A dozen classic Ubisoft games will lose multiplayer functionality and online services later this year. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas, Rainbow Six Vegas 2, Rainbow Six Lockdown, and Ghost Recon Future Soldier will lose multiplayer and online support across all platforms on an unspecified date this year. On June 1, eight games including Assassin's Creed 2, Far Cry 2, and Splinter Cell Conviction, will see online support shut down on PC specifically. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/27/14-games-that-seemingly-vanished"] "We are constantly assessing what's needed to deliver the best possible online services for Ubisoft's customers," the Ubisoft Forums post about the company's master multiplayer-shutdown list reads. "Shutting the services for some older games with smaller online audiences is a necessary part of this process, since it allows our IT and service staff to better focus on delivering great online experiences to the vast majority of customers who are playing newer, more popular titles." The entire list of PC games losing online functionality on June 1 is Assassin's Creed 2, Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands, Far Cry 2, Anno 1404, Might & Magic - Clash of Heroes, Splinter Cell Conviction, The Settlers 7, and Might & Magic X - Legacy. Not all of these games have multiplayer modes, but will be affected in some way by Ubisoft removing online support. According to Ubisoft, the multiplayer online services for the titles listed above will be shut down, as will in-game news and player stats. Games with Ubisoft Connect enabled will lose that functionality as well. Players will not be able to earn Ubisoft Connect Units any longer, either, and Ubisoft Connect Actions will be disabled too. Rewards will be still be unlockable, but you will not receive anything for unlocking them. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-assassins-creed-review&captions=true"] "The ULC (unlockable content) will be disabled, meaning you will no longer be able to unlock them," the post reads. "On PC, even if you have redeemed them, the ULC will no longer be available. On consoles, the ULC will be available until you decide to reset your saved game files. Players having in-game currency should use it within the 60 days period. There won't be any refund on unused in-game currency." You can check out the full list of all the Ubisoft games that have lost multiplayer online services here. For more about Ubisoft, read about how Ubisoft Connect is a next-gen Uplay with cross-progression and digital rewards and then check out this story about how Ubisoft is moving away from reliance on AAA releases. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.   

A dozen classic Ubisoft games will lose multiplayer functionality and online services later this year. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six Vegas, Rainbow Six Vegas 2, Rainbow Six Lockdown, and Ghost Recon Future Soldier will lose multiplayer and online support across all platforms on an unspecified date this year. On June 1, eight games including Assassin's Creed 2, Far Cry 2, and Splinter Cell Conviction, will see online support shut down on PC specifically. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/04/27/14-games-that-seemingly-vanished"] "We are constantly assessing what's needed to deliver the best possible online services for Ubisoft's customers," the Ubisoft Forums post about the company's master multiplayer-shutdown list reads. "Shutting the services for some older games with smaller online audiences is a necessary part of this process, since it allows our IT and service staff to better focus on delivering great online experiences to the vast majority of customers who are playing newer, more popular titles." The entire list of PC games losing online functionality on June 1 is Assassin's Creed 2, Prince of Persia: Forgotten Sands, Far Cry 2, Anno 1404, Might & Magic - Clash of Heroes, Splinter Cell Conviction, The Settlers 7, and Might & Magic X - Legacy. Not all of these games have multiplayer modes, but will be affected in some way by Ubisoft removing online support. According to Ubisoft, the multiplayer online services for the titles listed above will be shut down, as will in-game news and player stats. Games with Ubisoft Connect enabled will lose that functionality as well. Players will not be able to earn Ubisoft Connect Units any longer, either, and Ubisoft Connect Actions will be disabled too. Rewards will be still be unlockable, but you will not receive anything for unlocking them. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-assassins-creed-review&captions=true"] "The ULC (unlockable content) will be disabled, meaning you will no longer be able to unlock them," the post reads. "On PC, even if you have redeemed them, the ULC will no longer be available. On consoles, the ULC will be available until you decide to reset your saved game files. Players having in-game currency should use it within the 60 days period. There won't be any refund on unused in-game currency." You can check out the full list of all the Ubisoft games that have lost multiplayer online services here. For more about Ubisoft, read about how Ubisoft Connect is a next-gen Uplay with cross-progression and digital rewards and then check out this story about how Ubisoft is moving away from reliance on AAA releases. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.   

Nintendo has announced a new blue edition of Nintendo Switch Lite, which will launch in Europe on May 7, and the US on May 21. Available for $199.99 (other regions' pricing not available at time of writing), the colour appears to be a permanent addition to the Switch Lite line-up, rather than a special or limited edition. Check out the new colour in the gallery below: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=nintendo-switch-lite-new-blue-edition-images&captions=true"] The blue edition will be available alongside the coral, yellow, turquoise and gray editions that are already available, and special editions like the Pokemon Sword and Shield Switch Lite. The new edition will launch alongside the Switch port of Miitopia, which adapts the 3DS RPG for the new system. We awarded the Switch Lite an 8.3 review, calling the handheld-only system "a different take on a console I already love, offering an alternative that’s better in some ways and worse in others." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Nintendo has announced a new blue edition of Nintendo Switch Lite, which will launch in Europe on May 7, and the US on May 21. Available for $199.99 (other regions' pricing not available at time of writing), the colour appears to be a permanent addition to the Switch Lite line-up, rather than a special or limited edition. Check out the new colour in the gallery below: [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=nintendo-switch-lite-new-blue-edition-images&captions=true"] The blue edition will be available alongside the coral, yellow, turquoise and gray editions that are already available, and special editions like the Pokemon Sword and Shield Switch Lite. The new edition will launch alongside the Switch port of Miitopia, which adapts the 3DS RPG for the new system. We awarded the Switch Lite an 8.3 review, calling the handheld-only system "a different take on a console I already love, offering an alternative that’s better in some ways and worse in others." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Aloy from the PlayStation-exclusive Horizon Zero Dawn and the upcoming Horizon Forbidden West will officially be joining Fortnite on April 15, 2021. Revealed via the PlayStation.Blog, Aloy is the latest member of the Gaming Legends series, and she arrives alongside a limited time mode called "Team Up! Aloy & Lara" that has players automatically outfitted as Aloy or Tomb Raider's Lara Croft in a Duos mode that will only allow Aloy to use a Bow and Lara to use Dual Pistols. Aloy will also be available as part of a bundle that includes the Blaze Canister Back Bling, Heart-rizon Emote, Aloy the Skywatcher Loading Screen, Glinthawk Glider, Aloy's Spear Harvesting Tool, and Shield-Weaver Wrap. All items can be purchased seperatley, but those who purchase the bundle will get the loading screen as a bonus. The Ice Hunter Aloy style will also be available for those who play Fortnite on PlayStation 5, and this new style is based on the Banuk Ice Hunter outfit from Horizon Zero Dawn. This PlayStation-exclusive style is unlocked in a similar way to how it worked for God of War's Kratos when he joined Fortnite. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/11/horizon-forbidden-west-horizon-2-reveal-trailer-ps5-reveal-event"] Aloy will be the latest in a long-line of crossovers celebrating some of the best movies, TV shows, and video games, and will surely be part of Sony's plan to build up excitement for the upcoming Horizon Forbidden West for PS5. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Aloy from the PlayStation-exclusive Horizon Zero Dawn and the upcoming Horizon Forbidden West will officially be joining Fortnite on April 15, 2021. Revealed via the PlayStation.Blog, Aloy is the latest member of the Gaming Legends series, and she arrives alongside a limited time mode called "Team Up! Aloy & Lara" that has players automatically outfitted as Aloy or Tomb Raider's Lara Croft in a Duos mode that will only allow Aloy to use a Bow and Lara to use Dual Pistols. Aloy will also be available as part of a bundle that includes the Blaze Canister Back Bling, Heart-rizon Emote, Aloy the Skywatcher Loading Screen, Glinthawk Glider, Aloy's Spear Harvesting Tool, and Shield-Weaver Wrap. All items can be purchased seperatley, but those who purchase the bundle will get the loading screen as a bonus. The Ice Hunter Aloy style will also be available for those who play Fortnite on PlayStation 5, and this new style is based on the Banuk Ice Hunter outfit from Horizon Zero Dawn. This PlayStation-exclusive style is unlocked in a similar way to how it worked for God of War's Kratos when he joined Fortnite. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/06/11/horizon-forbidden-west-horizon-2-reveal-trailer-ps5-reveal-event"] Aloy will be the latest in a long-line of crossovers celebrating some of the best movies, TV shows, and video games, and will surely be part of Sony's plan to build up excitement for the upcoming Horizon Forbidden West for PS5. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Netflix has ordered two more seasons of Bridgerton while the second season of the Regency-era debutante drama is still in production. The streamer shared the news of Bridgerton's third and fourth season renewal in a letter from Lady Whistledown, who penned a note to the esteemed members of the Ton. "It seems we have a rather special announcement," Whistledown's message read. "Bridgerton shall return for seasons three and four. This author shall have to purchase more ink..." Bridgerton's creator and producer Shonda Rhimes referred to the two-season pickup as "a strong vote of confidence" in the show, which premiered on Netflix in December, with an eight-episode first season following Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family as she made her debut onto Regency London's competitive marriage market. "From the first time I read Julia Quinn's delicious Bridgerton series, I knew these were stories that would captivate a viewing audience," Rhimes said in a statement. "But the evolution of this adaptation would not be a success without the many significant contributions of the entire Shondaland team. This two-season pickup is a strong vote of confidence in our work and I feel incredibly grateful to have partners as collaborative and creative as Netflix. Betsy and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue bringing the world of Bridgerton to a worldwide audience." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=netflixs-bridgerton-season-1-official-photos&captions=true"] Bela Bajaria, Netflix VP of global TV, added: "Bridgerton swept us off our feet. The creative team, led by Shonda, knew the material and delivered a beautiful, emotional, romantic drama for our members. They have some exciting plans for the future, and we think audiences will continue to swoon for this show. We're planning to be in the Bridgerton business for a long time to come." Season 2 of Bridgerton is currently in production. The second season is set to follow Lord Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey, as he embarks on his own personal quest for love, as chronicled in the second book of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton historical romance series. However, Regé-Jean Page's character, the Duke of Hastings, will not appear in the show's upcoming episodes. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/31/new-to-netflix-for-april-2021"] In IGN's review of Bridgerton's first season, we praised the series for its "impeccable eye for character, deep understanding of its vast ensemble's social plights, and love of sumptuous period detail," as well as "a near-perfect cast giving it their all." We also noted that "the potential for many more seasons of Bridgerton family drama could spell great things for Netflix." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

Netflix has ordered two more seasons of Bridgerton while the second season of the Regency-era debutante drama is still in production. The streamer shared the news of Bridgerton's third and fourth season renewal in a letter from Lady Whistledown, who penned a note to the esteemed members of the Ton. "It seems we have a rather special announcement," Whistledown's message read. "Bridgerton shall return for seasons three and four. This author shall have to purchase more ink..." Bridgerton's creator and producer Shonda Rhimes referred to the two-season pickup as "a strong vote of confidence" in the show, which premiered on Netflix in December, with an eight-episode first season following Daphne Bridgerton (Phoebe Dynevor), the eldest daughter of the powerful Bridgerton family as she made her debut onto Regency London's competitive marriage market. "From the first time I read Julia Quinn's delicious Bridgerton series, I knew these were stories that would captivate a viewing audience," Rhimes said in a statement. "But the evolution of this adaptation would not be a success without the many significant contributions of the entire Shondaland team. This two-season pickup is a strong vote of confidence in our work and I feel incredibly grateful to have partners as collaborative and creative as Netflix. Betsy and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to continue bringing the world of Bridgerton to a worldwide audience." [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=netflixs-bridgerton-season-1-official-photos&captions=true"] Bela Bajaria, Netflix VP of global TV, added: "Bridgerton swept us off our feet. The creative team, led by Shonda, knew the material and delivered a beautiful, emotional, romantic drama for our members. They have some exciting plans for the future, and we think audiences will continue to swoon for this show. We're planning to be in the Bridgerton business for a long time to come." Season 2 of Bridgerton is currently in production. The second season is set to follow Lord Anthony Bridgerton, played by Jonathan Bailey, as he embarks on his own personal quest for love, as chronicled in the second book of Julia Quinn's Bridgerton historical romance series. However, Regé-Jean Page's character, the Duke of Hastings, will not appear in the show's upcoming episodes. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/31/new-to-netflix-for-april-2021"] In IGN's review of Bridgerton's first season, we praised the series for its "impeccable eye for character, deep understanding of its vast ensemble's social plights, and love of sumptuous period detail," as well as "a near-perfect cast giving it their all." We also noted that "the potential for many more seasons of Bridgerton family drama could spell great things for Netflix." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Adele Ankers is a Freelance Entertainment Journalist. You can reach her on Twitter.

The first major system software update for PS5 is rolling out for consoles in all regions tomorrow, and brings enhancements to storage, social features, and control and personalization options. As revealed on the PlayStation Blog, the PS5 April update will allow players to store PS5 games on a USB expanded storage device, share gameplay across PS5 and PS4 consoles with Share Play, and access a new Trophy Settings and Stats screen. For its new storage solution, PS5 games downloaded to the internal SSD can be moved to compatible external USB drives. Doing this is accessed from the game's tile on the home menu, using the options button. This is a space-saving measure, though, rather than a permanent storage solution; PS5 games cannot be played off USB drives, and so must be moved back onto the SSD before you can play them. However, considering the relatively small size of the internal SSD and the more frequent need to free up space for new games, this does means you can remove games from the drive and put them back again much faster than re-downloading them entirely. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/12/08/ps5-reviews-one-month-later-the-review-crew"] Sony notes that some games will support the ability to move only specific modes across drives, and so you may be able to move the campaign to USB storage when you've completed it and keep multiplayer on your SSD. As for that promised M.2 drive support that Sony has been talking about since before the console launched, the blog post simply says Sony "will keep you posted". In social features, cross-generation Share Play has been added. This means PS5 users can now share their game screen with friends on PS4 while in a voice party. Basically, if you want to show off Demon's Souls to your friends that still haven't managed to get a PS5, you can do that now. Importantly, Share Play allows other players to try out PS5 games by 'passing them a virtual controller' and allowing them to take over control of the game. Since this is now cross-generational, you can now let a friend on PS4 try out Astro's Playroom. The system even allows a visitor to play co-op together in certain games. A 'Request to Join' option has been added to appear on both PS5 and PS4 consoles in the social menus, for supported games. This allows for quicker joining of games, rather than using in-game menus. Improvements have also been made to the Game Base menu, which now allows you to switch tabs between Parties and Friends, rather than them being stacked on top of each other in one single list. You can also turn on and off notifications for specific parties. Adjustments to the audio menu allows you to totally disable in-game chat from the PS5 menu rather than using individual in-game menus, as well as adjust the volume of players you are talking to. This means you can boost quiet friends or reduce loud ones without asking them to alter their own settings. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/27/ps5-console-unboxing"] A new option will allow you to pre-load upcoming game patches, should the developer have enabled the feature. This will be part of the 'automatic updates' settings. A new system for Trophies will allow you to customise when images and videos are captured when you unlock a trophy. For example, you can dictate that video clips are only captured if you unlock gold trophies, which will help capture not only the most difficult achievements, but also save drive space on all those 15 second clips. There's also a new Trophy Stats screen that shows off a summary of your trophies. Finally, the update allows you to customise your game library and adjust the menu magnification to suit your needs. Alongside this major PS5 update, the PlayStation App is also being updated. The new features will allow you to join a multiplayer game on PS5 from the app, manage your console's storage, compare trophies with friends, and sort/filter products in the PS Store. For more on PS5, check out how we feel about PlayStation's focus on 'too big to fail' games, which was revealed as part of a recent report on first party studios, as well as our weekly podcast that focuses on all things PlayStation, Beyond. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

Update: Apple has confirmed that it will hold an event on April 20 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Easter / 6pm UK. No details were given about the contents of the event, with Apple simply writing: "Please join us for a special Apple Event from Apple Park. Watch it online at apple.com." [poilib element="accentDivider"] Apple's AI companion Siri might have leaked an April 20 date for the company's next big event. As reported by MacRumors, users based in America have been asking their Apple devices "When is the next Apple Event" and receiving a legitimate response from Siri, suggesting the next showcase is coming later this month. “The special event is on Tuesday, April 20th, at Apple Park in Cupertino, CA. You can get all the details on Apple.com,” is the reported response from the AI companion. The link it suggests doesn't lead to anything special - just the normal Apple Event page, which currently refers to the most recent product showcase in October. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/10/13/apple-unveils-new-iphone-12-lineup-ign-news"] I asked Siri the same question in the UK but the response is currently, "You can get all the details about Apple events on Apple.com." However, as seen in this response a tweet from The Verge, a Romanian user has seen the message pop up for them too, so it seems to be available outside of the US in some cases. It may just be a bug, but the wide amount of users on social media reporting the same response suggests that it's legit (if not a little early) and we can expect a full announcement of a 4/20 Apple event soon. The last event saw the announcement of iPhone 12 Pro and Mini models, as well as a HomePod Mini model, so we can hope for some other major product announcements here. In other Apple news, a recent report suggested that Apple's VR headset could have 8K displays and cost $3000. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.