Six Siege (with a next-gen version of Siege to be announced at a later date, and Japanese Siege players will need to pay 100 yen). All these games also have cross-progression.

Games receiving cross-progression across console generations and console families (meaning you can go from Xbox to PlayStation or vice versa) include: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Immortals Fenyx Rising, Riders Republic, and Hyperscape. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/09/23/a-look-back-at-sonys-long-complicated-history-with-backward-compatibility"]

Games receiving cross-progression across console generations, but requiring you to stay within the same console family include: Watch Dogs Legion and Rainbow Six Siege.

Ubisoft says “most” of its games will receive backward compatibility (excluding the ones we mention in the second paragraph of this article), and some backward compatible games will additionally receive cross-progression between generations within the same console family, including For Honor (with free graphical upgrades), The Division 2, The Crew 2, as well as Just Dance 2021 and the upcoming Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake.

Cross-generation cross-play will be available for Rainbow Six Siege and For Honor, allowing users to play with friends as long as they’re within the same console family.

[widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=ubisoft-connect-screenshots&captions=true"]

Ubisoft closed their post by stating that more “cross-platforms benefits” are coming in the future and that cross-progression is part of their commitment to players.

"Designed for a new gaming era, one where you expect to be able to play, progress and stay in touch with friends anywhere, Ubisoft Connect lays the foundation that will enable Ubisoft’s games and services to live across platforms and make cross-platform features a standard moving forward," Ubisoft's post reads.

Clarity on cross-gen compatibility messaging has eluded the likes of PlayStation and Xbox for some time now. Here’s what you need to know about PS4 to PS5 compatibility and here’s our massive chart laying out every difference between the PS5 and the Xbox Series X. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joseph Knoop is a writer/producer for IGN, and he's backwards compatible with your heart. Cross-progress with him on Twitter.